Signature Event: Leading or Following - How Family Businesses Navigate Technological Transformation

In every era of technological change, family-owned businesses have faced a familiar question: Do we lead or do we follow? 

From the rise of automation and computerization to the advent of cloud systems and digital platforms, family enterprises have consistently balanced innovation with stewardship, leveraging long-term thinking to navigate disruption on their own terms.

In this session, Dr. Evelyn Micelotta examines how family firms have historically approached technological change and what those patterns reveal about the moment we face today, as artificial intelligence accelerates transformation across every industry.

Through real examples, participants will explore how timing, culture, and governance shape a family enterprise’s technology journey. These stories highlight the unique paradoxes of innovation in family business: The advantages of patient capital and trust, and the challenges of legacy systems, risk perception, and decision-making processes.

Drawing on the latest research, Dr. Micelotta will dive into the conversation around AI, moving beyond hype to focus on strategic alignment. Attendees will gain insight into how family businesses can approach emerging technologies in ways that reflect their values, support continuity, and prepare the next generation for thoughtful, future-ready leadership.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of how to evaluate technological change, not just as a threat or necessity, but as an opportunity to strengthen your family enterprise for the long term.




Evelyn R. Micelotta is an Associate Professor and holder of the Steven Grossman Endowed Chair in Family Business at the University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business. She received a PhD in Strategic Management and Organization from the Alberta School of Business (University of Alberta, Canada) and a PhD in Management Engineering from Milan Polytechnic. She completed her undergraduate and master degree from Milan Polytechnic (Italy) as a management engineer.

In her career as an instructor and advisor, Dr. Micelotta has focused on the strategic challenges of various organizations, including family-controlled businesses, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and new ventures. She has taught courses at the undergraduate, master and executive education on strategy, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Evelyn is an FFI (Family Firm Institute) Fellow and Certified Advisor. As the Steven Grossman Endowed Chair in family business, Evelyn's commitment is to use her knowledge about organizations to support and grow family business education, research and practice.