In the heart of Japan, where tradition and innovation converge, Özlem and me, we had the privilege of attending the Family Business Network (FBN) Global Summit from October 30 to November 2. What made this experience even more special was that it wasn’t just an event; it was a journey of growth, connection, and shared dreams.
This summit marked a unique milestone for us. Years ago, when we were 28, we dreamed of visiting Japan when we turned 40. Fortunately, the summit which is held in a different country each year, was scheduled in Japan this year. It was a reminder of how dreams have a way of coming full circle, intertwining with life in the most unexpected ways.
The summit began with a truly inspirational opening ceremony, where we were captivated by Japanese culture and art through the powerful rhythms of Wako Daiko drum music. It set the tone for the days ahead, showcasing Japan’s deep-rooted family and tradition-oriented values—a fitting backdrop for the FBN Global Summit.
Throughout the event, we attended numerous thought-provoking panels and workshops. One of the standout sessions was "How do you drive the innovation of a 370-year-old family business," which offered incredible insights into balancing heritage with forward-thinking strategies. Another highlight was the session by the Mario Brothers, where they presented the fascinating journey of establishing the Yamauchi Family Office as founding family members of Nintendo.
We also had the chance to think critically about the future during the Impact Lab. This session challenged us to reimagine how our family could amplify its impact, inspiring us to take the flame of meaningful change to even greater heights.
As we arrived, the vibrant energy of Tokyo welcomed us, setting the stage for a memorable adventure. Together with our TAIDER family, we joined hundreds of international participants, immersing ourselves in discussions on the dynamics of family businesses, sustainability, and the next generation’s role in ownership strategies.
One of the highlights of the summit was our session in the second day, “Theater as a Mirror: Exploring Family Business Dynamics through Forum Theater.” On the panel shared with Fatma Olten, Özlem and I, we first explained how dedicated we worked as a group of TAİDER members, how we used the theater method to explore family business dynamic. Then we performed a brief improvised theater play with Özlem to demonstrate how can be a transformative tool for navigating and healing work-family dynamics. I believe that it was a great opportunity to explore how improvisation and audience interaction was as impactful as it was fun.
But the summit wasn’t just about what we shared—it was about what we gained. We attended inspiring panels, workshops, and presentations, broadening our perspectives and fueling our passion for creating bridges between Türkiye and the global FBN community. We were particularly inspired by FBN’s ongoing work in the field of impact and sustainability, aligning closely with our own values and aspirations.
Beyond the summit sessions, Japan became a source of inspiration and learning in its own right… From wandering the lively streets of Shibuya on Halloween night to experiencing the elegance of Japanese culture at the gala, every moment was filled
with wonder. Karaoke night added its own touch of joy, as we dressed up as our favorite artists and sang our hearts out. These shared experiences reminded us of the importance of social connection—not just professionally but personally.
This year’s summit also saw a strong turnout from FBN’s Turkish Chapter, TAİDER, with more than 40 participants joining the event. Their presence and camaraderie added a sense of unity and pride to the experience, making our time at the summit even more meaningful.
As always, the FBN community amazed us with its blend of old and new. Reuniting with long-time friends, forming fresh connections, and sharing a global dialogue reinforced the strength of this extraordinary network.
As the summit concluded and one country committee handed the torch to the next, we felt energized and inspired about the future. The relationships we nurtured, the lessons we learned, and the memories we created in Japan will continue to guide us as we move forward.
This wasn’t just a summit; it was a celebration of dreams realized, connections deepened, and horizons expanded. The stories we heard, the cultures we explored, and the ideas we shared will stay with us as we take the next steps in our journey.
Here’s to the road ahead, and to the bridges we build along the way!
