Code of Conduct

Our Mission

Stride Family Business Alliance exists to create a safe, confidential, and supportive space where family business leaders can share their challenges, celebrate their victories, learn from one another, and build meaningful connections. We are committed to helping family businesses sustain for generations through successful succession, family harmony, strong governance, and the cultivation of social, community, and economic capital.

As members of this community, we recognize our responsibility to be good stewards—for our families, employees, customers, vendors, and the communities we serve.

This Code of Conduct applies to all Stride activities, including in-person gatherings, virtual events, online communications, and any interactions between members that occur in the context of Stride membership.

Core Principles

1. Confidentiality

What is shared in Stride stays in Stride. Members commit to maintaining strict confidentiality regarding all information shared within the community—whether in formal programs, informal conversations, in-person events, virtual meetings, online forums, or private exchanges. This confidentiality is essential to creating the psychological safety necessary for honest, vulnerable dialogue about the unique challenges of family business.

•        All discussions, stories, challenges, and personal information shared by members are confidential

•        Members may share general concepts, learnings, or insights gained from the community, but never attribute specific situations or identifying details to other members

•        When in doubt about whether something can be shared externally, ask the person who shared it first

•        Exceptions to confidentiality include situations involving imminent harm to self or others, or as required by law

2. Respect and Inclusivity

Every member brings valuable experience and perspective to our community. We honor the diversity of family business structures, industries, sizes, generations, cultures, and leadership styles. All members deserve to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their background, identity, or viewpoint.

3. Generosity of Spirit

Stride thrives when members approach one another with generosity—sharing knowledge freely, offering support without expectation of return, and celebrating each other’s successes. We assume positive intent and extend grace when communication falls short of our ideals.

4. Learning and Growth Mindset

We are all continuous learners. Members commit to approaching conversations with curiosity rather than judgment, asking questions to understand rather than to critique, and remaining open to perspectives that challenge our assumptions.

5. Mutual Support

Family business leadership can be isolating. Stride provides a community where members can share both burdens and joys. We commit to supporting one another through transitions, challenges, and celebrations—recognizing that today’s giver may be tomorrow’s recipient of support.

Member Expectations

As members of Stride, we commit to:

•        Participate authentically – Share your genuine experiences, challenges, and insights. Vulnerability creates connection.

•        Listen actively – Give full attention to fellow members when they speak. Create space for others to be heard.

•        Honor time commitments – Arrive on time for meetings and events. If you must cancel, provide advance notice whenever possible.

•        Contribute to the community – Share your expertise when appropriate, volunteer for roles that strengthen Stride, and actively engage with fellow members.

•        Respect boundaries – Recognize that not everyone is ready or willing to discuss certain topics. Never pressure members to share beyond their comfort level.

•        Maintain professionalism – While Stride encourages authentic connection, all interactions should remain professional and appropriate.

•        Be present – Whether attending in-person or virtually, minimize distractions and give the community your full attention. For virtual events, keep cameras on when possible to foster connection.

•        Seek first to understand – Before offering advice or solutions, ask questions to fully understand a fellow member’s situation and perspective.

Prohibited Conduct

To maintain a safe and respectful environment, the following behaviors are not tolerated:

•        Breach of confidentiality – Sharing members’ personal information, business details, or stories outside the community without explicit permission

•        Harassment or discrimination – Any behavior that demeans, intimidates, or excludes others based on protected characteristics or any other factor

•        Aggressive or disrespectful communication – Including raised voices, personal attacks, dismissive language, or any form of bullying

•        Exploitation of community relationships – Using information gained through Stride for competitive advantage or to the detriment of other members

•        Persistent sales pressure – Aggressive solicitation, unwelcome sales pitches, or using Stride primarily as a prospecting venue

•        Intentional disruption – Behavior designed to derail conversations, monopolize time, or prevent productive dialogue

•        Misrepresentation – Providing false information about yourself, your business, or your circumstances

•        Unauthorized recording or sharing – Recording, screenshotting, or capturing any portion of Stride events (in-person or virtual) without explicit permission from all participants and Stride leadership

Business Exchange Guidelines

While Stride’s primary purpose is peer learning and mutual support, we recognize that authentic relationships often lead to business opportunities. Business exchange among members is welcome when it occurs naturally and ethically.

Appropriate Business Development

•        Organic connections that develop from genuine relationships and mutual respect

•        Responding to direct requests for recommendations or referrals

•        Sharing expertise when asked, with clear communication about whether you’re speaking as a peer or offering professional services

•        Following up on expressed interest after an initial Stride conversation, with permission

•        Disclosing any potential conflicts of interest when offering advice or recommendations

Relationship Comes First

Members should always prioritize relationship over transaction. If a business arrangement deteriorates, the community relationship should remain intact. Members engaging in business together should:

•        Maintain clear boundaries between Stride activities and business dealings

•        Resolve business disputes privately and professionally, without involving the broader Stride community

•        Honor the confidentiality of business relationships separate from Stride confidentiality commitments

•        Never use Stride forums to air grievances about business arrangements with other members

Enforcement and Accountability

Stride is committed to maintaining a community where all members feel safe, respected, and supported. When concerns arise about conduct that may violate this Code of Conduct:

Reporting Concerns

Members who experience or witness conduct that violates this Code should report it to Stride leadership at membership@stridefba.com or by speaking directly with Jason Packer. All reports will be treated confidentially to the extent possible while allowing for appropriate investigation and resolution.

Investigation Process

Stride leadership will investigate all reported concerns promptly and fairly, gathering relevant information from involved parties while protecting confidentiality. The process will be conducted with sensitivity to all parties involved.

Responses to Violations

Depending on the severity and circumstances, responses may include:

•        Private conversation to address concerns and clarify expectations

•        Mediation between parties to resolve conflicts

•        Temporary suspension from specific activities or all Stride events

•        Permanent removal from the community for serious or repeated violations

The goal of enforcement is always restoration and learning when possible, while protecting the safety and integrity of the community.

Our Commitment

By joining Stride Family Business Alliance, each member commits to upholding these standards and contributing to a community characterized by trust, respect, learning, and mutual support. Together, we create an environment where family business leaders can flourish—personally, professionally, and in service to the businesses and communities they steward.

This Code of Conduct is a living document and may be updated periodically to reflect the evolving needs of our community. All members will be notified of significant changes.

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Stride Family Business Alliance

www.stridefba.com

membership@stridefba.com