Joseph J. Horak

Dynamic leader with extensive experience in family business consulting and leadership coaching. Skilled in individual and family therapy, fostering strong relationships, and driving impactful change within organizations. Recognized for innovative approaches and commitment to excellence in consulting and education.

Licensed Psychologist (LP), Michigan, #630102066

Certified Coach, Leadership Circle Profile, Leadership Agility 360, EQi 2.0 (Emotional Intelligence) 

Member and Current President of the International Association for Psychology and Counseling

Outstanding Alumnus Award, Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology – Western Michigan University, 2011

All-University Graduate Research and Creative Scholar Award, Western Michigan University, 2001

• Consultant, Center for Family Business, College of Business and Economics. California State University – Fullerton., 2022
• Resiliency in Family Business: A New Tool for Advisors, Tharawat Magazine for Family Businesses and Entrepreneurs, 10/01/19
• Engaged Scholarship: Bridging the Practice-Research Gap, International Family Enterprise Research Academy, Windesheim University, Zwolle, The Netherlands, 07/2018
• Coach/Consultant to Family Enterprise Case Competition Team, School of Management, Zhejang University, Hangzhou, P.R. China, 2016 & 2018
• Family Enterprise Conference: Panel Member, Research Presentation and Research Poster Presentation, Lancaster University Management School, U. K., 06/2016
• Engaged Scholarship and Family Business Research, Poster Presentation: Family Enterprise Research Conference, Fundação Dom Cabral University, Nova Lima, Brazil, 2016
• Plenary Panel: Engaging Stakeholders in Family Business Research Using the Engaged Scholarship Model, Family Firm Institute Annual Conference, London, U.K., 2015
• First to Second Generation Succession for Female Owned Enterprises, Great Lakes Women’s Business Conference, Novi, MI, 2015
• Familly Owned Business in West Michigan, Seidman Business Review, Vol. 21, Iss. 1, Article 6, 2015
• Resiliency in Family Businesses: Contributions from Family Science, International Journal of Business and Social Science, 2(9), 7-9, 2011
• Resiliency in family businesses: Contributions from behavioral science, Refereed poster presentation, Family Enterprise Research Conference, Grand Rapids, MI, 2011
• Coaching Grand Valley University students at the International Family Case Competition at the University of Vermont, 2012-2013
• Creating Highly Successful Family Owned Businesses, Presentation to graduate students in the Marriage and Family Therapy and MBA Programs at Seton Hill University, Pittsburgh, PA, 2008
• Organizing a Family Philanthropy, In Nonprofit Good Practice Guide, The Johnson Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership at Grand Valley State University, 2004
• Consulting to Family Owned Businesses: A new area for family therapists, Michigan Monitor, 02/2004
• Succession planning in Family Owned Businesses: The founder’s psychological makeup that threatens transfer of ownership, Presentation for Small Business Seminar Showcase; Lake Michigan College and Four Flags Chamber of Commerce: Niles, MI, 2004
• Working with narcissistic and conversely shamed based male family business leaders, Presentation at Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, East Lansing, MI, 2004

• President (2025) and Board Member, International Association for Psychology and Counseling, (07/22- Present)
• Member, Licensing Board for Psychology (State of Michigan), Gubernatorial Appointment, Member of the Disciplinary Subcommittee
• Member, Chair, Licensing Board for Marriage and Family Therapy (State of Michigan), Gubernatorial Appointment, Member of the Disciplinary Subcommittee
• Member, AAMFT Elections Council, Vetted candidates for top leadership positions of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists
• Member, AAMFT Ethics Committee, Adjudicated ethical complaints against marriage and family therapists, Presented annually at the AAMFT Conference on Ethical issues
• Executive Board Member, The Michigan Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Treasurer, President-Elect, President.

• Adjunct Faculty, Seidman School of Business, Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, 09/07, 06/16, Taught MGT 437 Family Business
• Adjunct Faculty, Marketing Consultant, Western Michigan University, Downtown Graduate Center, Grand Rapids, MI, 01/03, 05/03, Taught graduate level marriage and family therapy course, Provided marketing consultation to the GR satellite
• Adjunct Faculty, Western Theological Seminary of the Reformed Church in America, Holland, MI, 02/96, 05/96, Taught graduate level course in Marriage and Family Therapy
• On-Site Director and Adjunct Faculty, Wayne State University School of Social Work, Grand Rapids Satellite, Grand Rapids, MI, 03/94, 05/96, Coordinated the Grand Rapids Satellite of a Post-MSW Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, Hired faculty members, coordinated admissions, registration and marketing, Taught graduate courses in Marriage and Family Therapy
• Adjunct Faculty, Wayne State University, School of Social Work, Detroit, MI, 09/92, 12/92, Taught graduate level courses in the Post-MSW Certificate Program in Marriage and Family Therapy

• Licensed Psychologist (State of Michigan)
• Certified Coach: Leadership Circle Profile
• Certificate in Business Strategy (Harvard Business School, Executive Education)

• USA
• In process of obtaining Czechia Citizenship by descent