Many organizations proudly claim to be “like a family,” but that mindset can blur professional lines, weaken accountability, and breed dysfunction—especially when actual family members work together. This session challenges the “workplace as family” narrative and provides a practical framework for cultivating professionalism, fairness, and trust. Participants will explore how to maintain strong working relationships while upholding ethical boundaries, avoiding favoritism, and ensuring decisions are guided by mission rather than emotion. Using real-world leadership examples from mission-driven environments, this session offers actionable strategies for balancing compassion and structure, addressing the hidden risks of nepotism, and building a team identity rooted in integrity and efficiency—not family roles. Attendees will leave with tools to strengthen culture, reinforce boundaries, and lead with both humanity and clarity.