Dear Younger Me:

Wisdom for Family Enterprise Successors

David C Bentall

• Publisher: Castle Quay Books
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN:
  9781988928128
• eBook ISBN:
  9781988928142
• Topic: Personal Development
• Subtopic: Mentoring & Coaching

Family business enterprises, found in virtually every country, are the backbone of most economies. However, the leadership challenges they present are complex and unique. Most executives and family members in these firms eventually discover that their education and years of hard work have not prepared them to address many of the interpersonal demands that come with the territory. After years of study and reflection, David Bentall came to realize how ill equipped he had been to be a part of the solution for his own family business. In his newest title, Dear Younger Me, he presents a highly personal exploration of nine key character traits that David realizes he was badly lacking as a young executive. Each of these traits are critically important for developing any leader, and for cultivating emotional intelligence and family relationships.Written in a handbook format, and useful for any business executive, it is especially aspiring for family enterprise executives, providing insight and inspiration on how to develop HUMILITY, CURIOSITY, LISTENING, EMPATHY, FORGIVENESS, GRATITUDE, CRITICAL THINKING, PATIENCE and CONTENTMENT. He artfully balances academic research with practical insights from many well-known family enterprise leaders exploring the role of these key virtues as found in the lives of such iconic leaders as Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Kim Phuc, Walt Disney, John Wooden, and Helen Keller.

Table of contents

• Acknowledgements
• Foreword: Ruth Steverlynck, LLB Hons, FEA
• Preface
• I The Bentall Family Story
• 1. Aspiring to Lead
• 2. Working Together as Family
• 3. Struggling with Succession
• II Wisdom for Successors
• 1. Family Enterprise Distinctives
• 2. Perspectives on Succession
• 3. Preparing for Leadership
• III Transforming Your Leadership
• 1. Humility: Getting Out of Your Own Way
• 2. Curiosity: Discovering the Doorway to Innovation
• 3. Listening: Accessing the Wisdom All Around You
• 4. Empathy: The Power to Connect with Others
• 5. Forgiveness: The Secret to Living Free
• 6. Gratitude: Discovering the Magic in Every Day
• 7. Critical Thinking: Assessing Options Rather Than Criticizing Others
• 8. Patience: Waiting Without Frustration
• 9. Contentment: The Pathway to Poise and Focus
• IV Wisdom from Successors
• 1. Adrian Fluevog (Fluevog Shoes): “Humility Is More Than Just A Nice Idea”
• 2. Laura Kusisto (Kenroc Building Supplies): “Curiosity Creates A Career”
• 3. Andrew Williams (North Prairie Developments): “Listening Makes A Leader”
• 4. Michelle Jones-Ruppel (West Coast Auto Group): “Empathy in A Man’s World”
• 5. Shaun Plotkin (Plotkin Health): “Forgiveness Is a Willingness to Let Go”
• 6. Erik Brinkman (Brinkman Reforestation): “Finding Gratitude in the Amazon”
• 7. Breanne Ramsay (Britt Land & Engagement): “Hard on Issues/ Soft on People”
• 8. Ellisha Mott (Mott Electric): “Patience Is A Deliberate Choice”
• 9. MeiLi Coon (Trilogy Excursions): “Pursuing Your Passion Leads to Contentment”
• V Exemplary Leaders & Role Models
• 1. Benjamin Franklin: Choosing to Cultivate Humility
• 2. Albert Einstein: Insatiable Curiosity
• 3. Gandhi: Leading by Listening
• 4. Mother Teresa: Changing the World With Empathy
• 5. Nelson Mandela: Forgiveness on A Grand Scale
• 6. Kim Phuc: Gratitude Rises from the Horrors of War
• 7. Walt Disney: Critical Thinking and the Magic Kingdom
• 8. John Wooden: A Dynasty Founded on Patience
• 9. Helen Keller: Contentment in Spite of Circumstances
• VI Help Along the Way
• 1. Taking Action
• 2. Assessments & Mentoring
• Appendix
• Endnotes