During one of my chairman coaching session, a 62-year young chairman of a 5th generation family business asked me: Chetan, why do you insist on discussing the next level of fantasy that I may hold? I am rather finding it difficult to think about it. I asked him: Do you have grandchildren? He replied: Yes, a lovely
Leadership is based on authenticity. Authenticity is a developable skill and not a virtue. Its intentional development stems from the belief that you have an irreplaceable uniqueness in the world. However, this authenticity is only truly expressed when you commit to being honest with yourself for the entirety of your life. This is hard for
Does the title above speak to you? Take a moment and form your own mind around this. Let me add few socially awkward but truths nonetheless, to help you come around right on this critical perspective. First, what is cheap? Notice your feeling when you mind processes this word. Think of the following: Cheap food.
In the past 4 months of 2024, I have nearly interacted with nearly 15 next generations leaders (the ones who have recently returned from their international education and the ones who have been the part of business for quite some time). In all these interactions, one common theme that I observed was: All of these
It is rather funny and concerning even when you notice that leading family businesses haven’t yet formally decided (and if decided then acted) on timely succession. Why so? Why family-owned businesses’ ownership and operating command do not begin formal succession until they reach age tipping point or ailments or a combination of both? Why, at
Omg! Why so pric ey? Our suggestion: Learn to buy Snippet of a live conversation: Client (say Mr. Sanjeev): I am buying this constitutional project in million dollars — how do I justify the price? Me: Let us deepen your perspective and get some clarity here – you are not paying the price for a
When owners start talking about their rights rather than their responsibilities, a family business is in trouble“. – Smith Lanier Most family businesses today are battling the challenge of ownership and succession from one generation to the other. In one such conversation with a family of 4 brothers with nearly 7 next generation ownership members,
Client: But why do you want me to agree to something that I don’t agree Me: Well because you are lying to yourself. Client (with controlled anger) How so? Me: Because working with you for 2 years now I know that your brain is rejecting the go-to future point but your heart isn’t. Your brain
A 1938 EST, Indian family business in Malaysia that later shifted base to Singapore, and for 78+ years now, they are enjoying the finest what life with prosperity and family with love can offer. The chairman of this company has been working on his chairman transformation program for over 9 months. In a recent program engagement, where
