With an emphasis on reflection, sacrifice, and renewal, the Lenten season offers valuable insights for family business founders and leaders in continually navigating their entrepreneurial journey. As the owners of long-standing family businesses fast approach their golden years of somewhere between the age of 60 and up, the call to strike a delicate balance between preserving their business legacy and prioritizing their own well-being through self-love and personal fulfillment has never been louder.

Reflection and Self-Discovery 

As the Lenten season calls for introspection, founders should take time to reflect on their personal needs, desires, and accomplishments. After decades of dedicated service to their businesses, families, and customers, founders need to acknowledge their worth beyond their professional achievements. Even in their later years, I hope to see more founders allow themselves a period of self-discovery once more, one that would reconnect them with their passions, hobbies, and aspirations that may have been sidelined during their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Embracing Self-Love 

Self-love is not only essential but also transformative, especially for owners who have dedicated their lives to building their businesses and supporting their families. This involves allowing oneself to enjoy the fruits of their labor without reservation. Whether through travel or leisure activities, leaders must prioritize their own happiness and well-being.

Resist Temptation. Pursue Legacy and Preservation

In the Lenten narrative, temptation often presents itself in the form of distractions or compromises to one's values. Similarly, owners may encounter temptations such as risky investments or pressure from family members. By staying true to their principles and resisting these temptations, they safeguard both their personal well-being and the integrity of their business legacy.

Letting Go of Control

A key aspect of the Lenten season is surrendering control and trusting in a higher power. Likewise, founders must learn to relinquish control over the financial futures of their descendants. While it's natural to worry about their children and grandchildren, founders must trust that they have instilled the values necessary for the next generation's success. This act of letting go allows founders to embrace the peace and tranquility that come with trusting in the next generation's abilities. 

Sense of Introspection and Spirituality 

As they embark on their journey of self-discovery and spiritual rejuvenation, it's inspiring to witness more and more leaders fully embracing such; this I've seen in the many founders immersed in the preparations for our upcoming Camino de Santiago pilgrimage, also known as the Way of St. James. For those unfamiliar, it is a network of pilgrimage routes leading to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, northwest Spain. It has been one of the most important Christian pilgrimages for over a thousand years. This year marks my fourth year as a member, and I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been part of this exclusive Camino group. Organized by the esteemed founding leaders, whom I now consider lifelong friends, all based in Cebu, this preeminent group comprises exceptional business leaders and founders.

A Pilgrimage of Self-Discovery

This year's pilgrimage holds particular significance as we will traverse a unique route through the awe-inspiring mountains of Austria and Southern Germany. I have yet to encounter a similar exclusive group in the Philippines or anywhere in Asia where a band of exceptional businessmen leaves everything behind to embark on a 250-kilometer journey of introspection and spirituality. For two weeks, we will set aside the trappings of business and immerse ourselves in the profound experience of walking the path of St. James. Excitement abounds as we anticipate a transformative experience, blending personal renewal with profound business introspection, promising growth and insight for all who join. For founders of businesses, it will be an immersive experience, a sort of our "alone time" or moments of quiet contemplation, allowing us to reconnect with our inner selves and rediscover the passions and values that drive many of us.

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Join us for The W+B Family Governance Leadership Series: Structure, Culture, and Succession, and empower yourself with the tools and strategies needed to navigate the complexities of family business with clarity and purpose. Don't let unresolved conflicts hinder your business growth—seize this opportunity to establish a lasting legacy. Reserve your spot now.

Date: May 18 & 22 (Time: 9:00 AM - 12:00 NN via Zoom), May 29, 2024 (Time: 10:00 AM onwards for Onsite Graduation)

Price: P9,800 for the 3-session Pass and P3,800 for a single-session pass.

For inquiries, please contact Christine at wb@wbadvisoryasia.com.