March 2022
Dear friend,
I would like to acknowledge, celebrate and be in gratitude for being part of a family business that provided the opportunity to choose what I wanted to do after graduation.
In order to start our entrepreneurial journey in Eastern Europe and Hong Kong over 30 years ago, my father provided us with seed money in the form of loans. I will always be grateful for this and even more so for his hands off approach allowing us to sink or swim.
Family businesses and family offices have an opportunity to provide family members the freedom to choose and express themselves without the pressures of having to fulfil basic day to day needs. Individuals can pursue their own dreams whether within the family business, embarking on their own entrepreneurial journey or being involved in other ventures.
For there to be full expression of self within the family, there also needs to be an acknowledgement of the “me” within the “we”. Unfortunately for many of us in Asia, the “me” is often lost within the “we”.
We have seen how expectations and impositions from the generation before can have great impact on how we as a next generation express our truth not only in a verbal stance but also in realizing our dreams and aspirations.
We ultimately have the power to choose the meaning we want to give to the expectations and impositions. We can reframe, bring intentionality, and take ownership of what we have and move forward, instead of blaming the previous generation.
Let’s build the bridge with an authentic “me” to create a unified “we”, solidifying harmony as a family.
With love and gratitude,
feisal
A simple and beautiful message about what money really is and how we can approach it with love instead of fear.
Feisal speaks with Henry Chong (CEO, Fusang Corp) and Johnson Cheng (Founder, Voyager Capital) as they discuss family involvement and expectation of success as next generation entrepreneurs, balancing the competing priorities between new ventures and existing family business, whether it’s possible to be entrepreneurial, and the challenges of being supported by the family business in new ventures that are not understood.
Many wealth and business owning families have sustainability on the agenda. They discuss the family’s focus on stewardship versus ownership, with the thought that current generations will look after the business or wealth for the benefit of future generations, but are they living sustainably? Read more here
One of the most fundamental human needs is to feel like things are okay – that we’re not failures, that the world isn’t a horrible place, and that whatever life throws at us, we’ll be able to handle it. Read more here
As our world becomes increasingly interconnected, fast paced and volatile, traditional family business leadership approaches are being called into question. A transformational leadership style and the ability to navigate complex problems are proving to be key success factors for steering the family business through turbulent times. Read more here
“Where you place your attention is where you place your energy.” This means that when we are focused on one emotion, our energy will flow in that direction. This works in both positive and negative ways. Being rooted in gratitude turns your attitude around. You feel happier, healthier and more motivated to take care of your health. Listen here
“It is so important to take time for yourself and find clarity. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.”
– Diane Von Furstenberg
“Connecting with another isn’t a matter of trying to form a connection, but becoming aware of the connection that already exists. It’s a recognition of what is.”
– feisal alibhai
