Success and Advice

Recently, John G. who has years of experience under his belt working for a successful firm contacted me to ask for advice on starting his own company.  As the founder of small-then-large business, I was giddy with excitement in answering question after question on the hazards of starting out on his own.  As anticipated, there were many questions regarding legal and financial snares involved in a launch, but I was heartened to learn that John’s primary concern was the potential impact on his family.  He is aware that a new start up requires an outrageous amount of time, focus and commitment (so true)  and he wants to be sure that his family does not suffer in any way.

I shared stories of challenges in juggling a growing business and family.  And yes, the hours were long and I was often seen to skid in a few minutes late to meetings or school appointments.  But rather than having resentful children who hated my work and time away from them, my adult kids credit their own strong work ethic to watching their mom.  They observed a parent who built a successful business but also never missed a school function or sports event and also found time to serve on committees and organize fundraisers. 

It is a privilege to share business advice, but I am even more thrilled to know that the next generation of business owners has their hearts as well as their heads fully in the game.  The best game of all.  Life.