Life is short so take advantage of the time that you have. Make sure you pause to savour the moment and the precious time with the people who really mean something to you. Why am I so reflective? Three people who I thought I knew reasonably well, have passed on, unexpectedly, right in the prime of their life. Why they left the earth at this time is puzzling. I was fortunate to have known them, yet sad that they are no longer here with some regret not having made the time to deepen our conversations and connections.

In every family and many businesses, the challenges are many and common. Most of these issues can be overcome as long as you have willing parties that wish to work through the matters together. This is really the essence of making your succession plan work, willing parties and communication. A family business can hire a litany of experts, facilitators and counsellors to “fix” their issues and make a plan. However, the family has to wholeheartedly participate in the process and buy into it to enable it to work.

Take a moment when you can to spend time with those important to you and deepen the connections.

Learn, think, apply!