EPISODE 10: It Is Personal

Navigating the Intimately Personal Terrain of Family Business

In the sphere of family businesses, where the lines between personal and professional are inherently blurred, we (Darren & Kimberley) have embarked on a journey to unravel the complexities that come with running a business that's more than just a business — it's a legacy, a way of life.

The Essence of Family Business

At its core, a family business is not just about transactions and profits; it's about relationships. The intertwining of family dynamics with business operations adds layers of complexity that aren't present in other business models. It’s these very dynamics that we have set out to explore and share with the world, drawing from our rich tapestry of experiences.

Our upcoming book (you read that right… we’ve written a BOOK) won’t just another business manual, self-help, or how-to guide; it's a deep dive into the heart and soul of family entrepreneurship. Through it, we aim to shed light on the unspoken challenges and triumphs that define the family business experience.

Personal Stories, Universal Truths

One of the most poignant revelations from our journey is the inherent personal nature of family businesses. There are moments when a business decision can be felt on a deeply personal level. This is a sentiment that we know can be echoed by countless others who have navigated similar waters. The personal is not just a byproduct of the family business… it is its very foundation.

Drawing inspiration from the classic film "You’ve Got Mail," it can be emphasized that everything in a family business starts with the personal: “…whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.” This perspective shifts the narrative from one of separation to one of integration, acknowledging that business decisions ripple through the family pond, affecting both familial relationships and dynamics.

Reflecting on the Past, Shaping the Future

In the process of planning and writing our book, we have delved deep into our past experiences and have encountered moments of clarity and insight that only distance and time could have provided. We have realized that the seeds of today's challenges were often planted long ago, influenced by the family structure and dynamics that we each grew up with. This realization is both enlightening and empowering and offers a new lens through which to view and navigate our current businesses and relationships.

Ultimately, our goal is not simply to share our story, but to offer guidance to others embarking on or entrenched in their own family business adventures. We understand that the dream of building a family legacy is filled with both aspirations and realities, and we want to help bridge the gap between the two.

A Legacy of Learning

The journey of writing this book and reflecting on our experiences has been therapeutic and illuminating for both of us. It has allowed us to understand the profound impact that family dynamics have on business operations and to appreciate the delicate balance required to navigate this unique entrepreneurial landscape.

Our message to fellow family business owners is clear: embrace the personal, for it is the heartbeat of your business. Recognize the roles and patterns of your individual family members, and understand how they play out in your business. Most importantly, remember that at the intersection of family and business, there is an opportunity for growth, connection, and legacy-building that is unparalleled.

A Call to Action

As Darren & I continue our journey, we invite you to join us in exploring the depths of family business dynamics. Our work — both in writing our book and hosting the Mr. & Mrs. CEO podcast, is a testament to the power of personal reflection, open communication, and the relentless pursuit of understanding the intricacies of family entrepreneurship.

For those navigating the waters of family business, we offer not only insights, but companionship on a path well-traveled by those who dare to mix business with family. It's a journey worth embarking on, with lessons to be learned, relationships to be deepened, and legacies to be built.

If this is the kind of community you’ve been searching for and want to be a part of, be sure to subscribe to the Bubble Bath Boardroom!