EPISODE 33: Coffee Time
Balancing Business and Family: How to Thrive Amid Life's Challenges
Hey there, it's Kim, and welcome back to the Mr. & Mrs. CEO blog! Today, I want to talk about something deeply personal but also incredibly universal for entrepreneurs and family business owners alike — balancing the weight of life’s losses while pushing forward in business.
Recently, we experienced a heartbreaking loss in our family when our beloved dog Molly passed. For many, pets are just that — pets. But for us, Molly was family. Losing her wasn’t just a blip in our day; it was a profound shift in our family dynamics, and it got me reflecting on how we deal with loss, setbacks, and the everyday struggles of life while still managing to keep our business running.
Running a family business while raising kids (and, yes, pets too!) can be a rollercoaster. You’re juggling finances, customer demands, your team, and — on top of all that — dealing with personal challenges like health, relationships, and, sometimes, grief. But here’s the thing: life doesn’t stop because we’re entrepreneurs. It marches on, and so does business. So, how do we keep our family ties strong while growing our business?
Here are a few lessons I’ve learned that might just help you too…
Embrace the Rollercoaster
In the world of entrepreneurship, no two days are the same. Some days, it feels like everything is moving smoothly; on others, it’s as though everything’s crumbling. Losses — whether it’s a pet, a loved one, or even a business deal — are inevitable. For me, Molly’s passing was a reminder that life is full of ups and downs. As business owners, we need to embrace the rollercoaster and realize that setbacks, while tough, are just part of the ride.
Being okay with life’s imperfections allows you to handle challenges more gracefully. Yes, you may cry during those low moments (I certainly did), but it’s part of healing and processing emotions. It’s important to give yourself the grace to feel these things while still running your business.
Lean on Your Support System
One thing Darren & I have learned over the years is that you can’t do it all alone. Whether it’s a spouse, a trusted employee, or even a close friend, having people in your corner makes all the difference. When things were tough with Molly, Darren & I leaned on each other. While he’s not as emotional as I am, he provided that steady presence I needed. In business, it’s the same. Your team is there to help lift the load, especially during challenging times.
If you’re running a family business, you already know that your spouse or partner is often your co-pilot. But sometimes, it’s easy to forget to ask for help or share your burden. Remember, being vulnerable isn’t a weakness — it’s a strength that allows others to support you when you need it most.
Be Present, Even in the Hard Times
When life throws curveballs, it’s tempting to throw yourself into work as a distraction. And yes, there are times when that works! But being present — both in business and in your personal life — is crucial. For us, it meant being present for each other when we lost Molly, but also being there for our team and business.
As family business owners, we have the unique ability to integrate our personal values into our professional lives. This can be incredibly rewarding, but it also means that when we face personal challenges, they can bleed into the business. Being present doesn’t mean ignoring your grief or pretending everything is fine. It means showing up as you are — authentic, raw, and human — and letting those around you see that.
Take Time for Reflection & Growth
After Molly passed, I spent a lot of time reflecting. Not just on her life, but on mine too. It made me think about how much I’ve grown as a person, a businesswoman, and a partner over the years. In business, reflection is a powerful tool. It allows you to assess what’s working, what’s not, and where you need to make changes.
Taking time to reflect, especially after a tough year like ours, is vital for growth — both personally and professionally. Business challenges will come, but so will personal ones. The key is to see these moments as opportunities for growth, even when it feels impossible.
Know That It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Lastly, it’s important to remember that it’s okay to not be okay. There’s no rulebook that says you have to have everything together 100% of the time. Some days, the weight of family, business, and life’s challenges will be overwhelming, and that’s okay. What matters is how you move forward, how you continue to show up, and how you allow yourself the grace to feel.
Running a family business means your personal life and professional life are always intertwined. And sometimes, those two worlds collide in unexpected ways. When Molly passed, it wasn’t just a personal loss — it impacted our work, our routines, and our daily lives. But it also reminded us of the importance of resilience, love, and the strength of our family.
So, to all the family business owners out there: embrace the messiness, lean on those you love, and give yourself permission to not always have it all figured out. It’s in those moments that we find our greatest growth and the true meaning of success.
Thanks for reading, and until next time, keep pushing forward!
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