Dear Younger Me: Wisdom for Family Enterprise Successors
Family business enterprises and the leaders of small to mid-sized businesses know how difficult it has been to keep a business operating profitably while maintaining key business and staff relations. They admit they could use some solid help. The help they are looking for is here!
Family business enterprises, found in virtually every country, are the backbone of most economies. In the USA and Canada there are over 6,000,000 businesses that contribute 57% of the GDP and employ 63% of the workforce. The leadership challenges they present are complex and unique. Most executives and family members in these firms eventually discover that their education and years of hard work have not fully prepared them to address many of the interpersonal demands that come with the territory, especially in light of recent challenges related to a world-wide pandemic. David Bentall came to realize that to make a positive contribution and be a part of the solution for his own family business, he needed to work on several key personal qualities. This book reflects his excellent findings.
Castle Quay Books is pleased to announce the release of a timely book by author David C. Bentall, entitled
Dear Younger Me: Wisdom for Family Enterprise Successors
In his latest release, entitled Dear Younger Me, David C. Bentall explores nine key character traits that he found were critical for all Family Enterprise Successors. Generously sharing from his personal journey, he offers insights for all developing leaders, providing a roadmap for cultivating emotional intelligence and for improving family relationships.
This handbook artfully balances academic research with practical insights from many well-known family enterprise leaders. Be inspired as you explore the role of selected virtues in the lives of such iconic leaders as Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Kim Phuc, Walt Disney, John Wooden, and Helen Keller.
Discover how to transform your leadership through HUMILITY, CURIOSITY, LISTENING, EMPATHY, FORGIVENESS, GRATITUDE, CRITICAL THINKING, PATIENCE, and CONTENTMENT
David believes “developing these traits has the potential to fuel growth and transformation for current and future family business leaders.” Yet—this is a guide that any business leader will benefit from.
Click to see the cover of Dear Younger Me
Click to see a photo of David C. Bentall
What People Are Saying About This Book
Dear Younger Me is more than an inspired reflection on life, learning, and success. It is a guidebook for a life path filled with discovery, connection, and growth. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to find a better path.—John A. Davis, Founder & Chairman, Cambridge Family Enterprise Group
David is a master storyteller, and thanks to his invaluable experience as an owner, a thought leader, and a trusted advisor, he now provides us with a priceless resource for family enterprise successors. The wisdom he offers combines his life experience and best practices to stretch our minds and provoke “the change from inside out.” His book is a must read for every learning family!—Olivier de Richoufftz, General Secretary, Family Enterprise Foundation
I loved reading this book! With humility, grace, and courage, David has written Dear Younger Me as a distillation of wisdom and practice addressed to his younger self and by extension to all successors and their families, friends, and advisors. There’s been a gap in family enterprise literature—we’ve been waiting for a book like this!—Michelle Osry, Vice-Chair, Family Enterprise Exchange
David has learned a lot about real life, both through his experience as a family enterprise executive and as a successor. Dear Younger Me includes everything you need to know to set you on the road to success.—Jimmy Pattison, Chairman & CEO, Jim Pattison Group
David provides life-changing wisdom for the emerging generation and their mentors. If you want to make a career impact in your family firm, David provides the well-lit pathway.—Steve McClure, PhD, Chairman, The Family Business Consulting Group
David has given his life to the service of family companies. Because of his dedication and a willingness to share his first-hand experience, he has been a great benefit to many. In this unique and very challenging field, I could not recommend anyone more highly.—Bob Gaglardi, Founder & Chairman, Sandman Hotels & Northland Properties
David is a caring individual who has given a great deal of his time to charitable causes and the teaching of family business skills to our community. He is one of British Columbia’s most prominent leaders.—David G. McLean, OBC, LLD, FICD, Chairman, The McLean Group, & Chairman Emeritus of Canadian National Railway Company
About the Author
David C Bentall is a third-generation successor, who worked for 20 years in the family business, including 7 years as president and CEO of Dominion Construction. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, and the Harvard Business School, he serves as an adjunct professor at the Sauder School of Business. As the founding Principal of Next Step Advisors, he is a sought-after consultant, workshop leader and mentor, and he is dedicated to helping families learn and grow together.
His bestselling book, The Company You Keep (2004), was awarded “book of the year,” and his subsequent book Leaving a Legacy (2013), has become a highly acclaimed resource for business families.
David is a four-time Canadian national water ski champion and in 2012, in his age division, he was ranked the number one male slalom skier in the world.
Dear Younger Me: Wisdom for Family Enterprise Successors
is available at most bookstores and distributed through Parasource Marketing & Distribution in Canada and Ingram International Distributors in the USA
or for more info go to Castle Quay Books web site. www.castlequaybooks.com
ISBN 978-1-988928-12-8 soft cover
E-book ISBN 978-1-988928-14-2
$39.95 full color
360 pages, size 8″ x 8″
Distribution contact info for bookstores:
Parasource Marketing & Distribution Canada
Phone: 1-800-263-2664 custserv@parasource.com
Ingram International
Phone 1-800-937-8000
For more information visit www.parasource.com or www.castlequaybooks.com
For more information, author interviews or book reviews:
Larry N Willard – publisher
lwillard@castlequaybooks.com