Best to plan your succession well in advance
Succession in family businesses often hits a snag. Either the next generation isn’t ready to take over the business, or the current leaders can’t let go because they don’t know what to do once they’ve stepped down.
The psychological knots in which the family and the business are entangled need to be untangled. This creates space for you, as a leader, to step down and for your successors to step up. I will guide you through a natural and healthy handover.
Awareness creates space
Succession in a family business is not a foregone conclusion. Not for you, and not for your successor. It requires you to shed light on the (often unconscious) resistance and to address it. This frees you up to take new steps.
That process doesn’t come naturally to anyone. Is the next generation ready to take over? Do they understand what is expected of them? And are you ready to truly let go? Awareness sheds light on what is going on subconsciously within you.
What families and their businesses need
True Calling offers bespoke consultancy and personalised guidance to ensure a smooth succession process in family businesses. My approach is down-to-earth and practical, and is based on the real-life realities of family businesses.
Diagnosis and assessment for succession
A brief and focused exploration, through a series of conversations, of how a succession plan might take shape and where potential obstacles might lie.
Guided succession programme
In this programme, I actively guide you, your successor and the family through the succession process, during which we explore the subconscious barriers that stand in the way of a healthy handover.
Partner in succession
The most comprehensive support. I will be your partner throughout the entire succession process — from the first honest conversation about letting go right through to after the takeover. On a retainer basis. Intensive one-to-one support forms part of this process.
Referral partner for external (M&A) advisors
For M&A and acquisition advisers when processes have stalled due to human and relational dynamics. I work discreetly alongside you as existing advisers and provide feedback where appropriate.
I know both sides of succession
My name is Tim and I am the founder of True Calling. I once took over the family business from my father. Things went well at first, but as time went on, we started to have quite a few conflicts. It turned out my father was very apprehensive about the ‘black hole’ and couldn’t let go of the business. In the end, he did step down. With the benefit of hindsight, I would have had different conversations with him about the succession.
After 15 years as CEO, during which I further expanded the business, I handed it over to an external CEO and a new owner. Over those 15 years, I learnt a great deal about myself as a result of the pressure, responsibility and expectations that come with running a family business. This led me to psychology, mindfulness and breathing techniques. I now use this knowledge to help my clients.
Bring yourself to work.
My book, “Bring Yourself to Work”, is about leading others without burning yourself out. It is based on fifteen years’ experience in a family business and the inner work that has helped me through it. It offers a down-to-earth and practical starting point, whether or not we ever end up working together. Anyone going through a period of transition can benefit from this book.
When something new is calling
Transitions are a natural part of life. Leaving your family business behind and ensuring it thrives without you is a very brave step.
I’m here to help you connect with what is necessary for a healthy succession.