Succession begins with the current leader
Succession in family businesses often ends in conflict. Many leaders find it hard to let go because they don’t know what to do once they’ve said goodbye. Taking that step requires untangling the knot that binds you and your business together. This creates space for you to hand over the business and for your successors to step in.
Greater awareness opens up a new path. I guide you, your successors and the business towards a natural and healthy handover.
Awareness creates space
Awareness is the foundation of personal growth, living with clarity and achieving your potential. It is the ability to pause, observe and notice what is happening within yourself and in your relationships with others.
Succession in a family business is not automatic. Not for you, and not for your successor. It requires you to shed light on the (often unconscious) resistance and to work through it. This frees you to take new steps.
What families and their businesses need
True Calling offers bespoke consultancy, workshops and individual guidance to ensure a smooth transition and collaboration within family businesses
Succession in family business
Tailored advice for family businesses on the psychological aspects of succession. Together with you as the leader and all other stakeholders, I explore which unconscious barriers are present and what is needed to achieve a healthy succession.
M&A referral partner
I am your go to partner when you are active in M&A for a family business and get stuck on the psychological aspects of succession.
Individual guidance
Personal coaching for people who are at a crossroads in their professional or personal lives and want to explore how to organise their succession effectively. I will guide you through a personalised programme to explore together what needs to be let go of (and when), and what your new life might look like.
Collaboration in family business
When collaboration between family members, external management or staff is not running smoothly. In this group programme, we work in small groups. Through reflection, practical exercises and frank discussions, we ensure that collaboration runs smoothly again.
I know both succession and stepping back
My name is Tim and I am the founder of True Calling. I once succeeded my father in the family business myself. This went well initially, but as time went on, we encountered quite a few conflicts. My father turned out to be 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 a family business – until something inside me urged me to live differently. That led me to psychology, mindfulness and breathing techniques. I now apply 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.