I recently returned from one of the most profound experiences of my life — a nine-day international training in Kenya focused on Nonviolent Communication (NVC), which I attended alongside my partner David and his son Max. Afterward, we extended our stay to explore the breathtaking savannahs on safari — an awe-inspiring adventure that touched a different part of my heart. I’ll share more about that unforgettable journey in my next blog.
There were 80 of us…
From 20 countries — South Sudan, Somalia, Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon, Burundi, Tunisia, South Africa, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, DR Congo, Tanzania, Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Monte Negro, India...
And five of us from the United States.
We gathered not just to learn communication tools but to live them. As we shared stories of grief, longing, joy, and hope, I found myself in the middle of what I can only describe as a masterclass in human leadership.
And it got me thinking about you.
As a family business leader, you carry a unique kind of weight. You manage operations, finances, and growth while navigating generations, emotions, and expectations that no spreadsheet can fully measure.
In Kenya, I saw what becomes possible when we set down the armor for a moment and show up, heart first - not as roles or titles but as humans with real feelings and needs.
Marshall Rosenberg, founder of NVC, said: “What I want in my life is compassion — a flow between myself and others based on a mutual giving from the heart.”
I lived that flow in Kenya, and I believe it’s what may be missing - and most needed - in many family businesses today.
So, today, I offer you this reflection:
- What might shift in your family if unspoken tension had a safe place to land?
- What decisions could be easier if there were more trust around the table?
- What legacy are you leaving, not just in assets but in how your family communicates?
- What would leading with effectiveness and compassion feel like without losing control?
💛 If you’re ready to explore these questions in your own business… I invite you to begin with this simple step:
Let’s create peace at the table and profits to the balance sheet together.
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