Finding Your Own Dream: A Successor’s Journey to Authenticity 

Finding Your Own Dream: A Successor's Journey to Authenticity
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As a potential successor, one of the most challenging questions we face is: “Is this truly my dream, or am I just following someone else’s path?” As the daughter of a successful business owner and now a potential successor at The Transition Strategists, one of North America’s leading business succession consulting firms, I’ve wrestled with this question from multiple angles. Today, I want to share my journey of discovering authentic purpose in business succession, hoping it might help others facing similar questions. 

The Shadow of Success

Growing up with an entrepreneurial father, I naturally felt drawn to business ownership. In high school, I launched my first venture – Flaming Squirrel Design. Even then, sometimes I found myself questioning my motivations. Was I starting a business because I genuinely wanted to, or because I felt pressure to live up to my father’s success? When you grow up watching a parent succeed in business, it’s easy to feel like following their path is the “right” thing to do. 

My parents did something remarkable that many family business owners struggle with: instead of pushing me toward any particular path, they encouraged me to explore what truly excited me. This meant I never really had to work inside my dad’s company, but rather I was exploring entrepreneurial ventures in graphic design, which was my passion at the time. This freedom to explore was invaluable, but it didn’t completely eliminate my internal struggle.

After college, in my first full-time job, I discovered I genuinely missed entrepreneurship. This realization was important – it helped me understand that my entrepreneurial spirit wasn’t just inherited, it was authentic to who I am. But I still needed to figure out exactly what that meant for my future. 

A Turning Point in Business Successio

Fast forward to meeting Elizabeth Ledoux at The Transition Strategists. What started as a simple introductory meeting evolved into a potential succession opportunity. But since Elizabeth is a succession planning consultant who works with families wrestling with these exact questions, she knew we needed to practice what she preaches. How could we be sure this was our dream and not just an attractive path someone else had carved? 

The answer came through a tool we use with all our business succession clients: The Objectives Matrix. Elizabeth asked me to complete this exercise before our next meeting – not as a formality, but because she wanted to ensure our visions for the future aligned. This process forced me to examine my goals across ten key dimensions of life: 

  1. Spiritual – How does this path align with my values and beliefs?  
  2. Life Purpose/Direction – What impact do I want to make in the world?  
  3. Professional/Intellectual – How will this challenge and fulfill me?  
  4. Financial – What resources do I need to support my vision?  
  5. Time Freedom – How do I want to structure my days?  
  6. Peace/Groundedness – What brings me stability and contentment?  
  7. Relationships/Love/Connectedness – How does this affect my important relationships?  
  8. Play/Fun – What brings me joy and excitement?  
  9. Physical Mobility/Health – How will this impact my wellbeing?  
  10. Environment – Where and how do I want to live?  

Working through these dimensions helped me understand that stepping into a succession role isn’t just about taking over a business – it’s about creating a life that aligns with your personal values and aspirations. I realized that what attracted me to The Transition Strategists wasn’t just the business opportunity, but how the work itself helps others find clarity in their own journeys. 

Finding Clarity in the Succession Journey  

For successors questioning whether they’re living their own dream or someone else’s, I offer this advice based on both personal experience and my work as a business succession consultant: 

  1. Root yourself in what YOU want. Use tools like the Objectives Matrix to explore your true desires across all life dimensions. Don’t just focus on the business aspects – consider how succession fits into your broader life vision. 
  2. Don’t be afraid to experiment. I’ve found that exploring different potential life paths can provide valuable clarity. What would your life look like if you took over the business? What if you pursued a completely different path? Sometimes seeing these options laid out helps clarify what you truly want. 
  3. Remember that nothing is permanent. You can always pivot if something doesn’t feel right. The key is maintaining open communication throughout your journey. Many successors feel trapped by their decisions, but transparency and regular check-ins can help prevent this. 
  4. Seek outside perspective. Working with business succession consultants or mentors who understand these dynamics can provide valuable insights and frameworks for decision-making. 

The Power of Authentic Succession  

The pressure to follow in someone else’s footsteps can be overwhelming, especially in family businesses. But your journey doesn’t have to mirror anyone else’s. Success isn’t about meeting others’ expectations – it’s about creating a path that aligns with your own vision for the future.  

In my role at The Transition Strategists, I’ve seen how succession planning that honors both the successor’s and owner’s authentic desires leads to more sustainable transitions. When successors step into leadership roles that truly align with their values and aspirations, they’re more likely to thrive and help the business prosper.  

Your Next Steps   

If you’re struggling to find clarity in your succession journey, know that you’re not alone. This is a common challenge that many potential successors face, whether in family businesses or other succession situations. 

Ready to start exploring your own path? Download our free Objectives Matrix template at transitionstrategists.com/objectives-matrix to begin mapping your vision across all 10 dimensions of life. This powerful tool has helped countless successors gain clarity about their authentic desires for the future. 

Want to dive deeper? Join us for our monthly workshop, where in just 60 minutes, we’ll guide you through using tools like the Objectives Matrix while connecting with other successors on similar journeys. Register at transitionstrategists.com/workshop.

Your dream is waiting to be discovered. The key is giving yourself permission to explore what truly drives you, rather than what others expect. Take the first step toward finding your authentic path in business succession – your future self will thank you. 

We know every transition journey is unique, and we’ve developed resources to support you wherever you are in the process.

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