The Seeds of Leadership are Sown Early

A note to young leaders.

Lessons from my father.

The best way to predict the future is to create it. And the best way to create the future is to boldly declare it.

I am one of three brothers, born within three years of each other. We shared beds, books, socks and school uniforms – and a belief, planted early in each of us by our father.

“You are all smart, hardworking and honest. You live in a peaceful country, full of opportunity. Imagine how much further you’ll go than I did”, is what my father repeatedly told us in our childhood.

Dad said it so often, it became our family mantra.

Only after his death, decades later, did I learn the second half of his method. For extra measure, Dad had also pulled each of us aside, in private, and said:

“You are special, even among your brothers. You are born to be a leader. I expect you to achieve great things.”

Leadership and ambition were seeded in us at such an early age that I went into business with my brothers, while we were all still at university.

Forecast the future. Declare it with intention.

We become what we are repeatedly told – by our parents, by our mentors, and above all, by ourselves.