Passing Values to the Next Generation

Listen to Nan-B De Gaspé Beaubien describe the process of passing on values from one generation to the next. In a family business, it is important to embed family values in children at a young age, as these values transgress into adulthood and ultimately into the business. Clearly defined values help guide a business when making important long-term decisions.

I think as the twig is bent, so shall the tree grow. And I do think that we were a little tough in the beginning. But you know what? They live in tough times. I think one of the reasons they are able to get through tough times is they grew up with some parents who had some pretty tough rules. And I think I said to you already, when they are very young, that’s when they are going to listen to you, they aren’t going to listen, when they get to their teenage years. Then they are listening to their peer group. But that voice that you’ve put in their heads will never go away- ever. They will hear your voice long when you’re gone. I hear my mothers voice still and she’s been dead for over 20 years. But she was an incredible woman with incredible strength. And in my home, growing up she used to say to each of us, there is no such word as “can’t” in the English language. So we were never allowed to whine, to blame, or to say “I cant do something”. And so I tried to give a bit of that to the next generation. And I believe in that, because if we think we can do it, we can. If we think we can’t do it, well, don’t even try.