My friend Jane’s father (let’s call him Sir Tony), in his 70s, should be on top of the world. He grew tenfold his parents’ retail business, now run by his children, including 40-something Jane.
I usually stay clear of friends’ requests, but Jane has long begged me to talk to her father, who did not want to see a psychiatrist (“I’m not crazy!”) but has consented to talk to me, since I helped the family a decade ago with succession issues.
“I worked hard and have everything,” says Sir Tony. “A good business, a good wife, good kids. My wife and I have visited China, my hometown, the Great Wall, the Three Gorges, Shanghai. I have done all I want. If I die tomorrow, I’ll be OK.”
“Don’t talk like that!” says Jane. “You’re still healthy, with so many things to do.”
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
BUSINESS
“I have trained you and your brothers well,” says Sir Tony, “so succession is fine.”
“Are you leaving Sir Tony out of everyday things?” I ask Jane. “If forced to retire, he might become depressed.”
