Sarah talks about her Father

Welcome back. Let me give you an update on the three people I’m focusing on:

• My Dad
• My Brother Charles
• My Nephew Rupert

Dad is not so good. The doctors have diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease. It’s very sad but, in a strange way, the fact of having a diagnosis is a relief. At least it explains the changes in his character and gives us a way of understanding his decline. Dad isn’t taking his condition too well. He still wants to have an official-sounding title in the family business even though he does very little. He’s obsessed with being driven around in a nice company car and for the moment we’re humouring him. It hurts me to think of the money it costs the family. But it would hurt me even more to see him deprived of something he’s so fixated on. Dad is giving Susie a rough time because he has this intense suspicion that she’s encouraging an over-extension of the business to suit her selfish objectives, rather than thinking about the best interests of all stakeholders. Susie keeps replying that he is beyond rational argument and sometimes he’s just plain delusional. I still can’t believe that people like Susie can say this about my Dad, the great business man whom everyone always used to look up to. Just thinking about it is upsetting.

Sarah discussing her Brother

Let me switch to talking about my brother Charles. There’s good news and bad news. The good news is that, in our owners’ meetings, Charles has been standing up for the values that Dad taught us – even when it’s in opposition to what Susie wants. Among other things, Charles has been really clear about putting priority on re-investing in the business, rather than raising the dividend any further. From the numbers point of view, I completely agree with him. I’m pleased that the two of us are making sure that things are done right. The bad news is that Charles’ assertiveness is not going down at all well with Susie. Did I mention that she is ambitious for herself? Did I also mention her ambitions for her house, car, memberships, and generally fantastic lifestyle? It’s not very pleasant for me to see Susie and Charles arguing so much, and it can’t be pleasant for them either. It’s such a shame because we’re all fortunate but if Susie wants to keep up with ever richer friends, I guess she can never feel fully content.

Sarah talks about Rupert

Now: let’s talk about Rupert. Very good news here! He’s agreed to join the family business! I’m so pleased. He’s working at the new plant and I’m sure, with his previous record, that he’s going to do exceptionally well. Though, it was a bit of surprise when Charles called me at home the other day. He didn’t want to say anything officially but he feels nervous about the performance of the plant. He was sounding me out about the possibility of delaying making Rupert fully P&L accountable for the operation, which is run as a separate business unit. I’m assuming these are teething troubles that will soon blow over. Once Rupert properly gets into his role, I’m sure he’ll be just as sharp and successful as his granddad used to be.

Tune into my next video diary and I’ll let you know!