Sureel Sheth’s Post

#Principles: #Life and Work by #Ray Dalio: A Masterpiece of Insight and Wisdom🌟 #Ray Dalio, the esteemed hedge fund founder and investor, offers a profound and insightful guide to life and work in his book "#Principles." 📚 This treasure trove of wisdom, derived from his extensive experience, provides invaluable lessons for #personal and #professional growth. 🔐 Key Insights :👉 ➡️ #Embrace Radical Truth and Radical Transparency: Dalio advocates for the relentless pursuit of truth, even when it's uncomfortable. #Open and #honest communication, with oneself and others, builds trust and enhances #decision-making processes. ➡️ #Find Meaningful Work and Meaningful Relationships: A fulfilling life stems from a sense of purpose and strong relationships. Dalio encourages aligning your work with your values and #cultivating meaningful connections with those who matter most. ➡️ #Create a Culture of Learning and Openness to Feedback: Dalio's Bridgewater Associates is known for its unique culture that encourages #open debate and #feedback. He believes that everyone has something to teach, and that creating an environment where people can learn from each other is essential for success. ➡️ #Get and Stay in Sync: Clear communication and alignment within teams are essential. Dalio stresses the importance of #open dialogue, #regular meetings, and a shared #understanding of goals and objectives. ➡️ #Use Believability-Weighted Decision Making: Decisions should be based on the #credibility of information, not just popularity. Dalio advocates for seeking diverse perspectives and carefully weighing them before #making choices. ➡️ #Learn How to Disagree Productively: Disagreements are inevitable, but they can be opportunities for #growth. Dalio promotes respectful debate, active listening, and a #willingness to consider different viewpoints. ➡️ #Remember that WHO is More Important than WHAT: Dalio emphasizes the importance of #building strong relationships with the people you work with. He believes that having the right people on your team is more important than having the #perfect plan. ➡️ #Hire Right, Because the Penalties for Hiring Wrong are Huge: Dalio believes that hiring is one of the most important decisions a leader can make. He encourages taking the time to find the right people and #investing in their development. ➡️ #Constantly Train, Test, Evaluate, and Sort People: Continuous development of team members is vital. Dalio encourages providing opportunities for #training, #feedback, and #growth. ➡️ #Manage as Someone Operating a Machine to Achieve a Goal: Dalio views businesses as machines that can be optimized. He advocates for #systems thinking, #data-driven decision #making, and #continuous improvement. These principles offer a roadmap to #building a successful, #purpose-driven life and career. It's time for individuals and organizations to unlock their full potential, foster innovation, and achieve enduring success.

"Thoughtful composition of a board is actually one of the key duties of a successful CEO." The most recent edition of Above Board focuses on Independent Board Directors and the important role they play. Grateful to have Michael Baker share his deep experiences from investing in and founding/leading major growth technology companies. Some takeaways and topics covered: -The definition of an independent director -Timing of appointing an independent director -How an independent director helps a company: 1. "Serving as an intermediary between the management team and institutional investors" 2. "Help bridge the gap between the investor mindset and the operating mindset" 3. Do the work that some VC board members may not have time to do 4. Overcome investor board member's inherent conflict of interest Details in full post: https://lnkd.in/e_sKPZEY

Succession in founder-led companies is not an average transition. There is need for understanding the founder’s mindset and much more. Cambridge Family Enterprise Group (CFEG) outlines essential strategies for transitioning a founder-led company to the next generation. https://lnkd.in/g7xkyWFF #FounderLed #SuccessionPlanning #FamilyEnterprise #LeadershipTransition

Embarking on a journey often begins with a single, yet pivotal, decision. This was the case when I faced a crossroads in my career. Having built a stable career in finance, the lure of entrepreneurship whispered promises of freedom and innovation. The familiar path tempted me to stay, but the wild, uncharted course of starting my own venture called out to me. In this moment, I remembered the countless tales of heroes who stood before vast, open horizons, much like myself. They didn't have a guidebook, but they had something equally powerful – the courage to explore. So, I chose to embrace the unknown, stepping out of the narrow corridor of predictability into the expanse of possibility. I didn't just consider a new job; I contemplated a transformation of lifestyle, leveraging my expertise in novel ways to start a financial consulting firm. As with any quest, I performed my due diligence. Rather than crafting my vision within the echo chamber of my mind, I engaged in "ooch" – small, low-risk actions that tested my theories in the crucible of reality. I offered complimentary financial workshops, gathered feedback, and refined my approach. This was no leap into the abyss, but rather a series of measured steps, feeling the terrain beneath me before taking the next. This process revealed insights that were both humbling and enlightening. Through trial and feedback, what emerged was a boutique firm that not only provided financial counsel but also empowered its clients through education. It represented not the solitary leap of a hero, but the collaborative dance of a community, each member contributing to the narrative of success. By widening my perspective and grounding my decisions in reality, I turned the page to a new chapter in my life, one where my passion for finance became the vessel for my entrepreneurial spirit. We all embark on our quests, whether in the corporate arena or the endless skies of entrepreneurship. What paths might unfold if you dared to look beyond the well-trodden route? How might your narrative shift if you took the wisdom of the past and tested it with the tools of today? Share your pivotal decision stories and let us harness the collective power of our experiences. Seek further insight into crafting your own narrative; explore indispensable readings to enhance your personal toolbox and decision-making prowess on my latest article: [Discover More](https://lnkd.in/edMXJJb9). #Journey #EntrepreneurSpirit #FinancialFreedom #InnovativeThinking #PersonalGrowth #BusinessEvolution #DecisionMakingRevolution

𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐨𝐫'𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬𝐞𝐭: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐑𝐢𝐜ℎ𝐞𝐫, 𝐖𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫, 𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩 As an integrator, my priority is empowering my team for success. I just finished William Green's 𝑅𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑊𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟, 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑟 and it offered surprising parallels between investing principles and fostering a high-performing team. Here are 3 analogies that resonated: 1. 𝐋𝐨𝐧𝐠-𝐓𝐞𝐫𝐦 𝐕𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡: Green emphasizes long-term growth over short-term wins. This aligns with building a clear, unified vision for the team. By ensuring everyone understands the company's long-term goals, we can focus on initiatives that contribute to lasting success. This creates a shared sense of purpose and fuels long-term momentum. 2. 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦: The book highlights the importance of calculated risks. Creating an environment for healthy debate and shared accountability fosters well-informed decision-making. By implementing clear structures for communication and collaboration, we can navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities as a united front. This empowers me to guide the team with confidence as we pursue our goals. 3. 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐀𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐯𝐬. 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: The book emphasizes allocating capital strategically. This translates to strategically allocating the team's "capital" (time, resources, energy). By equipping them with clear objectives and ownership, we empower them to manage their own "portfolios." This frees me to focus on the bigger picture - ensuring the team has the resources they need and fostering a culture of ownership. By applying these principles, I'm confident I can create an environment where the team thrives, takes initiative, and drives the business forward. #integrator #leadership #teamwork #growthmindset #investing #business P.S. Have you read 𝑅𝑖𝑐ℎ𝑒𝑟, 𝑊𝑖𝑠𝑒𝑟, 𝐻𝑎𝑝𝑝𝑖𝑒𝑟? How have similar principles helped you lead your team? Share your thoughts in the comments below!** https://lnkd.in/g-4GPg4G

Do risk-takers deserve respect? Not a secret to anyone, the tales of business ventures are tales of triumph. Nobody is interested in loses. But what unites both victories and defeats in business is one noble quality of their teams - the willingness to take risks. It’s just that first ones took the right risks and others put all-in on a wrong card. In reality, beyond the victories and defeats, there are stories that are seldom told - tales of businesses that neither flourished nor perished dramatically; they simply existed. And, as for me, they are the real loosers. Small businesses, whose main goal is to grow by 10% year-on-year seem dreadfully mundane. On the contrary, win or lose, the desire to achieve significant victories, prosperity, to take risks and emerge - that's what defines a team as worthy of admiration for me. Do you agree? Previously, I believed that the premium in income, which distinguishes a mid-level from a manager, and a hired manager from a founder, was a reward for responsibility. But now, I'm inclined to think that it's primarily a reward for risk-taking. It's the ability to take risks and make the right bets that enables one to achieve more and reach greater heights. So, what do you think? Is taking risks in business the right approach or not? And what do you value more in a person engaged in business - the willingness to take risks or the willingness to take and bear responsibility? #risk #risktaking #riskmanagement #businesspractice And yes, this photo, not quite conventional for business social media, is also a risk. What do you say - to condemn or to accept as justified? 😎

𝘞𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘞𝘩𝘰 𝘙𝘶𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘙𝘰𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘞𝘰𝘯’𝘵 𝘈𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘱𝘵 𝘏𝘦𝘭𝘱 Family business founders find amazing ways to offer value and, in the process, build wealth and empires they dream of passing down. However, the mindset that led to their success often clashes with the necessary changes needed to design a business, family, and ownership structure that not only survives but flourishes across generations. Achieving this dream is both a mental and tactical challenge. Unfortunately, many founders and generational owners stumble over their own egos, ideas, and assumptions. Below are five owner behaviors that cause a significant percentage of the family business transition failures and heavily contribute to the alarming statistic that 60% of owners face severe health challenges or die shortly after stepping away — planning must be bigger than just the business. 1. 𝐅𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞: Expecting long-term growth without embracing necessary changes. 2. 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬: Expecting children to follow the same path to success without considering their unique motivations and circumstances. 3. 𝐁𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐇𝐲𝐩𝐞: Ignoring good advice due to past successes. 4. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐨𝐝 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱: Believing only they can run their business. 5. 𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐏𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞: Surrounding themselves with advisors and family who don’t challenge them. These behaviors are detrimental, causing confusion and missed opportunities within both the business and family. I could write to the end of time on this subject as I have researched it and seen it thousands of times. I know a $300M conglomerate built from nothing that will sadly die with its 75-year-old founder. He has tried to step back four times, but he can’t let go. Successful founders, next-generation leaders, and families recognize that change and planning are not just necessary—they are essential for survival. They understand that with each generation comes a new starting point, and both the business and family must evolve to thrive in new environments. Generational change is a key part of each family’s business journey, and it doesn’t just happen; it is designed as part of a comprehensive strategy when done correctly. If a generational transition is on your horizon, feel free to contact me to discuss how to make it successful. #familyenterprise #familyoffice #familybusiness

Jimmy Johnson would say that great plays are essential, but not the sole ingredient to winning. Sharing the stage with Jimmy Johnson was an unforgettable experience that taught me invaluable lessons about success, both in life and with being a successful business owner. Here were my takeaways from this experience…. …how many of these resonate with you? :: The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra. As a financial advisor to people who want to know their money is in good hands, that "little extra" might mean double/triple-checking the fine print or remembering my client's dog's birthday. if I’m not adding that 'little extra,' I might as well be in the minor leagues of financial advising. :: Leadership is about having character. Flaunting financial jargon is not leadership – instead it’s more about showing you’re human, and that you understand. Clients can feel this. :: The teamwork lesson. Success in building wealth -- much like in football – is not a solo sport. It's a team effort where the advisor, client, and the client's other advisors (who make up the “Dream Team”) work together towards the client’s wellbeing. This day was a reminder that building personal wealth, as in football, the best plays are made with a little extra heart, a solid game plan, and maybe a smile or two along the way. (A Jimmy Johnson smile.) If you agree with these, type “😊” below!

Succession in founder-led companies is not an average transition. There is need for understanding the founder’s mindset and much more. Cambridge Family Enterprise Group (CFEG) outlines essential strategies for transitioning a founder-led company to the next generation. https://lnkd.in/eHVy7wu #FounderLed #SuccessionPlanning #FamilyEnterprise #LeadershipTransition

As a business owner, your enterprise is more than just a venture; it's a part of who you are. But have you thought about what comes next? The power of goal setting in exit planning is the key to shaping your future. ⠀ 🌟 The Early Bird Gets the Worm 🌟 Start thinking about your exit strategy now. It's not just about retirement; it's about ensuring a legacy and a smooth transition. By setting clear goals early, you're securing your life's work. ⠀ 🏁 The Power of Early Planning The sooner you begin, the better your business's position. Build value, cultivate leadership, and plan financially. ⠀ 💼 The Role of Advisors Don't go it alone! Advisors bring expertise in valuation, market trends, legal considerations, and more. ⠀ 🔄 Embracing Flexibility Your exit plan evolves with your aspirations. Regularly revisit and adjust your goals to keep your plan effective. ⠀ 🏆 Your Exit, Your Legacy Your business exit is a significant chapter in your life and a testament to your journey. Setting clear goals now paves the way for an exit that honours your hard work. ⠀ Start today, whether you're years away or just beginning to consider it. Setting goals now lays the foundation for a future you control. In the world of business, that’s the ultimate victory. ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ ⠀ #exitplanning #goalsetting #businesslegacy #financialplanning #leadershiptransition #advisors #flexibility #entrepreneurialjourney #businessexit #legacybuilding