Dear Younger Me

David C Bentall is a third-generation member of a prominent Vancouver family, active in the real estate industry. For twenty years, he worked in the family business, including 7 years as President and CEO. A graduate of the University of British Columbia, and the Harvard Business School he is now serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Sauder School of Business, and as founder of Next Step Advisors. A sought-after consultant, workshop leader and mentor, he is dedicated to helping families learn and grow together. His bestselling book, The Company You Keep (2004), was awarded "book of the year" and his subsequent book Leaving a Legacy (2013) has become a highly acclaimed resource for business families. David is a four-time Canadian National Water Ski Champion and in 2012, in his age division, he was ranked the number one male slalom skier in the world.

Most business leaders eventually discover that their education, leadership skills and years of hard work do little to prepare them for leading through the realities of a family business and the critical challenges encountered, that if not harnessed, can tear a family business apart. After a great amount of study and reflection, David Bentall came to see that he was ill equipped to be a part of the solution for his own family business because he lacked many of the qualities needed if he was going to make a positive contribution, so he set out to identify the changes he needed.In Dear Younger Me David explores the nine most important character traits that he wished he had been wise enough to develop when he was a young executive. These traits present practical guidance and advice for cultivating emotional intelligence and personal character, and transforming leadership through HUMILITY, CURIOSITY, LISTENING, EMPATHY, FORGIVENESS, GRATITUDE, CRITICAL THINKING, PATIENCE and CONTENTMENT. David believes that each trait is necessary for successors to develop the skills and relationships required to successfully lead any family enterprise.