On the road to Delphi

Let me share a story: a family-office one. 

Stavros was in London seeking assistance from professional services firms: he wanted “an answer to a question, not yet posed”. Typical for the man of means and Greek business owner that Stavros is. He had set himself a six-week deadline to receive the guidance he sought.

He started with the investment-bankers; God’s own, on-down. “Could Stavros be a bit more specific?”, they enquired. Stavros moved on to the legal profession. Not a single set (solicitors nor barristers) that he spoke to could provide an answer on such a paltry premise; however philosophically intriguing. Outing from the Inns, he confronted the accountants. That was a short meeting. “What do you mean?”, they enquired. Stony silence. Stavros, an ample man, prone to overindulgence in cigars and coffee, shuffled on.

Eventually, on the Friday of his last week, Stavros’ shadow eventually crossed the transom of a reputable consulting firm. The partners lined up the conference room with experts well versed in a wide variety of fields burnishing their supporting PowerPoints, entitled: “War on Talent”; “Value-add (in any situation)”; “Reorganise”; “How to tell the time from your watch”; and similar edifying presentations.

At that last Friday morning meeting, Stavros began to feel that he would become ‘an old man filled with regret’. He was lulled to sleep by slide 3.

But one voice dared to break the slumbering reverie. The incantations stopped – such interruptions were not usual. 

“Stavros, excuse me for asking”, began the perspicacious voice, “but three personal questions for clarity”.

1)    You have children?

2)    If so, they are all under the age of 18?

3)    And if, so they are all girls?

The cavernous, dimly lit room was hushed.

Stavros roused himself, shaking free from his resigned state. He eyed the prophetic Voice. Without turning to the chanters, Stavros thanked them for their time and hospitality, concluding: “I am going to have a coffee with Justin!”

The effects on Stavros of that coffee-discourse continue to reverberate beneficially, nearly 25 years later.

And what was the issue/answer vexing Stavros that September in London? Send a self-address card to Justin or email info@globalfamilyofficecommunity.com to discuss the answer, its import as well as possible relevance to your story.

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Justin Jenk – pathfinder: who enjoys finding & connecting dots.

justin@raktas.ee OR info@globalfamilyofficecommunity.com to discuss your story.