Family business enterprises, found in virtually every country, are the backbone of most economies. However, the leadership challenges they present are complex and unique. Most executives and family members in these firms eventually discover that their education and years of hard work have not prepared them to address many of the interpersonal demands that come with the territory. After years of study and reflection, David Bentall came to realize how ill equipped he had been to be a part of the solution for his own family business.

In his newest title, Dear Younger Me, he presents a highly personal exploration of nine key character traits that David realizes he was badly lacking as a young executive. Each of these traits are critically important for developing any leader, and for cultivating emotional intelligence and family relationships.

Written in a handbook format, and useful for any business executive, it is especially aspiring for family enterprise executives, providing insight and inspiration on how to develop humility, curiosity, listening, empathy, forgiveness, gratitude, critical thinking, patience, and contentment.

He artfully balances academic research with practical insights from many well-known family enterprise leaders exploring the role of these key virtues as found in the lives of such iconic leaders as Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, Kim Phuc, Walt Disney, John Wooden, and Helen Keller.