The qualities that propel Olympians to greatness mirror those that drive family-enterprise founders. Yet, unlike elite athletes, founders rarely have their podium moment. And when it comes to transitioning out of leadership, they often plan too late and with no guidance.
This February, 209 Canadian athletes travelled to Italy to compete on the world’s greatest winter sports stage. As we listened to their post-competition interviews, the themes were familiar: passion for their sport, an unrelenting drive for excellence, a willingness to sacrifice, a work ethic that pushes well beyond average expectations, the importance of strong mentors, the steady support of family, and, always, a touch of luck along the way.
Those same themes echo loudly in a very different arena: the world of family enterprise.
Anyone who has attended an awards event honouring a founder knows the stories well. They, too, speak of passion, of sacrifice, of relentless effort, of someone who believed in them early on, and of families who held steady through the long hours, and hard years required to build something that lasts. The parallels between athletes and founders are striking, and yet there is one key difference.
We Celebrate Olympians. We Rarely Celebrate Founders.
Of the estimated 650,000 private family businesses in Canada, only a small handful of founders ever receive public recognition. And yet, collectively, these leaders are responsible for nearly half of Canada’s GDP and provide employment for approximately seven million Canadians. Their economic and social impact is enormous.
If anyone deserves a medal ceremony, it’s them.
Twenty Years of Training and a Team Behind Every Athlete
Three Canadians competed in their fifth Olympic Games this year. That represents at least two decades of sustained training, discipline, and performance at the highest level. And long before they reached their first Games, they were already years into their development.
Crucially, they were never alone.
Olympians have teams around them, coaches, physiotherapists, medical specialists, psychologists, nutrition experts, mentors, all dedicated not only to peak performance but also to preparing athletes for life after competition. They are guided deliberately and thoughtfully toward a future beyond their sport and public identity.
Founders Face a Very Different Reality
For founders of Canadian family enterprises, that level of structured support rarely exists.
Their identity is often deeply intertwined with their business. They are the face of the company, the steady hand in the community, the anchor within the family. Years, often decades, of time, energy, and personal sacrifice go into building their enterprises. And because of the demands of leadership, many founders never have the chance to explore other passions or imagine a life beyond their business.
When the moment comes to consider transition, the path forward can feel uncertain or even overwhelming.
Successful Transitions Begin Early with a Conversation
We know from research and experience that the most successful transitions in family businesses begin early. They are rooted in open discussions, intentional planning, and a generous timeline.
Olympic cycles run every four years. Perhaps that rhythm can serve as inspiration.
For founders reading this, consider initiating that first conversation now, whether with family, trusted advisors, or both, about what your future beyond the enterprise could look like. That gives you four years to shape a thoughtful, empowering transition. By the time the 2030 Winter Olympics arrive in the French Alps, you could step confidently into your next chapter with the same sense of purpose and possibility that athletes feel when they retire from their sport.
Founders Deserve Their Podium Moment
Canada’s family business founders are builders of prosperity, keepers of community, and creators of opportunity. Their work sustains families, communities, and industries across the country. It’s time we acknowledge the parallels between them and our Olympians and offer them not only our gratitude but the support they deserve as they prepare for the next stage of their journey.
Because behind every thriving Canadian family enterprise stands someone who has trained, sacrificed, persevered, and earned their place on the podium.
