ENERGY WORD: belonging · BOOK: Only In A Family Business
Learn
Something Greater Than Us
You can't see it. You can't touch it. But you can feel it in the lives of others.
This past month has made me think deeply about legacy.
On 14 October, we lost a dear friend and my mentor, Les Kalas, to cancer.
Reading the many stories shared by people whose lives he touched has been incredibly moving. Different people, different memories, but a common thread running through them all. The difference one person made simply by being who they were.
I was also struck by the stories shared about my friend and business connection Paul Hunt, as he retired from Higgs at the end of October, following 40 years there.
Again, the stories began to emerge. Stories of his values, his teaching, his support and his leadership. Not simply what he achieved professionally, but what he gave to others along the way.
Two very different moments in life. One a goodbye, the other a new chapter. Yet both have reminded me of something so important.
Legacy isn't what we accumulate. It's what we leave within people.
The word 'legacy' has its roots in the Latin legare, meaning 'to send' or 'to bequeath'. It's easy to think of passing on tangible assets, such as businesses, heirlooms and possessions.
But Les and Paul have reminded me that our greatest legacy may be something we will never own.
It can be the confidence we gave someone when they doubted themselves.
Les believed in me before I believed in myself.
The very last message he sent me (earlier this year) said:
“Your impact on the world is remarkable, bringing joy and clarity to those around you. Remember to stay focused, trust in yourself, and keep pushing forwards. You're capable of achieving greater things, purpose-led.”
My reply was simply:
“I love you, Lessie.”
In many instances, it's the lessons people still carry. The words they remember. The example they choose to follow. The kindness that was shown.
And sometimes, it's a small moment we have long forgotten that somebody else has never forgotten.
A week ago, I launched Only in a Family Business…, a book about four generations, 106 years and the people and experiences that shaped me.
Remembering those stories as I wrote them made me realise that legacy isn't only about what survives us.
It's about what continues because of us.
Every day, whether we realise it or not, we are creating our legacy.
Through our actions, our words, our choices and our relationships, we leave an imprint on others, often in ways we may never know.
And perhaps that's the most important thing to remember.
Legacy isn't something we begin creating at the end of our lives. It's something we create through the way we live them.
ENERGY
Philotimo
This week's Energy word is dedicated to Les.
Philotimo is a Greek word he taught me. There is no single English translation, but it encompasses honour, integrity, kindness, generosity and a deep sense of responsibility towards others.
It's about doing what's right, giving without expecting anything in return and living according to your values.
Les didn't just teach me the word. He showed me what it meant.
And now, whenever I think of Philotimo, I think of him.
He taught me a word. He left me a way to live.
ACTION
Tell Them Now
Think of someone who has made a difference to your life. Someone who believed in you, encouraged you, taught you something or simply showed you kindness when you needed it.
Tell them.
Don't assume they know the impact they've had. A few words today could become something they carry for the rest of their lives.
PROCESSING
Whose legacy do you admire, and what is it about the way they lived that inspires you?
What legacy would you hope to leave in the hearts and minds of others?
SHOUT OUT
Carrying It Forward
This week's Shout Out is to everyone who carries forward the kindness, wisdom and belief others have given them.
Those who take the time to encourage someone who's doubting themselves, share their knowledge without expecting anything in return, or offer support simply because it's the right thing to do.
Often, these small acts make the greatest difference.
Perhaps the greatest tribute we can pay to those who shaped us is to carry something of them forward.
Thank you.
THIS WEEK’S GIFT
The Purpose Economy
(Aaron Hurst)
Free visual synopsis download for the next seven days with the code at checkout:
LESKALAS
FROM STORIES TO LEGACY
Last week, I reflected on the stories we hold and the people who become part of them.
This week, I've been thinking about what happens beyond those stories.
The people may move on. The chapters may close. But something of them remains in the way we think, the choices we make and the way we treat others.
Perhaps that's how our stories become someone else's legacy.
Thanks for reading. Until next Wednesday!
