What Kind of Parent and Leader Do You Want to Be?

As parents, and especially as leaders of our families, the most critical question we can ask ourselves is this: What kind of legacy am I building? Is it one that’s going to shine in Instagram pictures, filled with exotic cars, designer clothes, and five-star vacations, or is it one that will endure long after we’re gone, in the form of generational wealth, wisdom, and resilience? Let’s get real for a moment. Which one would make you proud?

Now, before we dive in, let’s clear the air. I’ve been there and done that. I’ve driven the shiny new cars, taken the “I’ll-post-this-once-we-land” vacations, and owned a closet full of overpriced shoes that only saw daylight three times. Don’t get me wrong; those experiences were great. But something changed when I became a parent. My mindset shifted. Suddenly, the idea of “keeping up with the Joneses” seemed laughably irrelevant. What truly mattered was how I could ensure my family wouldn’t just survive but thrive—not for a year or a decade, but for generations.

Redefining Success: It’s More Than Stuff

When you think about your legacy, what comes to mind? For many, it’s easy to equate success with tangible things: the big house, the boat parked by the dock, or the shiny watch that screams, "I’ve made it." These things can be fun, but don’t let anyone tell you otherwise; they’re fleeting. Their value depreciates the moment you drive them off the lot or swipe your credit card. What happens when the car’s out of style, the watch is scratched, or the vacation memories fade?

Generational wealth, the kind that sets your family up for opportunities they’d never have otherwise, requires a different approach. It’s not just about stacking money; it’s about building assets that grow and sustain themselves. Investments, real estate, businesses, and even something as overlooked as financial literacy. These are the gifts that keep on giving. They’re the keys to ensuring that your kids, grandkids, and even their kids have a solid foundation to build on.

Leading By Example: The Balance Between Luxury and Lessons

Let’s be real. There’s no harm in enjoying the finer things in life. But as a parent and leader, how you frame these luxuries to your family makes all the difference. Are you teaching them that wealth is about flexing for likes, or are you showing them that luxury is a byproduct of discipline, smart decisions, and hard work?

For example, that fancy vacation can become a teaching moment. Talk to your kids about the planning and budgeting that went into making it happen. Teach them that while experiences like these are special, they’re not guaranteed. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a skill. The same goes for a new car or a nice dinner out. Use those moments to instill a sense of responsibility and thankfulness.

Shifting Your Mission: From Flashy to Foundational

Here’s the thing: Parenting isn’t just about giving your kids a better life than you had; it’s about teaching them how to create an even better life for themselves. This means showing them the value of patience, the power of compounding (in both investments and life), and the humility to recognize that success isn’t just earned, it’s stewarded.

For me, this mindset shift meant that my only mission as a father and leader of my family was clear: to create a hardened family portfolio. I’m talking about the kind of portfolio that doesn’t just include assets but also includes values, education, and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s not just about handing them the keys to a car; it’s about handing them the keys to knowledge and opportunity.

What Will Your Legacy Be?

So, back to you. What kind of parent and leader do you want to be? The one who leaves behind a garage full of depreciating toys or the one who leaves a blueprint for enduring success? It’s not an either/or question. You can still enjoy life’s luxuries, but when you shift your focus to building a legacy that lasts, those luxuries become tools, not trophies.

Because at the end of the day, the watches will stop ticking, the cars will rust, and the vacations will become distant memories. But the impact you make as a parent and leader? That’s eternal. So, choose wisely. Your family’s future depends on it.