My Path to The Path
Alec Broadhurst – June 2025
Following the Usual Path
For a long time, I didn’t really ask myself what I wanted to do with my life. Like many people, I followed the usual path. I did fairly well at school, went to university, and got a degree. I chose International Relations because it sounded interesting. I wasn’t following a deep passion, it just felt like the sensible next step.
Struggling Beneath the Surface
University, though, wasn’t the easiest time. I knew I was dealing with anxiety, but I handled it in the wrong way. I tried to ignore it, to push through and beat it like it was something temporary, like a cold. I didn’t want to admit it was there, let alone explore what might be causing it. I focused on keeping things together and doing well on the surface, but underneath, I never quite felt settled. That feeling followed me quietly into life after graduation.
A First Step Into Work
My first job was at a trade association. It was linked to politics and policy, close enough to my degree to make sense on paper. I didn’t know at the time that I needed to feel connected to the work I was doing. I just knew I needed to be doing something, and this felt like the easiest option to take without having to confront the bigger question of what I really wanted.
But it didn’t click. I felt like I was going through the motions, with no real spark to keep me engaged. After a few years, I knew I wanted a change. I didn’t know I needed to feel more connected in what I was doing, I just knew I wanted something different. The family company was the easiest option. It felt familiar, and I didn’t have to face the bigger question of what I really wanted. So I joined my mum in the business she had built.
Getting Involved in the Family Business
I didn’t step into a defined role. I helped with projects, offered support, and was a sounding board for decisions. It felt good to be part of something she had worked so hard to create. I took pride in it, even if I didn’t have a clear path of my own.
Finding Meaning in Governance and Brand
Over time, a couple of areas started to interest me more. One was governance. The business didn’t have much structure. There was no board, and very little strategic planning. My mum had dealt with everything as it came up. I decided to explore how we could do things differently. I completed the Institute of Directors Certificate in Company Direction, and we began building better oversight, developing decision-making procedures, and setting a clearer direction.
The other area was branding. We had never really stopped to think about how the business presented itself. So I led a rebrand to define who we were, what we stood for, and how we communicated with the outside world. It helped give the business a clearer sense of what we were and what we weren’t.
A Natural Pause and a Difficult Question
Eventually, the business reached a natural turning point. My mum had retired, we had a strong CEO in place, and things were progressing in a professional and structured way. It felt like the right time for me to step back and think about what I wanted to do next.
That was a difficult moment. I knew I didn’t want to stay in the business, but I wasn’t sure what came after. I had never even thought about the question of what I really wanted. It was the first time I stopped to look inward. It felt uncertain, but also like a chance to finally take stock.
Opening Up to New Possibilities
So, I started talking to people. Not with a big plan, but just to hear different stories, ask questions, and see what else might be out there.
One of those conversations was with Russ Haworth. I had never come across the idea of a Family Business Adviser before. He introduced me to the world of family business advising and to Martin Stepek, who had once worked in his own family firm and now focused on mindfulness and coaching.
Meeting Martin and Discovering Mindfulness
Martin and I had a series of brilliant conversations over several months. He introduced me to mindfulness in a way that felt simple and easy to relate to. It wasn’t about big ideas or complicated techniques. It was about paying attention to the present moment and learning to notice thoughts without judgement. His approach helped me find a bit more clarity. I began to understand myself better and started to clear some of the mental clutter I had been carrying for years.
Connecting with What Really Matters
Through that process, I realised how much I cared about the emotional side of business. How people relate, communicate, and navigate their roles and responsibilities within a family. I saw that my own experience, had given me real insight into some of the challenges others face too.
I trained for the Advanced Certificate in Family Business Advising, and Russ generously allowed me to shadow his work. I am now part of the Family Business Partnership, working with individuals and families as they explore communication, transition, purpose, and direction.
Creating The Path
Together, Russ, Martin and I created The Path. It’s a eight-module course exploring how mindfulness can help individuals involved in family businesses. The course brings together mindfulness practices with real-life reflection to support the mindset needed when working in or alongside family. It’s not about becoming someone different. It’s about creating space to think clearly, and building resilience as you navigate the often complex dynamics of family and business life.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Looking back, I’m glad I took the time to pause and reflect. It wasn’t always easy, and I didn’t have all the answers, but taking small steps and having honest conversations helped me move forward to the role I am in now.
If any part of this story resonates with you, I’d be very happy to have a chat. Whether you’re in a family business yourself or simply figuring out what’s next, feel free to get in touch.
