LET'S HEAR IT FOR OUR BOYS

 Lads, boys, blokes, men, jokers, dads, brothers, sons, cuzzy bros… you name it, all these terms can relate to the males in our lives.

So, let’s hear it for the boys and here’s to the special men in my life and the numerous things they’ve taught me.

I live in a male-dominated world; my family consists of two sons and my husband, and my business includes myself and three male partners, with my husband being one of these.

Each and every one of these significant men has provided some incredible life lessons, as has my dear Dad for whom the Lone Star restaurant saying, ‘Be Staunch, Walk Tall’, fits perfectly.

From Dad, I learnt that a person’s handshake is their bond, and he often sealed this belief with a bone-crunching handshake. He remains, to this day, an absolute straight-shooter, and as the years have gone by, I’ve come to love his simple sayings and forthright manner. Essentially, his biggest lesson for me was to judge (if you had to!) a person by their actions, not their rhetoric, and I’ve utilised this many times in business, having come across numerous people for whom words weren’t matched with genuine integrity or commitment.

Other learnings involve our sons Harry and Louis, and as with every parent in existence, the lessons have been a mixture of joy and a few tears, but the standouts are dear to my heart. Like ‘follow your passion’, which is what our eldest son Harry has done. Choosing to live near, travel to, and ski some of the world’s most exceptional mountain locations in his pursuit of a career as a ski professional. In coming from a non-skiing family, it’s been incredible watching him traverse the financial and physical consequences of his choice. It has always been about passion for the boys, and a life lived in the absence of this deep conviction would feel like half a life. 

Now, my two business partners Cameron and Chris – who figure largely in my life. I’ve learnt loyalty and connection from them. These men are formidable examples of how good blokes and fine men do exist.

My final mention is for my husband of 38 years. His love and care have taught me that I’ve always got someone genuinely in my corner, and there’s incredible power in that and everything else he brings to my world.

Yes, these learnings aren’t exclusively related to working with men, but their quirky and memorable additions to my life are a privilege providing a different perspective.

Here’s hoping that makes their life and mine better. I certainly believe it does.