Most business leaders eventually discover that their education, leadership skills and years of hard work do little to prepare them for leading through the realities of a family business and the critical challenges encountered, that if not harnessed, can tear a family business apart. After a great amount of study and reflection, David Bentall came to see that he was ill equipped to be a part of the solution for his own family business because he lacked many of the qualities needed if he was going to make a positive contribution, so he set out to identify the changes he needed.

In Dear Younger Me David explores the nine most important character traits that he wished he had been wise enough to develop when he was a young executive. These traits present practical guidance and advice for cultivating emotional intelligence and personal character, and transforming leadership through HUMILITY, CURIOSITY, LISTENING, EMPATHY, FORGIVENESS, GRATITUDE, CRITICAL THINKING, PATIENCE and CONTENTMENT. David believes that each trait is necessary for successors to develop the skills and relationships required to successfully lead any family enterprise.