Family Business Advisor, Educator & Speaker
Laura Bechard
Successful Family/Business Fusion
– Don’t Divorce, Diversify!
Ah, that elusive “work-life balance”, a concept frequently touted today as essential to
an ideally lived life, and yet, in reality, it’s about as rare to encounter as a “functional”
family. When it comes to blending professional and personal roles, Success Strategist,
Laura Bechard, creator of ProVision Coaching, prefers the term “harmony”, an
amicable, agreed upon coordination keeping family and business in-sync.
“Harmony recognizes that, at times, “balance” is impossible with specific areas of focus having to take precedence as
a family navigates inevitable change. New baby or a new business - essentially, it’s an ongoing ebb and flow of ‘work’
or ‘life’ priorities.”
Laura speaks from hard-won experience, gleaned through conquering the challenges of an “unsuspecting”,
young woman marrying into a multi-generational agricultural operation. “My husband was ‘heir apparent’. I
felt excluded and alone, wishing I had a divorce lawyer on speed dial at times!”
Her Irish tenacity having already won her a top graduate MBA and CPA-CGA designation, this feisty
business expert was determined to persevere, quickly learning where she could provide irreplaceable value
to the farm, as well as her new family. Unexpectedly, she also found true inspiration!
Now, committed to improving these stressful transitions for others, Laura has established an insightful
“business education” practice promoting the effective, fulfilling fusion of family and entrepreneurial life,
astutely responding to a serious need in an area where typical support networks are inadequate or
non-existent.
“If you have a business and a family, you’re in a “family” business, faced with unique challenges that arise when both
are combined. Everyone is impacted, so why isn’t everyone included, encouraged to contribute in their own way?”
Laura cites unenlightened assumptions about various roles and a lack of communication as factors
influencing the high rate of marital breakdown where the stress of running an entrepreneurial venture
is involved.
“Frequently the ‘revenue generator’ is perceived as more important than the ‘caregiver’ whereas, in truth, each family
member is a stakeholder in the business’s overall success and should be appreciated. ‘Thank you, Honey, for packing
up four kids under five and driving across two provinces to keep us together.’ Laura laughs, ‘And that was before
built-in DVD players!’”
Laura is now a partner in the “family farm” that’s diversified into a multi-million dollar agri-operation
currently embarking on a lucrative initiative into herbal medicines.
What’s her secret to work/life synchronicity?
Commitment, communication and continued, communal respect that stands the test of time.
Life has its way of keeping us all off-balance, but, when it comes to keeping families in harmony,
call Laura Bechard.
Family Business Advisor, Educator & Speaker
LAURA BECHARD
ProVision Coaching Network
Phone 403.650.6519
[email protected]
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