Dad built a multi-$M accounting practice

Dad built a multi-$M accounting practice.

I was ready to take it over.

He told me to walk away.

Because the legacy Dad wanted me to inherit wasn't his business.

--

Dad immigrated to Canada in the 70s.

Dar es Salaam → London → Vancouver.

Two half-finished degrees from sudden moves.

When he finally finished his CGA?

He medaled.

2nd highest marks in all of CANADA.

Told Mom he'd make a million in 5 years.

It took him 7.

--

Fast forward a few decades.

When Dad was ready to retire...

I was a nonprofit CEO making peanuts.

Taking over Dad's practice made perfect sense.

Accounting was easy for me.

The perks were obvious.

And why lose this incredible thing he'd built?

I called him.

Told him I was ready.

Dad refused.

"You won't enjoy it. Find the thing that makes you HAPPY."

I was stunned.

--

Here's what I realize now:

Dad's legacy wasn't the business.

It was the process of figuring out his own path.

Finding the thing that was HIS.

And building it.

Dad wanted me to experience that same journey.

Not inherit his answers.

So I walked away.

Built a VC-backed startup. Raised $1M.

And more recently, started my coaching practice.

Now I help people do exactly what Dad did for me:

See when they're chasing someone else's version of success.

Figure out what THEY actually want to build.

And I LOVE IT.

Every moment of joy and fulfilment I experience?

I owe it to Dad.

Because this is his legacy.

Something better than his empire:

The permission to build mine.