Insights
By: Matthew Fleming
Letting me follow my own path was the best thing my father could have done for me
Matthew Fleming on achieving his true potential
Being allowed to spread his wings rather than work for the family firm was, according to him, the making of a young Matthew Fleming. “Telling me, the eldest of his four sons, that he didn’t think I should join the family business, was a difficult conversation, but it was the best thing my father could have done for me”, he told guests at a webinar hosted by BMO Family Office last week as part of their NextGen Perspectives series.
Matthew was talking about his family, founders of merchant bank, Flemings, originally founded in 1872 as Robert Fleming & Co. His father, Valentine Fleming, led the family business in which he worked for 50 years and to which he was so committed, said Matthew, he would call family meetings on Christmas Eve. To some, it may have seemed the natural thing for Matthew, the eldest of his four sons to take a prominent role when Valentine eventually stepped down. However, his father, said Matthew, felt that he didn’t yet have the maturity or the skills required.
“My father effectively gave me licence to go out and discover the world – to give myself the chance of finding my own ‘north star’”, said Matthew. It was something that would ultimately give him “a real sense of fulfilment and self-respect”.
Matthew joined the British army and went on to become a professional cricketer, captaining Kent County Cricket Club and playing for England. “What those things taught me, is the importance of having a clear purpose,” said Matthew. “In the army, a clear purpose and set of values are there from the outset – they are imposed on you. But as with cricket there is also a shared culture – there is trust and understanding that comes from the mutual commitment you have to whatever you are doing”.
In initially passing him over in favour of a sibling, his father was, Matthew explained, doing him a favour. “It was the greatest gift he could have given me as a parent and as the leader of the business. It allowed me to identify my skills, follow my own path and achieve my true potential. But ultimately it has also enabled me to lead effectively and make my own meaningful contribution”.
Matthew Fleming is Head of Family Governance & Succession.
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