Workshop 3: Vision (Where You're Going)

Expected Duration: 1-2 hours of full uninterrupted focus

Overview

The vision describes the aspirational future of the family office—what it hopes to achieve and the long-term impact it seeks to create. It should be inspiring, ambitious, and forward-looking, building on your purpose and mission from previous workshops.

What You'll Achieve

By the end of this workshop, you will have:

• A compelling vision statement that inspires long-term thinking
• Clear picture of your desired future impact
• Alignment on aspirational goals across time horizons

Pre-Workshop Preparation

• Review your Purpose and Mission statements from Workshops 1 & 2
• Think about your family's long-term aspirations
• Please send any feedback to etienne@familyofx.com

Workshop Structure

Step 1: Ask These Questions

Consider these forward-looking questions:

• What is our ultimate goal for the family office?
• How do we want to be known in 10, 20, or 50 years?
• What impact will our investments and actions have on the family, the community, and the world?
• What legacy do we want to leave behind?

Step 2: Creative Visioning Activity

"Future Headlines Exercise"

Imagine it's 10, 20, and 50 years from now, and a family newsletter is celebrating your accomplishments.

Materials Needed: Paper, pens, creativity!

1. Individual Creation (20 minutes)
   • Each person writes 1–2 headlines for each time period
   • Include a brief summary highlighting achievements
   • Think big and aspirational

Example Headlines:

10 Years:

• "Family Legacy Fund Reaches $10 Billion in Global Impact Investments"
• "Next Generation Leadership Program Graduates First Class"

20 Years:

• "Family Foundation Transforms Education in Three Countries"
• "Sustainable Investment Portfolio Leads Industry Standards"

50 Years:

• "Century-Long Legacy: How One Family Changed the World"
• "Five Generations United: A Model for Family Wealth Stewardship"

2. Share and Discuss (30 minutes)
   • Each person presents their headlines
   • Listen for common themes and exciting possibilities
   • Ask clarifying questions about the vision behind each headline

Step 3: Cluster and Identify Themes

1. Group Similar Ideas (15 minutes)
   • Place headlines with similar themes together
   • Label clusters (e.g., "Generational Growth," "Sustainable Impact," "Global Leadership")
2. Explore Themes (15 minutes)
   • Discuss what each cluster represents
   • Identify the most inspiring and authentic themes
   • Consider which themes best reflect your purpose and mission

Step 4: Draft the Vision Statement

Use this proven formula:

"To aspirational goal that impact or outcome."

Example Vision Statements:

• "To build a legacy of generational wealth and positive impact that shapes a more sustainable and equitable future."
• "To build a legacy of wealth and purpose that empowers future generations to thrive."
• "To shape a sustainable future through impactful investments and philanthropic leadership."
• "To be a trusted steward of our family's values, creating opportunities for growth, innovation, and global impact."

Step 5: Testing and Validation

Evaluate your vision statement:

• Does it inspire and motivate you?
• Is it ambitious yet achievable over time?
• Does it align with your purpose and mission?
• Would you be proud to see this vision realized?
• Does it differentiate your family office's aspirations?

Creative Thinking Benefits

This creative approach helps you:

• Break free from conventional planning
• Think beyond current constraints
• Inspire long-term perspective
• Align aspirational goals with values
• Create excitement about the future

Expected Outcomes

This workshop generates energy and direction. You'll leave with:

• An inspiring vision statement
• Shared excitement about your family's future
• Clear picture of long-term success
• Foundation for strategic goal-setting

Living Your Vision

• Display your vision prominently in your workspace
• Reference it when making long-term decisions
• Use it to inspire and align family members
• Let it guide your strategic planning process

Next Steps

Your vision statement will inform Workshop 4: Core Values (How You Operate), helping you define the principles that will guide your journey toward this future.

This workshop is part of the Family Office Strategic Planning Series. Each workshop builds upon the previous one to create a comprehensive framework for long-term success.