Mr. Tom inherited a golden treasure from his father in his later years, a legacy that had been built over generations. The family's ceramic factory, founded by his grandfather who was born into poverty, had become a renowned institution, celebrated for its exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs. Tom's grandfather had worked tirelessly, driven by determination and passion, to transform a small, humble venture into a thriving business.
As Tom took on the mantle of responsibility, he felt overwhelmed by the weight of his family's legacy. He struggled to live up to the expectations that came with holding the family business, feeling the burden of his grandfather's remarkable achievements. The pressure to maintain the family's reputation and continue its success seemed daunting, and Tom couldn't help but wonder if he had the vision and leadership skills to carry the torch forward. Despite his doubts, he was determined to honor his family's legacy and forge his own path.
However, Mr. Tom's father, a skilled mason, had further elevated the family's reputation to an even higher level of respect. Through his tireless efforts and exceptional leadership, he transformed the business into a powerhouse. By the time he handed over the reins to Mr. Tom, he had established a vast estate that became a household name in the country. The family's legacy was built on a foundation of hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence.
Under Mr. Tom's leadership, the company continued to thrive and expand its portfolio. He successfully added a food processing company and transport services to the group's offerings. Kepler Ceramics and Construction upgraded to a conglomerate, becoming a legendary entity known to every child. The Kepler Empire, as it came to be known, attracted numerous investors who bought shares, and sponsors clamored to be associated with the brand.
The company's influence and prestige grew to such an extent that it seemed unstoppable. People from all walks of life aspired to be part of the Kepler Empire, and its name became synonymous with quality, reliability, and success. With its diversified interests and robust growth, the Kepler Group solidified its position as a leader in multiple industries, leaving an indelible mark on the business landscape.
Mr. Tom often reflected on the humble beginnings of his family's journey, recalling the struggles they faced when poverty seemed insurmountable. He remembered the stories of his great-grandfather's unwavering determination and tireless efforts to break free from the cycle of poverty. The memories of late nights, early mornings, and endless sacrifices made by his ancestors resonated deeply within him.
As he contemplated the weight of leadership, Mr. Tom held dear the timeless advice passed down through generations. He recalled the words of wisdom imparted by his father and grandfather, reminding him of the importance of humility, hard work, and resilience. This advice served as a guiding force, inspiring him to uphold the values and traditions that had propelled the Kepler Empire to greatness.
The mantra was clear: never forget the struggles of the past, stay grounded in the present, and always strive for a brighter future. With this philosophy etched in his mind, Mr. Tom felt a sense of responsibility to honor his family's legacy and continue their remarkable journey.
Mr. Tom knew his time at the helm wouldn't last forever, and he began to think about the future of the Kepler Empire. Recognizing the need for a smooth transition, he proposed that the company establish a formal process for selecting its next president, given the vast expansion of the business across various industries. He believed this would ensure the company's continued success and legacy.
However, his wife intervened with a simpler, more personal solution: "There are three children here; let the responsible one head the companies." Her words carried weight, suggesting that the answer to leadership succession might lie within their own family. She seemed to imply that one of their children, nurtured and groomed within the family environment, could be the perfect candidate to take over the reins of the Kepler Empire. Mr. Tom couldn't help but ponder the wisdom in her words.
Mr. Tom's mind was racing with various ideas for the company's future leadership. However, he couldn't deny the merit in his wife's suggestion. Given that all their children held master's degrees and had been exposed to the business from a young age, he considered the possibility of one of them taking over. The thought of passing on the legacy to the next generation seemed appealing, and he began to weigh the strengths and capabilities of each child. Who among them would prove worthy of leading the Kepler Empire forward?
Mr. Tom took the opportunity to share the family's rich history with his children, recounting their humble beginnings and the journey that had brought them to where they were today. He spoke of every successor who had played a role in building the Kepler Empire, highlighting their contributions and the values that had driven the company forward. By sharing these stories, Mr. Tom aimed to instill in his children a deep sense of responsibility and pride in their family's legacy. He wanted them to understand the importance of their potential roles as future leaders and the impact their decisions would have on the company's continued success.
Mr. Tom had been observing his children closely, assessing their strengths and capabilities. Based on his observations, he had made up his mind to hand over the reins of the Kepler Empire to his third son, believing him to be the most suited for the role. However, his wife was not convinced by his decision. "Why should the third-born be given the presidency?" she questioned, her voice laced with a mix of curiosity and concern. "The first-born and the second-born are equally capable and have been involved in the business for just as long. Let the first-born be the president, with their leadership skills and vision, and the second-born can oversee the finances as the accountant, given their sharp analytical mind." Her suggestion sparked a debate about the most suitable leadership structure for the company's future, and Mr. Tom found himself reconsidering his initial decision.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Tompson continued to discreetly advocate for her preferred candidates, whispering words of encouragement to the first-born and second-born children as they went about their daily routines. "Prepare yourselves for the mantle of leadership," she advised, her voice low and measured. "Your father is aging, and the time for succession is drawing near. It's crucial that you're both ready to take on the challenges that come with leading the Kepler Empire."
With a sense of urgency, she cautioned them to choose their paths carefully, emphasizing the importance of being ready to step into their roles when the time came. She reminded them of their strengths and the skills they had developed over the years, subtly nudging them toward the top spots in the company.
Her advice was laced with a mix of maternal pride and strategic thinking, as she envisioned the future of the Kepler Empire with her children at the helm. She knew that the transition of power would be a critical moment for the company, and she wanted to ensure that her children were well-prepared to navigate the complexities of leadership.
As she spoke, Mrs. Tompson's words planted seeds of ambition in the minds of the first-born and second-born children. They began to think more seriously about their roles in the company and the potential opportunities that lay ahead. Unbeknownst to Mr. Tom, his wife's subtle maneuvering was setting the stage for a potential power struggle within the family, one that would test the bonds of their relationships and the future of the Kepler Empire.
Mrs. Thompson had a somewhat different perception of the third-born son. To her, he seemed like someone who preferred to keep to himself, avoiding public attention and instead focusing on his own interests. He wasn't one for grand gestures or seeking the spotlight, which sometimes made her wonder about his leadership potential. However, she also saw him as being too strict and unyielding, often exchanging sharp words with both her and Mr. Tom, as well as with his older siblings.
These interactions led Mrs. Thompson to view the third-born as somewhat disrespectful, always seeming to challenge authority and push boundaries. She perceived his assertiveness as a lack of deference, which made her question whether he would be able to build the kind of relationships she envisioned as necessary for the presidency. In her mind, a leader needed to be more diplomatic, more willing to listen and compromise.
This perception further solidified her belief that one of the older children would be a more suitable fit for the presidency of the Kepler Empire. She thought the first-born, with their natural charisma, or the second-born, with their analytical mind, would be better equipped to navigate the complexities of leadership and represent the family business with the grace and finesse required. The third-born's demeanor and approach, in her opinion, didn't align with the qualities she saw as essential for the role.
Mrs. Thompson's perception of her children was also influenced by their spending habits and attitudes toward her. She noticed that the first and second child often surprised her with thoughtful gifts, which she appreciated. However, the third-born son was different; he shared his father's frugal nature. He would sometimes tell her, "Mother, you already have plenty. Why buy more?" This straightforward approach often led to exchanges between them, with him questioning her spending habits.
He would ask, "Why spend money on things you don't really need or wear?" His concerns about wastefulness would sometimes boil over into discussions about her purchases of expensive dresses, bags, and jewelry that might only be worn once. This led to confrontations between the third-born son and Mrs. Thompson, with Mr. Tom occasionally chiming in to support their son's perspective.
In contrast, the first and second child didn't seem to mind their mother's spending habits, and Mrs. Thompson found herself appreciating their lack of criticism more than their brother's forthrightness. This dynamic further reinforced her preference for the older children as potential successors, viewing the third-born's directness as a potential liability in the role of president.
The dinner table conversation grew more intense as Rudy, the second-born, turned to Mr. Tom and asked, "Would you like to bypass my senior brother and hand the presidency to someone else? Then what's the point of forcing us to earn degrees and gain experience if you're not going to consider us for the role?" The question hung in the air, and Mrs. Thompson nudged her husband, saying, "Won't you respond to them?"
But Mr. Tom turned the question around, asking his wife, "Why are you so bent on choosing Jerry as president?" Mrs. Thompson's response was swift: "Because he's the firstborn, just like you. He deserves to take the reins, just as you did with your own company. It's tradition, and it makes sense." Simon, who had been quietly observing the exchange, chimed in, "Jerry is my brother, but I don't think he'd be the best fit to lead the company. He's not strategic and he also lacks the vision needed for growth."
Rudy's temper flared, and she shouted at Simon to remain quiet. "Do you hate your own brother?" she demanded, her voice rising. Simon stood up, his voice calm and firm. "Dad, I'm only interested in my shares. The presidency isn't something I'm concerned about. I'm happy to support whoever takes the lead, but I won't pretend to be interested in a role that doesn't suit me." With that, he walked away from the table, leaving the tension between them
Days turned into weeks, and the tension between Mr. Tom and his family continued to simmer. The once-unified household was now filled with unspoken disagreements and underlying conflicts. Simon, sensing his father's unease and frustration, decided to take a different approach. He made a conscious effort to get close to Mr. Tom, engaging him in pleasant conversations and sharing stories about his interests.
As they spent more time together, Simon carefully broached the topic of succession. "Dad, maybe it's time to hand over the reins early," Simon suggested. "This way, you can observe Jerry's leadership style and see how he handles the responsibilities. It's not just about passing on the torch; it's about ensuring the company's future."
Simon continued, his voice measured and thoughtful. "Now, Mum has convinced almost all the board members that Jerry is the right choice. They believe in him, and it's clear that they're expecting you to hand over the presidency soon. If you do it now, you can still guide him and make sure the transition is smooth." Mr. Tom gazed at Simon, his expression unreadable, and asked, "Do you want me to do it?"
Simon's response was pragmatic, devoid of emotional bias. "You have no choice, Dad. It's for the sake of peace in the family. The tension is palpable, and it's affecting everyone. If handing over the presidency can resolve some of these issues, then perhaps it's the right decision." Mr. Tom's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Simon's words, weighing the pros and cons.
Then, in a moment of contemplation, he asked, "I want you to head it." He seemed to be searching for a glimmer of interest in Simon's eyes, hoping that his son would take the reins and lead the company into a new era. But Simon shook his head, denying the offer. "No, Dad. Even if the company collapsed, no one would be beggar-like. You used to say that, remember the times you told us the company would always stand strong, no matter what?"
Mr. Tom breathed deeply, his thoughts consumed by the weight of the decision ahead. He knew that Simon was right; the company had built a solid foundation over the years. Still, the thought of handing over the presidency to Jerry, with all his mother's expectations and biases, filled him with doubt. As he sat there, lost in thought, the silence between him and Simon grew thicker.