They don’t need the type of kindness characterised as 'friendliness', 'consideration', 'politeness'. This kindness can kill, but kinship fuels growth.

We observe time and again that critical business insights can be found through open and honest conversation with those that share a kinship of ambition. In this way, founders establish the kind of critical feedback loops that drive the business forward.

"A lack of kinship in the market, executive team and on the board hinders open and honest conversation and this damages momentum."

Yet what founders too often experience in these contexts is that kindness characterised by friendliness, consideration, politeness. And whilst this might avoid difficult conversations, it can be hugely detrimental to the business, verging on irresponsible.

Kinship tells a different tale. Kinship speaks of being on the same side of the table, operating in a tight unit. Kinship is the trust established in a family group. 

With customers – together in kinship and motivated by a common goal; startups and their customers can forge partnerships that drive huge value for their industry. In executive teams – together in kinship and motivated by a common goal; executive teams can reach the kind of operational agility that drives huge gains for their customer. On boards – together in kinship and motivated by a common goal; boards can avoid group-think, and oversee the kind of sustainable growth that drives huge value for shareholders. 

Kindness kills. Kinship fuels growth.