Experience.

In 1989 I started my first business - I was almost 27. It took me until 47 years of age to get a decent payday from selling a business.

In the 20 years in between, there were ups and downs, mistakes and wins. Dozens of staff hired and many that moved on. There were office changes, regulatory changes, technology changes - change was a constant.

At nearly 47 years of age I sold, and joined a Big 4 firm. Now I was on the other side of the table as the potential acquirer, rather than the acquired.

All of it helped build capabilities which can be useful to others ready to start their journey as a principal.