In this episode of The Family Business Podcast, we explore two closely connected ideas from the Eightfold Path: Right Mindfulness and Right Concentration — or what we might now call focus.

Mindfulness, when taught well, is a powerful three-part skill: notice, pause, change. It allows us to catch unhelpful thoughts or reactions before they spiral, giving us the space to shift into a wiser frame of mind. But Martin also highlights a crucial point — mindfulness isn’t just about being aware. It’s about being aware skilfully.

Alongside this is the practice of Right Concentration — the ability to hold your attention where it matters, without being pulled off course by distraction, fatigue, or emotion. Together, these two skills help us stay steady — whether we're in a boardroom, around the dinner table, or navigating life’s daily ups and downs.

In a world of constant interruption and overstimulation, this conversation is a grounding one — especially for those in family businesses, where clarity of mind can be the difference between reactivity and wise leadership.

Key Topics:

• Why mindfulness is more than just “being present”
• The three-step method: Notice, Pause, Change
• How to stay focused in a world full of noise
• The difference between casual awareness and skilful attention
• Practical tools to reduce mental clutter and strengthen concentration

Want to explore this further?

The Path is a mindfulness-based programme designed specifically for those in or advising family businesses. It offers practical guidance grounded in ancient wisdom, helping you build clarity, resilience, and better decision-making.

Learn more at https://familybusinesspartnership.com/thepath/

In this episode of The Family Business Podcast, we take a closer look at Right Effort — a reminder that meaningful change doesn’t happen by chance, and it doesn’t happen overnight.

Drawing from the Buddhist tradition, Martin explains that the word “Right” here means skilful. Skilful effort is steady, thoughtful, and sustainable. It isn’t about perfection or pushing yourself to exhaustion — but nor is it about giving up when things get hard.

Changing the way we think, respond, and behave — especially in the face of stress, family dynamics, or business pressures — takes practice. And that practice requires a particular kind of energy: one rooted in care, persistence, and balance.

This episode is especially useful for those who feel they’re “trying” to live or lead differently but aren’t seeing instant results. It’s a reminder that the path to clarity, kindness, and effectiveness is built one step — and one skilful effort — at a time.

Key Topics:

• What “Right Effort” really means — and why it’s not about striving
• How to avoid burnout while still committing to meaningful change
• Why mindfulness requires consistent practice to take root
• The role of patience, persistence, and balance in both personal growth and leadership
• Practical guidance for cultivating sustainable effort in work and life

Want to explore this further?

The Path is our unique mindfulness-based programme designed for those in or advising family businesses. It blends timeless wisdom with practical tools to help you live and lead with clarity and purpose.

Find out more at https://familybusinesspartnership.com/thepath/

In this episode of The Family Business Podcast, we explore Right Livelihood — a concept that feels strikingly modern, despite being taught by the Buddha over 2,500 years ago.

Today we hear terms like purpose-driven business, CSR, or ESG, but the heart of the idea is timeless: how we make our living matters. Not just in terms of profit, but in terms of integrity, impact, and alignment with our values.

Martin reflects on the Buddha’s surprisingly direct teachings to rulers, employers, and workers alike, encouraging them to avoid livelihoods that cause harm, and to pursue work that contributes positively to society.

And if we find ourselves in a role that compromises our values? The Buddha advised making amends through good deeds and conscious reflection.

For anyone in a family business, this teaching is especially resonant. How we earn, invest, and lead shapes more than just the bottom line, it shapes the legacy we leave behind. Right Livelihood is about asking not just how successful are we?, but what are we actually contributing through our work?

To find out more about The Path visit - https://familybusinesspartnership.com/thepath/