By Tim Findlay

In the space of a few weeks, I’ve had two big reminders of how quickly time moves. First, my 30-year school reunion – where we laughed about old stories, noticed we were all a little older (and yes, a bit rounder), but hopefully wiser too.

At the same time, at the same school, my nephew has been counting down the days to his last classes as he prepares for the HSC.

Two milestones, worlds apart: one looking back at decades gone, the other standing right on the edge of adulthood. Both are full of meaning, nerves, and plenty of memories.

And this isn’t just our family – right now, Year 12 students everywhere are getting ready to pull on their best suits and dresses (some still building up the courage to ask for that date!), sign shirts, take pre-formal photos, and push through those final trial exams. Maybe one eye is on schoolies, or some other end-of-school rite of passage. For parents, it’s a feeling somewhere between pride, nostalgia, and disbelief that the years went by so fast.

These moments are a good reminder that in both family life and family business, it’s not the tasks and to-do lists we remember most—it’s the moments of personal connection. Meetings, deadlines, and numbers will always be there, but the celebrations, rituals, and small wins are what last.

Think of all the traditions around a school formal—the outfit shopping, the group chats buzzing, the photos snapped in front of the house. It’s the lead-up and the togetherness that make it special. Family businesses can do the same:

• Start Traditions: Friday lunches, an annual picnic, or a celebratory dinner after a big job.
• Celebrate Big and Small Wins: Handing in that last assignment, finishing a project, or landing a client – ring a bell, bake a cake, raise a glass.
• Be Proud of Progress: Whether it’s 13 years of schooling or a tough year in business, the journey matters.
• Family Dinner: Gather everyone for a meal, stories, and laughter.
• Write It Down: A memory book in the office or at home makes small moments last.
• Capture It: Even the ordinary days often become the favourite memories later.

And just like the HSC trials, business challenges aren’t the end of the world—they’re practice runs for bigger wins ahead.

So as the formals roll around and the school bells fade, pause, be proud, and celebrate. After all, it’s spring – a season of new beginnings, growth, and milestones worth remembering.

We wish parents and HSC students everywhere the very best in their preparations and celebrations.