Book Preface

I define truth as “stating clearly and firmly what I believe to be real based on experience, while remaining forever vigilant and open to new information.” These excerpts from my soon-to-be published book represent my truth at the time of its writing; not THE truth, but MY truth. Every person has their version of truth, which can only enlighten and reshape my truth, and I welcome any who choose to share their versions with me.

My book is a collection of stories about my maturation and, at times, painful growth within our large and complex family business. It covers my first 47 years: growing up on our unique home property, my school years, and my 20-year bumpy rise and subsequent exit from the business.

I wrote this, first, to process my failures and successes, to celebrate and heal, and to extract insights for resetting the trajectory for the rest of my life. I also wrote this for anyone searching for voice and fulfillment within the sticky and dynamic overlap between business and family. My goal was to inspire readers seeking internal permission, courage, and resolve to discover their true selves and sculpt their own futures, regardless of position or circumstance.

My purpose is to present another way to invest in lifelong learning. I’m referring to the ability to look back, reflect on our everyday experiences (sometimes seemingly insignificant at the time), and mine the lessons we’ve attracted to ourselves. 

As I worked on the stories, I was struck by the kaleidoscope of reflections, emotions, and lessons that seemed to appear, disappear, and then reappear with new interpretations. At times, reflections strayed into the realm of personal judgment – sometimes kind, sometimes harsh, often contradictory, but always enlightening. At other times, I felt like I was on a roller coaster with all its turns, loops, and drops. Eventually, though, I arrived at earned equilibrium – MY truth. 

American psychologist Carl R. Rogers said, “What is most personal is most universal.” I trust that my attempt to provide a window into my heart will invite readers to walk in my shoes, activate their own kaleidoscopes, and mine their own lessons.

I hope you enjoy it.

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Chris Anderson began his career with The Andersons, Inc., a Family Limited Partnership, with 60+ family partners; that went public (NASDAQ:ANDE) midway through his tenure. There, he literally began as ‘low man on the totem pole’ as a foreman in a fertilizer operating division, and began accumulating his general management skill-set with roles in diverse units such as Automotive Service, and Market Research.

He later progressed through positions of increasing responsibility to serve as one of three Group Presidents, followed by Executive Vice President in the billion+ revenues family-controlled business, with accomplishments including a breakout diversification strategy. He is acknowledged for mentoring and developing many emerging leaders who now hold senior management posts.

The stories in this collection are excerpts from an upcoming book detailing my recollection of life growing up in our business family.