Some of the most important lessons about business and leadership do not come from boardrooms or financial statements. They come from real-life experiences—personal relationships, challenges, and the values that shape our decisions. This past week, two significant moments reinforced for me the power of vision, purpose, and values as foundational tools for success, whether in business or relationships.

A Vision Beyond the Present: The Story of Love, Sacrifice, and Growth

This Valentine’s Day marked the 17th one I have celebrated with my husband. When we started dating, we were young and broke, navigating life with big dreams but little means. I remember watching from my university dormitory window as some of my peers were picked up in expensive cars, showered with flowers and lavish gifts by older, wealthier men. It was tempting to feel like I was missing out.

However, what kept me focused was a vision—a rare confidence that my partner and I were building something bigger than immediate gratification. We had aligned values of hard work, humility, and ambition. We believed that by staying the course, we would one day afford the luxuries we desired, but on our own terms. Fast forward to today, my husband has given me experiences and gifts that were once only dreams. More importantly, our journey has been built on a solid foundation, one that cannot be taken away by fleeting pleasures.

Business and the Founder’s Burden: Why Vision and Values Matter

The second defining moment of my week was a conversation with a friend who has been running a fairly successful business for over a decade. He shared his key lessons, and one stood out: At a certain level of success, money is no longer the driving force. Instead, it is the vision, values, and purpose that keep a business going.

He spoke about the founder’s burden—the responsibility that no one else can carry. While a business can hire competent people, only the vision bearer can ensure the company stays true to its purpose. The weight of leadership extends beyond profits; it involves navigating crises, making tough decisions, and staying aligned with the original mission.

These two stories—one about a relationship and another about a business—demonstrate a universal truth: Vision, purpose, and values are essential tools for long-term success.

Corporate Governance: Vision, Purpose, and Values as Foundational Tools

In business, corporate governance is the framework that guides decision-making, accountability, and ethical leadership. At the core of this framework are three key pillars:

1. Vision: The Roadmap to Success

A vision is a clear picture of where the business is headed. Just like in my personal story, a business must have a long-term goal that keeps it grounded during challenges. A well-defined vision:

• Provides direction and clarity for decision-making

• Unites employees, investors, and stakeholders around a common goal

• Helps the business withstand short-term temptations and distractions

A business without vision is like a traveler without a map—easily lost and easily swayed.

2. Purpose: The ‘Why’ Behind the Business

Beyond making money, every great business has a deeper reason for existence. Purpose-driven businesses tend to:

• Build stronger emotional connections with customers

• Inspire employee engagement and motivation

• Adapt better to market changes because they are not just chasing profits but fulfilling a mission

Like the founder who shared his experience, entrepreneurs reach a point where money alone is not the reason they wake up every morning. It is the impact and legacy they are building that keeps them going.

3. Values: The Guardrails for Ethical Leadership

Values define how a business operates and the principles it refuses to compromise on. Just as my husband and I stayed true to our values despite external pressures, businesses must uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability. Strong values in business:

• Build trust with customers and partners

• Foster a healthy organizational culture

• Ensure ethical decision-making, even when it’s difficult

When faced with crises, a company’s values determine whether it will take shortcuts or remain principled.

Conclusion: The Power of Keeping Your Eyes on the Prize

Whether in business or in life, success is not just about talent or opportunity—it is about vision, purpose, and values. These principles help leaders navigate uncertainty, resist distractions, and build something lasting. Just as my husband and I built our future by delaying gratification and staying true to our principles, businesses that operate with a strong sense of vision and purpose create legacies that withstand the test of time.

As a business owner or leader, ask yourself:

• What is the vision for your business?

• What is the deeper purpose that keeps you going beyond profit?

• What values will you refuse to compromise on, no matter the challenge?

When these three elements are firmly in place, success is not just possible—it is inevitable. Keep your eyes on the prize.