What is a businessman? How do you define one? - my way to start

When I begin by asking, "What is a businessman?" it opens up a discussion that goes beyond surface-level traits like ambition, risk-taking, or financial success. It allows participants to explore the deeper qualities that make a business owner effective: resilience, empathy, vision, and, most importantly, humanity. This mindset set the tone for a training that not only focuses on business skills but also on developing personal authenticity and alignment in leadership.

Remembering the Person Behind the Business: An Unique Approach to My Training

Every business owner is, first and foremost, a person. This is how I start every time my business trainings—with a reminder that can seem simple but is often overlooked. To dive deeper, I ask participants to consider a fundamental question: What is a businessman? How do you define one?

In a world where business success is often defined by revenue and growth metrics, this question helps peel back the layers and see the person at the core. It allows us to look beyond titles and statistics and consider the qualities that truly make a business owner effective.

The Misconception of the "Businessman"

Popular perceptions often paint business owners as driven, ambitious, and shrewd. While these qualities can be part of the picture, they leave out critical aspects that don't fit as neatly into a spreadsheet. 

A business owner is not just a role but a person—a human being with values, dreams, and vulnerabilities.

This realization is crucial for those embarking on their business journey, as it redefines the meaning of leadership.

Uncovering the Person Behind the Title

When participants start to reflect on what a businessman really is, they often find themselves discussing qualities like empathy, resilience, vision, and humanity. They recognize that the best business leaders are those who bring their whole selves to the table.

This doesn't mean leaving aside ambition or drive; rather, it means balancing these traits with authenticity and a respect for their own personal values.

In this way, 

we begin to see a businessman not just as a decision-maker but as a person with a unique story and purpose.

This reframing brings depth and richness to our understanding of what makes a business owner truly successful.

Leading with Personal Values

A business owner's values don't just influence the company culture—they are the bedrock upon which the company is built. 

When leaders make decisions that align with their values, they naturally inspire trust, loyalty, and respect among their employees and customers.

They foster a business culture where integrity and authenticity are not just ideals but everyday practices.

This approach also sets a powerful example for those who aspire to lead, showing them that they don't need to leave their personal beliefs and principles at the door. In fact, it's these values that will make their leadership both unique and impactful.

Why I start with this question?

By starting with this question—What is a businessman?— my goal is to set a tone for the training that emphasizes humanity as much as strategy.

It's not just about 

developing the skills needed to succeed in business; it's about understanding how to do so without compromising one's values or identity.

I encourage participants to bring their authentic selves into their roles, to lead with empathy, and to see success as something broader than financial gain.

In doing so, I hope 

to foster a generation of business leaders who view their companies not as machines for profit but as platforms for meaningful impact.

Leaders who remember that, at the heart of every decision, every strategy, and every success, is a person—a person whose values, dreams, and character shape the very essence of their business.

I Believe in The Power of Person-Centered Leadership

Business is evolving, and so is our understanding of leadership. 

By remembering that business owners are people, with values that deserve to be honored, we create companies that are not only successful but resilient, trusted, and inspiring.

So the next time you think about a businessman, ask yourself: what does it mean to lead as a whole person, and how can we support each other in that journey?

Sarolta Besenyei