In this dialogue, two speakers discuss how entrepreneurs can navigate challenges when their spouses seem to hinder their business efforts. They stress that the root cause is often a lack of a clear, well‑defined goal and insufficient communication of that vision to the spouse. By articulating a concrete mission—such as building a large‑scale business in Cameroon that creates thousands of jobs—the entrepreneur can help the spouse understand the purpose and support the venture. The speakers also highlight the need for husbands (or partners) to take responsibility for explaining their plans in terms the spouse can grasp, to recognize the spouse’s own concerns or trust issues, and to involve them rather than treating them as a non‑partner. Understanding why a spouse might be resistant—whether due to past relationship dynamics, fear, or lack of information—allows the entrepreneur to address those concerns, fostering mutual prosperity that benefits the whole family.
Chapters
I would ask that young entrepreneur to go back and define his goal. When your goal is defined, you already have the why in it. So the goal can answer— the defined goal can answer a lot of that question. And I'm sure if your spouse behaves that way, that means you don't have a defined goal. Really a clear, clear, clear defined goal. answer a lot of questions. Let me use this illustration. Let's say one of my mission statements is to start a business in— I mean, this business in Cameroon and hire 5,000 to 10,000 people. And it's clear, so that can build the economy and empower people in Cameroon. Now, my wife knows that already. She knows my vision. She knows my goal. She knows what I want to accomplish. So how could she stay in between? But if I just say, hey, I want to help some people, and tomorrow I'm telling her I'm going to Cameroon.
Mm-hmm.
For what? I say, I want to go there and then help some people. She don't understand. That's why she can stay in between. But if you have a clear, defined goal, this is what I'm going to be in Cameroon. I'll be traveling often for that, for this purpose. This is how I'm going to get it done. I think she will do. she would really jump in and, you know, do everything to support and make sure the goals get accomplished. So I would say the first thing, first thing to make sure the person have a clear goal. And the second thing, make sure the person share the goal, the vision with the SPOT so they can understand exactly what the person is doing.
Thank you.
And another thing, sometimes we think, well, since my spouse is not my business partner, you know, I don't have to explain anything to her. So as a husband, you have to take time and explain, even though— even if she doesn't understand what you are saying, you have a duty to explain, hey, this is what I'm doing. And you have to, you know, bring that down to, you know, the level that she will understand. And make sure she know what you are doing and she understand, uh, particularly if she's interested. You know, some wives, they, they don't want— you know, they don't mind. They don't even want to know. They say, please, just, just go do what you need to do. So know your wife and make sure you understand her too. Um, you know, why she want to get in between, why she behave that way. Um, you know, you have to find— you have to answer those questions. Maybe she behave that way because you be You know, and you are using business to cover some of the stuff that she don't like. And just make clear and she'll get out of your way. I don't think any wife or any spouse can stop the, you know, the spouse to prosper. Because when the husband and wife prosper, the, the wife and the kids will benefit. They're the first people who benefit. So why she— why would she or he stay? on your way. The true question would be, you know, why she's staying on your way. Answer that one first, and then you will enjoy the spot. I don't know.
You know, that's real good. You brought up a good point there. Yeah, you know, after you've, um, you know, prepared her, or it's, it's the question is, is there a trust issue? Yeah, you know, how, how, you know, do I have a tainted past with my relationship? that she's judging my, you know, my future by, you know. So like you stated, that was great. Um, did I— have we talked about it? Have we talked through it? Have I, have I groomed her and prepared her for this next leg of the journey? Um, it's, it's so important, you know. We've got to be careful. Am I being selfish? You know, am I taking in consideration, um, how, how does she view business? How does she view what I'm doing? Have I explained to her, you know, um, the details of what this business is about? You know, so it could be from, you know, a place where she just don't understand.
Right.
And she, you know, um, oftentimes, like you said, if, if, you know, it's— if it's a business, it's going to be, uh, bringing income. It's going to provide for the whole family. So you're right, I don't see why she would want to stand in the way unless I'd given her reason to doubt my judgment, you know, about the business.
