Parallels in perseverance Caroline Platt, 2nd Gen Managing Director of Platts Agriculture, has raised thousands for charity through a series of personal challenges. After her latest adventure she writes about the parallels between these and leading a family business.
Much like crossing the desert on two wheels requires adapting to shifting conditions, running a family business means navigating long-term challenges. Beyond personal growth, I see these challenges as an opportunity to give back. My latest adventure was about more than the open road - it was about raising money for WeMindTheGap, a Wrexham-based charity supporting young people As someone who has continued to grow our family business, I feel a responsibility to ensure that we’re creating opportunities for the next generation. After all, they will be the ones who, one day, take the reins of family businesses and continue to drive them forward. Incorporating these personal adventures into my professional life is a reminder that we’re all part of something bigger. Like the challenges we face in business, the long road is never straight. It’s filled with moments of uncertainty, but those are the moments that make the journey worthwhile. facing barriers in education, employment, and training.
Earlier this year, I set off on a 10-day motorbike adventure across the Arabian Peninsula, riding from Dubai to Oman with a group of six, including Guinness World Record- breaking adventurer Neil Laughton. My passion for challenges began at 50 when I set a goal to visit the Seven Wonders of the World. Having already seen the Colosseum, Taj Mahal, and Machu Picchu, a pivotal moment came in 2023 when my friend Cherrie invited me to join a charity trek to Petra - my fourth wonder. Since then, I have continuously pushed my limits – trekking 100km in Wadi Rum, 60km Trek in the Arctic Circle, dancing the rumba for Nightingale House Hospice, and completing a 14.8-hour walk in honour of a friend’s late father. Each challenge I take on is driven by more than just personal achievement. It builds resilience, adaptability, and vision - qualities essential to both adventure and entrepreneurship. Facing obstacles on the road teaches the same lessons as overcoming business setbacks. Entrepreneurs must take calculated risks, adapt quickly, and maintain a strong work ethic, all whilst leveraging networks for collaboration and support. My experiences, from obtaining my motorbike licence in 2011 to earning my HGV qualification in 2017, have reinforced the value of stepping outside my comfort zone. These challenges fuel personal and professional growth, shaping me into a more determined leader. Through these experiences, I’ve come to see parallels between personal challenges and the struggles faced in family business.
Caroline Platt Managing Director Platts Agriculture
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