Iskender Dirik’s most important advice is not about fundraising or pitching: this Christmas, interview your parents. Set up a camera or just a phone and ask about their lives, how they met, what they struggled with and what wisdom they want to pass on. He postponed it, and after his father passed away the chance was gone.
I’ve shared a lot of advice over the years – on fundraising, pitching, communication.
But this is the one I’ll keep repeating. Every single year. Always at Christmas.
Because it’s more important than anything I’ve ever written about business.
This Christmas, interview your parents.
Set up a camera. Or just your phone.
Ask them questions. About their lives. About how they grew up.
How they met. What they’ve struggled with. What they’ve learned.
How it was to raise you. What wisdom they want to pass on.
Do it for yourself.
Do it for your children.
Do it for the generations to come.
Imagine you had a video like this of your grandparents. Or even great-grandparents.
Wouldn’t that be one of the most valuable things you could ever own?
Don’t wait until it’s too late.
I had planned to do exactly this with my parents.
But I postponed – business priorities came up (as they always do).
And then… my father passed away.
That opportunity is lost forever.
I don’t want you to make the same mistake.
Make the time – now.
Make an appointment that cannot be postponed.
Or even better – record the interview this Christmas, while you’re together.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. A phone is enough.
Since I first shared this idea, I’ve received deeply touching messages and photos from people who took it to heart – including someone who joined a 2hearts session I once ran:
That’s my one ask for you this Christmas.
Just one thing: schedule the interview. Or record it directly this holiday.
And if you do, I’d love to see it:
Send me a photo, a message, anything. I’ll be happy for you – and even more for your parents and the generations that follow.
Warmest wishes and happy holidays,
Iskender
Frequently asked questions
What is Iskender Dirik’s most important advice?
Interview your parents. He calls it more important than anything he has ever written about business and repeats it every year at Christmas.
What should you ask your parents in an interview?
Ask about their lives and how they grew up, how they met, what they struggled with and what they learned, how it was to raise you, and what wisdom they want to pass on.
Do you need professional equipment to record your parents?
No. It doesn’t have to be perfect. A phone is enough.
Why should you not postpone interviewing your parents?
Iskender planned to do it with his parents but postponed because business priorities came up. Then his father passed away, and that opportunity was lost forever.
