All of your stakeholders have to have the right seat at the

The leader of enterprise, Brian France, once declared: “All of your stakeholders have to have the right seat at the table, and they all have to be successful. It’s hard to do, but you have to keep your eye on developing a meaningful relationship where it is beneficial for them. Then you work backwards from there.” In this utterance he reveals the ancient law of leadership—that the strength of any venture is not in the might of one, but in the harmony of many. To gather stakeholders is to summon an assembly of forces, and to give each the right seat is to establish order, respect, and purpose.

For the table is more than wood and stone; it is the symbol of unity. Around it, the voices of power, labor, and vision must sit together as equals, each honored for their part. When one is neglected, discord arises; when all are granted place and dignity, harmony prevails. Thus, France teaches that the mark of true governance is not the dominance of one voice, but the weaving of many into a single song of progress.

Yet, he does not hide the difficulty. “It’s hard to do,” he admits, for ambition, pride, and fear often fracture such unity. But the path forward is through the forging of meaningful relationships—not shallow bargains, but bonds where each finds true benefit. The wise leader asks not only, “What do I gain?” but, “How do they flourish?” In lifting others, he ensures that the whole edifice stands strong, rather than crumbling under the weight of inequality.

The teaching continues: once the goal of mutual success is clear, the leader must work backwards. This is the wisdom of the strategist, who envisions the summit before taking the first step. Knowing that all must thrive, he traces the path from that destiny, carving each decision with the end already fixed in sight. Thus, vision is not dream alone, but discipline in reverse—beginning with the triumph of all, and then building the road that leads to it.

So let this lesson be passed down: in every gathering of men, in every council of power, give each their right seat. Seek not only your own gain, but the flourishing of all. For in relationship, mutual and just, lies the key to lasting success. And remember—the wise do not stumble forward blindly, but work backwards from the vision of harmony, ensuring that all who sit at the table rise together in victory.