Values, Not Just Assets, Took Center Stage

January 22, 2026 1 min read

Something subtle but meaningful happened in 2025. Estate planning started to sound less like accounting and more like storytelling.

People still cared about money, of course. But they cared more openly about meaning. What their wealth represented. What they wanted it to support.

Charitable giving became more intentional. Instead of generic bequests, clients chose causes tied to personal beliefs—education access, environmental protection, community healthcare. Donor-advised funds and charitable trusts weren’t just tax-efficient; they were expressive.

Ethical wills also gained traction. Not legal documents, but personal ones. Messages about work ethic, family history, hope for the future. These additions didn’t replace legal plans—they softened them.

In both the U.S. and Canada, planners noticed that clients wanted to be remembered clearly, not just accurately. They wanted heirs to understand *who they were*, not just what they owned.

That shift changed the tone of estate planning meetings from less transactional to more reflective. By the end of the year, it felt like estate planning had reclaimed something human. Not just preparation for death, but preparation for continuity.

Richard Sanders, CPA, CA, CBV is a seasoned professional and Partner at a leading global Accounting firm, bringing over 35 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in Accounting & Finance, he has demonstrated a keen sense of the challenges to business management and growth throughout his career.

Having held key partnerships with several Accounting firms, Richard has a proven track record of success in advising businesses in areas ranging from Audit to Internal Controls, Tax and Valuations. His strategic thinking has been crucial in guiding organizations through periods of startup and growth.

As an advisory board member, Richard provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on Audit, Finance and Accounting. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s strategy and driving sustainable growth over the long term.

Richard holds a Bachelor of Accounting & Business Management from the University of Toronto. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Accounting industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Richard’s passion for success and his commitment to guiding businesses make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board.

Bob is a distinguished leader in Software M&A, bringing over 40 years of invaluable experience to the advisory board. With a background in the Canadian & US Information Technology sectors, he has demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges driving business innovation and fostering growth throughout his career.

Having held prominent roles within the Fortune 500, Bob has a proven track record of success in supercharging business growth. His strategic acumen and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in guiding organizations through periods of change and transformation.

As an advisory board member, Bob provides strategic counsel and invaluable insights on business development, partnerships and strategic alliances. His expertise and vision play a vital role in shaping the organization’s long-term strategy and driving sustainable growth.

Bob holds a BSc in Physics and Mathematics from the University of Ottawa. He continues to stay at the forefront of the Information Technology industry’s developments through ongoing education and professional development initiatives.

Bob’s passion for excellence and his unwavering commitment to the Software Industry make him an invaluable asset to the advisory board, driving the organization’s mission and vision forward with clarity and purpose.

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