If you think succession planning is tricky, try doing it for a llama.
Yes, really.
Our iconic bow-tie-wearing boys have been part of The Wellbeing Farm’s story from the very beginning. They’ve charmed wedding guests, posed for countless selfies, and even managed to upstage the occasional bride. But as much as we love them, time marches on.
The truth hit me recently when I realised that some of my beloved llamas are now nearly 20 years old. With the average llama lifespan being between 15 and 25 years, it’s something I can’t ignore any longer. Sadly, one of them is showing signs of arthritis, and another has started slowing down. I hate it, of course. Like any pet, you become deeply attached. But this is more than just a personal heartbreak. For our business, it’s a lesson in leadership, legacy, and the power of forward planning.
Creating a Llama Succession Plan (Yes, Really!)
So… it’s time for a llama succession plan.
Now, before you picture me sitting in the office drafting a PowerPoint with llama names and job titles, let me explain. Succession planning at The Wellbeing Farm has always gone beyond spreadsheets and systems. It’s about people, animals, and purpose. It’s about making sure that the heart of the farm—the values and the joy—live on.
Our llamas aren’t just part of the scenery. They’re part of our brand, our culture, and our community. Guests light up when they see them wander past in their bow ties. They’ve become symbolic of what we stand for: fun, sustainability, connection, and authenticity. Losing them without preparing for what comes next would be like removing the soul of the business.
So yes, I went llama shopping this week.
And no—before you ask—there is no Amazon Prime for llamas, and thankfully, there’s no Click and Collect either! You can’t simply “add to basket” when it comes to finding the right animals to join our family. Just like choosing a key hire in your business, it takes time, care, and instinct. You’re not just looking for skills—you’re looking for personality, chemistry, and a spark that fits your culture.
The Parallels Between Business and Barnyard
As I started thinking about our next generation of farm stars, I realised just how many similarities there are between business succession and llama succession.
In any organisation—large or small—succession planning is about legacy. It’s about ensuring that when someone (or something) vital steps away, the essence of the business doesn’t disappear with them. Too often, leaders leave this until it’s too late. They assume the future will sort itself out. It rarely does.
For me, succession planning at The Wellbeing Farm has always been a blend of heart and strategy. Whether we’re training new staff, introducing sustainable practices, or preparing for our next generation of four-legged ambassadors, the focus is always the same: continuity and culture.
The llamas represent so much more than cute photo opportunities. They’re part of the reason guests remember us. They’re part of our values—joy, wellbeing, and purpose. Losing them without preparing for the future would mean losing a little piece of that identity.
What Businesses Can Learn from a Llama Succession Plan
Behind the laughs and the llama drama, there’s a serious message here for any business leader. Succession planning isn’t just for corporate boardrooms—it’s essential for every organisation, no matter its size or industry.
It’s not about writing job descriptions or keeping a list of names on standby. It’s about identifying what truly makes your business tick. Who (or what) embodies your values? Who brings the energy, the joy, and the purpose that customers connect with? And most importantly, how do you make sure that continues when change comes knocking?
For us, it’s the llamas. For you, it might be a long-serving team member, a family member, or even a signature product or service.
When you think about succession planning from this perspective, it becomes much more than a process—it becomes an act of care. It’s about protecting not just the business, but the legacy it represents.
Legacy, Values, and Continuity
Every business faces moments where it has to evolve. The challenge is doing it without losing the heart that made it special in the first place. That’s what succession planning is really about. It’s not a cold, administrative task—it’s an emotional and strategic balancing act.
At The Wellbeing Farm, everything we do is built around values. Fun, sustainability, and community aren’t just words on a wall—they’re woven into every decision we make. Whether we’re hiring staff, planning events, or (apparently) sourcing new llamas, those values guide us.
The same applies to leadership transitions in any organisation. When you know your values, it becomes much easier to decide who will carry them forward. It’s not about replacing people—it’s about ensuring the culture continues.
So as I begin the search for our next generation of fluffy superstars, I’m thinking beyond looks and temperament. I’m looking for attitude, charisma, and a strong love for bow ties. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that authenticity matters—whether you’re hiring a new manager or welcoming a new llama.
Lessons for Leaders – Think Like a Farmer
Farm life has a funny way of teaching you leadership lessons. Nature doesn’t wait. Seasons change. Animals age. Plans have to adapt. The same applies to business.
If you wait until a crisis hits to think about the future, it’s already too late. True succession planning starts early. It involves conversations, training, mentorship, and trust. It’s about giving people (or in my case, llamas) the space to grow into their roles before they’re needed.
As a leader, that can be hard. It means letting go of control, delegating, and sometimes facing uncomfortable truths. But it’s also freeing. When you know you’ve prepared for the future, you can focus on leading in the present.
So, if you haven’t thought about your own succession plan yet, take a leaf from my llama manual. Start now. Identify the heart of your business, protect it, and make sure it can keep beating long after you’ve stepped back.
Finding Joy in the Process
Yes, this story began with llamas. But for me, it’s about joy and purpose too.
Running a B Corp-certified business means thinking about long-term impact. Every decision—no matter how small—contributes to the bigger picture. Even llama shopping becomes part of that. It’s about sustainability in every sense: environmental, financial, and emotional.
The llamas remind me daily that business can be joyful. They make people smile, create connection, and turn moments into memories. And that’s what succession planning should do too—it should create hope for the future, not fear of change.
So, while the hunt is on for our next fluffy superstar, I’m also taking time to reflect on what these animals have taught me. They’ve shown me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest or the most powerful. It’s about showing up, creating trust, and making others feel seen and valued. Whether those “others” are team members or wedding guests, it all comes down to the same thing—connection.
The Future of the Farm
As we step into the next chapter, I’m filled with both gratitude and excitement. Our new llamas will bring fresh energy, just as every new team member brings new ideas. That’s the beauty of evolution.
Succession planning doesn’t have to mean losing what you love—it can mean amplifying it. It’s an opportunity to blend tradition with transformation. To hold onto your roots while reaching for new heights.
So watch this space. The Wellbeing Farm is on the lookout for its next generation of stars. They’ll need personality, presence, and a flair for posing in a bow tie. Because here, even our succession plans come with a dash of sparkle.
And if you’re a business leader reading this, take it as your sign. Don’t wait for change to arrive—plan for it. Because whether it’s a CEO or a llama, the future of your business deserves thought, care, and love.
