“We give full weight to rewards and costs that happen right now, and we give half weight to rewards and costs that happen in the future,” he observed, which leads to a cycle of procrastination."
Lifestyle Management (LSM) is Africa’s most innovative and unique lifestyle and financial planning company. Pioneers of the life planning approach, LSM has had an extraordinary impact on its clients. Founded 14 years ago, LSM now serves over 25 nationalities across 30 countries with a private, bespoke service. Its revolutionary approach sets it apart. Les Symons, the founder, is one of Africa’s top personal development coaches, known for empowering individuals to take control of their lives. His sincere, highly valued guidance has earned him a stellar reputation. He spoke with Karen Inside Out about LSM and his passion for what he does.
Les, you’re considered an industry innovator for creating the ‘lifestyle planning’ process. What motivated this innovation?
“I developed the lifestyle planning concept because I was disillusioned with an industry that promised unrealistic returns. Many financial advisors focus on their gain rather than their client’s.”
Why is lifestyle planning so important?
As with many areas of life, Without clear goals, awareness, structured planning, and action, it’s unlikely you’ll reach a place that truly brings you happiness—whether it’s related to education, health, or finances. Many people are driven by money, but is it really about money itself or what it can provide? That’s where Lifestyle Planning comes in. It helps you focus on the bigger picture of how you want to live and what you want to provide for yourself and your family. We work with our clients to create strategies that align with their medium and long-term objectives, ensuring they achieve the lifestyle they truly desire.
Can you briefly describe this process?
The Lifestyle Planning process begins with an open and honest discussion to identify potential obstacles that might affect goal setting, long-term vision, planning, and decision-making. We then help clients define their future goals, ensuring clarity and often fostering agreement with their spouse, who may have a different perspective. Once goals and objectives are clear, we analyze current assets and resources to understand what’s needed to complement and enhance the existing situation. This helps us efficiently meet long-term goals with the available resources. If a client’s aspirations are overly ambitious, we work together to prioritize and balance their current lifestyle with future needs.
Your clientele are mainly international, but have you tried to educate the local market on this way of thinking? We understand this is not a well embraced concept here.
Both long-term planning and international wealth management tools are common in the West, but less so in regions like Kenya. Each of us is shaped by unique values, beliefs, and cultural differences that make us distinct. At LSM, we take these factors into account with empathy, crafting a tailored financial plan that aligns with individual values. As Kenya’s emerging middle class has thrived over the past decade, many have focused on property and entrepreneurial ventures. However, with time and the inevitable ups and downs, adopting a more structured and globally-informed approach to future planning will become more appealing. We’re committed to helping people realize the value of this long-term perspective.
Lifestyle Management is part of a bigger group?
LSM Africa, LSM Europe, and LSM Wealth offer personalized lifestyle planning advice and support to private clients across 25 nationalities. Meanwhile, LSM Coach is emerging as a leader in personal development training for individuals in international organizations. We focus on enhancing communication and presentation skills, empowering clients to communicate effectively with partners and stakeholders, especially when raising funds.
Your approach has been described globally as ‘unique’. Talk to me about what makes it different.
Our approach is often described as ‘unique’ on a global scale. Unlike the broader financial services industry, which typically centers around products and services, we focus on aligning with our clients’ specific needs and goals. We see our relationships as strategic partnerships, delivering tailored advice that goes beyond financial gains to address the mindset and overall well-being of our clients.
What prompted your desire to do things differently?
When asked what drives our approach, it stems from personal experience. As a parent, I realized that ensuring a quality life and creating future opportunities was far more significant than just focusing on percentages or pension schemes. True success lies in reaching the intended goals, and our planning is designed to do just that.
Tell me about LSM empowerment
As for LSM’s vision of empowerment, it’s about freedom—freedom to choose, to be, and to align with your true values. Empowerment is more than just a buzzword; it’s the foundation of everything we do.
What if, I, for example, was to start my lifestyle planning today? Where do I start? What do I do?
You speak to us!
How do I overcome all these obstacles to effectively change my life through this planning?
You speak to us!
Les, you have been doing a lot of one on one coaching to empower your clients. Talk to me about your perception of how this changes their lives?
To fully address that would require many more pages in your magazine! (laughs) Everyone, regardless of their cultural background, seeks certainty in their lives. Empowerment can lead you to that sense of security. However, given the limited time I have, I’d like everyone to consider the following:
- What purpose are you living for? Is it for your family, yourself, or your employer? Reflect on what truly matters most to you. (Just like when the pilot instructs you to put on your oxygen mask first before assisting others.)
- What outcome do you want? This is an essential question, both personally and in business.
For example, consider your goals: it’s not about the activities you plan, but the outcomes you aim to achieve. Many of us get caught up in the notion of “being busy,” losing sight of the actual results we want. As a result, we may feel justified in not meeting our objectives simply because we can demonstrate that we were busy.
You have kindly offered to give a regular feature in our magazine. Can you give us some insight into what topics will be covered?
Yes. How to be happy in all aspects of your life. To be passionate and focused. To dare to dream and make it a reality. Catch up soon, thanks!
LIFESTYLE MANAGEMENT: TEL: +254 (4) 777777333
info@lsmplan.com
