The unambiguous highlight of my week (and I know of so many others’) was this conversation on stage with Russell Gong Achal Patel Anesa "Nes" Parker. I wanted to share Russ’ post because his words and perspectives hit at the core of so much of what matters.
We have this false notion of "entrepreneurs" forging their own path or prevailing through adversity with individual exceptionalism. Nothing could be further from the truth in my experience. I believe that not an ounce of what I've done today has been achieved alone. And, not an ounce of what I hope to do will be achieved alone. Yesterday, I had a career milestone moment which I'll remember for the rest of my life. Achal Patel and I were invited to speak at Deloitte's Global Partners Summit by close mentor and captain Dan Helfrich to talk about Cabinet Health. In front of nearly 4,000 of the firm's consulting leaders, we shared how transformative business leaders are for the people around them. Especially early in their careers. Were it not for those leaders, I would not have met my close friend and business partner, had the foundations of our business, nor the courage to take on the vision. "Never under estimate the wake of your own words." Every coffee of encouragement, difficult debate, and critical feedback is measured, absorbed, and remembered. The most candid conversations are the most valuable. Off the stage, I ran into past leaders who had taken me under their wings. They challenged me, humbled me and in all of it made me believe that I was worth something. More importantly that my ideas -- if executed well -- were worth something. I can't express the feeling of running into them after all these years...decade overdue hugs are not something I get every day. I reflect on what a tremendous gift we as business leaders can give our employees. And, what a shame if we don't remember to do so. In my own development as a leader, I lose sight of that often in throes of daily operations. To me, Deloitte is an inexplicably thoughtful collection of leaders.The world needs a lot more of that and I know that it exists in many other companies beyond just this one. Last, I wish there was a natural and non-awkward forum for me to deeply share who each of these wonderful people are. But the best part is... they know exactly who they are and don't do it for the recognition. Forever grateful. Thank you.