And enjoying I DID!

What can I say? Looking back at over 3 years with KRM and ECCO, I am simply grateful for the time and the opportunity to work within an extremely welcoming culture (see the lovely card from my team), work together with great and smart people I′ve met all around the world from Indonesia to the USA, and of course for my fantastic team going all the way on an exciting journey in international E-Commerce, Omni-Channel, Marketing, Customer Care and Operations. You made my days anyhow, but what then happened, when my exit by end of June this year was announced some days ago, goes beyond belief at least for me. You leave me speechless, overwhelmed, encouraged, empowered and confident to achieve my goals, whatever they might be in the new journey to come. And here is why. A glimpse of what I was blessed with immediate feedback to the news of me leaving:

Noooooooo Tilman! I am in tears. What are we all going to do without you?! Who is going to achieve all the new goals without your help…. Very sad to see you go.

Hi Tilman! First of all congratulations on your decision and plans for the future. Secondly, I will really miss working with you! It has been and absolute pleasure the last couple of years and you will be greatly missed across the organization! It is a big loss for ECCO .

Noooo! Just read the announcement! We need more people like you in ECCO!

As the title of the email indicates I was truly sad to read that you have decided to leave ECCO…I know there is still some time until you leave, but I would like to thank you for always challenging us/me in a very constructive way, asking good and qualified questions, being an inspiration and last and very important ALWAYS being kind. Thank you. You will be truly missed at ECCO both personally and professionally. 

Just saw the announcement - what a brave decision and we will definitely miss you and your competences.

 That is the worst information I received this year…This is a true loss for ECCO …

It was strange to finally share the announcement! I just want to say that it is so sad you are leaving.

Congrats zu deiner Entscheidung. Aber, wahnsinnig schade.

We only live ones, very nice to see you follow your dreams and want to learn new things.

A big loss for ECCO Europe – but all the very best of success with your future endeavours!!

I am sad to see the news, as you were one of the great stakeholders I′ve had the chance to meet and work with in ECCO. Also I had a really nice time with you and the team in 1ECCO and the rest of the kick-off events.

 ECCO will miss you, but I am proud of you choosing to build something on your own. I completely respect and admire it. This inspires me for my future as well.

Tja, Tilman es ist sicher für uns alle eine gro?e traurige überraschung.

Congratulations and good luck on your new journey!

Great news!!! I am really happy for you, I wish you get as many clients as possible :)

My warmest wishes and congrats with your new challenges. You will rock!

Hey Tilman, just read the news. Big WOW! Congratulations. It will be sad to see you leaving but I am super happy for you, you are a great colleague, you will do amazingly well!

Hi Tilman! A surprising news, but a good move. I am happy for you that you take this step to realize what you really wish to do. It is inspiring…

I knew, I was okay. I was aware of great relationships across the company. I was confident, that our achievements have left a legacy in the business in Europe.

But little did I know, how much appreciation was there from the different teams, business units, regions and hierarchies throughout the entire organization. When have you been last time "an inspiration" for others and been told so, that you are. Crazy cool!

Above all, the "tsunami" of messages, e-mails and calls and the warm and at the same time honest words from by far more of those above mentioned are more than anything else the confirmation, that my kind of leadership, a leadership of appreciation, listening, actioning, improving on errors, protection and celebrating the journey rather than the outcome, is worth pursuing and continuing.

All of your encouraging words will build backbone of trust in myself, in my contribution and capabilities, whatever comes my way. And whenever I struggle, I will for sure look back to them. THANK YOU! YOU ROCK!

Tilman