The essence of talking to each other

I had already carefully prepared the topic and content for this week's newsletter. I wanted to summarize my experiences and insights from all the conferences and trade shows I attended in the second quarter of this year.

I wanted to write that #SIMPPAR in Grasse, the #BSP One Day Symposium in the UK and #ChemSpeceurope in Düsseldorf were fantastic events with so many great contacts that I can hardly keep track of them all.

I wanted to mention that even #CPHI North America, which was very small and “quiet,” ultimately resulted in two new contacts that will be very valuable in the future. I met great people in very good companies and am looking forward to starting some projects together.

I also wanted to talk about the latest developments in sustainability and how I feel that TRUE bio-based chemistry will be the new standard - faster than you can say "Quidditch!"

I wanted to point out that there are still too many critical molecules missing from the puzzle, even though it is possible to produce them “green” and the demand is there.

That was my plan…..

And then this morning I received news that a former colleague and employee had died at the age of 53. He (his name was Thomas) was one of the most intelligent and funniest people on the planet. He played with words like an artist and left you speechless and laughing at the same time. If you asked a question he would always answer, and his answer was always 100% correct. He even took false assumptions out of stupid questions (if you know what I mean) before providing an answer.

It's not just his ridiculously young age, but also the fact that he left this world quietly and we hadn't spoken in years. Not on purpose, it just happened. And not just me, but almost all of his former colleagues found out about it today only. He left last October.

I wonder why I haven't found time to text or call in the last few years.

?

And now that I think about it, especially over the last two years I met hundreds of people and companies, I learned about potential new opportunities and technologies every day, and I'm grateful for those insights as they give me the knowledge and experience to make my projects successful. They are key to enable me to fulfill my professional promises, as an ambassador for sustainable molecules, as an independent sales representative and as a consultant on technology projects.

Talking to people is one of the key parts of my business. Through all these conversations I learn, connect the dots and expand my knowledge, but I also grow personally. It changes the way I look at things.

This news today has also changed my perspective. Not only in private life, but also in professional relationships, it is so important to keep in touch and talk to people you value.

They might be gone faster than you can say “Breshnew.”

This last sentence is for you, Thomas.