On Meeting Our Heroes. In Memory of Brant Cooper.

Don't meet your heroes, they say. Especially the ones you "know" from social media. After all, can they really be as genuine in 3-D as they come off as online?

Well I did meet one of my heroes.?

Our paths first crossed serendipitously in a New York City taxi of all places, about a dozen years ago. Back then I was a textbook New Yorker rushing thoughtlessly to get somewhere, while he was the quintessential Californian modeling a calm my day / life could only benefit from, and yet from that first moment he offered to share his cab Brant shattered every preconception I might have had about him and "his world."

Brant Cooper wasn't just a Lean Startup pioneer or a New York Times bestselling author. He was a beacon of authenticity, generosity, and wisdom. His disarming approachability and genuine interest in others made him more than just a respected figure in the innovation field - he became a trusted mentor, an inspiring colleague, and a cherished friend.

Over the years Brant's impact on our industry and on individuals like myself was profound. He had an extraordinary ability to model and then ignite passion in others. His speaking engagements and webinars weren't just presentations, they were masterclasses in innovation and thoughtful leadership. His presence at events wasn't just attendance, but an opportunity for meaningful connection and growth.

Brant showed us that our work could be more than just a job - it could be a calling. He was one of the people in my orbit who seamlessly transitioned us from being colleagues into a community of learners, innovators, and dreamers. There were times he was my sounding board, my teacher, my mirror, and yes, my hero.

Yesterday the world lost a visionary - and damnit, far, far too soon. But I've no doubt Brant's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the innovative thinking he inspired. His ideas will continue to shape the world of innovation and by extension the world of work, and his spirit of generosity and collaboration will forever influence how we work and connect with one another.

May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest, my friend. Your impact on this world was immeasurable, and my gratitude for your time, guidance and thoughtfulness abounds. I am so grateful the Universe put your cab - and you - in my path.

And may your family and loved ones find strength and solace in the meaningful legacy you leave behind.?

You remain deeply respected and appreciated, and you will be so very missed. Finally, thank you for proving that yes, sometimes heroes don't in fact meet our expectations.

They exceed them.

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Toni

#startup #innovation #brantcooper #thoughtleader #RIP