A Memorable Encounter

Welcome to the sixty-second edition of “In-Touch”. As always, I would love to continue the conversation so please let me know what you think in the comments below.

Story of the Week: "A Memorable Encounter"

The?Meze Tavern?in my hometown (Limassol, Cyprus) has long been my favourite and one that I visit frequently. Two days ago, my excellent meal there was made even more special when I noticed a familiar figure sitting just a few tables away: it was none other than the renowned author and leadership expert,?Robin Sharma!

Seeing him there felt totally surreal and, while recognising that it was a private moment for him, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to say a few words to a man whom I have admired and followed for so many years. With a mixture of awe and excitement, I walked over to his table, introduced myself and expressed my admiration for his work. I was delighted by the way he welcomed me and was happy to engage in a conversation, not only with me but with my 10-year-old son Rolando, who also got into the act!

The first thing that struck me most about Robin Sharma, other than his friendly, down-to-earth nature, was the fact that he was clearly very observant. He noticed the book I was holding (Will Guardia’s “Unreasonable Hospitality”, about how?Eleven Madison Park?came to be one of the best restaurants in New York City and the world) and told me that – by coincidence –he was currently listening to the audiobook version.

The second thing I realised was that, despite his global fame and accomplishments, Robin Sharma was sharing a meal in a simple tavern with his taxi driver. That spoke volumes about how much he values genuine connections and treats everyone with equal respect. It was a reminder that humility is a trait that transcends success.

Inspired by this brief but memorable encounter, I'd like to share three quotes by Robin Sharma, which, respectively, encapsulate beautifully the essence of observation, humility and kindness:

1. "Every great performer, iconic leader, and successful individual I have ever met is a passionate observer."
2. "The humblest individuals are often the greatest leaders, for their strength lies not in themselves, but in their ability to elevate and empower others."
3. "Kindness is not a sign of weakness; it is a mark of strength and a reflection of one's character."

It’s often said that we should never meet our heroes, as they may fail to fulfil our expectations. On Monday, I was extremely happy to discover first-hand that, in his personal life, Robin Sharma clearly espouses the principles that he promotes to his readers and listeners.

Words of Wisdom

On Credibility

“Live Your Message: Practice what you preach. That’s where credibility comes from.”

John C. Maxwell

A Question to Ponder, dear friend.

“Have you ever met one of your heroes? How did you feel?”

Best Regards,

Michael R. Virardi