Merry Christmas, Michele v. 1.0

In Memoriam: Michele - A Legacy of Dedication and Loyalty

With a tinge of melancholy, I reflect on the life and legacy of Michele, a devoted field marketing manager at one of the American ERP corporations where I once worked. Michele's almost 40-year commitment to the same company, her first and last job, sets her apart in a world where keeping a job for life is a rarity.

Who was Michele?

She was a colleague from the NA Field Marketing Team, actually more than just a field marketing manager in charge of distribution; she was an unsung hero, a precise professional, and a compassionate soul who left an indelible mark on all who worked with her. Opinions about her varied—some liked her, others loved her, and a few kept their distance due to her meticulous nature. However, everyone in the company, from the highest echelons to the lowest ranks, held a deep respect for her.

The woman was truly a survivor, possessing a feisty spirit. Hailing from the beautiful state of Florida, she embodied the essence of a resilient American lady with dry humour.

When things were going well, she would say: "Well, that right there looks good to me." However, if she harboured any dissatisfaction, she'd say: "Well, I ain't sure 'bout what y'all done sent my way, but it sure doesn't look right to me. I dunno, I mean... , ya know?"

Notably, she had a unique way of emphasising her concerns – circling everything in bright fluorescent yellow for better visibility.?

Clear, direct, and precise - this was Michele. I always asked if they could assign her tasks to me. I loved working with her.

Life, however, took an unexpected turn in early December 2020.

"I done caught myself a nasty cold. Just feelin' downright lousy, ya know? I reckon I snagged a peculiar bug." she mentioned one day, when we were reviewing the campaigns, all pending information and making sure the assets sat right on the page, that all stakeholders were aligned, and told everyone what to do when. The Q4 was always stressful; you needed to get the numbers in the hope of getting a bonus.

It was the peak of Covid-19, Michelle fell ill, and all went silent for a couple of weeks. So unusual. She would always check and ask if I got everything I needed from her and request the number of leads, reports, results and test emails. She really cared for her work. I got worried and contacted her manager to find out what was going on. "The only thing you could do right now, is to say a prayer." was her answer. And so I did. Just the thought of the inevitable filled me with sadness. I never met Michele in person; we'd joked she'd take me out when I got to Florida one day. She wanted to take me to the best taco restaurant in Pampa, as I never tasted tacos in my life.

The sudden news of her passing just before Christmas 2020 left us grappling with the reality of her absence. It was hard to find words.

In an era of rapid corporate turnovers and constant layoffs, Michelle's 40-year commitment stood out, defying the transient nature of data-driven leadership decisions.

A casual post about her death on LinkedIn became a fleeting tribute, and memories began to fade.

The shifts in corporate dynamics brought new faces to marketing teams, sales, many other teams and the HR team. Newcomers, unfamiliar with Michelle's contributions or anyone else's, were preoccupied with finding their own paths and daily tasks. It was understandable. I wouldn't be any different.

At that very moment, I made a personal promise to remember Michele and everyone working alongside me, especially those who employed me, my managers, my learning buddies, and my team colleagues from all across the planet. The good ones matter to me and they always will.

Christmas is here, and the end of the year 2023 is approaching. What a year we had! In 2023, my chosen word for the year was "Leiwand," which, in Viennese slang, translates to "Awesome." Only time will tell how awesome this year was, but I intend to be more mindful in selecting my word for 2024.

Michele version 1.0 (there is no other version) is a reminder that behind every job title is an individual with a beating heart, a story and a unique contribution. Michele's life underscores the importance of recognising and honouring unsung heroes who shape the organisations they serve.

The essence of success and teamwork lies in embodying "diligent work, kindness, and support" – principles I aim to exemplify. A positive mindset delivers positive results and serves as a source of motivation for us and those around us. Together, we've got this!

Merry Christmas!

May the New Year bring you endless opportunities, happiness, and success.