An Open Letter To Every Boss I've Ever Had

The word "boss" is strange to me. If you look up what it actually means, it has a negative connotation.

Look below at the various definitions. Someone who is in charge of you. Gives orders in a domineering manner. Dictates, and orders you around.

For sake of this conversation, I'll be referring to the leaders I've worked with as managers. I don't lack humility; I just prefer to view those who are better and smarter than me as a teacher, not a boss.

Today I'm starting a new journey at a phenomenal company, Sales Hacker. If you're not familiar with us, we're a leading B2B community that helps sales professionals learn, succeed, advance, and navigate through the world of sales.

I've been given the opportunity to run marketing operations and take the organization to the next level. I'm excited, anxious, humbled, determined, and inspired - all at the same damn time.

Considering that just 4 years ago I was broke, depressed, and had no clue what to do with my life, I felt this would be a good time to reflect and express a degree of gratitude to all the employers who have served me well throughout my professional journey thus far.

1. Carlil Guiden: Time Warner Cable

Dear Carlil,

First and foremost, thanks for understanding that I wasn't planning to be at TWC for the long haul.

This was a great stepping stone job that allowed me to balance my busy graduate school schedule, and earn some cash while at it.

I remember being very frustrated with the nature of being in a support role with expectations to hit sales quotas. You were able to put yourself in my shoes and understand my introverted personality; and based on that, you gave me coaching that would fit my style.

Aside from providing excellent leadership, you always made work fun and enjoyable. Tough sales environments need managers like you to make things easier for folks who are in the trenches.

Thanks for all you did for me.

2. Rich Morales: The Lodge Mastering Studio

Dear Rich,

It seems like just yesterday we were in the studio late on a Friday night, ordering Pizzas and finishing up client mastering packages.

In the midst of all the madness, you taught me a very crucial lesson. Work ethic.

You led by example, with grace and humility. Didn't matter if we had superstar artists visiting, or if it was just interns, you held the same demeanor at all times. I really admired that.

I'm super proud to see you pursuing your passion as an entrepreneur, with the launch of Super Fine Audio. You became more than just my manager at The Lodge. I consider you to be an inner circle close friend, and I couldn't be happier about that.

3. Paul Barnes: McKinney Rogers

Dear Paul,

We had some good times on those HPT sessions! Your Scottish accent (not pronouncing the hard T) will be forever recorded in my brain.

One thing I always admired about you was how humble you are. Putting in extra hours, getting your hands dirty with tactical work, and not seeking special recognition for it; that is a quality that not many managers have, and I certainly commend you for it.

I was managing some of the company's biggest accounts, and under a lot of pressure at the time. You always did your best to give me guidance from a practical standpoint, even while on the road.

Thanks for always looking out for my best interest. Cheers mate!

4. Mike King: iPullRank

Dear Mike,

Don't mind me, just really trying to "keep it honest here."

It's only right for me to start by saying that I would not be where I'm at today if it weren't for you.

With no proven SEO track record, you gave me my first shot at the SEO big leagues.

I think the biggest problem with hiring managers in today's world is they look at a checklist, and if a candidate doesn't hit those exact criteria, they will be disqualified.

Thankfully, that wasn't the case with me. You graciously extended the opportunity to demonstrate my potential. To this day, we still laugh about the fact that I walked into my interview looking like I just had a meeting with Joe Pesci.

It turned out to be a successful engagement for me at iPullRank. You showed me the ropes, exposed me to some huge brands, and gave me the freedom to find myself professionally.

I learned how to execute Audits on sites with millions of pages, build in-depth content strategies, analyze massive backlink profiles, flex my copywriting prowess, and develop my professional skills to a level I never thought I'd reach.

Thanks for taking a shot on me. I sincerely mean that.

5. Brad Zomick: Pipedrive

Dear Brad,

I have to say - you're probably the most enthusiastic and passionate digital marketer I know. You really love what you do, and it shows!

I always admired your ability to remain positive during difficult times. When things got rough, you did your best to promote positivity.

The other characteristic I always appreciated was your willingness to encourage creativity, collaboration, and new ideas from the team. That might sound like a pretty regular thing that we'd expect from most managers. But the truth is, that doesn't always happen.

You positioned me within the organization as a leader and subject matter expert. You allowed me to spread my wings, build a plan, and execute. You can't put a price tag on empowering employees, and I'm grateful you empowered me to succeed.

6. Max Altschuler: Sales Hacker

Dear Max,

This is the first official day we're working together. You're placing a great deal of faith and trust in me to take Sales Hacker to the next level, and I want you to know that I don't take it lightly. I'm extremely thankful to be a part of the movement, so here's my open expression of gratitude for this opportunity.

Back when we first started talking, I had a few different career options. You said:

"You can be Kevin Durant and go to the Warriors, or you can take the opportunity to build something special yourself."

That really stuck with me throughout my decision making process, and I'm glad I made the right choice.

You gave me the keys to the ship, and I'm going to hold myself accountable for it.

If there's one thing I've learned about being successful in marketing (and business) - it's work ethic. Some people may code better than me, write better than me, have stronger business relationships, but they won't outwork me. I can't be outworked, and that's a promise!

I would never guarantee you that we'll rank #1 for every sales term, or that we'll get thousands of backlinks, social shares, conversions, in one day. But we will get there eventually.

Thanks for putting your trust and faith in me.

Sincerely,

Gaetano