A Thank You Letter

35 years ago, today, August 5th, I met you for the first time. I was working at a local hospital, finished graduate school, went to interview for a healthcare consultant job in Cincinnati and...got it. What followed was a magical ride and I have you to thank for that. As I prepare to retire on September 19th, I wanted to share just how special you are to me.

We grew up together, didn’t we? When I joined, you ranked number eight of the Big Eight firms. Today, you’re the largest professional services firm in the world. I wore a suit with shoulder pads, a flower bowtie and went into the office on Saturdays for “face time with Gilman.” Today, if I happen to go out, I wear a mask, my home is my office, and I “face time with everyone!" The first year I shared a computer with Leo, and it was the size of a suitcase. I could barely reach the overhead bin to stow it for takeoff. We smoked on planes, drank in the office, and didn’t hate email, because we used voicemail or walked to each other's office on our way out at 5:00 pm. Today my computer lives on a device that fits in my hand. I’ve been known to text, IM and email you all before 5:00 am. And while I have flown around the world many times, I don’t know when I will fly again. Indeed, things have changed.

Still some things remain frighteningly the same. Our society is still protesting - and rightly so - the racial inequities that have gone on all too long. And while I wish that were not the case, I am proud of you for insisting on and driving change.

I hope I did not disappoint you. You shared the secret sauce, trusted me and tested me. You corrected my spelling with black felt tip, told me there was no crying in consulting, and gave me a seat at the table. You took me places I had never been, like Baltimore, Detroit, Hawaii, Dallas, Shanghai, Hyderabad, Paris and Rome. You opened my eyes, my mind and my doors.

My regard for you has only deepened as time folds in. Having watched you, I learned what it looks like to root oneself in the success of others, move from self to service, ask high mileage questions, assume positive intent, show not tell, use two ears and one mouth - in that ratio, follow the money, Look Again, fish where the fish are, appreciate done is better than perfect, and make a moment matter. You stepped in and up when I needed it most. The opportunities and experiences you gave me and the kindness you extended again and again are sometimes beyond my understanding, but give rise to my deepest gratitude. 

Historians Will and Ariel Durant once wrote that our only true significance comes after we have gathered up all that we have, and all we have been, and passed it on. I hope I passed on something you can use. You gave me the gift of your attention and as you grew, whether still here or working elsewhere, my joy rose in equal measure. You were right - I talked too fast, gave tough feedback, and pushed when you didn’t feel ready (even if you were still eating in the DU market). I only wanted you to go deeper, stay with it, and become the best version of yourself. Leaders don’t create followers; they create more leaders. It’s been my privilege to watch you become a leader.

Our relationship was always reciprocal. You taught me everything I know about social media. You helped me live with greater wellbeing. You reminded me that a leader’s job is to create capacity and that only comes from delegation and trust. You showed me what’s first is never second. And you proved honesty and forgiveness are the only way to saving grace. These gifts I hold dear.

You made it fun. Whether friends in the beginning, or new friends in the last few years, you have been a doorway to much joy. I am larger because of you. You shared your boat, gave me language to breakthrough Integrators, Drivers, and Guardians, and showed me Cannes. You have never been afraid of the impossible, the fantastic and the downright difficult.

And what great things we built together! 100 Wise Women, the first sustainable account teams, a billion-dollar sector, Courageous Principals, CORE, the #1 commercial services brand, the best creative in-house agency network anywhere, a world class CMO Program, our first global clients program, an amazing market development organization and Deloitte University - our leadership center emulated far and wide. The list goes on. I’m so proud of how hard we worked to meet our legendary commitment to “make an impact that matters.”

Just as important to me personally, with your help, IMPACT Autism was founded. Andrew, Kelly and Megan were three years old and newly diagnosed when our charity was conceived. Next month, they turn 25. Initially, a simple funding resource; today it's a powerful experience for adults with autism. The impact for people with autism has been immeasurable and your contributions made that impact. The great baseball player Jackie Robinson said, “A life isn’t significant except for its impact on others.” Your impact on me has been significant. I hope mine served you. 

While my last day at Deloitte will be here soon, it doesn’t end for me. Your love and laughter live on and will resonate in all I do. As for you - keep doing all the amazing things that make you, you. What a precious gift to have lived my purpose with people I love.

Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

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