A Message of Thanksgiving and Gratitude

As we step into November, a month filled with traditional holidays in the US and around the world, I feel a strong urge to share my deep gratitude for the people in my life—whether family, friends, or colleagues. I remember a pivotal moment when I had a conversation with the amazing executive coach during a tough phase in my career. She took the time to understand me and offered some invaluable insights and principles. One lesson that has stuck with me is the importance of gratitude. When I take a moment to pause in the midst of my busy days and focus on what truly matters, I am overwhelmed with thankfulness.

Family

My thoughts often drift to my grandparents and the lessons they taught me. They lived through the Great Depression and World War II, instilling values of frugality, resilience, and self-reliance. My parents opened up the world to me, emphasizing education, love, and tolerance. Their goal was to give my siblings and me "roots and wings," and they succeeded! Despite our differences and geographical distances, we share core values that foster discussions, debates, and unconditional love. My wife, my soulmate of 39 years, and I have grown together, weathering life's ups and downs, always returning to gratitude for each other and our faith. Our sons have grown into men of conviction and faith, filling us with pride. Two of them have found their own soulmates, blessing us with three beautiful grandchildren. When I'm with them, I often pause, take a deep breath, and feel an overwhelming sense of happiness and gratitude.

Health

My grandfather used to say, "It’s not the age, it’s the mileage," and I've certainly accumulated some mileage. 2022 brought significant health challenges and persistent back pain. I underwent major surgery in January 2023, which was daunting. At my one-year follow-up, I couldn't help but express my profound gratitude to my surgeon and his team. They not only relieved my pain but also restored my ability to enjoy everyday activities. I'm deeply thankful for the science, medicine, and healthcare professionals who have given me a renewed, active, and pain-free life.

Friends

I'm also incredibly thankful for my close friends who have provided unwavering support and encouragement. Their friendship has been a source of strength, allowing me to get back to exploring the world, enjoying bike rides, boating, road trips, sporting events, game nights, and culinary adventures.

Business

Over my 30+ year career, I've been fortunate to learn from and be supported by exceptional colleagues, team members, and leaders, many of whom I still stay in touch with. Sir Isaac Newton's adage, "we all stand on the shoulders of giants," resonates with me. I'm deeply thankful for those who have contributed to my growth and success. I'm also immensely grateful for my colleagues at Odgers, who show generosity and a collaborative spirit. Meeting talented leaders and discussing their potential as interim executives has been a privilege. Their commitment to giving more than they receive exemplifies servant leadership. I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the interim executives who have worked tirelessly under demanding conditions. I'm also grateful for the trust our clients place in us, especially during times of challenge and transformation. Without their support, our business wouldn't exist, and we are committed to advising and serving them.

As I reflect on gratitude and thankfulness, I realize I can improve in expressing my appreciation to those I hold dear. Recently, I saw the impact of a leadership team workshop focused on fostering deeper connections. The key takeaway was simple—saying "thank you" makes people feel appreciated. As we approach Thanksgiving and the holiday season, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on what you're thankful for and to share your gratitude openly.