Remembering a Mentor: Lessons in Planting Seeds

As I sit down to write this blog, I’m reminded of a mentor who had a profound impact on my professional journey. I first met him in 1996, and although he left us too soon—tragically taken in a hit-and-run accident in 2019—his influence is still deeply felt by me.

Our connection was immediate and meaningful. From the start, he challenged me to make difficult, unconventional career moves. His guidance wasn’t just about climbing the corporate ladder or achieving professional success; it was about understanding the importance of taking risks and planting seeds for the future, even if the results weren’t immediately visible.

One of the most valuable lessons he taught me was the significance of these “seeds.” He often said that the key to long-term success is to plant seeds—ideas, connections, and opportunities—and nurture them patiently. As I work on this blog and build something new from scratch, I can’t help but reflect on how this concept of planting seeds is a fitting tribute to his teachings.

He had this incredible ability to see potential where others might not. He didn’t just offer advice; he opened doors and guided me through them. His belief in my capabilities often surpassed my own, and that confidence helped me navigate career challenges with a new perspective.

One of the quirks of our relationship was his birthday, which falls on September 11th. I always remembered his birthday, which he found amusing. He never knew—at least never mentioned—that the reason it stuck with me was because of the significance of September 11th. For me, it was a day marked by both personal and historical weight, a day I’d always remember for different reasons. It felt almost symbolic that someone who taught me so much about planting seeds shared this date.

I remember being deeply moved at his viewing, more than I think anyone else. But then again, I am known for being "emotional." It’s a part of who I am, and I’ve learned to embrace it, even if it means I might shed a few more tears than most. Those moments of vulnerability are a testament to how much he meant to me and how deeply his loss was felt.

As I continue to cultivate my own path and share my experiences through this blog, I do so with a sense of gratitude for the lessons he imparted. Every new endeavor, every risk I take, is a tribute to his memory and the seeds he helped me plant.

So, here’s to you, Bill. Thank you for the lessons, the guidance, and the unwavering belief in me. Your influence lives on in the seeds I plant today, and I hope to honor your legacy by nurturing them into something meaningful and impactful.

What about you? Do you have a mentor or someone who’s made a significant impact on your life? How do you remember and honor them?