
Years ago, I joined a company where I had barely spent three months working under the CEO. I was new, still finding my rhythm, when the newscame that he was stepping down. I had worked with him only briefly. But what I had heard, from peers, colleagues, even support staff, painted apicture of someone exceptional. A leader of rare class, quiet charisma, and most importantly, character.On his farewell day, I witnessed something I'll never forget. From the shop floor to the C-suite, every single person was crying, someopenly sobbing, others quietly wiping away their tears. Even I, standing quietly on the sidelines, couldn't hold back my own tears. Theair was thick with a shared sense of loss and gratitude. His leadership had created something lasting, something that reached evensomeone on the fringes like me.