A few early morning musings today. These always surprise me.  Not only because they show up. But more because they are so vivid … compelling.

Anyway. This morning? A friend of one comes to mind. I’ll not identify him here, because he probably would prefer I not. One of the reasons I write about him. I just am a sucker for genuine humility … true authenticity.

“This guy …” (A phrase he uses often) is unique. Accomplished … good. Very aware … Ok. Smart, really smart (doesn’t wear it on his sleeve) … Has “It” … a quality I see in a few that is always so illuminating. Attracts good things. Accordingly others might say, “He’s such a lucky person.” He is. Has a lot of good luck. He has “It.”

Saw my friend as a leader when I arrived in Atlanta in 1990. In various capacities. I’ll not mention where here for fear I’ll reveal his identity. I was fascinated. “I want to meet ‘this guy’ someday.” Knowing how our shared “energy” would eventually converge, we did meet. But it was years later. Can’t remember how many. Oh, we passed each other casually a few times. But I watched him. Admired his “leading from behind” style. No need to push his ego out … front and center. Unusual for a guy, young, ambitious like him? Most his age just love the stage. The profile. Ego is usually front and center.

He’s built a wonderful business. Big one. But yeah … you guessed it. Very low profile. Understated. Small team by his industry’s standards. But big in revenue. And I imagine big profit margin too. Gives generously of his time, his treasure. Consistent tone and mood of personality when I’m with him. Very professional. Yet I admire his willingness to be open with me … to “go there.” Beyond normal chatter. No “one upping.” one another. You know. Mine’s bigger than yours …

He tells me feels pressure. Is stressed. He’s honest about this although you’d swear he wasn’t experiencing a ripple of stress when you’re with him. 

He shared with me the other day, “We all have stuff. Nobody, regardless of outward appearance doesn’t have stuff.”

“This guy” has lived through tragedy. Defines him in a way. I’ve studied great leaders for decades and always marveled how tragedies have opened capacity to do big things … led them to create significance in their lives. Think like my friend, the memory of loss is and will always be there. But leaders don’t martyr. Accept their loss. Actually grow from it. Park it in a special place and move forward.

(A thought comes to me this instant. My friend because I admire him so? He’s one of a couple of people I always want more of when we part. Actually feel he’s one level above me. I find myself emulating him at times. That’s how we grow. The people we meet and the books we read. Both fuel personal growth.)

I feel fortunate that “this guy” calls me friend. I’ve admired and actually depended on him for the last fifteen years. Won’t tell you how. Remember my commitment not to reveal his identity?

That’s enough. Just wanted to get this on the record. “This guy” is someone I want to remember. And like most of the inspiration that drives “The Space Between the Notes” “The weakest pencil stroke is better than the strongest memory.” This why I write this piece here.