6,118 days resulting from a single game of racquetball

Opportunities often come your way when you least expect it. 2020 is no exception.

In 2003, I accepted an invitation to play racquetball with a professional acquaintance in Manhattan. It’s the one and only time I’ve played racquetball in the last two decades. I prefer to ski and play tennis. My opponent prefers golf. I have no idea how we ended up on the court that day, but we did.

Little did I know how important this hour of physical exercise would be to my professional career. Or how much of an impact the conversation would ultimately have on the next 17 years of my life. At the time, I was much more focused on not letting the hollow blue ball hit me in the face.

This professional adventure started off as part of a small family-owned business, which we sold to InnerWorkings during the “quiet period” leading up to its IPO in 2006. That initial event occurred less than two-and-a-half years after I joined the company.

The next 5,237 days with INWK were a great adventure. No regrets at all.

I’ve always aimed to surround myself with talented individuals who work closely together to overcome whatever complex challenges were thrown our way. The people I met along the way – at my company, at my clients, in the supplier community – contributed to an experience like no other. I’ve been fortunate to make many dear friends, be challenged by inspiring leaders, and travel to dozens of countries experiencing the diverse cultures in a special way that can only be realized when local hosts share their unique experiences with you.

Thank you to all the many people that positively impacted this memorable experience for me. I am not going to miss the chaotic boarding process at the Sao Paolo airport or the stray dogs running through the departure terminal in New Delhi, but I will miss all of you.

I already received many thoughtful notes from friends around the world. One of my favorite messages came in from a colleague in Europe who said,

"I keep my best memories of how you guided me at the beginning of my journey with INWK ... and in my mind you are the person associated with the INWK brand and from this side it seems quite symbolic that you leave the company now."

And a special client (and now friend) who supported me well before I had earned his respect thanked me for "sticking at it" and "the pleasure of your company throughout." The pleasure was all mine.

6,118 days in and it’s time to end my memorable journey with INWK. I wish my former colleagues and clients nothing but continued success and hope to hear about lots of exciting milestones achieved on the path forward.

Personally, I am looking forward to what’s on the horizon for all of us beyond 2020.

Stay safe. Be kind. Speak your mind. Make a difference.