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Ode to a mentor

3/21/2012

6 Comments

 
Picture
On March 10th a dear friend and mentor passed away.  David Moore was the President of Protected Investors of America when I first started working there back in the 90s.  I worked there for 5 years and had the pleasure of working under Dave for much of that time.  He was thoughtful, intuitive and taught me SO much not just about business but about life.  

I thought I would take this opportunity to pass on some of the wisdom I learned from Dave.
  • Every business is the relationship business. 
You may think you work in investments, or fabric, or apparel but the reality is ALL businesses are the relationship business.  If people enjoy working with you, and you gain and deserve their trust they will continue to want to work with you.  The item or topic may change but at the core every business is the relationship business.
  • The most important job of the head of any company is morale.
If people are happy and enjoy what they are doing, they will be productive and the business will prosper.  Good leadership always keeps the morale of the company as their main objective.

Another thing I learned from Dave was to appreciate good food.  He was a foodie before that word existed in our lexicon.  If you had the pleasure of going out to lunch or dinner with Dave you knew it was going to be an experience you would remember.  

When Dave retired I designed his new "un-business" cards for him.  He retired to sail on his boat the Wu Wei with his son, Richard.  On the back of his cards we had printed the explanation of Wu Wei:

"Wu wei doesn't try.  It doesn't think about it.  It just does.  And when it does, it doesn't appear to do much of anything.  But things get done.  Wu wei is like a sixth sense - being sensitive to circumstances.  One of the most convenient things about this sense is you don't have to make so many difficult decisions.  Instead, you can let them make themselves."

That sums up Dave's philosophy and one I still struggle to emulate.

Even after Dave retired we stayed in touch.  He was always just a phone call away with sound advice and thoughtful questions.  My life was richer with him in it.  His body is gone but his love and wisdom remains. 

When Dave retired he gave me the paperweight I always admired on his desk and a picture that hung in his office.  Both are still here with me and will always be treasured.  To quote the Peace Pilgrim, he has made the "glorious transition to a freer life."   
Smooth sailing, Captain!   
6 Comments
Pauline link
3/21/2012 08:29:48 pm

What a special tribute. You seem very blessed to have had Dave be a part in your life and I understand your sadness.

Reply
Jan link
3/22/2012 12:51:12 am

So sorry to hear your good friend died. But I'm happy for you that you had such a good mentor in your life. You are vey lucky to have known him. Hugs.

Reply
Rhonda Mark
3/25/2012 03:27:24 am

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My sense of your writing is that Dave was a wonderful friend and true gentleman!

Reply
Cathie Haynes
4/2/2012 02:07:06 am

Harmony, what a wonderful "ode" to Dave. Both Dwight and I, too, were sad to hear of him leaving his physical form. I can't help but think he is in a far more satisfying place now, leaving each of us to find our way . . . Cathie

Reply
Dwight
4/2/2012 02:41:23 am

Thanks for reminding me of why we hired Dave at Protected Investors of America. Who else would have supported a Tao of Pooh discussion group in corporate headquarters? He helped us to maintain the highest ethical standards in our investment advisory business as well as offering the sense of humor you capture so well in the photo. It was a real loss when he sailed away on the Wu Wei.

Reply
Teresa link
4/3/2012 12:37:58 am

What a nice post about your former boss/mentor!!!

Reply

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  • Fabrics
  • Ordering Fabric
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  • Who's Using our Fabrics?
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    • Online
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  • Why Organic?
    • Why Organic?
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    • Organic Evolution
    • Organic (r)evolution
  • About Us
    • Meet the Team
    • GOTS Certificate
    • History of Harmony Art
    • Artist Statement
    • Speaking
    • Trees Talk
  • Fabric Glossary
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