Unfortunately, saying thank you seems to be an after thought more and more. So at least once a month, I will take a few minutes to publicly appreciate someone that has had an impact on me.
This round: Mitch Lacey
I really wish I could remember exactly what year I met Mitch. I do know when I began getting to know him a little better was when I was a first time track chair for the Agile Alliance conference. During the retrospective, I was incredibly intimated being around all of these amazing people that I had been learning from for years. I must have looked that way too because true to the Mitch I know today, he casually quipped something about no one here is that big of a deal with a laugh. Immediately, I felt more at ease. Then over the years, we both remained involved in Agile Alliance event organization roles.
Fast forward to this past year. At Agile2018, he wasn’t feeling the best and yet he took the time to check in with me. Every time I talk with Mitch, I know he understands the challenges that I faced and is able to truly be supportive. Now this in itself is worthy of an appreciation but Mitch went above and beyond.
Out of the blue, I received an email simply to check in. How was I doing overall? How am I doing after Hussman’s passing? How is work going? etc. Sometimes, Agile relationships can feel tied only to conferences – like mini reunions. Then every once in a while you remember that there are a few that are beyond that.
So thank you Mitch, for seeing the potential in me to help Agile Alliance, for continuing to invest in me, for reaching out randomly and for always listening. Mad respect.
Tricia
Picture from LinkedIn
