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: Chris Li
I first met Chris at a Scrum Gathering a few years ago. We interacted a bit several times during the conference but then I saw him do a lightening close. Chris was clearly someone that knew his material, had passion, could deliver with energy and heart. I knew immediately that this was someone that I could learn quite a bit from.
Since then, this has proven to be completely true. Every discussion and every interaction leaves me in a better place. I’ve already highlighted and appreciated his recent impact to me during
Agile2019. But I decided to do this appreciation for Chris for two reasons. One, he seriously was amazing as the facilitator for my stalwarts session. No way would that session have gone as well without his influence. Two, there are more things that he does behind the scenes/events.
So often, the agile community reconnects at conferences. This means, you could go months, even a year, without talking to someone. Chris and I don’t work together. I expected us to fall into that dynamic. Yet, Chris makes the extra effort. I will get a random email checking in. When I’m in town teaching, he finds time to meet me for dinner. When I’m struggling with something, he tries to show up just to give me a hug. Diana Larsen once referred to the Agile community as a tribe. When you are really lucky some of that tribe becomes a good friends that you cherish even more.
So thank you Chris, you have made a difference in my life!
Tricia
Picture from LinkedIn 
