He left us in the freezing night of a Chicago winter. To go to a tequila bar, we learned the next morning. He’s my age, and alcoholic, my boss for the last two years – and for another week exactly before the reorg. 

I’m sad. 

I realise now that it requires self-confidence and humility, to step aside and let me manage my team, my vision, his stakeholders. He is super smart and lazy. And hates his job honestly, he should just be coding. And working on his marriage. 

I’m grateful for the space he let me awkwardly, gracefully, sometimes anxiously. Many coaching sessions to answer “how do I support her when she doesn’t need me”.

This is how. By letting me go, clearing the path and cheering from the side. Thank you for everything.