We were overwhelmed by the reactions to the sudden death of our friend and colleague Heiko Sulimma. In the obituary, I asked on LinkedIn what gives us strength and support. What is worth getting up for in the morning and what we are grateful for at the end of each day. What is really important to us.
These words have now been read by more than 90,000 people, hundreds have responded and some have written very personal messages. Obviously, the question of “why?”, the meaning of our lives and our actions and the right moment for us is on the minds of many of us – it is omnipresent.
The moment when we suddenly realize that our existence and actions are finite makes us think. What do we want to achieve as long as we are here? What do we want to leave behind, what should remain?
My answer, both professionally and privately, has become very clear once again in the last few days: I want to create a connection, a togetherness, a for-one-another and I want to do this wholeheartedly. In a professional context, the term “lifeblood” is perhaps more appropriate. Here at MontuaPartner, we put our heart and soul into getting people to talk to each other, to be open to reflection and to develop their full potential. Vulnerability is part of it – I have to embrace it and allow it if I want to grow. In my day-to-day work, I would call this a healthy corporate culture and authentic internal communication.
In the private sphere, connection is a form of love. Being attentive and mindful for family and friends, taking responsibility. Having time and showing feelings. Vulnerability is much greater at this point. It has to be in order to create and maintain genuine and reliable connections.
Thank you to everyone who has given me, my colleagues and Heiko’s family courage and strength with their comments. What really gives me stability in life is the feeling that I am not alone, but connected – in this case with people who share my compassion, consternation and vulnerability.
Copyright lead image: Unsplash/Clay Banks