whether I took responsibility when mistakes happened.
“I didn’t hire you because you knew everything,” he said. “I hired you because you were willing to learn.”
Then he revealed the decision.
He wanted me to take over the company.
I stared at him, unable to speak.
“Richard, I can’t do that.”
“Why not?”
“Because I’m not you.”
For the first time that afternoon, he smiled.
“Good. I don’t need another me. I need someone who can lead in their own way.”
He explained that he would remain available during the
