“As a leader of a large team in the healthcare industry, I brought my team to a national meeting. I learned that one of my manager’s grown sons had driven 5 hours to try to see his dad for just a few minutes. The business dinner that night was mandatory for all, but I told John to leave with his son and have a quiet dinner alone. They did. John died 1 month later. He drowned while on a mission trip. I did what any decent leader would do – corralled our employer’s global teams to find his body for his family. At the funeral, I learned that private dinner was the last time John saw his son. Positive impact can make a difference anytime/anywhere and we have to be ready when life presents itself. John’s story of unconditional love for his family and his faith is still a reminder to me to keep striving to be a better person and a better leader.” – Laura Perkins