Mentorship, championship, sponsorship, friendship

Just about two weeks ago, at a very special dinner for my son's 16th birthday in London, I received a text -- and then a phone call -- that a dear colleague and friend had died, victim to the aggressive recurrence of cancer throughout her body. I had seen her a few weeks earlier at a conference in Orlando where, upon giving me the warm welcoming hug I had always looked forward to, she informed me of the reality of this recurrence. But she -- and everyone else who knew her -- assumed that she would beat it again, as she had so many times before.

Madelaine Pfau, for anyone who knows Heidrick and Struggles and, in fact, for anyone who knows the executive search industry, stood apart, above and beyond. She was instrumental in recruiting me to the firm 20 years ago, brought me into many client engagements and internal initiatives, and was wholly, completely, and thoroughly committed to supporting others. In modern day organizations this role can fall into various categories (Mentorship, Championship, Sponsorship) -- each of which has different connotations and important distinctive nuances, as Madelaine would often point out. But her obituary stated it so well and oh so accurately: “In summary, Madelaine Pfau was an elemental force that was tireless in seeking to help others become more successful or just happier. She never counted the cost in time or effort if she thought it was possible to reach out and befriend another. Her values, her energy, and her actions were all coordinated toward her goal of helping others.”

It is rare, and an extreme privilege, when one is able to find a colleague such as Madelaine, someone who is as profoundly influential and impactful on our professional life as she was in my personal life. I will miss her, I know that so many others will miss her. As sad as I am, I will always suggest the following: "Be a Madelaine to others, and find your Madelaine." This is how we grow professionally as individuals, this is how organizations grow and thrive. And when it becomes a friendship, we are truly fortunate. As I certainly was.