When a good friend of mine from college reached out to me earlier this year in an effort to catch up after many years of separation of time and distance, I let him know that I would love to catch up with him again soon now that he was back in Louisville. Days, weeks and months passed, and I only learned of his obituary in the local paper from another friend. He was literally dying when I told him I was “too busy” at the moment to meet up with him, so you can imagine my feelings of remorse and disservice as a friend when I snubbed his invite to reconnect due to my mounting professional and personal obligations.
Brad is not the only important individual I’ve neglected over the course of the last year due to mounting obligations in my life, but it was especially painful to learn of his death. He knew he was dying, but he didn’t and shouldn’t have had to disclose this detail when he reached out to me. With this unfortunate event in mind, and compounded by the fact that I’ve neglected to nurture the many relationships and personal needs and duties as a happily married man and father to a beautiful young daughter, I have decided to resign from my position as the new media strategist at Yum.
My last day is June 13, though I remain a loyal fan, consumer and advocate for Yum’s efforts to make the world a better place. The decision to leave my role was a very difficult one to consider and negotiate, but I know I’m doing what’s best for my family and personal health.
If there are inflection points in life, one of them for me was the winter of 1998 when I got to know Brad and the many people and experiences I encountered while studying and living in Mexico. My time then and there changed my life for the better. Ten years later I find myself at another important inflection point that considers my personal character, and my needs as a father and husband.
I’m not sure where I’ll end up next in these next steps of my personal and professional journey in life, but I am certain the right path will reveal itself. I will truly miss the outstanding people, experiences and learning opportunities afforded to me by virtue of being part of the Yum! Brands organization, though I look forward to a new chapter in my life in which my priorities and perspectives match my personal values, virtues and needs. I couldn’t be more thankful for my time with this incredible company and its people, but I look forward to dedicating my remaining days on this earth - as ephemeral as they may be - to making a positive difference in the lives of those that surround and remain most important to me.
“What do we leave behind when we cross each frontier? Each moment seems split in two; melancholy for what was left behind and the excitement of entering a new land.” - Che Guevarra, The Motorcycle Diaries
If you’ve been trying to get back in touch with me and have been affected by my ‘unavailability’, I would love to share a coffee/beer/conversation sometime in the next few weeks as I consider my next steps. I look forward to contributing again to the world that has afforded me such incredible opportunities to learn, grow and share. While I attempt to figure out what’s best for me and my family, I remain committed to accommodating any request to discuss ideas, opportunities and your needs of me as a friend/colleague/business partner.
Thanks to all for your support and understanding of my decision to hit the reset button on my priorities and planned contributions to the world. I look forward to sharing the experiences and conversations that will transpire in the near future.
My first order of business in this transition: I’m making time to treat my mom to lunch.
13 responses so far ↓
1 Aaron Marshall // Jun 8, 2008 at 5:16 am
Nick, this is a very impacting post. I really appreciate that you wrote this the way you did. It immediately challenged me to think of those who I neglect.
Good luck to you in your time of transition, and enjoy it. I have found that when I am making a shift inlife that those times can be the most exciting, terrifying, relaxing moments of my life.
I have only known you a short while but I can tell that you have a lot of heart and a mountain of talent. Where ever you end up, you will be taken care of.
2 Todd Earwood // Jun 8, 2008 at 5:17 am
I’m very sorry to hear about Brad and I applaud you for taking a stand for *your* life interests over career and professional steps.
While Yum! will sorely miss you, the rest of us are ready and willing for more fellowship and (of course) web strategery.
3 Bobby Bailey // Jun 8, 2008 at 6:07 am
After you get done buying y0ur mom lunch, I’ll buy you lunch (Including, but not limited to, tacos, cheeseburgers, or thai. Offer void where prohibited by law. This does not constitute and offer to buy or sell any securities. If you feel you received this offer by mistake please delete this immediately and contact your branch office.)
4 Alex Nesbitt // Jun 8, 2008 at 6:23 am
Nick,
Its rare to see someone re-take control over their destiny. So many just keep going along whatever path they found long ago.
I hope you find the path that’s right for you. Let me know if I can be of help.
Best,
Alex
Alex Nesbitt
Digital Podcast
5 Ashley Cecil // Jun 8, 2008 at 7:26 am
Big hug Nick! I know there’s nothing to say that makes this any easier, but you should be proud of yourself for acting in such an honorable way as a result. Most of us are guilty of giving our time and attention to those things in life that are not the most imp. We work ridiculous hours and tell our loved ones “maybe later.” It’s crazy. I’m inspired by your decision and I hope to see you very soon!!
6 Scott Clark // Jun 8, 2008 at 8:25 am
Admirable, and not easy, but you’ll come out a better person for taking control. When I bailed on the Silicon Valley it was for the same reason. But even here in Kentucky, with a slower pace, I find myself neglecting the truly important things sometimes. Thanks for reminding me.
I’ll be following your progress. If you’re going to SMC Louisville this month I should be there. Make sure to say hi.
7 sMoRTy71 // Jun 8, 2008 at 12:33 pm
It is great to see you standing up for what is important to you and making it your first priority. I’m sure you’ll be much happier as a result. Good luck.
8 Jason Falls // Jun 8, 2008 at 1:53 pm
Beautifully done, sir. I’m sure I’m down on the list, but can’t wait to catch up with you soon.
9 Jeremiah Owyang // Jun 8, 2008 at 8:16 pm
Nick, good luck on whatever you decide to do, best wishes.
10 Allison Reynolds // Jun 8, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Nick your post will inspire many to also reconnect. As I will now after reading your words.
Thank you.
11 Melissa King // Jun 8, 2008 at 8:58 pm
First, I want you to know that you truly will be missed. Friday will be a very sad day, but the value it has for M & H is immeasurable. Congrats on remembering what is most important! Your post is just another example of your brilliance and I feel very lucky to have learned so much from you.
I wish you the best of luck and you better stay in touch!
12 hendre c // Jun 10, 2008 at 10:44 pm
Nick, wow mate. Weird how something like someone else’s needs are what cause us to shift. Your conscience is alive again! which is such a paradox that a death caused aliveness to your most inner self. Then again that is the same story the good book tells. So we celebrate life- your mate’s, the one you have had until now and the one you are about to embark on. Best to you in your transition.. Let’s talk.
Hendre
13 Richard Hurt // Jun 28, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Nick,
I left Corporate America (aka Yum! Brands) about a year ago for some of the same reasons. After having been with the company for over 10 years I felt like my life was slipping away. It wasn’t a bad place to work it just wasn’t conducive to how I wanted to live and give back to the community.
I’m not building my own computer server appliance startup company and am loving the freedom and time it gives me. The sheer terror of going out on your own is kinda fun too, it a really twisted way.
Anyway, I just wanted to throw in my $.02 and tell you that you did the right thing. Good luck.
Later…
Richard
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