Paul, the first I knew of you was a company wide email asking everyone to tidy their desks and be on their best behaviour because ‘the big boss’ was visiting the office tomorrow.The intern in the UK marketing team at the time was lucky to as much as nervously say hello as you walked by.
Fast forward a year or two and an opportunity came up to work directly with you in the Strategic Collaborations team. I took the brave step of applying for an interview thinking I barely had a chance.
I’ll never forget that interview, in your favourite place - on the terrace at Bearwood Lakes golf course over a glass of wine, you believed in me from that day on and you became my manager, guider and most of all, a true friend.
Thank you for taking me under your wing, for trusting me, for growing me and for always treating me as one of your own. Both you and Sue welcomed us in to your home. Your loyalty saw me through career changes, our wedding and becoming a mother and personal or professional, you were always on my journey with me.
In more recent years, I want you to know how thankful I am for your guidance in growing our business. I felt privileged and proud everyday to say I was lucky enough to work alongside you again. You loved OLEX just like Steve and I and I know you were proud of the work we were doing and plans we are shaping. I plan to open my laptop everyday and continue to make you proud. You were always my go-to person for advice and guidance and I’ll miss you dearly.
I’m holding on to the memories we have of all the amazing projects we worked on together and all the parties that ended in a sing song, usually to Robbie Williams, Angels, after far too many Pina-coladas with a splash of dark rum, as you always insisted.
Sleep tight Paul, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being the friend and colleague you were. You’ve been taken far too soon and I’ll miss you always. Love, Gemma xx