Today marks one year since my father passed away.

Among the many life lessons he imparted, one stands out as especially meaningful: a small sculpture he kept on his desk that simply says, “A kind word.” It wasn’t just a decoration—it was a guiding leadership philosophy.

My father believed in the transformative power of kindness, not as a mere sentiment, but as a strength. He taught me that people remember how they are treated long after they forget what was said or done. A kind word, he showed me, can open conversations, resolve conflicts, and lift spirits at just the right moment. This principle was the foundation of his career, our community interactions, and our family life.

As I reflect on his legacy, I realize how deeply this simple but powerful idea resonates in today’s workplace.

In the business world, we often prioritize strategy, scale, and speed—and with good reason. But in our quest for performance, we sometimes overlook the human side of organizations. Corporate culture, trust, and employee engagement are built one interaction at a time. Leadership is not just about bold visions, but also about everyday actions. A kind word can be a form of recognition, empathy, or grace under pressure. It costs nothing but yields invaluable returns: loyalty, creativity, and resilience.

Now more than ever—in a world that feels fast, fractured, and transactional—we need leaders who lead with decency. We need workplace cultures where employees feel seen, heard, and valued. My father may not have used business jargon to describe this, but he understood that treating people well was not just the right thing to do—it was what made everything work better.

He was right.

I miss him deeply, but I carry his values with me every day—in my work, in my relationships, and in how I strive to show up for others.

A kind word.
That’s leadership.
And it’s never out of date.