There's a Hole in the World

There's a Hole in the World

There's a Hole in the World

The world lost a great man and leader last week. Mike Fields was one of the most amazing man I ever knew. He was bigger than life, conquering barrier after barrier to rise from a very humble beginning to become one of the most powerful Afro-American leaders in the Silicon Valley.

Mike rose to fame as a sales leader - expanding Oracle during the heyday of its early growth. Mike had a golden touch - with clients, businesses and with people. When I first met him in 1991, he and I used to swap stories about being the first woman or the first black man in a leadership position in a company. We both had lots of stories about those ceilings from the 70s and 80s. He'd smile that smile that made you want to laugh all over as he shared his experiences - always with a mischievous glint in his eye. As he was breaking through those ceilings and walls - he kept his sense of humor. He loved people, with their shortsightedness, assumptions and all. He didn't fight or swagger or complain about some of his treatment. He continued to act out of love for humanity - and taught those he met that there was a better way through his own life example.

As he built huge businesses - he never lost his personal touch. Mike was one of the true good guys. He helped everyone he came into contact with, guided them toward a better future for themselves. I can think of over 100 people that I personally know who he touched, whose lives he improved - simply by caring.

When I first met Mike I was interviewing for a job with him at OpenVision. We were at 101 California the day the gunman opened fire a few floorsbelow us, killing a number of office workers and lawyers. As you can imagine it was a bit scary. The SWAT team blasted into our meeting room where Mike was presenting - and the next thing I knew we were all face flat on the floor as they scoured our floor for the killer.

Mike was lying next to me. He turned his head, grinned and asked me, "So how do you like our interview process so far? You seem to be handling the stress test well." We both laughed and suddenly it wasn't quite so scary. It was the beginning of a magical friendship for me. Mike did hire me. A year later - he helped me set up my own consulting business. He saw my potential - and he helped me realize it for myself. That's what Mike Fields did - for all of us.

Mike was a leader who inspired everyone to be better than they imagined they could be. Mike was a friend who helped everyone he met find a better version of themselves. Mike was a man who led by example.

The world needs more leaders like Mike Fields. Even though we didn't speak as often as I'd like, I always knew he was there for me if I needed anything. That's just how Mike was. He touched thousands of lives - making each one all the more better for his touch.

Mike lost his final battle - with leukemia. None of us thought he'd lose - he was bigger than life, he conquered everything, nothing could keep Mike down.

There's a big hole in the world today. No one can fill it. My prayer is that we can all live up to his example, and help others the way Mike helped us.

I will always miss you my friend.

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