This has been a sad week. Kobe and his daughter Gianna passing has hit me hard, like it has for most all of us. I’ve several times found myself in public with moist eyes simply from seeing the Facebook post with Kobe’s arm around Gianna at a Lakers game. This clip from Elle Duncan on SportsCenter about how Kobe loved being a father was the most impactful for me. Jeff Johnston sent it to me because he knows how much I’ve always reveled in having daughters. I wouldn’t suggest watching it on a trading floor.
I also received awful news that Keith Connolly of SMBC passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday. Keith was one of the early leaders of the fund finance industry and helped lay the foundation for SMBC’s business. I did not know Keith extremely well; he had largely matured out of actual deal work and into senior management as I was getting involved in the market. But he was always warm and friendly to me; always asking how he could be helpful. As I understand it, Keith leaves behind two young daughters. Best wishes and thoughts for Keith’s family, friends and co-workers. I hope we can find a moment to recognize and honor him at the FFA Symposium in Miami.
Clayton Christensen, the Kim B. Clark Professor of Business Administration at Harvard Business School and widely regarded researcher and author on innovation, also passed last weekend. Weeks like this are such a clear reminder not to take anything for granted. Dr. Christensen’s article, "How Will You Measure Your Life?," is a great read to finish out a week like this one. Let’s all spend a little extra time with our families and friends. I’m going home to be a girl dad.