After 4+ unforgettable (and occasionally truly unhinged) years, it’s time to say farewell.
When I joined, I thought I was signing up for one job… but 4 months in, surprise! A merger turned all of our jobs upside down and gave us a front-row seat to a masterclass in change management (and “how to bond with strangers over shared chaos”). From there, it only got more interesting—company collapse, another acquisition, new teammates, new systems, new acronyms.
Despite the plot twists, I feel incredibly grateful. I had the chance to work with 300+ amazing humans, drive meaningful digital and cross-functional efforts, and work with “tiger teams” that Got Stuff Done! Thank you for the great memories.
TEAMs Therapy
What truly kept me grounded were the friendships I made and the many hours of TEAMs therapy—those vent sessions, sanity checks, and occasional “is it just me?” convos. You made the rollercoaster ride survivable and at times fun.
Over the last month, I’ve had 50+ 1:1 farewells. My calendar looked like a farewell speed-dating app—and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Thank you for making time. I also appreciate all of you who came out to my Bay Area farewell party. Thank you for sharing hugs and Chinese cakes—it was a sweet send-off. A heartfelt thanks to Ellen who organized it all and for Steve in funding the festivities.
Finally, to the Digital team, I will miss our team offsite, group chats, and team bonding events (Ax throwing, escape games, urban putt, yummy dinners…). We have been through a lot together. Thank you for all your hard work, creativity, and support through it all. Each of you made my time here special.
May I ask You for a Parting Gift?
I know I am greedy. I still want more from you. If you are inclined, can you leave me a note in the comments below? It can be anything from our time together.
- A favorite memory
- A funny moment
- An unexpected learning
- Or how unbearable it was to work with me!
Big or small, serious or silly—I’ll treasure each sentiment.
I look forward to staying in touch and hearing about your latest adventures at work and in life.
Until then, Lei signing off.
Dear Lei, One of our first one on one meetings to discuss e-statement success metrics was probably the most challenging meetings I’ve ever had here. And I mean that in the best way lol. Rather than coming outright with the answer on how to accomplish a task, you sat patiently as the dust shook off the left side of my brain and gears began to turn. You knew I was capable and saw potential in me even though I felt, at the time, that that sort of work was out of my wheelhouse. Thank you for pushing me to go… Read more »
Kalli, this note means the world to me. Thank you. You are so talented and your future will be bright. I know it. You also have an amazingly supportive manager and senior leader. You are lucky.
I am glad you let me push you. It’s been my honor to work with you. Please keep in touch and I look forward to helping you more in the future
I’m glad. Thank you for the kind words. I am lucky! Very happy to have you in my corner 🙂
Thanks for all your writing here. I’ve recommended this to many graduate students seeking to understand more about the communication skills they need as they shift to the working world.
Thank you for letting me know. You made my day. I am glad this can help them.
Samir, to clarify, I am not signing off from writing this blog. I have been doing it for the last 15 years and I don’t plan to stop. If there is anything you would like me to write about. Please ask.