First, the passing of former HP board chairwoman, Patricia Dunn, whose biggest claim to executive brand fame was allegedly knowing about phone wire tapping of other board members and not properly disclosing the behavior. By the time others, including HP board member Tom Perkins of Kleiner Perkins, got done with the public character assassination, Dunn's reputation resembled mincemeat. She was later exonerated of any legal wrongdoing. Now we learn about her long battle with ovarian cancer, which resulted in the former executive's death. This passing is great reminder of what's important in life vs. business. It's our sincere hope that as publicly reported Dunn died peacefully with love from family, friends and God close by.
The next example is someone who hasn't died but faces a rare terminal illness called PSP or "progressive supranuclear palsy." Famed deal maker Richard Rainwater is battling for his life after a long run of Midas touch business investments and dealings. Fortune has a great profile of both the man and situation http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2011/11/07/richard-rainwater-psp-fight/; it's why we still turn periodically to magazine journalism. As a personal aside, Rainwater's second wife, Darla Moore, is a legendary philanthropist and public figure in South Carolina. I have seen her modest house in Lake City and can personally attest to the private jet air strip for quick deal making trips.
These two examples may not conjure up visions of sugar plums, but the takeaway is important. Please take stock of health and key relationships this holiday season. Life is too short not to.
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