How many of you can say you are so supported by your boss that you would invite him to see you potentially fail? I have done just that....I work for someone who is so supportive and encouraging that I am not afraid to be vulnerable, to risk failing, in front of him. At the same time, knowing he would be there—and wanting to show him that he made the right choice in hiring me—drove me to work even harder to make the work excellent

John has an “open door” policy in more ways than one and I think this is evidence of his strong integrity. I always know that if I need advice or have an opinion (positive or negative) that I can speak truthfully with John without worry of any negative repercussions and I believe that John will tell it like it is. I do not feel like I need to “tiptoe” around him and having a leader who possesses true integrity without hypocrisy results in a very positive work environment

John leads by showing—rather than telling—the benefits of focusing on a particular goal. Buy in is easy. On our way to a goal, he lets us lead ourselves. Working with John has been hard work, but it has been empowering and very satisfying. I am enormously proud of the work we have done under his leadership.

Every year, when John stands up on stage in front of hundreds of business graduates at convocation, the applause and cheers are almost deafening. Every year. There is a reason for this. We—students, staff, and faculty—love him. He empowers and inspires all of us to be the best we can be. John's ability to motivate and inspire us is unmatched.

John is that inspirational manager I always craved. We are fortunate to have a leader who believes in us and who will stand up for us when we need him. John is the first manager for whom I would willingly follow into battle. This is no exaggeration. His impact upon me has been that profound.

Thank you for being the leader that did not hold reins, but rather listened to our proposals and offered advice. It was never ‘No.’

John it is so difficult to find the right words to express the positive effect you have had on the lives of so many people. You came at a time when a ‘saviour’ was so badly needed to restore a sense of purpose, hope, and belonging; and this is exactly what you did.

Not a day went by that you didn’t come and say hello. Your kindness, compassion, and leadership were appreciated and valued. I always knew you had our backs. You guided and supported us, which allowed us to do our jobs. Wherever you go, they will be very lucky to have you and come to realize that hiring you was the best decision they could have made.

You enveloped us in a net of safety where we could face the day-to-day difficulties of our roles by being (and trusting in) ourselves. Thank you for seeing me as someone who belongs in this community. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and for giving me advice and support whenever needed. Most of all, thank you so much for giving me a foundation on which I have built confidence in who I am.