You set your standards high
And stood by what was true.
You never sought the spotlight —
The work itself spoke for you.
In every hand you offered,
In every listening ear,
You wove a thread of connection
That will long outlast your career.
Dear Nick,
This is the end of an era. We have known each other now for almost 15 years, going all the way back to “Project Lucy”. In many ways I have grown up with you as a client, and as I look back on our journey together, I’m deeply grateful for your trust and partnership.
In a 20 year career at McKinsey, I have met a lot of executives… Let me tell you that I have never met another Nick Leontidis – you are one of the most inspiring clients I have served – it’s been a real privilege.
In writing this note, I’ve had to reflect on what it is that has allowed you to have such an impact over your career. In many ways, you’re quite an understated leader, who doesn’t need or seek out the spotlight – your actions speak for themselves. You also provide deep autonomy to your teams and have a keen sense of how to create accountability in an organization – this is something many, many other executives struggle with.
At the same time, you maintain impeccable standards for integrity and you always tell it like it is. Internally, we always used to joke that when we had a proposal with you, if you hadn’t explicitly said “no”, we had a chance! you would always be direct when something was not right or timing didn’t work, etc.. Very much appreciated your straight talk.
Last you have very very high EQ – you always had a perspective on people’s strengths and development needs, and you were purposeful in providing feedback and taking care of the people you sponsored. I know many people at CAE who loved having you as their boss..
Nick, at this point, I consider you to be more than a client, but also a friend. I hope you have the incredible retirement that you deserve. I will selfishly continue to seek out opportunities for us to cross paths post retirement..!
Take care,
Marcos