#2025.7.2 Response from AXP
From Jonathan:
Hi D
Well, you win the prize for sharing the most thoughtful and thought-provoking goodbye email 😊I also enjoyed your quote from Harari.
It’s been a pleasure knowing you, albeit briefly, and I wish you every success and happiness in whatever you do next. I’m excited to hear about your next chapter as you get into it so, please stay in touch.
Take care
Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for your kind words. I am not quite sure yet whether my departure is an act of escapism or a leap toward something that feels more aligned with who I am (and who I'm still becoming). Maybe both. I reckon as human, I also share this incredible ability to tell stories in a way that makes me feel 'good', even if that involves a little distortion of reality.
I still remember back in 2018 at Sussex House - you mentioned how you sometimes didn't fully understand the local 'talks'/‘jokes' either. That moment made me feel less like a 'foreigner' and gave me a real sense of belonging, even in a subtle way. And it reminded me how even the simplest conversations can be deeply meaningful.
Lately, I've been reflecting on how the real barriers in communication go far beyond language. We often celebrate differences - which is beautiful - but bridging them in practice can be incredibly hard. There's such a wide space between what's said and what's heard. Still I think the willingness to reach across that gap - to try, to misunderstand, and try again - is the bridge itself.
I'm truly grateful for the time I got to spend in your team, and I've learned a lot just from seeing how you lead with calm, clarity, and empathy. Wishing you continued impact and joy in all you do.
P.S. Congratulations on your 30-year work anniversary - deep respect to that consistency of character and contribution over time. 🫡