World Bum

My boss may simply be the most amazing person I know. Up until this point, though, I have barely gone through one third of my time on this Earth. You know how people have these impersonal, agitated, twisted, unhealthy and occasionally ugly relationships with their bosses? We are not like that, at least on my end. I could die for her.

Not that she would ever ask me to, but in that business warrior sense: I would put all my knowledge and credibility down for her, I would overcome any fear to live up to her commandment, I would sacrifice my time and personal interests and work until I get her what she needs, I would sing her praise and publicly take pride in being on her team.

A little bit about Cynthia Round.

My Boss, Cynthia Round

It makes me wonder, with an increasing frequency and some panic, about the qualities that give a person such hold and influence over me. Of course, I submit to it willingly; it’s yet another aspect of it that makes it more astonishing, as I am typically not the follower. But it is because I find this power to enthrall and lead a productive one, that I attempt to dissect it. I think it comes down to this:

Cynthia operates from a place of true care and compassion. She could probably have any job in the world, but she has chosen to apply her knowledge and experience with a major nonprofit organization, therefore, attempting to create as much positive impact on the lives of millions as she could. There is no vain in what she does. She is as humble as she is accomplished and that is a hugely attractive quality. She has the uncanny ability to think simultaneously on the 32,000 feet level and the ground level. Her strategic thinking is only outdone by her understanding of the practical implications of her decisions. Cynthia is humanly generous and loyal to all who work for her. While she is tall, mysteriously beautiful and a sophisticated New Yorker, her enchanting charm is quickly replaced by understanding and approachability when she has one on one, personal conversations with any one of us. She is the hardest working person I know and expects all on her team to do their very best, but she is adamant when it comes to taking care of one’s self or one’s family. Those things come first, business is always next in line.

She makes me wish that there were more people like her… her inspiring and democratic leadership, her transparent and discerning thinking, her humanity and her compassion.  I wish she was the mayor of my town. I wish she was in charge of Brand and Marketing of the USA.