A seat at the table

Len invested in my startup years the way he invested in everything: completely. I went from janitor to internet marketing consultant under his watch — my first paid client project, executing it, then presenting the work to the client myself.

He gave me a seat at the table on the management team. Real responsibility. A voice in strategy. He brought me along on a venture capital pitch tour when I was nervous as hell before every meeting.

By pointing out what I was good at, Len helped me know my strengths — and filled me with confidence.

By giving me a seat at the table and asking what I thought, he gave the introvert in me a chance to contribute where I would have stayed quiet.

By involving me, he showed he valued my thinking. His confidence — in himself, and in me — gave me courage.

Helping others feel valued is one of the biggest gifts we can give. Len gave it to me for years before I understood what I was receiving.