Retirement and Funeral similarities

I recently attended a funeral and a retirement party in the same day. Two very different moments, but surprisingly similar themes.

Both were about people reflecting on a life’s work.

Both were filled with stories.

Both focused less on achievements and more on impact.

It made me think about life and careers.

Projects end. Roles change. Companies grow or move on.

What lasts is how you treated people along the way.

Did you show up?

Did you make an impact?

Did you help others succeed?

Did you build trust and relationships that mattered?

At both events, the common theme was impact. Which is not measured in numbers, but in influence, relationships, and the respect earned over time.

A good reminder that while results matter, how we get there matters even more.