This Friday just gone marked ten years since a night that forever altered the course of my life — the loss of Dennis, my brother not by blood, but by every measure that truly counts.

And I wanted to use this release of the Unbound Leader to honour him. To express my gratitude towards him, the lessons he taught me and how he continues to inspire me in my life, work and relationships..

Ten years ago, a call from his mom broke the silence of the night. Her words, heavy with grief, tore through my world, telling me that Dennis, the embodiment of brotherhood and shared dreams, had been taken away by a senseless act.

It was in that moment that the beginnings of a new journey through grief began — a journey I hadn’t known would teach me so much about life, love, and legacy.

Grief, I’ve learned, is love with nowhere to go. And In the days and years following Dennis’ passing, every moment of progress and joy felt overshadowed by guilt.

Overshadowed by the belief that it should have been me instead.

And in these ten years, I’ve discovered that grief has the power to reshape our perspectives.

It strips away the superficial layers of our existence, revealing what truly matters.

No matter the distraction, the high, or whatever fleeting pleasure I tried (and trust me when I say I tried many!), nothing could fill the void that Dennis left behind.

Accepting reality, no matter how hard or unfair, was the only path forward.

Dennis’ legacy is not encapsulated just in the memories we shared together but is woven into the very fabric of my being. To this day, his unseen mentorship continues to inspire my work, my decisions, and my approach to life.

His example taught me the value of resilience, the beauty of raw vulnerability, and the strength that comes from genuine connection. Through him, I learned that the most profound lessons often come from the most painful experiences.

He showed me what’s worth suffering for and pushed me to pursue, strive, and fight for what truly matters. Every moment of ‘falsity’ felt like a disrespect to the time he was denied.

Dennis’ spirit lives on in the values he embodied, authenticity, loyalty, courage, joy and an unyielding zest for life. These values have become a compass for me, guiding my actions and choices.

They remind me to cherish each moment, to engage with the world wholeheartedly, and to make a difference wherever I can.

Dennis’ teachings have given me a profound appreciation for the present. The significance of each day isn’t found in the mundane tasks we complete or the accolades we collect.

Instead, it lies in the impact we make, the connections we forge, and the love we spread.

His influence has led me to understand that life’s most valuable currency isn’t wealth or fame, but the relationships we nurture and the positive change we bring into the world.

It’s about building something that lasts, giving more than receiving, and being a beacon of light, hope and strength for others.

In honour of Dennis, I strive to embody these values in my professional career and personal relationships. I realise now, more than ever, the importance of our actions and how they ripple through the lives of those around us.

As Michael Josephson once said, “What will matter is not your competence but your character.”

In the end, our legacy is not defined by what we earned but by what we gave away — but by our integrity, our compassion, and our courage.

It’s about the lives we touch, the examples we set, and the memories we leave behind.

Living a life that matters isn’t an accident — it’s a deliberate choice. It’s about making a difference, one small act at a time, in a way that leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of those we encounter.

Dennis, through his life and even in his absence, has been a guiding star, leading me towards a life of significance and purpose. He taught me that the ultimate measure of our lives is not in the years we live but in the lives we touch.

As we commemorate ten years without him, I carry his spirit forward, committed to living a life that matters, just as he did.

His memory continues to inspire me, and I hope that sharing his story will inspire you too.

And maybe help you to find meaning, even amidst the hardest of times.

I leave you with the words of Michael Josephson — shared with me by my mentor, Nicole Schneider — that encapsulates the essence of our journey on this earth…

What will matter is not what you bought but what you built; not what you got but what you gave.

What will matter is not your success but your significance.

What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught.

What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered, or encouraged others to emulate your example.

What will matter is not your competence but your character.

What will matter is not how many people you knew but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.

What will matter is not your memories but the memories of those who loved you.

What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom, and for what. Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident. It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.

Choose to live a life that matters.

Thank you, Dennis, for the indelible mark you’ve left on my life. Your legacy lives on through the lives you’ve touched, including mine.