#385: SPOTLIGHT: Suzi Chun-Turley
Question for Suzi:
Does one person first come to mind: In your very very first “adult” job -- when you were perhaps first out of college or over the age of 21 let’s say – is there someone that pops to mind who brings a smile to your face not because of anything in your specific relationship but just because of who they were or how they moved through the world?
Suzi's Response:
Oh no doubt, my person would be Chrys Wurmser. I do smile (and ache) every time I think of him .. he ran the quant group when I first started on Wall St. as a clueless and very insecure analyst. It wasn’t common (safe?) yet to be out back then, but he confided in a few of us and I wonder if that was why he was so good at helping those of us (minorities) who felt so “other.” Sure he was brilliant, but it was also how he unabashedly owned his super awkward, nerdy, creative, witty self in the most gentle and pure way that made everyone around him just love being around him. I would always come away learning and feeling just a tad more confident/free after each interaction, even if I screwed up or missed something. I do believe that free people do free people.. and I am so grateful he lived that out. (he passed away too soon from leukemia and his memorial service evidenced how he did that for so many).
Amanda’s thought…
I suspect Suzi would love all direct responses from you. I find it incredibly encouraging when I hear from any of you after I share my thoughts. It is powerful for me. I assume many others have a similar experience. So here is Suzi's email… pip
Suzi, I absolutely love your line "free people do free people." Of course I didn't know Chrys Wurmser, but by your beautiful short description capturing the essence of his character I felt like I got a good sense. I am grateful for those people who show up and feel like sunshine with their light heartedness and their ability to shamelessly be themselves, inspiring others to do just the same. Thank you for sharing, Suzi.
- AP
