“You’ve been a real friend, R2. My best one, in fact.” – C-3PO, Rise of Skywalker
Drifting along the hallowed digital halls of SAP Customer Experience exists a lore that in an effort to entice Lisa James to turn down her Next Big Thing, a video was made by a co-worker who dressed in Hamilton attire, lip-syncing a modified version of ‘You’ll Be Back’ while wearing a crown from WandaVision. As with all storied oral histories, this, of course, can never be proven.
What is known to be factual is this: After more than ten years, Lisa is leaving the organizational ranks of SAP CX on the 15th of April, 2022.
She will, of course, remain rooted forever within our hearts.
If you’ve not surmised by now, this post is dedicated to the one and only Lisa James – a coworker who became a friend to many of us here as she ventures out into the world beyond what we’ve shared with her for over a decade.
“Don’t you know you can never beat us?”
“MISS LISA JAMES! I am so thankful to have met you. We’ve become such great friends over a short period of time. Even though life has been only virtual, we’ve created so many memories. Thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to excel. Thank you for inspiring me and becoming that shoulder to lean on. I wish you nothing but the best as you start this new role and I have no doubt in my mind that you will do wonders as you always do! #PPGirls (lol).” – Susan Ramroop
“It’s a beautiful thing to build friendships with your colleagues, but rare when they become family. Lisa, you’re like the sister I’ve never had – thank you for being my partner in crime these past few years and for being you.
We have lifted each other up when we needed the vote of confidence, we have laughed until our bellies hurt and created a lifetime of inside jokes, and we have showed up for each other though all the ups and downs.
I am so proud of you for taking the next step in your career, and I will always be by your side cheering you on. I’m lucky to have found a friend for life in you. Powerpuff girls forever!” – Mila Kundu
Navigating change requires professional bravery, not perfection
We hear it all the time: change is inevitable. The reality is, change can be terrifying. Choosing professional bravery rather than perfection can help you navigate through difficult times.
“We laugh and we cry, and we break and we make our mistakes.”
“Thank you for being a true Nutty Buddy pal, a lover of Lasso, extraordinary author, and the best product marketer I have ever had the pleasure to work with. See you in Summer ‘22 and beyond, for I ALWAYS want to know what you’re up to. Much love,” – Tim Porterfield
“Congratulations on your next adventure, Lisa! I am confident you will rock whatever you choose to do. Please keep me posted on your next book release! All the best!” – Paroma Sen
“Lisa, you’ll be fantastic wherever you go to, but I’m gutted it wont be with us! Take care, good luck and hope our paths cross again! Xx,” – Rupert O’Halloran
“It was truly a privilege working together with you in the past couple of years. I always enjoyed our interactions and conversations on various topics a lot. You are super smart, get things done and always had a great sense of humor too. So, thank you for the great time we had together on the PMM team! I will miss you, but I am also happy for your new opportunities and the move to the New York area (exciting!). Should I ever be able to travel again and make it to New York, I will definitely let you know. 😊 Let’s stay in touch. All the best for your new role and the move!” – Christian Rohr
Winter is here: How brands can create FOMO and stay relevant
The only winter people can accept: How HBO's Game of Thrones created FOMO and a loyal fan base.
“You’re simply the best; better than all the rest”
“Our trip to Heidelberg in 2019 is a very special memory for both of us. It was a perfect combination of professional and constructive team work at meetings and wonderful time together in the evening. Lisa, you are a wonderful colleague and a dear friend and we will deeply miss you. And yet we are very happy for you and we know you will be simply amazing in your next job. All the best to you Lisa.” – Isabel Mora and Kirsi Tarvainen
Search your feelings: May 4th quotes to capture your quarantine moods
This May 4th doesn't look like any other we've experienced. Read the best lines across the galaxy with May 4th quotes for quarantine moods.
“Tell me somethin’, girl
Are you happy in this modern world?
Or do you need more?
Is there somethin’ else you’re searchin’ for?”
“Lisa, all my best wishes on your next career move – you will be missed for sure ☹.” – Sigrid Hansen
“Thank you Lisa for all your wonderful work. We’ll certainly miss you on the team, and will miss not having a friend around. Best wishes on your new endeavor.” – Bernard Chung
“Lisa, you’re the best kind of person many of us know. I wish you all the best in you new role and am sure we’ll see you on a tech stage very soon! Thanks for all the years of great projects and fun! All the best,” – Martin Stocker
Kick ROI, loyalty, and engagement into hyperdrive via great content
From e-books to blog posts, videos to GIFs to podcasts, great content marketing wins audiences - even if they reside in galaxies far, far away.
“Lisa, no matter what side of the world you’re on, you have always looked out for me. You are a true friend, and I am forever grateful. All the best to you on your amazing journey. Love,”– Ratul Shah
The devastated, disappointed, and inconvenienced: Emotional burnout & COVID-19
COVID-19 has many of us feeling mentally and emotionally burnt out. You're not alone. And there are things you can do to help cope.
Shine bright, Lisa James
“I’m so sorry to see you go Lisa! From our first days working together when I was new to SAP, you’ve always been so kind, considerate, supportive, and patient. I could always count on your straightforward, get-it-done approach, keen insight, and great sense of humor. Your Cobra Kai post was so much fun – a creative masterpiece!
You’re our bright light. Such a sad day for us, but I’m really happy for you.
You’re going to do great!” – Marcy Yusavage
“Lisa, somehow when I talk to you I feel better – not just about myself, but about the world in general. You are what truly inspiring colleagues are made of. I remember you on stage at our first Digital Summit, 2017 in Munich! You really rocked it and we’ve been able to collaborate and take a whirlwind of a ride ever since. So – continuing on the theme of feeling better to have known you – I feel better also knowing that you’re going off into the world with a tribe of acolytes cheering you on! We’re happy for you – past, present, and future – and we’re better. And we can all use better.” – Margot Heiligman
Well, Lisa, you’ve done something that rarely happens: rendered me nearly without words.
(Don’t worry, I’ve still got June 6, 2022 on my calendar – I’m trying to avoid a complete emotional collapse and momentarily unable to articulate my feelings via my normal medium; not genetically altered.)
You’ll be happy to know that I was able to remain mostly myself, putting off the composure of this post until it couldn’t be put off a moment more, because it’s always difficult to face the very hard things head-on… and also… deadlines ticking; what an absolute rush it is to just barely meet them, right?
Thank you for always being you; for being solid ground amid turbulent times, for your smile, your kindness, your faith in the good in people.
I’ll miss you more than I can possibly express, and will forever be in awe of the shining star that is you. Love you forever. 💜, Jenn
Personalization: It’s not magic.
It’s method.
Find out who does it best HERE.