They don’t make many people like Matt. Despite his industry standing and the many people vying for his attention, Matt has a warmth, a kindness, and a sense of generosity that he is happy to share. I’ve been lucky many times to have received that warmth at the exact moment that I needed it. I’ve taken my lashings in this industry, as many have. I remember the aftermath of a particularly difficult SMX Advanced when I was feeling misheard and particularly beaten down with industry pitchforks; I also remember the email I received from Matt. In part, he told me to keep using my voice and to keep taking the stands I believed were important because he, and many others, were listening and had respect for it. I still have the email, printed out and kept in a drawer where I keep other important things. His words of comfort and kindness have often kept me moving in the right direction during hard times. He’s the kind of person who takes the time – to say hello, to remember your name, and to drop you a word of encouragement when he has the sense you might need it. He never had to reach out to a kid like me, but he did. I am so thankful for his kindness, and for the example that he set for all of us as a good, fair, and honest person.

Matt, thank you. For more than simply everything you’ve done, but for who you are. We are all better off for knowing you.