People Matter - Number Two of an Occasional Series - Neil
There is a word that I like which is sadly often misunderstood and overused these days, so much so that it puts me off using it at times.
Authentic.
A simple word that means genuine, not false or copied
But despite this reluctance, as a way of introducing Neil, I can’t help but think that it’s close to perfect.
For Neil is about as genuine as any person could be. He smiles, knows when and how to laugh with freedom and is able to engage and chat in a way that always seems to feel so natural. When he asks after your family or shows empathy towards a personal situation, you know that he really means it.
When we met recently, he talked with passion about his work, especially his volunteering and the charities that he has helped out for so many years. He had just been appointed to a new charity role which he was particularly excited about, a challenge that replaced a previous position that had reached a natural conclusion. To hear Neil talk about his busy life and interests is nearly always a prelude to a moment or two of introspective thinking for me, mostly about all of the things that I feel I should be doing but never quite get around to.
He is a great example to so many of us, but he would hate to hear me say it. For there is nothing false about the natural modesty that is such an impressive part of his character.
And maybe the best thing to hear was when he said that his social life has never been better. A wonderful, positive side-effect, it would appear, of getting out there and making a difference in the world.
