Wednesday, August 22, 2001

Recollections: Kevin Nissen


My Recollections are instances in my life that I fondly recall for any number of reasons and I've written all of them down on or after June 2009, although the events take place over a very wide time span in my lifetime. Everything you see below is an account of my memory, which can be fickle and unreliable, yet often yields the most important life lessons and records those crucial formative instances in one's life story.

I've had several bosses during my time in the working world, but I must say that none have inspired me to work so hard as Kevin Nissen. Kevin possesses a truly remarkable gift for bringing out the very best in those around him and inspiring those under him to go farther than they ever imagined.

He was funny and self depreciating in a hilarious way, but always managed to be taken seriously and earn a high degree of respect from everyone around him. He could be stern and demanding, but always managed to make you feel good about yourself, like you were doing a good job and that you could do a good job.

He managed to do what most managers would find nearly impossible: get a team of 60 random young people, get them to work 16-18 hours a day, 6 days a week, get 120% out of each and every one of them without threats, resentment, or any ill will. In the environment, he managed to create an atmosphere where everyone felt comfortable with everyone else. We should make him president.