In Memory of Bill Campbell

One of our industry's most warm-hearted leaders lost his battle with cancer this week. There have already been many who posted thoughts about Bill Campbell, but I wanted to add a few more since Bill meant a lot to me personally.

When he was an executive at Apple, I would meet with him often to discuss the market. While our relationship was a professional one, Bill quickly made sure I knew he was a friend, too. He would always greet me with a hug and ask how I was doing. He was not just being polite; Bill really wanted to know what I was up to.

Over the years, as he got to know my business and how we worked, Bill would often give me suggestions on how to look at a problem and get back on track. As many who have written about Bill point out, he was a friend and mentor to many, especially Steve Jobs and Larry Page. However, even as a young analyst, I got his undivided attention when we spoke; he always made me feel special.

A number of articles have referred to him as "coach" because of his mentoring role. But the nickname comes from his days as a football coach, and the transition from coaching on the field to coaching in the boardroom was a natural one.

I have not had much contact with Bill since he left Apple, moving on to Claris and then Intuit. Yet, every time I saw him at an Apple event (he served as an Apple board member until 2014), he would have a kind word. That is just who he was; warm and willing to help anyone who needed it.

Bill Campbell was one of the good guys in our industry. While other major tech leaders have also been friendly and helpful to my career along the way, none had Bill's gentle temperament and willingness to assist when asked. He really was a giant among men and will be greatly missed.