Reflections on a father’s love

Dad jokes and not so great gifts aside, we’re serious about our dads. In honor of Father’s Day, our leaders share reflections on a father’s love, from lessons learned from their dad to the lessons they learned from being a dad.

Hans Vestberg

My dad was my handball coach from the age of six until I was 24. He always told me that the team is way bigger than you. Take the time to learn about your people and how they operate. Treat everyone well.

Guru Gowrappan

My father continues to be a mentor, coach and life pillar. As an engineer, he instilled in me a deep curiosity for knowledge and interest in solving problems. I am particularly grateful for the core values and principles he taught me: there is no substitution for hard work and the importance of giving back to the people in your life and the society you live in.

Diego Scotti

My dad passed away three years ago, but he is always with me. He still inspires me every day to live to the fullest. That was his biggest gift to me. I can still hear his voice in my head all the time… from moments when I need to make big decisions to when I am thinking what to say or do in raising my own sons. This Father’s Day, I feel he’s closer to me than ever — as my kids are getting older and I strive to be the best I can be for my family, my friends and my team. I can see him still looking at me and asking with a smile, “what have you done now?!” I love you dad.

Tami Erwin

My dad was an amazing man who believed he could accomplish anything. He was a hard worker who consistently treated others with kindness and respect. He grew up in a small agriculture community north of Seattle at the foothills of the Cascades. It was here that he learned his love for the land and his lifelong passion for gardening, farming and giving back.   These values and beliefs were evident in the profession he chose to pursue, that of being a family practice physician in his hometown. Growing up, I remember him making house calls and being called to the hospital for emergency situations in the middle of the night. As kids, we used to watch the search and rescue helicopters land at the hospital knowing that these patients were in good hands because dad would be there to help them. I am grateful to have had this amazing man in my life as my father, my role model, my hero. He died 10 years after a long fought battle with cancer, but his spirit and values will always be a part of my life.

Kyle Malady

Time goes by so fast. I know it's cliche, but it's so true. I can't believe that in the fall of this year, both of my girls will be off in college, and my wife Meral and I will be empty nesters. We all are very busy with work, but even with our crazy schedules, I never cheated time with my girls. It took me a little while to figure it out, but I am so glad I did.

Ronan Dunne

As a boy growing up in Ireland, my father had a tremendous influence and involvement in my life. Whether it was giving me pointers on rugby or comforting me after a crushing on-field defeat, my dad always had my back. It’s thanks to his steadfast presence that I was able to reach higher, push harder and stay focused on what I wanted to achieve knowing he was in my corner. When I think of those early days as a new dad, it was my father’s kind words that carried me through those sleepless nights.

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