Imagine being told you have three months to live. That was the reality for Eugene O’Kelly, CEO of KPMG in the US. Deeply respected by his peers and team and a devoted family man. At 53, he started experiencing headaches. He went to see his doctor, tests were done, and the diagnosis was devastating: A brain tumor. Three months left.
In those final months, he wrote a beautiful and confronting book titled Chasing Daylight.
In this video, I just want to share my gratitude for life.
As I write this, I’m in Byron Bay. TK and I decided to bring our two daughters, Fleur and Mirabelle, here for a few days. Just a quick hour-and-a-half flight north of Sydney. It’s breathtaking. Tropical. Quiet. Warm. Right on the border of New South Wales and Queensland. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down without even trying.
Yesterday we went for a long walk along the coast. Out of nowhere, Fleur pointed to the water — an entire pod of dolphins. There must have been thirty or forty of them, leaping through the turquoise waves. It was absolutely magical.
A few minutes later, we came across a red-bellied black snake on the track. Dangerous, yes, but calm.
So we stood back, watched it slide away into the scrub, and kept walking.
Water dragons everywhere. Sunshine. Sea breeze. Just… life happening right in front of us.
(this is a screen capture of one of the dolphins joining the surfers on a wave)
Somewhere on that walk, Mirabelle turned to us and asked: “What would you do if you only had a few weeks to live?”
TK and I looked at each other and honestly, our answer was exactly the same: “Exactly what we’re doing today.”:
- Spending quality time with the people we love.
- Being present.
- Being together.
I felt this huge wave of gratitude for the life we have. We live in a beautiful part of Australia. Our country is safe and democratic. Our weather is kind. Our kids are healthy. We have a loving family. There is so much to be thankful for.
As I was reflecting last night, I realised we didn’t end up in Byron Bay by accident. In leadership, and in life, moments like these require intentionality. There were three things behind it:
Yearly thinking.
If you know me, you know how much I love our “dinner with a pen and paper.” TK and I knew Fleur would be back from Canada around this time, and we planned ahead. We blocked the time. We prioritized it.
The planning itself.
I’m incredibly lucky, TK loves planning simple, meaningful holidays. Not luxury. Not excess. Just quality time in a nice place. She organised everything so we could switch off and just be.
Protecting the time.
Actually going. Actually carving out the space. Actually keeping the commitment. Those decisions year after year lead to moments that feel like gifts. Reflecting on Mirabelle’s question, if today were my last, I wouldn’t change a thing. Perhaps the only addition would be having our son, Cameron, here with us from overseas. Other than that, my heart is full.
So my question to you is this: If you were told you had a few weeks to live what would you do differently? And why aren’t you doing some of that already?
I think I’m going to head back into the water. It’s warm and unbelievable today. Then later we’ll go home, play cards, laugh together, and enjoy being a family.
You have a lovely day.
À bientôt,
Cyril
