Paul Scribner

There is a particular kind of evil that hides behind warmth. Bill Cosby was that evil, and for decades, the evidence was broadcast. In a 1969 comedy bit titled “Spanish Fly,” Cosby described in explicit and gleeful detail his fantasy of slipping a substance into a woman’s drink to make her sexually compliant. He did not whisper it - he performed it on stage, to laughter, to applause. The audience laughed because they assumed it was harmless nostalgia. But it was neither harmless nor nostalgia.

The first time I was offered coffee in the Gulf, the server held the cup with quiet precision, pouring only a few sips. No words were exchanged. The silence wasn't awkward; it was ceremonial. That small moment—unhurried, deliberate—taught me more about dignity than a dozen business seminars ever could. Coming from the busy, individualistic culture of the US, I don't pretend to be an expert on the diverse cultures of the Middle East.

When I posted my previous article about how we leave on LinkedIn, a friend asked me this question: “How do you think leaders can better prepare their teams for these inevitable transitions without losing momentum?” This is such an important question – we as leaders have the opportunity to make team transitions feel safe and seamless for everyone. In fact, it’s our responsibility to make sure our team and culture are strong enough to weather ripples, waves, and storms.