A Visionary Gone Too Soon

Virgil Abloh, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton and founder of fashion company Off-White, passed away last Sunday after a courageous two-year battle with a rare, aggressive form of cancer. He was 41.

Virgil made the decision to endure his fight privately since his 2019 diagnosis.

Beyond being a global icon, trailblazing designer and creative visionary, Virgil was a fiercely devoted father, husband, friend and truth-teller who challenged the status quo with brilliance, mastery and resilience.

He believed that when creativity and wisdom meld with global issues, the world has the profound opportunity to unite. Virgil’s brave fight with cancer right up until his final breath and ultimate tragic passing bring two key themes into focus as we deeply reflect on our own lives.

1. Everyone we meet is fighting a battle we know absolutely nothing about. So as leaders and positive difference-makers, let’s champion the act of being kind, always.

2. Life is short. It's fragile. It can be here one morning and gone the night. With that precious reality, how we live, love and lead with our time becomes our legacy.

In a world where we can be anything, why don't we choose to be more kind? Why does our society wait until people are no longer with us in the physical to celebrate, recognize and honor? 

It can be uncomfortable to think about our own mortality. But it’s inevitable that each of us will eventually pass away. This isn’t to create additional fear or anxiety around it, but to cultivate more mindful awareness about our most sacred gift: time. 

How we manage our 24 hours, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds and where we invest our energy and focus determine how we are remembered. Legacy is not leaving something "for" people. It is about leaving something "in" people. Realize wisely and earnestly that our lives consist of two dates with a dash in between. It is our responsibility to make that dash count.

Virgil taught humanity that each of us has the power to transcend culture and mindsets with a vision and imagination. His work paved the way for the dismantling of mental fences and limitations that we can put on our dreams.

He exemplified humility and love for the creative process and the love of life. He left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and has provided an invaluable blueprint for the next trailblazer to follow. Each of us has the gift of life today to carry on Virgil's teachings and greatness in our own leadership worlds.

May Virgil Abloh’s influential light continue to shine bright as he rests in peace and power!