This interview surprised me in a way I’ll never forget.

What this chef said electrified me.

I was interviewing a 35-year-old chef and asked him:
“What’s the next big dream you want to achieve?”

I expected promotion.
I expected titles, recognition, awards..

Instead, he looked at me and said:
“To be happy.”
So I asked:
“What is happiness for you?”
His reply struck me to the core:
“Happiness is when I see a commis grow into a chef de partie because of my guidance. When I see others succeed, I am happy. That is the kind of leadership this world needs today.”

That truth has stayed with me.
And this week, I lived it myself.

Because I found the right candidate for a hotel partner I work with.
Because he got the job that was made for him, his dream job.

As a recruiter, my triumph is when someone steps into a new role because I played a part in making it happen.

Someone else’s victory is my victory.

What about you?