The Compassionate Guide: Remembering Michael Gioia and Seeking the Next Partner in Growth


Sixteen years ago, I entered the U.S. job market during one of the toughest periods - the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis. Opportunities were scarce, and hope was even scarcer. I made a call to Accountemp one day, frustrated and uncertain, and on the other end was someone who changed my life: Michael Gioia (Exceptional Recruiter at Accountemp, a Robert Half company).


Mike didn't just find me a role; he rescued my spirit. I vividly remember his compassionate words, how he calmed and comforted me, meticulously facilitated my pre-assignment assessments, and placed me in a critical temporary role in just two weeks leading to my first break in corporate America.

That opportunity didn’t just open a door - it restored my belief in myself. Mike’s compassion, commitment, and quiet confidence laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Years later, I was heartbroken to learn through LinkedIn that he had passed away. His kindness, however, remains deeply imprinted on my journey.

As I now take bold steps into entrepreneurship - building a practice rooted in #financial_advisory, #business_solutions, and #AI_consulting guided by Ethiopian roots and global ambition - I find myself remembering Mike.

I’m seeking a new partner in growth - someone with that same spirit of Mike: someone who sees potential, who believes in impact, and who’s ready to help shape something transformational across Africa and beyond.

As the saying goes, 'People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.' Mike made me feel seen, valued, and capable. I will never forget you, Mike. Rest in peace.

Are you that partner, or do you know someone who might be? I'm open to connecting and exploring meaningful collaborations.

https://lnkd.in/dgSmG_Ky

#Gratitude #Mentorship #Entrepreneurship #AI #BusinessSolutions #FinancialAdvisory #EthiopianRoot #GlobalAmbition #Partnership #Networking #Inspiration #RestInPeace







Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome to Pride AI & Business Solutions

Image
Rooted in Ethiopia. Powered by purpose. Built for impact. We help businesses navigate complexity, unlock growth, and adopt AI with clarity. Our approach blends financial advisory, digital innovation, and governance excellence - turning systemic challenges into scalable solutions. Whether you're a visionary founder, a legacy institution, or a global partner seeking contextual intelligence, you're in the right place. This isn't just consulting. It's transformation - grounded, actionable, and tailored for Africa’s leap into the future. Too many businesses in Ethiopia and Africa face systemic challenges - fragmented systems, low AI adoption, and governance gaps impacting growth and innovation.   Pride AI & Business Solutions bridges those gaps with tailored advisory, transformative digital frameworks, and scalable AI-powered solutions. ✅ About Me I'm passionate about building solutions that empower people, strengthen systems, and unlock new opportunities -  espe...
Read more

The Story Behind Our Name: Why “Pride” Guides Our Vision

Image
  When I first shared the idea for   Pride AI and Business Solutions , the encouragement was overwhelming. Yet a few asked a thoughtful question: “Why the name Pride? Is it the right fit, especially for Ethiopia?” It’s a fair question.  Pride  can mean many things - self-confidence, achievement, heritage -  but for me, it’s not about ego. It’s about  legacy, purpose, and building something worth passing on. A Tribute to Legacy The name  Pride  is, first and foremost, a tribute to my late brother,  Dr. Solomon Belayneh . He ran a medical practice called  Pride Clinic  - a place where patients found not only treatment but compassion, trust, and dignity. He embodied service and integrity, taking quiet pride in caring for others without compromise. This venture is my way of carrying that spirit forward.  Pride AI and Business Solutions  is built on the same foundation: trust, ethics, and a deep commitment to people. Honoring m...
Read more

Navigating the World of Free AI Tools: What You Need to Know Before You Prompt

Image
Are you using AI models on a free plan (like I am)? It’s tempting, convenient, and honestly, quite powerful - but it’s important to understand the  trade-offs  that come with free access. Beyond missing out on premium features,  privacy  is a key consideration. Here are two things you should know: Your chats may be used to train AI models  - meaning what you say could be analyzed to improve future versions. Human reviewers might audit your conversations  to assess safety or performance. Even though efforts are often made to anonymize user data, it's something to keep in mind. ✅   Food for Thought : If you’re sharing personal or business-sensitive information on these platforms, consider the long-term implications. Free tools come at a different cost-  your data . On the other hand,  paid subscriptions  can offer enhanced privacy assurances. Many providers clearly state that data from paid users isn’t used for training unless explici...
Read more