That is the friendly greeting each and every guest
receives when they walk through the doors at Public Communications Incorporated
(PCI). The woman behind that smile is Diane Boldt, PCI’s receptionist, who
recently celebrated a milestone birthday.
Her birthday had me reflecting on how much she enhanced
my experience at PCI. The first time I visited PCI for a job interview, the
first person I saw was Diane. Instantly, I could sense that not only was she a
good person, but that she was rooting for me. That meant so much.
When my son Liam was born, it almost felt like Diane was
his grandmother she was so happy. I would sometimes bring home little knick-knacks
that I showed Diane and she always asked the next day how he liked them.
Diane not only befriended each person on staff but she
made quite an impression on clients. It was not uncommon for me to go to a
client meeting and for someone to ask how Diane was doing or comment how much
they enjoyed chatting with her when they called PCI.
In a polarized world, we can all agree that Diane is the
best. Happy belated birthday, Diane, and hope you enjoy some thoughts below
from some current and former colleagues.
Jill Allread –
Diane thrives on bringing joy to others through her loving smile and caring
words offered every day despite what’s happening in her life. In her desk, she
keeps a box filled with hand-picked greeting cards so she’s prepared to help
the PCI team send condolences, congratulations or birthday messages in an
instant. Diane is loved by all, and is a touching example of how one can live
in grace and with gratitude and inspire others. I appreciate her so much and
the light she shines on the world.
Sara Conley – What amazes me about Diane is the size of her heart.
She cares so deeply about so many people. I feel very lucky that she has made
room for me in her heart over the years. I've almost never seen Diane as happy
as the day I told her I was going to be a mom. She couldn't have been happier
if I was her own daughter. As the years went by, Diane wanted every bit of news
she could get about our little guy. She saved every holiday card we made with
his pictures on it. W
When I received a package at work and the contents
were for Luca, I would open it at her desk so she could see his new outfit or
toy or book. She got such a kick out of being a part of his life, even though
it was from afar. And when he came to the office to visit, we got a first-hand
glimpse of what it must be like to be one of Diane's grandchildren and adored
beyond belief. When Diane started at PCI I was answering the phones and I
taught her how to use the phone system. I can't count all the things that Diane
taught me over the years but they include the importance of a positive
attitude, the power of a smile and the happiness that caring for others can
bring to us all.
Ashley (Mattys)
Biladeau – My favorite memory of Diane is how she thought I should
create an album of my whistling! I would whistle to myself when I was in the
kitchen (not even realizing I was doing it) and she would comment and say how beautiful
it was and how I should make an album. What a ray of sunshine she is. :)
Beth Schlesinger
– What really sticks with me about Diane is not
something specific she did or said, but how Diane made
you feel. First, Diane is the most genuine,
sincere person I have ever had the opportunity to work with. She truly cared
about each and every PCIer and client. She made you feel special. She
recognized every individual and his/her talents. She would tell you how
impressed she was with your creativity and leadership. Knowing that I had a 1
1/2 hour commute to the office every day and had two school-aged sons, Diane would often say to me, “I don’t know how you do it.”
It meant a lot to know Diane, as a mother herself, understood and appreciated
what it meant to be dedicated to your career and your family and do all that
you could to succeed at both. If I had to describe in one word how Diane made each of us feel, that word would be
“cherished.” And we, in turn, cherish Diane.
Dorothy Pirovano – As I plant lover, I felt
compelled to bring in six-foot long window planters filled with healthy green
plants to warm up the north-facing windows at the office. When we decided to
discontinue the service that provided and cared for our large potted plants,
they left them behind and I took it upon myself to make sure they were watered,
dead leaves removed and pruned back when needed. I'd do it as early as I could
on Monday mornings when the only other person likely to be in the office was Diane.
She decided plant watering
should be her job, not the CEO's, and lugged gallon containers of water from
one end of the office to the other. It took at least four trips to do the job
and Diane carried those heavy gallons with a smile on her face. No matter how
early I'd try to be there, she would beat me and I'd have to hustle to fill up
containers so she didn't have to do it alone. It was our social time and we
began the week by catching up on what happened over the weekend and celebrating
the birthdays, anniversaries, performances and special events of each other's
families. It also gave her a chance to tell me the news of various people who
regularly came to the office - a promotion, retirement or job change for her
regulars: the postal worker, UPS or FedEx delivery persons, the building
cleaning and security staff. Diane knew them all and cared for each one, just
as she cared for the plants (and me).
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