As the saying goes, the people around us rub off on us—so we might as well choose the right ones. Invariably, we become better by spending time with good people.
I’ve had the privilege of having several mentors in my life, starting with my parents. I’ve had other mentors—often without their knowing it—people who inspired me, who led by example through their discipline, integrity, and success in life, not just in business. I naturally think of Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger, but also others, like Benjamin Franklin—great figures who guide me every day. In tennis, I’ve always been inspired by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, two great champions, but above all, they are good people.
Closer to home, I had the privilege of personally knowing a great Quebec businessman—on the tennis court, in business, and in life. I won’t name him, because he wouldn’t have liked that—he was a very modest person who always preferred to stay in the shadows rather than in the spotlight (and yet, we all would have benefited from knowing him better).
Modesty, attentiveness, reason, integrity, generosity, business and investment success, family, loyalty, discipline, altruism, and determination—these are some of the qualities and values that come to mind when I think of my friend. Over the last 40 years or so, I regularly spoke with him whenever I faced a difficult decision. He never told me exactly what to do, but—much like Socrates—he would ask questions, listen, and without fail, help me work my way toward a thoughtful decision. At all times, even when I wasn’t speaking with him, he influenced me through his example.
In tennis, I had the privilege of being my friend’s doubles partner for many years. How many epic matches we played together! On the court, I witnessed firsthand all the qualities that made him a remarkable businessman. Deeply determined, he never gave up—even when we were far behind. He always remained calm and rational, discussing strategic adjustments that might improve our chances of winning or turning the match around. Moreover, he consistently demonstrated flawless honesty.
He also possessed another quality that seems increasingly rare these days: class. Always polite, always courteous, never raising his voice—he consistently conducted himself like the true gentleman he was.
He left us recently, but his memory and influence will remain strong for me and, I know, for countless others for whom he was a mentor and a friend. He will no longer be here to guide me in person, but his message and example will continue to guide me in all my important decisions.
Thank you, RR. I already miss you.
Philippe Le Blanc, CFA, MBA
Chief Investment Officer at COTE 100
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