Evan on Engineering Software

Last weekend, on July 8, 2007 (7/8/7), Boeing gave the world the first glimpse of its new 787 Dreamliner.

Airbus -- Boeing's arch competitor, could have tried to steal Boeing's thunder.  But instead, they did something unexpected.  Airbus co-CEO Louis Gallois wrote a letter of congratulations to Boeing's CEO: "Even if tomorrow Airbus will get back to the business of competing vigorously, today is Boeing's day — a day to celebrate the 787. Today is a great day in aviation history. Whenever such a milestone is reached in our industry it is always a reflection of hard work by dedicated people inspired by the wonder of flight."

As much a cynic (or, rather, realist) as I may be, I can only find one thing here: grace.

I was reminded of this while having lunch yesterday.  My phone rang, and when I answered it, it was John McEleney, CEO of SolidWorks.  No, John hadn't had his secretary or PR person call me to setup a call.  He just picked up the phone, and called.  He wanted to tell me that he is retiring from SolidWorks, and passing the reigns on to Jeff Ray, who is currently SolidWorks' COO.  Technically, I suppose he's not really "retiring."  He'll still be working with Dassault and SolidWorks in a limited capacity.  What he is doing is realigning his priorities, to spend more time with his family -- including his soon to be new wife, and his aging father.

John is a man of character, integrity, and grace -- a Mensch, in the very best sense of the word.  I count myself fortunate to have known him for the last 11 years or so.

Yet, I've been wondering something, ever since he called.  And that is, are the CEOs at SolidWorks' competitors likely to take a moment to call or email John, and wish him well?  Or are they more likely to use this transition to sew a little bit of FUD?