Charles was no ordinary thinker. He described himself as a “social philosopher”, someone who not only observed the world, but dedicated himself to understanding it and, above all, improving it. With inexhaustible curiosity and profound vision, he dedicated his life to exploring how we can build societies and organizations that are more humane, wiser and more connected to the collective purpose.

For those of us who had the pleasure of reading and being inspired by his works, Charles was a friendly guide and a passionate storyteller. He had the gift of simplifying the complex and of opening our eyes to new ways of thinking about work, life and the impact we can generate. Beyond theories, I was always looking for the practical, the applicable, what could really change lives.

His legacy transcends generations and disciplines

Books such as I understand organizations Or The Second Curve they leave us with timeless reflections on how to adapt to change, how to find meaning in what we do and how to lead with humanity. But his greatest contribution is not only in the pages he wrote, but in the questions he left us:

What kind of life do we want to build?
What kind of leaders do we need to be to create a better world?

Charles Handy taught us that leadership is not a title or a role, but rather a personal commitment to continuous improvement and service to others. It reminded us that, in the end, what matters is not just the results, but the human impact that we leave in our wake.

We bid farewell to an extraordinary man, but we also celebrate everything he gave us: his wisdom, his warmth and his unwavering faith in human potential. Charles Handy (1932—2024) was much more than a thinker; he was a beacon for the unusual who believes that another leadership, and another world, is possible.

To his family, especially his children Kate and Scott, we send all our love at this time. And for those who have not yet explored his work, we encourage you to discover it. His message remains as relevant today as ever: we can lead with purpose, transform with humanity and leave a legacy that inspires those behind us.

Thank you, Charles, for reminding us that, even in the most uncertain times, there are paths to explore and a future to build.