In Memory of Michael Fox
By Ron Cacioppe
Michael Fox, a long-time and well-loved member of the Integral community has passed away. Michael worked at Integral for over 20 years. Everyone; co-workers and clients, who knew Michael referred to him as a gentleman – a gentle man. Michael was always open to everyone’s input and had a genuine desire to understand their point of view in a non-judging, accepting way. He didn’t seem to have the word ‘no’ in his vocabulary.
Michael had a deep and constant spirituality that he brought into everything he did professionally and personally. He helped develop and carry out the Integral Organisation Survey satisfaction that measured how fulfilled people were at work and if they felt they were working for a worthwhile purpose. In essence it was measuring how spiritually connected people were at work. Over 130 organisations and 25,000 people participated in this survey throughout Australia and Michael helped them put in place actions to improve their working lives.
Michael also helped develop mindfulness and meditation programs with Ron Cacioppe and together they ran 40 programs for over 1000 people in the community, private, public and not-for-profit organisations.
Michael especially loved coaching managers in religious educational schools. He helped the leaders of schools bring the school’s religious values into practice in the way they led their staff and students.
Michael continued to work as much as he could, trying to manage his diabetes problem. He had to work hard to get his insulin right in meetings but sometimes it didn’t work. A few times when we were in an important presentation, Michael would yawn, close his eyes and drift off to sleep. Many of our clients know Michael was into meditation and mindfulness so just assumed he was meditating.
Even though Michael had this gentle side, he had a determination and competitiveness that showed occasionally. Ron invited him to play squash one time and to go for a bike ride another time thinking he wouldn’t be as ‘athletically fit’ as he was. Michael left Ron an hour behind on the bike ride and beat him quite substantially in squash. He and Ron never got around to going for a bike ride or playing squash again after that!
When Ron left the UWA to start Integral, Michael was one of the three people who came with him at a very difficult and challenging time. Getting through the difficult early years together based on a common spiritual vision built a trust between me and Michael that was at the core of their friendship.
The name Michael is of Hebrew origin and means “who is like God?” or “gift from God.” Both interpretations fit Michael. He was humble and genuinely cared for people. Essential characteristics of great leaders and God.
Michael was a quiet, patient and above all a gentle man. He was as gentle as a subtle warm breeze or a very soft touch on your shoulder. We will miss the warm, gentle touch of Michael.