Post by John Horigan

9 years at Palo Alto Networks - and it’s time to say goodbye. Has it really been that long? How? It seems inconceivable. In that time, I had the privilege to marry my best friend, experience a global pandemic, jump in a new career path, and heartbreakingly say goodbye to both my fathers. I honestly didn’t want to write this post, just figured I’d disappear into the LinkedIn ether - post “new position” and move on. But as I began to say the many goodbyes throughout this week, I realized that I would be doing a massive disservice to what I’m really going to miss about PANW - the people. Behind all the sexy headlines, acquisitions, new product launches, etc. are legions of people who are some of the kindest, humblest and hardest working people I’ve ever met. I could write a million posts about EVERY SINGLE PERSON at PANW, but selfishly I want to focus on 2 people that had the greatest impact on me: Kevin McConvey Kmac has a huge heart, 2nd only to his smile. He is a model leader who never wavers in celebrating people and passion, exemplifying hospitality while curating feelings of belonging. He took a chance on me when most wouldn’t have batted an eye because I didn’t fit the mold nor came from a traditional workplace background. He saw how bad I wanted to succeed and trusted me in positions most wouldn’t. I can confidently say I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. Kmac - you’re a real one sir and I’m eternally grateful. Jim Sugg Our relationship began when I became his personal trainer back in 2018 when I was managing the onsite fitness center at PANW. His goal was simple: 5 exercises, 3 sets each, 30 minutes, 3 days a week - That’s it. When 2020 hit and the pandemic threatened my job, Jim offered to have me train him in his backyard just to ensure I could provide for my family. It was an extremely generous offer, which was exactly the kind of guy he was. As time went by and the pandemic lifted, Jim retired from PANW but our sessions continued. We’d have hundreds of conversations about art, history, politics, philosophy, movies. He was a good friend, I learned a great deal from him. Sadly he passed away in December of 2024. I miss him dearly. Kevin and Jim are two examples of the thousands at PANW over the years who have helped me in more ways than one. You all mean a great deal to me and you are all so very appreciated and important. Don’t ever forget that ♥️ One more thing - I never got to provide Jim’s final training sessions, I owed him 3 which is a bummer because we just got some kick-ass medballs. Jim’s memorial wishes were for donations towards the "Hunter Quigley Coe Be The Boat Fund" at the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation. I donated our final 3 session’s cash amount to the foundation and if I ever helped you in any way, I kindly ask that you do the same. Any amount helps and remember PANW matches! Thanks friends. Till next time… https://www.betheboat.com