At my exit interview in Philadelphia, the elected DA spent some time with me to thank me for my service and wish me well.  We talked a bit about leadership and she told me something that has haunted me until today.  She goes “V-Tsien, everyone eventually sells out.  Everyone has a price.  But true leaders, they cannot be bought.”  I’ve reflected on this since then and it is so accurate.

And the things that people sell out for.  Even with the consideration of withholding judgment and walking in another’s shoes, please at least sell out for more.  I also wondered what my price is – Pride?  Family?  Justice?  It’s easy to trade something you have an abundance of or don’t really care too much about.

The real test comes when it’s something or someone you value dearly, possibly a scarcity.  Maybe the point is if you’re going to sell out, make it really count and be ok living with it.  Or follow the difficult path of true leadership.  Ultimately, our call, our choice.

The DA eventually becomes a mentor and an unlikely confidant – a relationship that has spanned 16 years.  Our paths and vision have similarities, and she is a great teacher.  Tough, resilient, resolute, ethical.  I recently shared some of my writing with her and she was touched.