Katherine Chloé Cahoon

As I read the many tributes to this incredible man who the world recently lost, I am deeply grateful to have met him. I had the privilege of creating a story about his business accomplishments, philanthropy work and service as a United States naval officer. When speaking with Leonard, he made me feel like I was the only person in the room. His employees told me he was known for treating everyone with that level of respect. He grew up helping his mother develop her cosmetics business, Estée Lauder. It started as a small family company and, with Leonard’s expertise, blossomed into an international corporation with counters in every major U.S. department store. Leonard was the chief executive for nearly two decades.   

He was one of the most gracious people I have met. When I spoke with him at his visit to a Nordstrom store, throngs of shoppers and employees applauded him as if a rock star had graced their presence. Leonard smiled and waved, taking the time to make eye contact with each person who approached him.