![We are not human beings derek](https://kumkoniak.com/55.jpg)
He was unlike anyone I’ve ever met, or will likely ever meet again. When he spoke, you felt like everything he said was being said directly to you. His personality was infectious and when he walked into a room he WAS the energy in the room. If you met him, you were in his orbit too – whether you knew it or not. Today, he’s no longer with us, and the void can’t be filled – and that is crushing my soul.ĭerek (AKA “D”, “DZ”, “DerDiver”) and I met I don’t know how many years ago through recruitDC. Which is no surprise, since he was just about the most damn human you might have ever come across. He wanted to make it better, more real, and more human. One of the best we’ve seen in our industry, and one who cared deeply about the profession. He’s been right about this so many times before, so I suspect he’s right this time, too…ĭerek was a talented sourcer, no surprise there. He’d tell me that the words will just find their way. I don’t really know how to cope right now, but I know he’d tell me “write it down”. Derek Zeller was (is, and forever will be) one of those people.
![we are not human beings derek we are not human beings derek](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/0e/0e/e1/0e0ee1ddec3ca8dbbb22c5b39e3d07cc.jpg)
One that lasts forever, and transcends time, space, distance and the assorted BS that life throws at you. Professionally and personally, you get just a few people in your life who really make an impact on your life. One of his close friends, Pete Radloff, has done better justice than I in capturing Derek's spirit and memory.
![we are not human beings derek we are not human beings derek](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e6/d0/bb/e6d0bbefbe611258dc41def1a0d2932f.jpg)
We as a community are hurting, beyond gutted to hear the news of his passing today. While Derek was a highly talented sourcer, writer, and networker - his greatest talent was being human.
![we are not human beings derek we are not human beings derek](https://www.usmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Mariah-Carey-Dating-History-Derek-Jeter-Nick-Cannon.jpg)
One thing I do know is that from the moment I met him, it felt like we'd already been friends forever. From the editor: I honestly can't remember when I met Derek - it's been years.
![We are not human beings derek](https://kumkoniak.com/55.jpg)