I don't think he's permanently affected me except in the sense that I miss him. I miss being him. Or trying to be him. He is one of a gallery of characters that have had an impact on my career and therefore my life.
Lots of pretty faces came and went over the years, but some stuck around and I happen to be one of them.
I'm taking my time. I feel much more confident, and every day I feel like I'm getting better.