So on Monday I start at WK.
Despite having worked at some very highly regarded creative companies in my time – from HHCL to Google and a whole host of awesomeness inbetween – the fact is that even though I knew I was fortunate to be working at those companies at the time, I often didn’t realise just how valuable my experience or education was until well after I had left the organisation.
Sometimes long after I’d left the organisation.
Zoom forward today and it’s quite different.
To be honest, a lot of this is down to the fact I’ve turned 40 … an age where many in adland regard you as a dinosaur.
I’ve written before about how I view people with these prejudices as idiots – however it can’t be denied that I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this position at this stage of my life and career.
That sounds a bit like I believe I should be on the scrapheap – but that’s not what I meant.
Whilst I do think luck has played an incredible role in my career, I think I’m pretty good at what I do and can make a difference at any place I work – however the main reason I’m so excited is because I have the opportunity to make a difference at a company who genuinely believes in the power and value of creativity and doesn’t devalue age or experience which is why I believe my best work is potentially still ahead of me and to still be able to say that at my age is an exciting thing.
I was incredibly fortunate at a young age to work with great people, companies & clients however because of my age, I don’t think I realised just what I could achieve with all of it… and whilst I did pretty well, coming into W+K after 20 odd years of experience and adventure means I don’t want to just keep the gleaming boat on course, I want to help take it to new and exciting places and if there’s any company whose open to that, it’s them.
Or at least I hope they are, ha.
I am a firm believer that to actually make ‘fate’ happen, you have to declare your intentions publically – because once you’ve done that, you know others will evaluate you on your achievements ad that will ensure you get off your arse and make it happen – which is why once I’ve had a chance to spend some time with my team, colleagues & clients, I will openly detail my personal goals at W+K because when you get to my age, you want to leave your mark, not just improve your CV.
Whilst I’d be ecstatic to join W+K at any point in my career, I genuinely believe it’s better for me – and them – that it’s happening now rather than 20 years ago which is why starting Monday, I’m going to see what positive damage I can help us do and I can’t bloody wait …