Big news… It’s with a heavy heart and a tear in my eye (seriously) that I announce this will be my last week at NixonMcInnes :’(
My time here has been, without a doubt, one of the most important chapters of my life so far. It’s been a privilege to work with such an incredibly talented, generous, intelligent and lovely team. I feel sad that they’re all going to go on and have adventures together without me, but it’s time for me to go.
Cue obligatory, heartstring-tugging musical accompaniment…
^PRESS PLAY NOW^
So, next week, I’ll start preparing to pursue new adventures abroad, as I get ready to move my little family across the pond to the States. It’s hopefully the start of another incredible adventure, and a chance to fulfill a dream, but before I go, please indulge me and allow me to reflect on some of personal highlights from the last 5.5 years…
First off, there’s the people. Working here is fun, and meaningful, a worthwhile thing to invest your time in, and I have had the privilege of working with people whom I count as friends. You guys are awesome. Truly. *wipes tear*
Second, the journey, and a big part of that journey has been the scope for personal development, which has been simply mind-blowing, and is to NM’s credit. The original 2007 job ad for my role barely resembles the role I now leave behind, it’s evolved almost beyond recognition, and the ad serves as my reminder of how much ground I’ve covered, how much I’ve learned, and how much my colleagues have sharpened and inspired me. That this has happened is, I think, largely due to the culture and values at NM. This is a place to grow and flourish. For this, the only appropriate response I can muster is simply a humble thanks, thanks for believing in me, for giving me these opportunities, for letting me FAIL as well as WIN. *deep breath*
Third, the work. I’m so incredibly proud of the work I’ve produced at NM. Some personal favourites from the ‘back catalogue’ are…
- Exploring conversations around Channel 4 telly programmes with Datacopter.
- Building a social network for budding entrepreneurs, brought to you by Virgin Media.
- Crowd-sourcing the office stereo with @nmstereo.
- Visualising both happiness, and advocacy.
- Inferring (albeit incorrectly) referendum results from tweets.
- Investigating Darth Vader and Lady Gaga, and how their online audiences overlap, evoking a response from the mighty Sith Lord himself.
- Designing and delivering an innovation workshop for a major UK publisher.
- The semi-under-wraps pilot project I’m currently working on, in collaboration with BBC R&D, which hopefully one day we’ll be able to officially make a big song and dance about.
So there we go. 5.5 years. Like I said, it’s been incredible.
But that’s quite enough gushing for now, I think. All that’s left for me to say is… So long, and thanks for all the crisps,
Steve.
xoxox
8 Comments
Best of luck, Steve!
May your USB Christmas tree be forever aglow.
Ahhh Steve-o, what a moment, and great post too. Brought a tear to my eye as well. I remember you joining the Dev Den team from the corporate behemoth and I’m glad you didn’t look back. What a journey indeed, NM has been very lucky to have you on the team. Very best of luck to you, Janna and the kids for your exciting next chapter. Keep in touch man. Big love.
Baz, Tom, thanks guys, it was a real pleasure working with you both :)
Oh Steve, that’s such a lovely blog post, and I strangely almost got something in my eye whilst reading it.
Have the best time in the States, very jealous of your adventure. Was awesome to get the chance to work with you and your amazing technical genius, and taste in music! Does Carter ever visit the US? x
Thanks Lou, I guess I’m just a sappy old git really! ;)
Dunno about Carter, but Morrissey’s playing the Ryman later this month, which is a good sign in my book at least! :)
Wonderful post Stevie and echoes the sentiments I have in many ways. An amazing adventure that you have been on indeed and one that you are now going on with the family!
It’s been a pleasure dude and looking forward to seeing you somehow over in the States, wearing your ten gallon JR hat:)
B
Brucey, it was a pleasure!
Good luck with everything, and stay in touch :)
Stevie-kins!
Dude – gutted I wasn’t back in time to see you off, but hope to catch up with you at some point before you leave.
Been an absolute pleasure working with you – I wish you and the family the very best and i’m sure you will continue to rock the world wherever in you may be :)
Much love x