Today (11/3/2014) is my last day at Media 1 and its related entity Xperiocity. Official notice was given a few weeks ago and I’ve spent the last few weeks making some personal notifications and working through some transition plans. The parting of ways was at my request, and has been completely amicable.
One of the many things that I have learned about myself over the last 11 years here at Media 1 is that I am very good at what I do. That may sound arrogant to some, but believe it or not, I have to beat down a wall of self-deprecation to write those words with confidence and without disclaimer.
One of my skills is being able to shift my perspective and derive clarity from a situation that has a lot of moving parts. The last few months, I’ve gained some clarity on my life and on my role at Media 1. I came to the conclusion that the strategy direction that Xperiocity represents is the best path forward for Media 1, and at the same time requires some skill sets that are perhaps better suited to others. My final strategic recommendation as the Lead Consultant at Media 1 is that they pursue the talent that can best engage in their new cause and direction. My advice to myself is to do the same.
Without disclosing specific work or specific clients, I am incredibly proud of what Media 1 has been able accomplish during my tenure. From continuing to evolve business process and practices, to ground breaking applications of learning technology, the sheer number of initiatives I have been involved with is staggering. The awards and accolades have similarly been humbling. However, none of those things would have been possible without Chris Willis the CEO, and an incredible cast of talent assembled in Grand Haven, MI.
The original team when I joined that consisted of Penny Maki, Robert Willis, Jenni Kossack (Nemes), Brad Pennington, James Barnes, Scott Byers, Thomas Johnson, and Omar Marty. It doesn’t surprise me in the least that the majority of those people are still there today. I’ve also had the opportunity to work long term with some incredible talents including L. Micheal Wykes, John Chapin, Kate Prior, Jill Bornemeier, Ben Froese, Jeff Gross, David Fewless, Josh Rourhurst, Steve Barber, Bill Jones, William Hicks, Audra Troccko, AliciaMarie Belchak, Paul Shope, Laura Sample, Aaron Schaut, Jordan McClure, Deb Woudenberg, William Mosqueda, Shanna Reynolds, Erika Jenson, and Sandy Balkema. There have also been an incredible cast or shorter term employees and contractors not mentioned by name with apologies. To some of these people I am a trusted advocate and friend, for other perhaps not as much. It’s never easy to run operations in a small enterprise. The greatest compliment I can give is that I learned from each and every one of you, and you are all part of the fabric that is the Media 1 I will always be thankful I was a part of.
Undoubtedly, many of you are wondering what is next for me, for the time being, I can tell you that I have a plan and to stay tuned. For the purposes of this post, I would like to end by focusing on gratitude for the 11 years of great experiences and opportunities at Media 1.