We’re at the stage with Jack (our three year old son) where we’re beginning to reap the benefits of (endlessly and painfully (!) at times) instilling in him the importance of “please” and “thank you”. As he turned to me this week and sincerely said “thank you, Mummy”, it reminded me that I too must also make time to do this.
After nearly 14 years (as they say... time flies when you’re having fun), it’s time for me to embrace the magic of a new beginning and write my next chapter.
But first, thank you Team Virgin Media for the friendships that I will treasure for life:
The caring colleagues who consistently checked in and went the extra mile (and still do). You made the daily difference and defined the company I loved being part of.
My team (over the years) who trusted me and worked so hard to deliver our shared, bold vision. At times it was tough going but what a blast we had. I relish seeing how you are all doing and cheerleading you on to this day.
The wider Virgin and Liberty Global family who taught me the importance of company culture and how to navigate the corporate world (or “screw it”!).
The colleagues sadly no longer with us but who leave a lasting impression on my style of work and attitude.
The sector superheroes who became my allies and those trusted advisors that became like an extended family, I’ll forever be in touch with and grateful to you.
The brilliant agencies and consultants that were part of our extended team and kept me honest and challenged my thinking, and who also rolled up their sleeves to deliver positive change.
Thank you for the memories - the belly aches and even the headaches:
The hours of annual dancing complete with glitter, fake eyelashes and mingling with celebs at VFest.
Turning Branson into a Robot and surprising Richard himself.
Our notorious Charity days, especially at Hook where I achieved my monthly step count in one day. Not sure I’ll ever live down some of those questionable fancy dress outfits though!
Unashamedly blubbing at my desk watching Caroline Casey at Davos for the first time knowing that a sea change was happening and we’d helped to get her there (a tiny bit!)
Walking to work at Great Portland Street and being accosted live on air by Fearne Cotton and ending up on Radio One for the morning (and missing all of my meetings).
The headaches of supporting wider corporate charity initiatives that simply don’t stack up but grateful for the lesson in the importance of governance and accountability that still stick with me to this day.
Watching Josh Dennis engage our senior People Leaders with his first-hand disability experience in the workplace, knowing that lightbulbs had literally gone off in the room.
Thank you for the money can’t buy incredible experiences:
The trips abroad to meet colleagues and suppliers, including driving a Trabi around Berlin without a clue.
Standing on the pitch at St. Mary’s Stadium for our SFC Scope Shirt swaps.
Attending multiple Paralympics events with some incredibly fearless people.
My first lunch with Richard Branson and going to his family home for the first time.
Introducing our Pioneers to the Prime Minister.
Running 40 marathons in 40 days (well it felt like it by the end!) with Richard Whitehead.
The late nights singing by a piano at The Louder Lounge at VFest.
Thank you for believing in me:
Moving from 31 charity partnerships to one strategic charity partner.
Shifting from 27 annual sustainability targets to five big goals for five years.
Overhauling onedays paid volunteering leave to fivedays paid volunteering leave.
Shifting to digital sustainability reporting before anyone else and using handheld videos before we even had video capability on our phones.
Making mums and dads matter more by transforming our family leave policies and practices.
But perhaps most importantly, thank you for the values and mantra that I take with me:
Do few things really well.
Screw it let’s do it!
Be straight up and human.
Build connections that really matter.
And my please?
Please keep in touch and please be the change you want to see. I’m grateful for the leaders that came with me and led by example. When Jack one day asks me “How do we change the world?”, I’ll say by one act of kindness at a time.
And talking of Jack - his favourite book at the moment is Winnie the Pooh, who famously said “I always get to where I am going, by walking away from where I have been”.