Last week, I got laid off.
I’d been working at Threespot, part-time, for more than 11 years—which is quite a long tenure these days—when the company somewhat abruptly let a dozen of us go. Many of us had similar skill sets, and a change of direction meant that we’d all suddenly become, in essence, unaffordable luxuries: great people for the wrong kinds of projects. It wasn’t a personal decision, it was a personnel decision, and I completely understand it… even though it came as a bit of a surprise.
I loved my time at Threespot. I did work I will forever be proud of.
I helped the Peace Corps recruit more Volunteers for service overseas… and we won a few Webby Awards and nominations in the process. I helped the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs completely re-imagine its entire interactive presence. I helped the National Academies teach the world about energy. I led a project that oriented millions of Americans to the world of Medicare and Medicaid.
I made a video that helped National Wildlife Federation raise money to save polar bears. I helped the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization raise billions of dollars to immunize children worldwide, and I helped the American Association of Poison Control Centers keep both children and adults safe and healthy.
I helped the Drug Policy Alliance advocate for rational drug policy in the United States. I helped the Laborers International Union of North America serve its union members. I helped the Council on Foreign Relations create infographics for Time magazine.
I helped Zipcar find more drivers. I helped XM Radio find more subscribers. And a few weeks ago, I finished a project that will help the Chronicle of Higher Education transform the way high school students, their parents, and their guidance counselors think about the college selection process.
I traveled as far as Helsinki, Finland and as wide as Mt. Sterling, Illinois to meet and work with clients. I made great friends and forged great partnerships. I became a Certified Scrum Master. I spoke at South by Southwest. I spent late nights writing proposals and long weekends wrestling with content management systems. And I have terrific memories to hold onto… memories I will cherish.
But it’s time to embrace new opportunities… which, in truth, I’d been considering for some time. For more than a decade, Threespot has been tremendously supportive of my professional development as a communications and technology strategist, and now is the right moment for me to begin considering new ways I can contribute my time, energy, and experience to organizations I believe in.
I want to keep doing good in the world. I want to support non-profit organizations—particularly those working in the arts and culture sector, where I have deep roots—in their efforts to engage new (and existing) audiences. I want to take what I know about digital communications, brand, and social media and put it to good use.
I’m excited about taking on projects large and small, either really far-out or more run-of-the-mill, anywhere in the country. (I have a few great things lined up already that I’ll be announcing soon!) This is my one life, and I’m going to make it count.
So are you interested in working with me? You get can to know more about here on LinkedIn. And contact me here. Let’s talk!
Here’s to embracing new opportunities! Wherever you go, I have no doubt it will be great.
Thank you, Liz. I have no doubt whatsoever that the same will be true for you, too.
Best wishes and to a wonderful future!
Thank you, my friend!
I can’t use your lovely services, but I am ON IT getting the word out!
Thanks, my friend! You are the very best.
I flipped your post to our VP eBusiness… will let you know what I hear if anything. I know he’s doing more with contractors than he was in the past. We have some major projects coming up, so…
Super cool, my friend!
Gwydion, You are tremendously talented. I loved working with you and am jealous of anyone else who gets to do so in the future! ~Erin
Thanks, Erin! And who knows: the way things turn in this world, we’ll probably have a chance to work together again one day!
Onward! Keeping my ears open for you, buddy!
Thanks, buddy!
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Great recap of a productive chapter in your career. Any outfit would be lucky to have your skill set on staff, but maybe a free-ranging consultant is what you should be!
I’m beginning to think that same thing myself. Nice to hear it from one of the smarter fellows I know!
What a beautiful, deeply felt, wise consideration of a seismic lift shift. I really really hope I work with you in some capacity, someday soon.
Heather: that’s music to my ears, and you know it! Big hug.
Where’s the Like button? I will always keep you in mind. Check out icfi.com/careers. We’re a public company that is doing work that makes a difference in many markets around the world and always strives to develop sustainable solutions. I know that sounds like marketing-speak, but it’s true.
Carolyn! So great to hear from you! It’s been… what… 12 years? Thanks for the suggestion! Hope you’re well.