Something I never saw coming, has happened this year *dramatic pause*. Even after a decade of being self-employed and working across a portfolio of things like consulting work, founding ventures, teaching at UC and serving on several Boards, I was still very happy doing this. And then, I met Holly Gibson.
Holly has a special knack for seeing where people might have great alignment with an organisation. She connected me with Simon Rees, and I soon after started a consulting engagement with the team Dynamic Controls
There were a few early signs that this business really resonated with me. Right from the start, after meeting Holly and Simon, and then the rest of the team (including my old school buddy Nadene, who's doing an inspirational job of championing and shaping culture and wellbeing), I felt a real sense of connection to the team, and the work I was contracted to do.
As the project progressed, I realized I was starting to feel disappointed that I wouldn’t be there as things evolved. When I drove to the office or dialled in for a meeting, I was looking forward to what would be discussed. The people, the culture, and the combination of engineering and technology reminded me of the foundational 15 years of my career, and I really loved it. The was an added check box that also gets ticked, their purpose and the end-users they serve.
I didn’t want to give up the work I was doing on my ventures (especially Holdmine) and the Boards I'm on, and know that I thrive on a portfolio of work. But now I’d also found a company I wanted to be part of. Not just with one foot in as a consultant, but to actually be part of the business and help achieve what they’ve set out to. Thanks to the leadership team, values and culture, we found a way to make it happen.
So, long story short, as of March 2024, and for the first time in a decade, I have a job! It’s a permanent part-time role as Head of Product and Marketing at Dynamic Controls. It's so great to find an organisation that invites flexibility and allows contribution this way.
Here’s the list of what’s keeping me out of trouble in 2024:
♥ Founder/CEO - Holdmine
✅ Head of Product and Marketing (part-time) – Dynamic Controls
► Independent Director – The Crusaders and Motus Health Ltd
✍ Professor of Practice –University of Canterbury Executive Education
I’m excited about the variety and potential impact of the work I get to do in 2024, it feels like such a privilege! It does mean less (but not zero) capacity for coaching or consulting work, but certainly something to manage carefully.
