The goal is to make yourself obsolete ?? When you start a business, you aim to solve a problem for a market, build a business model that makes sense (and scales), then remove yourself as the last bottleneck of the processes in the business and become an owner and thought partner for the operators of the business. This is what I used to talk about with my clients when I ran my accounting firm (Scendar) and what I’ve preached on webinars, talks, and keynotes around the world at conferences and online over the last 10+ years. It’d be a shame not to follow my own advice. So, as I transition (get promoted) to the Executive Chairman role at Ignition, it gives me great pleasure to announce that Greg Strickland, who’s been at Ignition during 2024 as Global President, is now taking over the CEO role. Greg brings all the things I don’t have to the table:? - He’s worked at a software company before (actually been COO at a number of them);? - He’s worked in an international software company (launched Box into the EMEA region); - He understands the US tax market - our historical core market (family member is a US CPA) and general SMBs;? - He knows why paper cheques/checks still exist in the US. If that’s not enough, he lives our values and we think in a very similar way on business model vs. value exchange and trying to serve our customers and build what they need to be successful and serve their clients. For customers we have outside of the US, we have tenured team members and leaders in each of those geographies to make sure you’re top of mind. As you know, we build for a global audience and always have done so, this will not change (aside from local integrations, payments in each region, etc.) It’s an exciting change for the business after 12+ years to get a fresh set of eyes and experience to help drive our continued success into the future. Personally, I can’t wait to sit alongside you, participate when required, and watch the journey that lies ahead. I’ll still be around at conferences etc for the next ~12 months in the accounting industry (at least). I won’t be pulling the Houdini/Irish exit (depending on which country you are from) on everyone, but I still can’t stay out past 10 pm without turning into a pumpkin. A huge thank you to everyone who’s been in my corner on this journey—including everyone at Ignition, our board, and shareholders—for your support, our customers, partners and peers. And to my co-founder Dane for always having my back, and Greg, for stepping into the seat and taking the reins. To our 7,500+ customers, I’ve seen the roadmap, you should be so excited about 2025 and beyond. To our partners and customers, I can’t wait to see more amazing things for and with you all.? To the Ignition team, let’s do this. Onwards and upwards, GP
Sureel Sheth
1 个月
Guy - you’re a world class partner and leader, and more importantly, a compassionate and empathic human. You’ve always put Ignition and your teammates first, and this is just another example of you elevating to give the business the best chance of winning. It’s awesome that you’ve found a partner in Greg who both loves the often quirky and dare I say boring parts of accounting and technology, and also lives the values of Ignition’s culture through and through. Best of luck to you both in these new roles - I’m highly confident Ignition is going to thrive. As you’ve always said, onward and upward!
Graeme Tennick
1 个月
Huge congratulations mate and this is some achievement and I love what you guys have built. Look forward to hopefully seeing you again soon
Andrew M.
1 个月
Guy Pearson - Its so rare to have achieved what you have with Ignition, and stay so humble and self aware in the process. Your authentic approach to building a business has created something quite special, including a team that live the same values as you. It's inspirational and something we can all learn from. Im proud to be part of Ignitions journey and know that the business is in good hands with Greg Strickland. Let's go!
Chelsey Moir
1 个月
I never forget the nervous feeling I had when my final interview for Ignition, in 2021, was with the CEO. Instead of qualification questions, you hit me with questions that would assess my understanding of the culture at Ignition & I if would be a fit. I knew then that this was where I wanted to work. It's been a fun 3.5 years under your leadership, and I know you'll still be very close to the business! And I am excited to welcome Greg in as CEO to lead this huge year in 2025!
Heather Smith
1 个月
Congratulations Guy Pearson - you've worked hard to build an amazing solution and brilliant team. You most definitely deserve a new and exciting chapter for the journey you are on. You are an absolute star with respect to the consistent work that you have done around supporting & championing women, and giving women space in our community. It is very much seen, recognised and appreciated.? I'm sure Wayne and Sally can share with you the name of their travel agent and give you some ideas for 2025!! I am very much looking forward to seeing you at PreCon and Xerocon 2025, and maybe we can catch up at an overseas conference too! All the very best - seriously you deserve it!!
Clayton Oates
1 个月
Congrats Guy on all you and the team have achieved over the years. You are one of the true pioneers of an industry that’s grown around the world. You deserve a break and have certainly earned it, hope this means you now have time to travel, have fun and see the world ?? no wait ….. that’s what you’ve been doing for 10+ years ?? I’m a y case hope to still see you at an airport or a pre-conference party sometime soon. ????
Meena Berry
1 个月
Guy, it has been truly inspiring to witness your journey from the early days pre Ignition to leading this incredible global business and team. Over the years, you’ve built an exceptional legacy, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to work with and learn from you. Your humility, passion for embracing innovation and leadership have left a lasting impression since our first meeting at IA office in Chippendale. Wishing you all the best for the exciting road ahead!
Bronwyn Karaoglu
1 个月
You’re an absolute inspiration, Guy—a founder who has not only built a remarkable business but also achieved incredible personal goals. You inspire me every day. It’s been an honour to work alongside you and learn from you over the past 3.5 years, being part of Ignition’s incredible journey. I’m so grateful for the opportunity. A huge congratulations to Greg on stepping into the CEO role! I’m so excited to continue working with you, learning from you, and taking Ignition to even greater heights together.
Key Account Manager @ Ignition
1 个月How lucky are we that GP turned his idea into a startup. I still remember when GP explained mateship (google it y'all) many years ago and it still rings true at Ignition today. I'm so happy to have worked under GP's leadership and I'm so excited for Greg to be taking the reins. 2025 is going to be a big year for Ignition, our customers, and our community, and I'm so excited to be a part of it. Thank you GP, we're all here because of what you and Dane started ??