2021, what a year!

If someone had sat down with me in January and explained how 2021 was going to develop and unfold, I wouldn't have thought in my wildest imagination, it would be finishing the year in the way that it has.

But let's go back 12 months.

2021 largely started where 2020 left off.

Working from home, with a smattering of home-schooling for good measure.

Everything was mostly manageable, but if?there's one thing through my 40's that I've learned, it's being mindful and accept the things that I'm not particularly good at.?

And rather than push on with [insert whichever relatable topic here], I've learned to outsource said challenge to more talented and capable people, who are far better equipped to manage whatever it is, than I am.

So, about 4 working days into January, I officially "resigned" as a home-schooling parent.

There, I said it.

I would like to praise my partner Heidi, with her patience, tolerance and understanding, through what was an enormously challenging time.

Some people don't find it tough to blur the lines between 'parent', 'work colleague', 'friend' etc. I am not one of those people. When I'm at work, I'm at work. At the weekend (and evenings) when I'm at home being a parent, that's it, I'm at home being a parent.

One slightly positive aspect that came out of the home-schooling period, was the unintended humour derived from our youngest poking her head into Zoom calls, exclaiming "who are these people Daddy?", often to entire marketing teams, which often lightened conversations.

Throughout the remainder of Q1 and Q2, it remained largely the same format, with the notable exception of a couple of days in the office once it reopened in May, and a company summer party, but otherwise, it was certainly "business as usual".

NC500?

On a personal note, during the summer I was able to tick off a significant thing from my "50 things to do before 50" list, namely the North Coast 500.

For those not familiar, the NC500 is a 500 mile (it's actually slightly more than that) journey around the coast of Scotland, taking in arguably some of the most breath-taking scenery. Highly recommended, whether on two (as mine was) or four wheels.?

Exhibitions

In September, I found myself once again at a couple of face-to-face exhibitions since restrictions were changed, an opportunity to speak directly with friends, acquaintances, and colleagues from the marketing and affiliate industry, at an?actual?physical event.

Upon reflection, this made me appreciate the value of meeting with people and how wonderful these settings are for our mental health. For me, it's an environment I'm completely at home in, and something I hadn't realised I'd missed so much.

It was during one of the marketing events, where I struck up conversation with someone which ultimately lead to the biggest change for me, not only for 2021, but over the past few years.

A New Opportunity

I know of so many people who have taken the last 12-20 months to take stock of their lives, making some great life changing decisions which perhaps they might not have, if life had meandered along as normal.

In late September, I found myself in a similar position, reviewing an opportunity to join an exciting business with a great offering and bright future.

It always makes me think about how the path of life can change, often in an instance, from just a simple introduction of, "Hi, my name is Jamie, what's your name?".

If there's one thing I share with my children, is that you never know where a simple conversation might alter the trajectory of ones life. There are a trillion possibilities out there.

After a short period of careful consideration, and having taken the opportunity to look back on what I'd achieved (both personally and professionally), the inevitable conclusion was that this was a move I absolutely wanted to make.

In November, I was thrilled to join Disrupt as their new Sales Director.

Reflection

I had some time after leaving Student Beans, before starting at Disrupt.

During this period of unexpected, yet useful self-reflection, I was fortunate to take a bit of stock, to look at many facets of life, not limited to business, but also friends, family, children, health, finances, and mental well-being etc. This wasn't planned, nor engineered, but for me it was such an extremely satisfying opportunity to just sit and contemplate "life".

I came out the other side with a renewed and fresh perspective. A feeling of overall happiness and contentment, something I've not felt (or actively thought about if I'm honest) for many years, and ultimately so incredibly grateful for all I have and a genuine acceptance for the things I haven't yet achieved.

What's Next for 2022?

Having joined the wonderful team at Disrupt (and the wider Tomorrow Group companies) in November, we've immediately got to work on a variety of both operational and strategic projects, to help further set us up for a storming 2022. The team have welcomed me into the company, and been incredibly receptive to ideas and suggestions for our growth, and I've loved every single minute.

We have a stunning central London location, affectionally called "The Clubhouse", where it's a delight to be based.

I've joined a group of like-minded, positive, enthusiastic and determined people, who are all working hard to grow the respective Tomorrow Group companies (Found, Braidr and Disrupt).

I am so looking forward to sharing regular updates and announcements, but for now...

2022, we can't wait... let's do this.

Jamie?