BPI at 15

This week our US team gathered to celebrate 15 years of Bully Pulpit International. I’ve naturally gotten a lot of questions about the past – stories, lessons, and accomplishments. Of course I’m proud of what we’ve built together and the impact our clients have had in the world. More importantly, I’m grateful for the trust of the more than 700 colleagues and alumni who have been part of the BPI story along the way.?

For anyone interested in lessons, I’d refer you to what I wrote at our 10 year mark. The basics are still the basics. Instead, my message this week has been about the future. Everyone who joined our 15 year meeting was given a learners permit instead of a name tag. That’s what you get at 15, right?

I’ve viewed our BPI journey in chapters. The first was obviously digital and getting off the ground. The second was deciding to become an integrated first-chair partner and rounding out our services. We are now about a year into the third, updating this offer for the modern media environment and doing so as an integrated transatlantic solution.

What’s been interesting is that the core idea of BPI has not changed. We set out to help drive change for the most impactful leaders in the world. We’d do it by harnessing the lessons of politics to become first-chair partners to the most senior decision makers. We wouldn’t just give advice, but actually run campaigns to understand, reach, and persuade niche audiences on the most critical and complex topics. And of course, we’d bring a level of measurement to this space that has not existed.

To do this, no one’s name could be on the door. We’d need a team of absolute rockstars from all backgrounds and skillsets that could work together with an equal measure of dedication and humor.

I’m happy to report that this is still very much the goal. Change is a constant. Our services, technology, and locations will all evolve. But the idea of the bully pulpit still holds true. Ideas alone are not enough. Change is only possible when powered by great communication.

Thank you for all your support on this journey – particularly the more than 100 alumni who joined us for our anniversary party. This week showed the power of our collective community. There’s no change we can’t accomplish together.

?

?