The Diary of a (co-) MD: w/e Feb 7

This week I’ve been:

• Doing no travel! It's weird to have not been running up and down between Edinburgh and London but I've benefitted from that by having the time and space to review our January performance (great!) and looking ahead to what we need to do to achieve our Q1 goals. All very Glengarry Glen Ross, but what this last month has taught me is that a) you absolutely get out of AgencyLand what you put in, and b) I wouldn't choose to do anything else
• Hosting our first board meeting of the month with the wonderful Mark Probert and Danny Turnbull . I find their actionable and independent advice hugely valuable
• Watching the team put together our entries for The Marketing Society Scotland 's Star Awards. We've a really strong set of entries this year (with a few surprises up our sleeve). Watch this space for updates!
• Planning a trip to New York with Rowan Morrison to see clients and prospects. We'll also be attending a flagship financial services event which will offer great networking opportunities. All very exciting!
• Onboarding a third party supplier who will be helping with some valuable admin processing. Tough work, but it's been a great experience so far, thanks ValueAdd Business Solutions Ltd.
• Inspired by my daughter doing the Edinburgh Seven Hills Challenge with her P7 buddies (see pic above). It's not been the best weather in Edinburgh this week which has made her endeavours even more impressive
• Waiting for London North Eastern Railway to get back to me about a Corporate Account. All very, er, exciting! Seriously though LNER, if you're reading this please get back to me. I literally want to give you money

This week I've discovered:

• Blanco White. Just brilliant. Give him a listen. Especially Olalla (https://open.spotify.com/track/1z75CRovSzKUOpYbrV4Fuo?si=c9ec2800253847c2)
• 'People Who Eat Darkness' by Richard Lloyd Parry (https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/people-who-eat-darkness-love-grief-and-a-journey-into-japan-s-shadows-richard-lloyd-parry/2696833?ean=9780099502555), the account of the disappearance of Lucie Blackman who was kidnapped and ultimately murdered in Tokyo nearly 25 years ago. Ahead of my trip to Japan in a few weeks time I'm reading up on the city I'll be visiting and this book was recommended. It's a harrowing, illuminating read.
• Running with a group of people. For many years I've been a solo runner but recently I put myself forward to be a pacer for INTERVAL 's Sunday runs. Interval is an awesome independent running shop in Edinburgh. On the runs I get to meet so many different people who are all appreciative that you are helping them to meet their goals. I'll be doing 2 x 18km loops on Sunday one with Interval, and one on my own. Hoping I feel the same way after that!