Say Hello, Wave Goodbye!

As I sit to pen down this monumental proclamation, a whirlwind of emotions sweeps across my consciousness. Overwhelming gratitude, fierce pride, and a pang of bittersweet nostalgia—each wrestling for dominance. I find myself poised on the cusp of a new dawn, my gaze straying to the winding path etched behind me. A path that began in the electrifying world of digital marketing and advertising and now converges on an exhilarating precipice—a self-guided retirement.

This dream, a seed sown at the age of 32, has unfurled into my life's beacon. Today, by the grace of Allah (God), I have reached this long-envisioned milestone a year ahead of my self-imposed deadline of 40. I stand before you today, a heady mix of achievement and contentment coursing through my veins, to announce my retirement from the kinetic realm of digital marketing and advertising. At 39, I close one vibrant chapter to embark on a thrilling new journey.

As I look back, the canvas of my career unfolds—a rich tapestry woven with unforgettable memories and invaluable experiences. Each face, each name, echoes a unique tale, leaving an indelible imprint on my journey. You've been my companions, my guiding lights, transforming the narrative of my career into an epic saga.

Bruce sinclair , it was your faith in my fervour for advertising that shaped the contours of my journey. The imaginative tasks you set me fuelled my creative faculties and carved a path of innovation.

Ian Haworth , your legendary leadership revealed the profound essence of emotional connectivity in our work, teaching me the value of forging ties that transform customers into committed brand communities. Beyond professional lessons, you instilled in me a deeper appreciation for emotional resonance in life itself. Today, as I reflect on my career, I realise that you've not just honed my professional skills, but you've enriched my personal world-view, and for that, I am infinitely grateful.

Johannes Schubert , together we fostered a world of creativity and imagination, a symphony of a strategist and a creative. I hold dear the warmth of our shared moments, each one ignited by your empathetic listening. Our 'Cabinet' journeys through England and Scotland, where ideas were born and nurtured, remain cherished memories — each one a treasured page from a novel of our shared experiences. Your unique blend of imagination and empathy didn't just spark incredible ideas, Johannes, it built a deep and personal bond, one that I will always hold close.

Adam Arnold , your audacious philosophy of zagging when everyone else zigs became my guiding star, steering me through the maze of advertising. You underlined the essence of loyalty to one's unique vision, a lesson I hold close to my heart.

Jim Carroll , you have been more than just a mentor to me. Our conversations, tucked away in the tranquil corners of The Ivy, remain among my most cherished memories. Each word you shared, every insight you offered, did more than merely fuel my passion for planning – they sparked a profound transformation within me. It wasn't just about professional growth, it was personal. You instilled in me an understanding that what we do is a reflection of who we are at our core. Your influence reaches beyond the confines of boardrooms and strategy sessions, it has become an intrinsic part of who I am today. Jim, you didn't just shape my career, you helped shape my character, for which I am eternally grateful.

Rik Haslam , being part of your team and writing my thesis under your tutelage sparked an odyssey of exploration. Your relentless push to probe deeper and question "What's the point?" guided me through uncharted waters, honing my perspectives on strategy and digital realms.

Russell Marsh , your unwavering faith and poised guidance, illuminated by trust and mutual respect, became the beacon for my journey in pioneering digital change. Your belief in me served as the fuel for both my professional aspirations and personal evolution.

Louise Morgan , your relentless pursuit of shared value became the compass guiding us through our shared journey. Navigating the intricate labyrinth of relationship management with you, we confronted challenges, including my "Lamest of Excuses", transforming them into award-winning case studies. Your unique knack for seeing opportunities where others saw obstacles demonstrated a resilience and creativity that left an indelible imprint on my soul. You turned constraints into canvases for innovation, a testament to your remarkable adaptability. This, Louise, is an enduring lesson I carry with me.

Marco Scognamiglio , you were more than a leader - you were the beating heart of our team. Your energy and charisma radiated out, reshaping not just the landscape of marketing, but also the people fortunate enough to work with you. The chocolate baskets, seemingly small, were monumental in their message: every one of us mattered. Your simple gestures reflected your inherent empathy and highlighted your ability to create an inclusive culture, making each of us feel not only seen but truly valued. Your unwavering zeal and kindness have touched my life profoundly, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Tom Jefferies , our collaborative efforts in Chertsey laying the ground work for the "Next Big Thing" has been invaluable. You exemplified how authentic leadership is rooted in service, leaving a lasting impression on my journey. I cherish these enduring lessons.

Richard Wilson , your infectious enthusiasm for data and intelligence was not just a crucial element of my journey, it was the soul that breathed life into it. You provided the much-needed 'meat on the bone' in this data-driven marketing world, but it was more than that - your excitement ignited my curiosity, your passion drove me to dig deeper. Richard, you didn't just show me the importance of data, you made me fall in love with it, and for that, I'm forever grateful.

Heeil Shin , you've shown that turning simple truths into tangible business growth is an art form. Your mastery of this art painted a simple, yet profound lesson— often, the most complex problems hold the simplest solutions.

Asad ur Rehman , you illuminated the path of leadership not just with your words, but with your actions. Witnessing your seamless harmony of personal and professional growth showed me that true leadership is an inside-out process. You demonstrated resilience in adversity, always standing firm and steady. But what I hold most dear is the trust you fostered, a trust born of genuine understanding and empathy. Your influence is a wellspring of wisdom that I will always cherish.

Sanjiv Kakkar , Like a beacon in the stormy seas of my career, your unfiltered and relentless advice has been instrumental in navigating both professional challenges and personal growth. Every bit of wisdom, every tidbit of guidance, has left an indelible imprint on my life's journey. Reflecting on the person I am today, I see your unyielding influence intertwined with my growth story, shaping me into the individual I've become. Sanjiv, your mentorship transcended the confines of professional life; you've not only steered me towards success but also fostered resilience and a thirst for growth within me. I owe you a debt of gratitude that mere words cannot express.

Sandeep Kohli , you've truly been my Polaris, inspiring me with your relentless pursuit of transformation. Your constant encouragement for transcending self-imposed limits has empowered me to envision and conquer newer horizons. Sandeep, you've taught me that we're only as strong as the change we bring, a lesson I carry with me on this new journey.

From the depths of my heart, I extend my profound gratitude to all the team members, partners, and collaborators who have been an integral part of my journey. Each one of you, with your distinctive talents, perspectives, and passion, has added brilliant hues to the masterpiece that is my career. I stand in awe of our collective accomplishments and am filled with even greater pride witnessing the exceptional individuals you have evolved into.

In case I've missed mentioning anyone, please accept my apologies. Though memory may falter, the impression you've left on my heart is etched forever.

As I unfurl the scroll of this new chapter, remember, self-guided retirement isn't an ending. It's the turning of a page, stepping out of the familiar hum of the machine to explore uncharted territories and embark on exhilarating new ventures:

1. Cultivating my own agriculture and animal farms

2. Experimenting with a kaleidoscope of vegetables

3. Guiding start-ups to quickly and ethically chart their growth trajectory?

4. And yes, my long-awaited book is nearing its completion

5. And who knows, I might even inspire others to embrace self-guided retirement before 40! Who knows…

So, as I say Goodbye, I carry with me a heart full of gratitude for every encounter, every individual, and every cherished memory. The future lies ahead—a blank canvas ripe for fresh hues of adventure, self-discovery, growth, and transformation. The horizon beckons.