Saying goodbye...

After 5 years of building and running Behaviour Change Partners, I've decided to draw a line in the sand for my time here. Leaving it in the many capable hands of the others, I'll be officially finishing up at the end of February. In doing so, I wanted to take a moment and reach out to my network today to say thank you, to everyone, for all your personal and professional support that has got us to where we are today.

I couldn't be happier, nor more humbled in what we've created, what we've achieved. We set out to be the first agency of its kind, founded on and living by the application of behavioural economics and I think we've done an incredible job of setting that platform. I've met the most incredible people, I've worked with some of the most incredible brands, I've tackled some of the most pressing social issues we as a population face, and I genuinely feel like I've made a world of difference to some people's lives through our work. On top of that, I've opened up my eyes, and the eyes of many senior marketers around the country to the impact and effectiveness of behavioural economics and truly understanding human behaviour.

Adam Ferrier mentioned at the MSIX conference last year that 'often being first can feel a lot like being wrong', and sitting here in contemplation and reflection, he's absolutely right. It's a scary place to be, and you do often find yourself questioning whether what you're doing is right, wanted, or even needed. Not only have we battled the battle of being a small creative agency in an industry that constantly heralds the death of the creative agency, we've done it fighting uphill in the adoption and application of a field that in itself, is still in its infancy. None of it has been easy, but who wants easy? It's been an incredible ride, full of amazing learnings, successes and failures. One that offers me a great deal of insight as I push my own career forward.

All of that aside, I leave the agency that we started in an incredible position - both in its bid to challenge the status quo of creative agencies, and in its intent to deliver more effective marketing efforts built out of a deeper understanding of actual human behaviour. One of a few necessary tools (if used properly) that will help marketing find its seat back at the boardroom table.

A friend of mine the other day posted about how important it is to reflect and note your successes, your accomplishments, so as I head towards my final week, I've captured a few from my time at Behaviour Change Partners that spring to mind easily:

• Being offered the opportunity at 26 to establish and run Behaviour Change Partners, the first agency of its kind, that's proved capable of holding its own against the big creative shops in town.
• Awarded and recognised as one of Australia's top 30 under 30 marketers (when I was young enough in 2014).
• Winning the inaugural MSIX awards Grand Prix and Best Insight award in 2015 for our work in the battle against obesity with Heart Foundation and Cancer Council.
• Working next to Paul Fishlock, one of Australia's best creative and strategic minds, for every day over the 5 years.
• Collaborating with the thought-leaders in the space in the set up and establishment of Sydney's very own Behavioural Economics and Behavioural Science Network.

I'm incredibly proud, excited and obviously very emotional. I can still remember day one like it was yesterday and I genuinely can't believe how quick it has all gone. I can't wait to see where it all goes in the coming years - I suspect it will be like watching your kid grow up!

In terms of my next steps, well for now, I'm keeping the detail to myself - but I can't wait to share it with you all. 2017 stands to be the biggest year of my life and I'm so excited about what's on the horizon.

Again, to everyone, thank you for all your support, love and care!