So, what brings me to a 10 year anniversary of Select Planning? I’ve been in customer service operations all of my career (since 1987) with over 25 of those in a variety of Planning roles, although originally that was purely by accident. I'm a music nut (still searching for the “perfect” album), an Ipswich Town football fan (sorry), a family man (my wife is by far the best thing about me) and, in simple terms, someone who just wants to make a positive difference.
But back to that anniversary – what’s my story?
At the end of 2012 I had taken the decision to leave over 25 years of corporate life in insurance behind me. In truth, I had fallen out of love with my long term employer. Consecutive bosses just didn’t seem to share my values, I didn’t feel like an individual anymore, I didn’t feel empowered and to put it bluntly, I simply no longer enjoyed working there.
That’s not a criticism of them as an employer – they had been absolutely brilliant for most of my career – I learnt loads, met fantastic people, and would change very little. Sometimes it is just time for a change.
Encouraged by a few people I really respected, I decided to go consulting. But then my colleague Keith Stapleton (who was also leaving) suggested working together and Select Planning was born. 10 years on I can say it was the best decision I/we could have made.
Those 10 years have gone by in a flash. There have been tough times professionally and personally. My own cancer diagnosis only 4 months into our new business was a particular low point and inauspicious start! I’m sure I would have struggled to get through them without the support and friendship from Keith.
But there have been some brilliant times which far outweigh the low points. We’ve been involved in some fantastic projects with a range of clients/sectors we could only have dreamt of when we started out. We’ve even supported the planning for the largest and most important vaccine deployment this country has ever seen in the midst of a pandemic. Who would have believed that 10 years ago.
We’ve learnt more in 10 years than the previous 25 and grown as people beyond measure in my view. There’s been belly laughter, a few tears, arguing (only a little), lots of bouncing ideas off each other, swearing (lots of that too, usually about football though) and there’s been bucket loads of benefit for our clients.
I’m massively proud of what we’ve achieved in these 10 years. Proud of the difference we’ve made for people and customers. Proud of the benefit we’ve delivered for organisations. Proud of the people we’ve become. But most of all, I’m proud that we’re still here, still kicking hard and we’re still mates…really good mates. I wouldn’t want to be doing this with anyone else.
Great first blog