As a weekly newsletter, this 52nd issue of The Bullet marks a year’s worth of Bullets since I wrote issue No.1 about why I left my job. It just so happens, that the day that this letter is published is also the day I start a new job as Head of Media Europe at Visa. I couldn’t be more excited about it and the journey ahead, here’s why:
1. I’m joining the revolution
Last year I said, “Bitcoin is the most important invention I believe I will see in my lifetime, so I want to dedicate maximum time and effort to help making a Bitcoin future a reality.”
By joining Visa, I think I can help do that. Visa are the original digital payments disruptor, looking to advance financial inclusion and they’re all over the crypto currency space. Their strategy on a page from the 2021 Annual Report has cryptocurrency as a main component, with CEO Al Kelly saying “on the immediate horizon we are making investments into crypto capabilities.”
2. Pride in my work
Leaving a job in media reminded me how much I really like the industry. As I said back then “I still believe advertising can be great, can be enjoyable, educational and above all useful, and I’d love to still play a part getting that trust back, perhaps through a combination of the best that crypto and marketing have to offer.”
Through this opportunity I hope I can achieve that aim and live the best of both worlds. Going back to Unilever for a few months and then completing a short-term contract at Smart Energy, reignited my passion for media, and now I get to do that at a crypto focussed company, what a privilege. Yes, according to recent surveys, advertising execs are still some of the most distrusted on the planet, but we can turn that around, do good in the world, and I love a challenge.
3. Mid-life
Having a short break and time to refocus has shown me that I most definitely still have the curiosity, hunger, and energy required as I move into the second half of my working life. I truly believe the best is yet to come and I’m really looking forward to doing some of the best work of my career.
4. Covid
Yeah ok, I’m not joining Visa because of Covid, but if there is one positive out of Covid, and the lockdowns that came with it, it gave me cause to reflect on what I wanted out of my career next and gave me the impetus to make a change.
5. Family
I want to be a great example to my family. I want to dedicate my time to doing things they can be proud of and support my children in whatever they want to do. Part of Visa’s purpose is to “lead by example” and they have a host of projects dedicated to improving financial access, diversity and inclusion, and sustainability. It’s why they’re rated as one of the world’s most ethical companies. Working for Visa, I hope to lead by example too.
6. Purpose
Since moving client side, many moons ago, I’ve been fortunate enough to work in businesses that have always had purpose at their core, and that I’ve been able to contribute to. From Avon supporting women to build their own businesses to the sustainability efforts of Unilever. Visa’s purpose is to uplift everyone, everywhere by being the best way to pay and be paid. I believe that financial inclusion, or lack of it, is often at the heart of some of the key issues we’re currently dealing with in society. Being part of a company with the ambition to offer financial access and tools to everyone, to give them opportunity to participate fully in the economy and society, both motivates and excites me.
7. Changing face of work
Most companies now are offering more flexible work environments and Visa is no different. I’ll be office based some of the time, be able to work from home sometimes and may have to travel a bit, and I’m here for it. The roles I’ve performed over the last decade have all offered that degree of flexibility which is extremely valuable for me as a working parent. It doesn’t mean I’m less dedicated to my work, in fact, the flexibility just helps to deliver on that dedication.
Those with a keen eye will have noticed the I’ve used the same 7 bullet headers that as I used back in that first issue of The Bullet. What a difference a year makes. My search has been fiercely competitive, tested my resilience, and taught me a lot, so It’s very hearting to look back on that first issue and to think the big decision I made was all worth it. I’m not there yet, the really hard work starts now, and I can’t be more excited for what’s to come. I will be taking a short break from weekly publishing for a while, while I settle in at Visa but I’m not retiring the newsletter entirely. There is so much I want to write about, not least what Visa are up to in the crypto space. I really enjoy writing them and they’ve helped me in many ways, so I fully intend to be back soon. Until then, a big thank you to all of you for reading, thanks to friends and family for your unwavering support, and especially thank you Mrs Ellison for your patience and understanding. As always…
Peace, love and Bitcoin
Rob