#freeagent for Hire

Debated about advertising this, but I am officially/actively very #OpentoWork.

Unfortunate to share that I was recently laid off from crypto.com, along with some other talented colleagues across the N. Am Mktg org.

It was fast and fun; new and challenging. I am grateful for the time, and the chance to have met and formed relationships with some exceptionally talented, well liked, respected team members and individual (+partners). I was excited and proud of the opportunity be a part of the Brand orbit, however brief. Simply disappointing and unfortunate we weren’t collectively afforded a proper opportunity to soar, as we were only just getting started. 

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With some summer vacations now passed, this post is an announcement and formal kickoff then, to the full court press of job search that lies ahead.

Firstly though, I wanted to use this as an opportunity to say a deep thank you and acknowledge/spotlight all those who have bent an ear, acted as therapist, and shared insights, advise and perspective this last month+.

The first 5-6 months of 2022 were a whirlwind, and so the last handful weeks since have been a fortunate opportunity to catch my breath – as well, to rededicate to my family, health (WIP), and friends who I neglected of late. To that end, I am extremely grateful for the open arms, dms, texts-calls, emails, time, vid chats, support, and encouragement my friends and colleagues have graciously given the last seven weeks.

Two quick shoutouts – first to Jeff Pabst (colleague and professional that I admire and respect deeply in this space; just one of the many pros-pros, partners, and colleagues I got to meet in this recent role). Jeff graciously checked-in to catchup recently and gave me some much-needed encouragement and restored confidence (plenty or ups and downs as you might expect, post layoff). He was one of the primary persons who championed and gave me the wisdom, perspective, and guidance to put myself out there formally/officially, looking for the next-new opportunity.

Jeff shared this this brilliant article from Rishad Tobaccowala, 12 Career Lessons -- which has been a timely source of inspiration to me, for focusing and reframing this/next chapter and opportunity in my life and career. I pulled out a couple noteworthy section headers to me personally (current/next phase), below; Highly encourage you to give it this article a look/bookmark yourself!:

·      Plan and make decisions over a long horizon

·      Compete against yourself rather than with others

·      Plan your career as if you were a company of one

·      Who you work for is critical so choose your boss well

·      Find Fit

·      Build your Brand – hello Twitter and LinkedIn content/engagement; commentary, posts, etc. 😉

Secondly, and most importantly, for all the support from my best friend and rock -- my wife, Hillary Daugherty . She takes the brunt of my stress, frustrations, and that manic swings through all of this, and does so with such grace, patience, and love, even when I least deserve it. I simply could not manage without her.

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I really loved my recent role and remit. Rather perfect fit personally (others agreed), managing and looking after Brand, through partnership and sponsorship marketing. To that end, I would very much like to stay in that work, or brand/partnership marketing adjacent (sport, culture, gaming/entertainment; lifestyle, sporting goods/apparel,…) – so do please keep me in mind as you see or learn about relevant opportunities, or have trusted/respected leaders and friends looking for candidates, where we could mutually benefit and add mutual value in collaborating together.

I really am excited about the opportunity to be a free agent -- and can’t wait to meet my next set of co-workers, bosses and friends, and the challenges we’ll tackle together!

Until then -- applying, networking and “summering hard"; there are certainly worse times to be laid off in Chicago 😎