Week Fifty Two - The Last Post!!

Well who can believe it?  Week fifty two of a year in transition.  A year in which it was my intention to take stock, learn new things, live some amazing experiences and find what was next for me.  

I never really thought anyone would be interested - I started this blog as a means of keeping up with social media and of keeping in touch with everyone back home as I set off on some path to who knew where.  People thought I was brave to be doing what I was doing and almost wanted to live a bit vicariously through someone who was stupid enough to throw away a good career and financial security in pursuit of who knew what?

Well I kind of knew what - broadly, sort of, maybe - not really.

So why did I leave all that security behind?

I had a good career with an organisation that had been a great employer.  Through my eighteen years with the company I had been fortunate enough to be promoted to fairly senior ranks, to have proven myself in my professional capacity (HR) enough that I was allowed to be challenged across almost every other aspect of the organisation - from a systems implementation project to Finance to Risk Management to Strategic Projects - I got to experience it all (notice I avoided the front office).  My roles took me to far flung places - Banchory, Thainstone, Carlisle, London, Southampton, New Zealand, Australia, Holland, India.  I worked with great people (mainly) everyday. 

Then the financial crisis hit and I always remember a poignant point from a consultant who presented to us one day - if you are here because you love innovation and doing new and exciting things, developing the organisation then banks are no longer the place for you.  They are now all about regulation and being regulated, audits, controls, risk etc etc - his view was this required a very different beast from those of us who love to work with great leaders who create fantastic things.

In that context the world really did start changing and I got a real sense (or perhaps my eyes were just opened to the fact) that I could work myself to the bone but whatever contribution I made would never make a radical difference, that my intellectual inputs and physical exertions didn't really change anything.  As one of my ex colleagues put it there was a real danger of becoming an institutional cynic - you know - "ah well [new person with fresh ideas] you can try but we've done it before and it doesn't work".  I don't want to give so much of my time and energy to something that you were fundamentally not going to impact.  I could have left and gone to another organisation but I suspect it is just more of the same but with different people and processes around you.

Then there is the fact that I have always wanted to own my own business.  I'm not sure what the driver for that is.  I love all aspects of business, I love small business and the fact that you can't be precious about job descriptions etc - that you all just have to roll your sleeves up and get on with it.  I love the thought that every decision you make has an impact.  Whatever the driver doesn't really matter - it is something I know in life I have to try (and possibly fail at).  An itch that has to be scratched.

Then there is the last and most important reason.  My dad was a great man (well except when we were arguing) and he worked all his days in a job he never really liked and occasionally despised.  Like many of his generation a job / career was the thing you had to earn a living and take care of your family.  It was an era where being out of work was not acceptable and taking career breaks or changing direction was frowned upon.  The era where you went about your business and counted down the days until you retired with your attractive pension that would allow you to do the things in life you actually wanted to do.  For dad that was travel with mum, golf (actually probably reverse that order - sorry mum), being with his grandkids etc.  

Well as most of you know that plan was proven to be fundamentally flawed when dad died at the age of 64 - a year before his retirement (and the things in life he really wanted to do) started.  That was the point in time when the option to leave the bank was first put on the table for me and suddenly there was a whole other perspective on life that tipped me into finally deciding to leave.

Lesson Number One: Life is now not later cos who knows how many laters each of us have.

And so it was I jumped off the cliff - well actually as it turned out I jumped off the cliff secured to a bungee rope.  I think there were three failed attempts at free falling.  Twice I jumped back into roles in the bank like a security blanket.  It wasn't because I was scared to move on or that I was pathologically attached to it.  It was that I had no idea what I was going to; no plan.  It was easy to stay because the logical part of your brain knew you had nothing to go to.

I don't mean I didn't know what I would do career wise - I mean I literally didn't know what I'd do on the day I woke up post leaving so why would you go.

Lesson Number Two: a journey into the unknown starts with a single step - know where that first step is going to land.

When I did eventually leave I still didn't know what I was going to do but I did know how the first four months would play out - exploring my passion for wine and testing whether it was something I wanted to pursue as a hobby, business or career.  By having that initial plan in place you are then running to something rather than from something and you can then free yourself of the self doubt and shackles of logic and take that leap.

So a recap of how this year has played out for me:

January: started in London where I sat and passed my Wine Society Education Trust Level 2 exams and spent time in Melbourne

February to March: New Zealand - I worked for a few weeks with Tohu / Kono Beverages on the vineyard and winery (and a bit in the office).  What an experience learning so much - thanks for putting up with me team. 

April: back to London where I studied like I've never studied for my WSET Level 3 which I passed with merit.  The most intense period of study I've ever done in my life.  Thanks Landlady for putting up with me.  There were also about four or five business ideas I'd come back with.

Lesson Three: if you're looking for inspiration go exploring in new places - you'll see new things and come back with fresh ideas and perspectives on what could work.  A prime example - shipping containers converted to shops and cafes was something I first saw in Christchurch NZ as they tried to recover their city centre post earthquakes.  It stuck with me, I loved the idea, I wish I'd done it cos guess what is all the rage now - converted shipping containers!!

April to June: Another intense period of business planning with the intention of opening a cafe / bar topped off with the first visit of the year to heaven on earth aka Islay where we were privileged to arrive at Bruichladdich in time for Duncan McGilvary's leaving speech (after 40 years as manager)

Lesson Four: when it comes to a prospective new business commit like its already happening; plan and question everything; ask for help and advice; listen to constructive criticism; most importantly listen to your gut;  no actually most importantly know when its time to hold your head up and say its not going to work and you're not pursuing it.  It will feel like failure as you've committed and bored those around you senseless with your ramblings, you've spent money, you've got people involved.  It's not failure - its a successful due diligence.

July: time off - sounds ridiculous but the only difference between being a consultant for the big 4 when devising the cafe was that I wasn't getting paid for the hours I was working or the mental strain I was putting myself under. I also bounced back and with insights and encouragement from a dear friend, The Concierge was born.

August: Well what can I say other than THE COMMONWEALTH GAMES - what an atmosphere, what a time of positivity and citizenship, what weather.  Oh and the re-ignition of an idea about a mobile wine bar.  

In addition there was the First Thursday Club annual leg of the West Highland Way weekend, Crail and Party at the Palace - all of which proved the changing nature of the Scottish weather - each event went from howling rain to sun or vice versa....

September: The biggest moment in modern history for Scotland - the Independence Referendum

October: pop up dining hits Glasgow and I hit it and The Concierge starts gathering pace including a guided tour of The Whisky Experience on Islay and the launch of Glam Glass Back Lane Studio

November and December: South America (and as the memories turn out - it was Peru and our group adventure I loved most)

December: well what other than Christmas and then an amazing new year with a great crowd of some of my closest friends - indulgence like I have not indulged in years on every front - well food and drink front.

January: The Bijou Wine Co - what can I say - its happening; the bars exterior will be finished on Friday - I am so nervous about going to pick it up; the events are being planned / booked; the truck is being purchased tomorrow; the wines are being selected on Thursday; the accountants have their hands on my numbers and will be feeding back on Saturday (bit late!!); the website is nearly finished; it will be stocked and ready to hit the cultural, sporting and music festivals/events of Scotland by the end of March.  Not sure an outdoor career is the best plan for someone who has chronic circulation issues (I'm currently wrapped up in the most ridiculous outfit with bootee slippers on and a hot water bottle clamped to me. 

So here we are.  I had always said I was going to 'donate' this blog as my year in review to Escape The City (www.escapethecity.org) which is dedicated to helping people transition from the city to the careers they wish for.  With that in mind I wanted to fill it with lessons learned, poignant philosophies and thoughts that would help those jump ship and shape their futures.  Something that people could relate to and cling to as they navigate their new futures.  Then I decided that was too much pressure and not actually what this year has been all about - after all my businesses are currently little seedlings and whilst I have learned some lessons and made some mistakes there is a long way to go with that (and a few monumental ones no doubt still to come) so I don't yet have that wisdom.

Instead I can summarise what you find when you jump off the cliff with no real plan - with that I have the track record and the wisdom.

So how would I summarise what I've got from this year (after all I have invested a lot in it).

I would summarise it in three points:

My life is far far richer... I was given a great and rare opportunity last year to have time to lift my head and focus beyond work.  I have met new people every single week, from the friends I made at WSET, to the team I worked with at Tohu.  From the people I've connected with through my business exploits to the great bunch of people I met on my travels through South America (you really get to know people when you spend three weeks with them).  From those random people I've spoken to cos I had the time just to pass the time of day to those who I have never met but who's experiences we've all shared this year.  

I have seen a lot more of my family and friends around the globe and spent far more quality time with them as I had the time to be more engaged in their lives rather than being caught up in work (sure that will change when I'm up against the wall to make business work!!).  I've learned who my real friends are and sometimes they've been where you least expect them and not where you most expect them.  I've learned to ask them for input and advice and help when I need it - not something that comes easy to someone predisposed to being in control and the one who helps others.  Babies have been born and sadly friends have lost loved ones.

I have fallen in love with my city and my country - with time to explore both in what was an extraordinary year, I have never been prouder to be a Glaswegian - a city that is again morphing.

I have experienced different countries and ways of life, different cultures, languages.  Spent a long time in a developing country and learned to appreciate it absolutely is a luxury to be able to flush your toilet paper down the loo!!

...whilst I am far far poorer - the one thing I didn't really do last year if I'm honest was cut back on spending.  Well thats not true - I spent a lot but on experiences and businesses.  I now shop at Lidl, buy cheap cleansers, haven't bought new clothes for a year.  I have however bought courses, overseas trips and as you know all to well plenty of food and drink.  I can't help myself, I'm a sociable person and to be honest didn't want to cut myself off from the world.  I don't remark on this just to let you know I'm running out of money but to comment on the fact that it is amazing how much money we spend without even thinking about it when there is a constant stream of it.  Its been a fascinating awakening and something that has made me feel quite cleansed of pressure to conform / have the latest shiny thing.  I don't worry about what to wear as there isn't an option to go round the shops stressing about finding nothing and then wondering how to put something together from what exists today. I only have a few things so the choices are somewhat easier to make.  I relish things more than I ever would have - a night out, a nice bottle of wine, a magazine - these things feel like treats and I savour them so much more. I realise that maybe if we cut back we'd realise we don't need as much so don't need to earn as much so don't need to spend so much time and energy on work when there is a whole world out there to explore.  I know that probably all sounds very shallow as there are many people worse off than me (and people who love their jobs and its not something they want to do less of) but we're all in the trap to some extent and its nice to feel like that pressure doesn't exist.  Well when I say nice - I'm sure it won't feel that way when the mortgage payments start feeling like a struggle (joking mum).

So that's it.  A year in summary.  The last post on this blog.  What an amazing year that has whizzed passed at a rate of knots.  I am now very focused on the year ahead, making something of my businesses and readjusting to the impact that will have on my life especially as my working days become the weekend ones I enjoy spending with family, friends and wine!!

Thanks to all of you who have taken an interest in what has gone by this year (and to those who think I should write you'll take comfort in the fact that my dear friend Sammy Potter is currently converting this blog into a book.....no I'm not that self absorbed - just for me!!  Thanks Sammy no doubt its a bit of a pain).

Right must dash and jump off the next cliff of business mobilisation.  Hope you've enjoyed and to those taking your first tentative steps on your own journey - bon voyage - you'll not look back.

Whilst living last year I...

...HUNG OUT AT...many amazing places (see above) but my most favourite would be relaxing in the company of friends and family.

...WINED ON...many wonderful wines (not least cos we were sampling 18 a day on the courses) including a wide array of less well known ones from Hungary, Switzerland, Lebanon etc.  My favourites are hard to pick but Craig Francis Pinot Noir 2012 would be right up there with his Sauvignon Blanc, Tohu Rore Reserve Pinot Noir, Straight Eight Pinot and Riesling and Hochar Pere et Fils Red, Chateau Musar 2009 as well as discovering the beauty of Pedro Ximinex Sherry

...DINED ON...many lovely homemade meals from friends and family but also many amazing restaurants including Rockferry and Brancott wineries in NZ, Montalto winery in Melbourne, Ox and Finch, Alston, Cafe Gandolfi (obviously) and Guys in Glasgow, Clos de Chacras degustation lunch in Mendoza and many many more.  Lucky me (actually I'm not going to go through all the places I've eaten out as it would scare me)

Ciao

Week Fifty One - New Year, New Focus and Introducing....

Well here we are on the first working day of 2015 - how are we all feeling?  

Today I have woken up with a new focus.  Last year was all about getting used to life after a career in the one organisation that spanned eighteen years.  I'll summarise it more in my final blog next week but one of the things it was filled with was various business ideas. I looked at opening my cafe/wine bar but decided not to go down that path.  Since then I have been building The Concierge which has had a tentative but positive start though has a long way to go.  I have also been focusing on another business - why would I ever just do one thing at once / make life easy for myself?!?!?! 

"Two businesses?" I hear you cry.  Yes indeed.  The second evolved when the cafe/wine bar didn't happen.  My original idea way back was to have a mobile cafe that I would take round events then the opportunity to do the cafe came along.  When that fell away I was left with the sense that I had a big itch that needed scratched - to turn my passion into a business and marry work with enjoyment. 

So as I sit here at the start of 2015, I am now the proud owner of The Concierge AND The Bijou Wine Co which comes with its very own professional logo thanks to the involvement and no doubt frustration of Darwin Consulting:

The Bijou Wine Co is predominantly a pop up mobile wine bar which will introduce exciting great quality wines to events around Scotland (and possibly the world in due course - I have ideas).  [It also offers wine tasting events and next year hopefully wine tours but I'm taking one step at a time].

The philosophy is to bring a range of wines that have been handpicked for their superb quality at affordable prices to make events stand out from the crowd.  

We have wines for every occasion; whether private parties and events, corporate functions or big sporting, cultural and music events.  From zesty and fresh white and sparkling wines through beautiful delicate rosé wines to rich, spicy reds; from the grape varieties and regions you'd expect to those you've never experienced - whichever the choice the wines will impress.

The 'packages' of wines can be tailored to fit the specific events as well.  Whether people are happy to leave the choice to us, have a specific grape variety or region in mind or want to promote a Scottish theme, we'll make sure the wines served enhance the experience of event guests.

As for the bar itself - well its half way through its conversion.  It started life as a horse box and is now fully fitted out in stainless steel surrounds, shelving, full electrics and water, four wine fridges and stunning lighting.  I would put up pictures but until the outside is finished in a couple of weeks time then I think its best to leave it as a work in progress!!  The inside is amazing though (courtesy of Wilkinsons Mobile Catering Systems).  But wait there won't be any more blog posts by the time it is ready.  Ah well - you'll just have to keep your eyes open for more info on the website / through Facebook and twitter (far be it from a business to launch without these things in place!!).

So now I have the unfortunate task of (not only confirming events for the pop up mobile bar) working with my wine merchant to choose the wines that we'll present.  Unfortunately that means I'm going to have to drink some wine - damn!!

Both The Concierge and The Bijou Wine Co are really exciting projects for me which I have no doubt will take over my life this year.  No opportunity to think about planning any form of social life or holidays etc as they'll be all consuming plus will involve a radical change to the rhythm of my life - not least as the events I'll attend will no doubt run over weekends!!

The tricky bit is managing two businesses at once.  Independent of each other they both make total sense but it will be challenging keeping both going.  That said with a new year and a blank calendar/canvas, the focus and discipline to make them both successful are here in buckets - my butt has not moved from the 'office' all day.  The project plans have been developed, calls have been made, other people's butts have been kicked where required, progress has been made and a couple of cliffs have been jumped off in the form of confirming orders for key supplies - and its only the first working day of the year.  

This thing is happening and there is now no stopping me.  (hopefully the enthusiasm jumping off the page in this paragraph is enough to convince the bank manager not to worry yet!!).

Whilst cranking myself up I...

...HUNG OUT at...Gairloch over new year as a new (and maybe one time only invitee) of the New Year Crew annual gathering.  The far north of Scotland really is magical and even in the depths of winter there are stunning vistas to marvel at...

...WINED ON...my favourite champagne Delamotte at a family gathering on Sunday...

...DINED ON...today officially absolutely nothing as I try to get back to my fasting regime.  To be fair I've been that focused that it hasn't been a problem.  Other than that the weekend has again been filled by fabulous fayre courtesy of my cousin Gordon and Auntie at our annual New Year / Mums Birthday get together on Friday and at my brothers in-laws yesterday.  Fasting for the rest of the year.

So next week is Week Fifty Two - my final diatribe you'll be glad to hear.

Until then have a great week and here's hoping we make it through our renewed diet, no alcohol, exercise laden first week back at work - its only a few more days til Friday!!