The month started with what’s probably our last family ski holiday for a good few years I suspect – we had a great week in Sainte Foy with family and family friends. The snow wasn’t quite what we’d hoped for, but we had a great time skiing together. There’s definitely something about knowing it’s likely the last one that makes you pay attention differently.

Back to work on the 5th meant starting a new fractional COO engagement with Veza Digital. They’re a rapidly growing and acquisitive Webflow agency – fully remote, ambitious and clearly ready to level up operationally. I’m working with them on implementing an agile delivery methodology, which is exactly the kind of structural operational work that helps scaling while reducing chaos. What’s impressed me most so far is how receptive the founders and team have been to change. Everyone genuinely wants to improve which makes my work a lot easier.

Another new client this month was Abbie Dando’s SEO and content agency – Monday Clicks. I’ve not worked with an SEO-focused agency before, so I was learning plenty about that world. Abbie’s done a brilliant job building the business from her freelance roots into a small, well-respected agency with some great clients. The workshop was about helping her see what she’s already achieved, build confidence whilst mapping out the steps for our work together this year – particularly around reducing founder dependency. I’m excited to see what she can achieve this year as we work together each month.

Mid-month I was back in Coventry on-site with ImagePlus, a fractional client I began work with last year. We’re focused on modernising their operations, building out their leadership team and sharpening their proposition, with particular attention on account management and growth. It’s the kind of foundational work that I enjoy – it takes time and patience but builds real momentum when you get it right.

I got lucky with an extra trip to the mountains this month too with my second annual BIMA ski trip – this year in Val d’Isère. It’s officially a business ski trip, but in reality it’s a bit of business, a great group of people and some excellent skiing. It snowed whilst we were there which made for perfect conditions. Only had to do a couple of work calls whilst away too, which felt about right to justify expensing the trip for corporation tax purposes. It was great to catch up with the group and meet three new people who joined us this year too.

Away from client work, I’ve been developing a new venture I’ll hopefully be launching soon. It’s an operating partner business – an agency for businesses that want hands-on help with their ops but don’t want to have to learn or build it themselves. It’s something I’ve been asked for a lot over the past 18 months or so, but haven’t previously had a way of fulfilling. It’s a natural evolution from my fractional work, but will involve other people – employees and associates – not just me. I’m working with Outdo on the GTM strategy and execution, which has been really helpful in clarifying the positioning and approach as well as building out the marketing machine.

And yesterday was a big day at home – we headed to London Heathrown to drop off our 18-year-old son who’s off to Asia for three months. We’re really proud of him for having the confidence to do something like that but for Jo and me it was a sad day too. Both our sons are now away from home, one at university, one travelling. I guess it’s another step in this transitional period of our lives . We knew it was coming of course but I guess you’re never fully ready for it when it does.

Our long term house project continues to crawl forwards. It’s really interesting doing something that’s in an area where things work on a different cadence to the digital sector. The world of architects, planning and construction involves a lot more long term planning and patience than I’m used to!

Not been doing much running this month because of the amount of skiing and being away. Need to get back into that next month and find an event or challenge to keep me focussed on fitness in the wet, dark winter months here in the UK.

Music this month…

Enjoyed this Mick Willow mix promoting a new night in Dubai. It’s pure vocal house that takes me right back to the mid-90s.

Podcasts this month…

Been exploring agency podcasts a bit more this month. Getting into the back catalogue Jenny Plant’s Creative Agency Account Manager podcast was my highlight – some great conversations and every episode gave me plenty of thought provoking ideas to take away.

Reading this month…

Cycling this month…

Not commuting at the moment so less time on the Brompton plus rain and ice kept me off the roads too. 118.3 miles, mostly Wattbike.

Running this month…

14.6 miles.