Today marks ten years since I joined risual – now part of Node4 – a milestone that\u2019s prompted a bit of reflection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ten years is a long time in any role – especially in tech. At the interview back in 2015, I was asked if my previous 9.5-year tenure meant I was \u201cinstitutionalised\u201d. I pushed back \u2013 not because I\u2019d stayed in one company, but because I\u2019d held a variety of roles and worked with a broad range of end clients. That kept things fresh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That same pattern has played out in my current employment. I started out at risual as a Consultant (that was the rule, regardless of background – everyone joined as a Consultant). From there, I moved into an Architecture role, and then – somewhat reluctantly – into management. I didn\u2019t chase people leadership, but faced the choice: manage or be managed. Leading the Architecture team brought new challenges – and more than a few grey hairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After risual was sold in 2022, I found myself on a new path again – and in 2023 I moved into Node4’s Office of the CTO. This is not my first time in an OCTO and it’s a role that plays far more to my strengths, drawing together technical insight and strategic thinking, and communicating that to clients and colleagues alike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, my tenure hasn\u2019t all been smooth sailing. At one point quite early on, I was told (by one of risual’s founding directors) that I was \u201capproaching career peak\u201d. I\u2019ve never quite accepted that – not out of vanity, but because I know I still have more to contribute. Maybe I\u2019ve lost some of the naivety of my 20s, but I\u2019ve gained a more seasoned, grounded view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I joined risual because I wanted to escape the constraints of a large enterprise and make a difference. And I believe I did – even if not always as effectively as I\u2019d hoped. Some moments had real impact; others came with frustration. Anyone who\u2019s lived through rapid business growth (followed by contraction), a global pandemic, and a business sale will understand the pressure. Strong personalities, shifting priorities, and an increasing focus on EBITDA all shaped that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I learned a huge amount in those years – about myself, about the business, and about the kind of leader I am (and want to become). I worked with some brilliant people and saw first-hand how good – and bad – decisions shape real organisations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After the sale to Node4, some colleagues grieved the loss of the risual they knew. Others struggled to adapt – something I\u2019ve also seen in other acquired businesses. But one colleague said something that stuck with me: \u201cgoing somewhere else won\u2019t bring risual back – risual no longer exists – but you can stick around and see what you can make of the new opportunity.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That struck a chord. I\u2019d already chosen to stay – not to chase what was lost, but to build something new at Node4. It hasn\u2019t always been easy, but I feel like I\u2019m in a good place again. I\u2019m using my skills in ways that have real impact. I\u2019m working with great people. And I\u2019m helping to shape the direction, not just responding to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ten years on, I\u2019m not \u201cinstitutionalised\u201d. If anything, I\u2019ve become more aware of the need to adapt, stay curious, and choose work that aligns with my values and strengths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve had the privilege of working with fantastic people, navigating all kinds of challenges, and growing along the way. It\u2019s been a decade full of lessons, laughter, the occasional sigh of exasperation – and more than a few late-night slide decks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
And now? I\u2019m proud of what I\u2019ve done so far – and excited for what\u2019s still to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s to ten years… and the next chapter still to be written.<\/p>\n\n\n\n