Gabby's Word 12 December 2013

Nearly ten months ago I packed up my London apartment and departed for Hong Kong’s shores. Aside from a bout of short-lived homesickness in my third month, I haven’t looked back. Home is where the heart is and I have fallen deeply in love. To some, change is something that they dislike, but to someone like me, change is inevitable and full of possibilities. So, it is with both trepidation and optimism that I tell you that Friday 13th December is my last day with Little Black Book.

 

It’s been over two years since LBB's Founder, Matt Cooper brought me in to build editorial. The changes that have occurred in that time have been gigantic. I can proudly look at what we have achieved and depart with the confidence that I completed my task, and that all of my LBB goals have been fulfilled to their possible capacity. As such, I can celebrate in our accomplishments and move on confidently into my new adventure knowing that this has been a truly great period of my life, both professionally and personally.

 

I want to thank those that were there in the beginning with me, all the wonderful PR people I have worked with since my Contagious days... I could not have built our editorial offering without you. I'd also want to thank Sarah Cooper, LBB’s other founder. In the early days we both worked long hours together to ensure that content was created.  Splitting workloads around children and meetings, we patiently collaborated most evenings and weekends. When I look back now I can’t believe how much the two of us achieved in those first eight months and I know that without Sarah’s support I would have faltered. 

 

Which turns my attention to Paul Cooper and Jody Winterbottom, my two other work colleagues, who generously forgave my occassional short temper and who doggedly chased and followed sale leads so that as editorial grew, so also did the team. Addison Capper and Laura Swinton, the LBB editorial team – you shall never know how thankful I was when you arrived and how much I have enjoyed working with you both. I shall miss these people, as I shall miss LBB’s firm friends and followers. At Little Black Book’s core is the idea of community and we've always strived to be a positive voice within the industry; promoting and celebrating the work and people within advertising and marketing.

 

The team shall be in touch soon to tell you all of LBB’s exciting 2014 plans and their new structure. An injection of new blood is always a positive thing and I look forward to seeing the successes and achievements that Little Black Book shall achieve under its new editor.

 

I wouldn’t have been able to reach my goals without your help and I’m pleased to say I have loved my job – testament to the people that I have worked and communicated with. I bid you all adieu with a big smile, a happy heart and a huge thank you to all of you support.

 

In the words of Hollywood great, Danny Kaye “life is a blank canvas, and you need to throw all the paint on it you can”. I haven’t yet got tired of getting messy and so I’ll be putting down this paint tin and opening a new one nervously, but excitedly.

 
If you would like to stay in touch, please connect with me via my LinkedIn page:http://www.linkedin.com/pub/gabrielle-lott/6/267/410
 

Best wishes
 

Gabby