Fred and Ginger. Sonny and Cher. Thelma and Louise. What do all these legendary double acts have in common? The end must come some time. And it’s on that note that I am writing this, on what will be my last ever day working at SLBPR.
It’s been seven years, nine months and twenty-five days since I rocked up at the office as a clueless intern. Clueless, but eager to learn the ropes and pay my dues. From there, I was thrown into the wild world of PR and all that comes with it - the late night parties, bouji lunches, 5am starts, 5am finishes, stressful pitches and backstage passes. And never once did I look back.
It’s impossible to talk about the early years without mentioning the incomparable Cheryl Cox - the PR whirlwind of a woman who took me under her wing and taught me what I needed to know to thrive. Countless press releases, social posts, launch events, photo shoots, and a couple of giant knives and forks later, and I was ready.
For a long time, roughly about seven years, nine months and twenty-five days (give or take a few when I felt like I’d seriously fucked up) this role has been my dream job. I have spent this time working on exciting projects with some of the most talented people in their games. I’ve represented over fifty fascinating clients in front of the world’s media. I’ve flown to Paris and Milan to hang out with the hoi polloi backstage at Fashion Week. I’ve planned and hosted countless parties for massive clients, and I’ve attended a whole lot more. But what makes me feel so lucky, above all of this, is having a job that every single day I have felt grateful for and excited about, right up to today.
Clearly, the decision to leave wasn’t an easy one. This was made even more difficult by the thought of parting ways with my partner-in-crime, Sharon Brigden, who over the past eight years has guided and mentored me and helped to shape me into the person I am today.
At the very very beginning, we were like chalk and cheese. Sharon was a cool and connected powerhouse of cocktails, fashion and dance music, and I was a young student wearing Ugg boots and spinning Hannah Montana songs on the bus on my way into work. It turns out the most special relationships are found in the most unlikely of places.
After a few drinks at MOJO, we realised we had more in common than we originally thought, and quickly became an inseparable duo that were never found too far away from a bar, or from one another. Almost eight years (and enough alcohol to dizzy a herd of charging bulls) later, I’m so honoured and grateful to have shared this time with such an incredible boss, confidant, therapist, work mum, dancing partner, and above all, an incredible friend.
Since those early days, I have seen the agency fully transform, from relocating to a new HQ, to adopting a new brand, taking on new (and sometimes very alien) challenges, and paving the way into entirely new sectors. Staff and clients have come and gone, but each one has helped SLBPR to become what it is today - a thriving, forward thinking, dynamic agency, powered by a talented team of creatives who work hard, play hard, and who aren’t afraid to shake things up a bit. I like to think I’ve had a hand in creating this, and am very proud to be handing over the reins to the current team who make it all come together - our very own “Bubble” Eve Griggs, and our newest recruit, teacher turned PR protégé Teela Clayton.
And as for me, it’s time to step aside and let the next person live that dream I’ve managed to hold on to for so long. I’m lucky enough to be taking this next step alongside some familiar faces, but looking forward to some new challenges of my very own.
For the last time, over and out.
Sam