A couple of weeks ago Cord Silverstein stunned me when he asked me if I had ever thought of applying for the Director of Interactive position at Capstrat.
Ummm, no. I hadn’t.
I didn’t even know that Capstrat was looking to fill such a position. Cord went on to explain that he is doing more and more stuff that you would expect an Executive Vice President to do and needed someone who could handle most of the day-to-day stuff he used to take care of. Then he mentioned that he thought I would be a good fit. Part development, part usability, part search, part understanding content and search, part client pitching and part coordinator.
Although I was caught off guard, I could see what a fantastic opportunity it was for me, so I agreed to go in and talk to a few people about it. Of course as I was waiting at the reception desk, I ran into Allison and Shane who both said, “Hey Phil, what are you doing here?” I dodged it as best as I could.
After talking with Virginia, who spent more time with me than she probably had time to, I was starting to see what Cord was talking about. Virginia was pretty much handling most of what Cord had told me about before dedicating herself to client services.
Then I had a chance to talk with Karen Albritton who was completely open and blunt, both of which I loved. Then Ken Eudy came by and grabbed me for a few minutes. I felt like I could have sat and talked with him for a couple of hours, but he was heading out.
I finished up by talking with my friend Cord, but in a slightly different way. I’m glad I was already friends with Cord because it let us talk without any formal trappings. I told him my concerns, he answered them straight.
What came next was much harder. I had to go talk to my other long-time friend, and current boss Michael Hubbard at Media Two. Michael had gone out of his way to bring me into the Media Two family. I think it was a good fit right from the start and I loved working there, and some of my best friends also worked there, now I had to tell him that I was leaving.
Michael is a lot like me, so I know he gets the whole “it’s the next logical move for me” concept but I also bet he feels like I just kicked him in the shins. He handled the whole episode very graciously, as I knew he would. That’s the reason in my short stay there dozens of people tried to get hired in there.
So next week I will be starting down a new path. I hope to help the super talented people at Capstrat do even greater work in the coming months.
Phil, best wishes in your new position! I know you’ll do great work wherever you are. Thanks for sharing the story.
Thanks Karl. I appreciate it.
I’m sure it was a tough decision to leave Media Two but I’m so excited for you and your new venture. Capstrat just gained a huge asset and an amazingly smart and passionate guy.
We should have some Pit BBQ to celebrate 🙂
Erin – it was the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make. Maybe BBQ can soften the hurt
Wow! Great post and congratulations!
Thanks Amy!
Congrats on the new position, Phil!
Thanks Kevin, I appreciate you checking in!
Uh… I knew what you were doing there 😉 I just thought it would be polite to ask. Welcome aboard. We are very happy to have you on our team.
Good Luck, sounds like a great opportunity.
Appreciate the kind words Phil… And no – I don’t feel kicked in the shins at all. You know Media Two – we’ve got an extremely talented, hard working, nimble bunch of people here that looks out for each other and has each others backs. They’ll keep pushing forward like they always do. Good luck to you, and don’t be a stranger…. After all, the Pit is only a few steps out our back door.
Thanks Michael – you do indeed have an awesome team at Media Two. I’d watch out for those two women in the social lmedia section, they may just take over the whole city before you know it!
Great news, Phil. You’ll do well. I’m super proud of you for trusting your heart over the last couple of years and moving way beyond the limitations of where you could have easily sat in complacence.
Thanks Robbie, you and Lucas gave me the initial push in our now famous tea time brain storming sessions.
How is it that I’m just now hearing this amazing news? Oh that’s right, I’ve been a little busy lately getting ready for my own brand spanking new gig too! 😉
Phil, honey, you are SUCH a talented guy. I’ve learned so much from you in the time that I’ve gotten to know you as both a colleague in the social media space and as a friend. You are destined for great things but you can only get there if the signs point in that direction. You received a sign and you followed it. God Bless ya and best wishes as you embark on this latest adventure. Capstrat is as fortunate to have you on their team just as Media Two was also.
Now, about that BBQ. Count me in, dadgummit! 🙂
I saw that you’re with FV now, that is great. The real estate biz needs smart people like you to keep them in line.
I guess it’s time to organize another mass-gathering at The Pit 🙂
YES! 🙂
Awesome! Good luck with your new adventure.
Sounds exciting & fun.
Thanks Dean, except you left out “overwhelming”
I am really late to the game here, but I still wanted to post my well wishes. Congratulations on your opportunity to join Capstrat! I wish you the best of luck to you as you continue to progress in your career. You are a great addition to their team, as you were with Media Two. Hope to see you soon!
Thanks Gwynne. Whenever you show up it’s appreciated 🙂