Meet the family... because we're more than just colleagues

Running almost exclusively on coffee and red wine, I’m not convinced that your middle name isn’t “BD”. From a ‘one-man-show’ to a cast of many over the last six years, it’s been a pleasure to be part of the teams you have assembled.

From you I’ve learnt that “not enough time” is never really an excuse. I’m in awe of your capacity to squeeze the most out of every day. Those examples of ambition and drive I will carry with me to my next endeavours.

You cautioned me six years ago, that our friendship will always come first and so I’m glad to confirm that our relationship has only strengthened during our professional time together. Thank you for believing in me during the early contractor days and for always championing my ability to fill a role, take on a task or provide value. Leadership is learning how to get the best out of your team, and you’ve led me well.

From you I’ve learnt that silence is the most powerful tool that a communicator can master. They who speaks first loses, and I don’t think you’ve ever lost.

Too many people in our office think that they could land a crashing plane. You might not physically land it, but you’d definitely make sure the passengers made it to ground safely, (as well as probably on time and under budget.) As a person of a few corporate iterations, I firmly believe that the business sector needs more Camillas. People who realise that respecting a workforce’s humanity never diminishes their productivity, it only enhances it. Thank you for all of your lessons in life, professional and personal.

From you I’ve learnt that process matters! Arguably it’s the most important thing any business needs to lock down, and something that will be my focus, if I’m ever silly enough to attempt to launch my own.

No one loves a Monday Morning WIP more than “Aunty Micsh.” Your radiating smile in anticipation of gossip makes attempting to get to work on-time for the start of the week worthwhile. When you joined BSP, you brought a wealth of experience and an assured energy but most thankfully (for me) you brought an enjoyment for the work that is infectious.

From you I’ve learnt that work can be fun AND professional at the same time. “How to be a Great Colleague 101” is a course that you would be lead lecturer for. Always being willing to chip in for the team, ask someone how they’re going and carry one’s fair share of the workload are characteristics I hope to carry from you and offer to my next team.

If a spoon full of sugar makes the medicine go down, you’re our office’s Mary Poppins – balancing offers of sweet treats and perfectly selected work functions with ‘gentle reminders’ for the team to complete their admin tasks within some semblance of timeliness. You may also be a TimeLord, for I’ve never seen anyone wrangle a diary like you.

From you I’ve learnt that “yes, and” is the biggest asset anyone in an organisational role can offer. Your job has never been to just ‘assist’ – it’s been to enhance. How you do it so seamlessly is something I could only hope to learn.

As a fellow speaker of fluent sass, I’m going to miss the daily dose of witty ripostes followed by a wry knowing smile. Behind the light veneer of effrontery, however, is a proud professional and a brilliant example of what the future of the political-communications industry will hopefully look like. Strong, confident, knowledged and tactical, what more could a client ask for?!

From you I’ve learnt that style and substance doesn’t come with age, it comes with curation and commitment. Your polish and presentation allows you to walk into any room and exude confidence (even if you say that you’re never feeling it.) HWAD (How Would Anna Dress) will be the styling mantra for my upcoming interviews.

As a man who never met a clique he couldn’t crack, your addition to the team has been a reinvigoration of energy for the office. Although steadfast in your views, the hinges on the doors of your convictions are oiled just enough to ensure our pedantic debates still lean more often towards inquisitive conversations rather than just stunted speaking points. (I also look forward to receiving my next bird, when I least expect it. ,,|,,

From you I’ve learnt that we don’t need to “grow up” too soon just to advance our careers. Your youthful energy and mastery in finding joy in the mundane is something I have attempted to bottle. Firstly, to micro-dose on in the coming months, and secondly to hopefully spread to others.

I know it’s impossible that we grew up together, or share the same brain, but nothing else explains our shared nostalgia-pilled obsession with 90s Aussie Pop Culture. You’ll forever be the Frenzal to my Rhomb, and the first corporate person I met you agreed that sometimes all that guy needs is “a punch in the face.” Like any good big sister you’ve been my biggest fan and strongest protector for which I am very grateful.

From you I’ve learnt that fostering and nurturing authenticity helps build more diverse and well rounded teams. (Warning, another Severance reference approaching!) So many people have an ‘innie’ and ‘outie’ mask when it comes to workplaces, but I am thankful to have worked with someone who has the courage to just actually be themselves. It’s something I’ll attempt to do more of in the future, but alas – I’m also not as brave as you.

Since your arrival three and a half years ago, you have a been a constant in my work day. Collaborator, co-writer, co-host, production member and (most importantly) coffee confidante. It’s been a privilege to watch you grow professionally from a talented (but somewhat nervous) young writer to a frank and fearless associate who is comfortable mixing it with CEOs and Ministers alike. While I’m sad to no longer be working with you, I’m looking forward to being “just friends” in the future.

From you I’ve learnt that kindness isn’t a barrier to success. Hustle culture has taught us to compete, and scrap, and claw our way to the top but your genuine kindness, not just for your colleagues but also your clients, has shown an alternate route to business success. You’ve achieved so much during your time at MA/Banksia and all with a people first approach. It’s a guiding light for how to be a professional in any field.