PR Thoughts
Sign in
 
 
 
Add to my network
PR THoughts

 
 
Add to my network

 Blogging about social media » Leaving Edelman

 28 Comments- Add comment | Back to PR Thoughts Written on 25-Nov-2007 by Gdugardier

Tomorrow will be the starting point of my last week at Edelman.

I am leaving after 2 great years. 2 years full of rich experience, terrific meetings and sometimes relatively exhausting work I have to say. What will definitely remain in my mind are the people I've met there.

I've had the chance to be directly working with Richard few times, either to answer some of his requests or to pitch for a business with him (yes, this was my first pitch at Edelman). I will always remember his briefings : 3 lines of 4 words, that's all what you'll get and consider yourself lucky...;o) But the man is terrific. I've been proud to work for him and to hold his name on my business card every day, to speak under Edelman's flag across Europe at many conferences I've been invited to as speaker. I can tell that now that I am leaving as no one can suspect me to do some fake compliments as I don't have any thing to win or to loose by saying that. This is just what I feel. I remember the time when Richard opened his own blog in 2004, I've left a comment on his first blog post and a "relationship" began. We get connected, linked. Edelman published it's first study on the blogosphere with Intelliseek at that time, I've made a comment also on Richard's blog to suggest one point to consider regarding the situation in Europe, and he answered my point by email. I was owner of my own little PR boutique in Paris and the CEO of Edelman was speaking with me via... The strength of the blogosphere was astonishing at that time... And this will stay in my mind for long time.

Now, my boss: David Brain. Thank you ! For the trust you gave me when I arrived and during these 2 years. You were everything but convinced by blogging. You gave me a chance to show you that there was indeed something to do with it. One day you told me about your wish to open your videoblog, you've asked  my point of view on how to do it, you made your decision and you've brought it to such an amazing and successful one, you rock ! Each time I've had the opportunity to spend some time with you I was boosted for months. You showed me that a President and CEO Europe is someone trustworthy that one can believe in, while at the same time someone able to send you a SMS for a non-business related topic while on it's holidays (well, yes, I remember the last time, you were in France and it was running since days, but...). I will miss these moments, definitely...

But there are soooo many great people within the network, I'd like to mention some others (in no specific order): Cornelia, Mitch M., Fiorella, Blanca, Robert P., Pontus (my god why did we met so late...), Rick M., Phil (my first regular contact with the US when I joined, we use to do weekly skype conf call at that time...), Steve (I hope you're not still drinking these horrible big cold mug of iced coffee....) Wolfgang, Octavio, Becky (good luck for your return in the UK), Clina (thanks mate for all what you gave me), Alpana, and my famous friend Fabrice, ranked 3rd French blogger on sport, and still so many other I've had the chance to meet and to work with (sorry for those I've been forgetting, feel free to complain via the comments...;o)).

In one week, I'll be in my new position, Head of New Media at Ferrero. And this is going to be tremendous for me. A huge challenge, a real request for change in communication coming from the head of the company, all that with a bunch of very smart people. Great mix. I am thrilled to start.

I will miss many edelmaners I can tell you, but I know also that I'll keep connected with you guys. I won't forget these 2 years of my business life. 

Thank you all ! 

Send to a friend
Tags: edelman
<< End of the first french blogFirst full day in Rouen >>

Comments

You must be a member of the community to comment. Join the community or sign in if you are already a member.

 
 
Add to my network

Advertisements

Loading …
  • Server: web1.webjam.com
  • Total queries:
  • Serialization time: 922ms
  • Execution time: 1031ms
  • XSLT time: $$$XSLT$$$ms