From day one, the goal was always to create an amazing agency that put its people first while delivering epic work for clients. Back in 2014, when there was just me, a laptop, oodles of ambition and an empty office, in walked Jolene Kelly who took a punt on me, as I did on her.
Fast forward ten years, and this is Jolene’s last week at RNN 🙁
Over the past ten years, there have been multiple award wins, tremendous highs, challenging days, two weddings, two house moves, an office move and a team that has grown to what it is today.
There have been so many milestone moments including the day the world stopped turning in March 2020 - when we really came together as a team - the launch of fetch Ireland which Jolene spearheaded from day one – and random things like Jolene and my presentation on influencer marketing to an audience of 500. I agreed to this one, unbeknown to Jolene, who in all fairness was terrified (just like me) but gave it stacks and was awesome, even if she was a little green beforehand 😊
So here’s the thing – I’m a little sad and change is unsettling for all, including the team who love working alongside Jolene day in, day out. She’s our IT go-to, the Queen of puns and one-liners, the strong and stable voice of reason and the owner of the messiest desk at RNN.
So yes, I’m sad but I’m also excited and grateful. Why?
I have enjoyed ten years of loyalty, commitment and friendship from Jolene. She has grown as a person and communications professional. Sure, Jolene even wears the badge of professionalism that is Chartership, the top accolade within our profession.
Jolene has helped me to grow, and fail, and then learn and grow again as a leader.
So what more can I ask of her? I feel entirely grateful to have met Jolene and for Jolene to become an integral part of RNN’s growth and success. Jolene is heading off into the sunset this Friday to start a new chapter in her life, and I’m excited for her, excited for what’s next for our very own ‘JK’ and one thing is for sure, Jolene is ALWAYS welcome at RNN (actually, should we get a plaque??)
OK, so sad face again, but we move.
My excitement is also borne from new energy. Change is a certainty, and with change comes opportunity. As someone who aims to live life with the glass always half full, a new talented PR person is about to arrive at RNN. With their arrival will come new ideas, skills, drive and energy. Evolution is good for all businesses but that said, Jolene will be missed by us all.
So this week, we celebrate Jolene. So many of our clients and wider supplier network have worked with Jolene over the years, and I hope you all join me and Team RNN in saying ‘THANK YOU, it’s been a true pleasure’.
So as one door shuts, another one opens. I’ll leave this to the next newsletter as content is king right? Think I’ve heard that somewhere before.
Over and out,
RN
