To: Jacobs Media Staff / JacAPPS Staff & Various Friends of Jacobs Media
From: Ralph Cipolla
Date: November 27, 2012
Re: The Next Ten Years
My 10-year anniversary at Jacobs Media fast approaches, and these past weeks have been marked by constant and somewhat stressful reflection on that “Professional Bucket-list”… as well as that damn NHL Lock-out.
You muse, you mutter, you take stock of experiences, accomplishments, opportunities, and possibilities. You inevitably return to face a list of professional goals yet unrealized. The time comes to talk with family, close friends, total strangers on cross-country flights, the lawn guy, and even valued mentors, including Fred and Paul Jacobs.
So here’s the short version. On my 8th anniversary, I made a promise to myself that I shared with Fred and Paul.
“If I reach 10 years and I’m still doing the same things I’ve been doing for the past 8 years, it may be time for a change.”
That 10-year mark now looms like some goal-realization fiscal cliff, and it’s time to keep the self-imposed professional term-limit promise I made to myself 2 years ago. At some point in early 2013, I will be leaving Jacobs Media (probably post-SuperBowl, pre-St. Patrick’s Day).
Moreover, the lawn guy is in full support of my decision, provided his money keeps coming from somewhere.
Fred, Paul, and I have discussed a transition plan that will work for all involved. My clients were first to get the news, earlier this week. They got over it quickly. We will ensure that each is well-served at every level, every day between now and my departure. In mid-December, while contributing to transition efforts and ongoing projects, I will begin to solidify my lame-duck status as I begin to pursue new ventures. So, let the bidding wars begin. Please.
But I’m not dead yet. I’ll be at the Arbitron Client Conference in Maryland next week. Reach me at: ralph@jacobsmedia.com or ralph.cipolla@gmail.com. We’ll have a beer. I may be out of work shortly, so you’re buying.
Now, the heartfelt, albeit compulsory cavalcade of clichés for industry trade publication consumption:
This past decade at the industry’s preeminent strategic consulting firm has been like a 10-year course of study at a World-Class University of Strategic Thought and Skill-Set Development. I “enrolled” March 2003, and I graduate now, enriched with the gifts of expansive experience and broadened perspective.
To my many clients and peers: In you, I have been honored to work with professionals who are among the very best at what they do.
To the staff of Jacobs Media: I thank each of you for the relationships and experiences I will continue to value long after I depart. I am proud of our collective accomplishments and the innovative work that has solidified our status as the very best this industry can offer.
I sincerely thank (blah blah) and it is with mixed emotions that I (lorum ipsum yada yada)… etc etc.
Ralph.
P.S. See you tomorrow. I’m going home early.
