Why I’m leaving Wayne Parker Kent

Step out of a warm bath before the water turns cold.

There wasn’t a job description, back when I first visited Wayne Parker Kent three offices ago. A couple of cups of coffee later, I was a WPK-er. Caught by the spell of something I still can’t describe to people that weren’t there to experience it.

I worked at Wayne Parker Kent for almost seven years, a good three of which I could call myself Creative Director. Which basically means people way more talented than me show me stuff while I pretend to have answers.

Yes, I always wanted to start my own business but Wayne Parker Kent became a place so familiar that it felt like my own. That was enough, so it seemed for a long time. The desire to one day make the entrepreneurial jump never completely faded, though. And without actually trying, my dream would remain just that. A dream. A realization that became even clearer in a year in which nothing seems forever. That’s why on January 1st 2021, after seven years, I will be leaving Wayne Parker Kent.

Walked in a seemingly lost magazine reporter, walking out an ad man. A transformation some (ie. my Journalism professors) might deem a mortal sin. But damn this ride was quite something. I met the love of my life, became a dad and welcomed lifelong friends in my life. I came of age, sort of, both professionally and personally. Broke and messed up a lot of things in the process. But Wayne Parker Kent was always there to stand by me. Without compromise. For that and all of the chances Wayne Parker Kent offered I will be forever grateful.

In particular I’d like to thank Slaven Mandic for his trust in me. Without all of the harsh feedback and numerous masterclasses in marketing and business, I wouldn’t be where I’m at.

Frank Goren taught me more about life than he probably knows. Hope to see you soon, friend.

Ashwin Murli left Wayne Parker Kent in 2017 but luckily never left my life. Looking forward to the new chapter together.

Matthijs Tielman was the perfect partner in crime. Without his strategies I wouldn’t be able to create anything of substance. I will miss recording our podcast together.

Daan Zoetmulder’s people skills and positive perseverance form the perfect ideal to strive for in my own future career.

Aaltje Wiersma’s ability to always see the bigger picture protected my ignorant bulldozer ass from a lot of missteps on the managerial side.

Isabelle Seelen and Annerie Veldman have saved me so many times from missed deadlines and sloppy screwups, it’s embarrassing.

Dominique Tang and Emma Laarman are account people that frequently understood better what we were selling than I would.

Björn Zwagerman is the talented handy creative do-it-all guy next door who will one day be your boss. And rightfully so.

Caitlin Veen has so many talents, whoever manages to formulate a proper job description for her should get an award.

Guido Wiegers is nothing less than an Adobe Suite and paddle board wielding wizard.

Charlene de Recht is so annoyingly gifted that she made me doubt everything I know about the business. Go get ‘m tiger.

Maxi, Wendelien, Gerben, Chris, Niels, Stefan, Riv, Tim, Dino, Bob and Sascha will turn Wayne Parker Kent into something greater than I would ever be able to. Looking forward following your story from the sidelines.

Like many others I saw come and go throughout these seven years, I too will always feel like a WPK-er.

It’s time to hand in my cape.

On to newer things.