Do you have a word that is so deeply associated with a time in your life that you’re now completely unable to use it without a wink, a cringe or a grimace? After founding and running the charity and company, Bloody Good Period and Bloody Good Employers, I guess the most ubiquitous of British curse words can no longer be a part of my vocab. I guess I’ll be using the f word a whole lot more… sorry Dad.
All of this to say, this is not a Bloody (Good Period) newsletter. No no, this is the first newsletter by what some call without irony (how?) my “personal brand”. Yes, my personal brand, my me without the we, Gabby without the periods, hello without the C-E-O. (If you’re reading this then you probably know I have stepped down from my role as CEO, at the end of May 2022, and if you didn’t, you can read more about it here.)
I’ve been executing my exit plan for the past 8-9 months, and so naturally I’ve been reflecting on proud moments, achievements and highlights, but also regrets and things I wish I’d done differently. I know the thing I’ll miss most about being CEO of BGP is the opportunity to use my voice to talk about the things I care about and my biggest regret is that I didn’t write more. I spent a lot of time scared I’d say the wrong thing, or starting a piece and ditching it because I didn’t feel confident in my writing skills. I’ve probably put out about 5 pieces compared to the hundreds I’ve started and I want that to change.
I’d love you to join me on my journey as I write about running a charity (and how I did it), how creativity changes culture (and how I did it), founding and leaving a charity (and how I did it), being a left-wing Jewish babe in a sea of left-wing antisemitism (keeping it light!) and maybe even my obsession with miniatures (key-change!) I’ll also let you know what I’m up to in a totally non-invasive just-come-along-if-you-can-absolutely-no-worries-if-not totally chill vibe. She won’t be perfect but she’ll be a bl**dy newsletter and that’s all we can hope for, no?
I’d also love to hear from you if there’s anything you’d like me to write about. I should say though, not in an “amplify" way - if you think I’m going to go all influencer and talk about social and political issues I know FA about you’ve got the wrong tired woman - but I’d welcome ideas for anything that you’d find interesting or maybe were afraid to ask about the above topics.
I’ll leave you with two things. A promise to write again, and a photo of a pair of unbelievably beautiful (I’m aware it’s in the eye of the beholder) and kitsch (it’s just a fact) pair of miniature gold pineapple salt and pepper shakers I bought today for £3.75 from a charity shop in East Finchley. It’s the post CEO life, huns.
All the best, kind regards and I hope you get everything you wish for,
Gabby x