I’m inspired to write this blog following a couple of days of affirmation of what’s been whirring around my head for some time now. So I‘m indebted not least to @resourcecharity @rosaltmann @Nigelrisner , Gillian Merron @BoardofDeputies , Lynn and Sally @ToucanProdns and Amelia and Sera @fawnbrake for providing the clarity of communication – I wouldn’t expect anything else – that has so assuredly removed the mist from eyes to enable me to move forward.

So, I’m an experienced ad man, brand strategist, planner, a brand storyteller, an account director and even a copywriter. You can perm anyone of a number of these titles, and more, and I will fit the bill. So am I the archetypal hybrid marketer? From testimonials and praise for my work, I could unashamedly say yes, but from the lack of attention from jobs I may covet, some might doubt it.

I am no longer a young turk, (though I certainly am in my head and do move pretty quickly – no skateboard required!) I am no digital native. I am no UX specialist. But I don’t need a stick to beat myself over the head with about these. They don’t matter and to the enlightened employer they shouldn’t either. I provide the customer experience, (and I am told, second to none client service experience for that matter), and through my experience, the trust that I generate and the fact that I’ve never stopped learning. And anyway, I am self-critical enough. But this is solely because I only want to produce the best, most effective work for my clients, whatever the platform, be they direct or via agencies, and for a little self esteem, that also provide a great shop window for new clients.

So at 50+ there should no need to be coy about one’s age, but be proud. I am.

Increasingly, many sectors are alive to the fact that they can access all this experience. Yet, at present, the one that is closest to me, remains somewhat distant to my call to action.

Were they to hear this call, they could gain all this wisdom, with which comes the ability to provide a holistic approach, ensuring no creative route is dismissed at the outset, no one touchpoint is excluded from candidate media, but all campaigns are delivered with alacrity , a positive mindset and access to both the strategic skills and the pragmatic experience to work with not against operational issues which may on occasions upset the apple cart. And so the trait of malleability is also a key factor in providing the best of smart thinking and creativity to all clients.

Conveniently, these criteria for applauding the experienced worker arrives at the useful acronym WHAM!

So, I am hopeful others will see the light too, recognising the impact that us over 50s can have and that alongside the hashtags I’ve been made aware of, not least… #conqueringageismintheworkplace #SkillsetsNotStructures

These mindsets will enable me to continue to make an impact in the world that I still get a great buzz from…

From seeing a brand come to life with the nuances I’ve identified in me creating differentiating brand stories, to the work that I’ve crafted appearing across media channels with great stand-out, cohesion and campaignability. From providing the strategic evidence to solve real business issues with smarter, more pertinent messages, to the greater creativity inherent in the work I do for brands old and new, that have the clarity to resonate with customers consistently, be they B2C or B2B. Plus, of course, any plaudits I get along the way.

Now, for my call to action…

If you’d like to help me on this journey, be you Client or Agency, here’s my number 01923 418039