Blog 
One of the traditions at SimpliFlying is to celebrate the anniversary of joining the business with a personal account of the journey. So following my one year milestone, here are a few words about me, my colleagues and why I do what I do.
You’ve probably heard us talking a lot about how we think social is changing the world of aviation marketing. Well, my world changed completely in 2013.
For those of you who know me, it will be no surprise to hear that I fell in love with my career many years ago when I moved into the aviation marketing realm. Working at the heart of the world route development community allowed me to build friendships and working relationships with the most talented airline & airport professionals, whilst being surrounded by gifted colleagues who supported my enthusiasm — while I absorbed their knowledge and passion.
In December 2012, I even surprised myself when I resigned from my role in route development, to join SimpliFlying and follow my passion into the world of airport customer engagement and social media marketing.
Why I do what I do
I share the same beliefs as my colleagues. We care deeply about aviation marketing. Some airports tend to know what works and what doesn’t. They have the budget, resources and brand name behind them and are at the forefront of aviation social media strategy — we work with many of these organisations.
But many airports find social media overwhelming and confusing. They dabble half-heartedly in it and thus find it ineffective. Explaining the fundamental social media principles effective brands are successfully using and modelling and adapting them for new airport clients is the reason I get out of bed each day. This is what gives me and my colleagues tremendous satisfaction. Breaking down the principles that are already working so well and simply and easily applying them to other airports, which have little to no budget, makes me feel like we’re making a real difference.
A SimpliAmazing business
If you’re a regular visitor, I don’t need to tell you how great this business is, or even how recognised the word ‘SimpliFlying’ is within the industry. It is a company built from the ground up by a team incredibly committed to this space.
From observing the launch of SimpliFlying back in 2008, to introducing its CEO and founder, Shashank Nigam to the global route development community in 2010, I was a regular champion of this remarkable team that was quite literally changing the very nature of aviation marketing and ‘thinking differently’ about how airlines and airports communicate with customers.
So why did I leave a role that I loved so much?
It’s simple. I had the chance to join SimpliFlying.
Think of it this way. Imagine being part of a team that is setting the new standards within the industry — a team that has already devised award winning strategies for many of its over 40 airline & airport clients. Imagine taking a key role in a business that is globally recognised as the industry leader by both IATA & ACI. If you’re a football fan like I am, it’s like being asked to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona (or Liverpool)! Who could refuse?
I’ve already mentioned the word ‘team’, but it’s far greater than that. I work amongst a group of talented and hardworking individuals who every day strive to raise the bar in aviation marketing. The team are fully aligned in their beliefs about aviation, marketing and much more. They continue to break down the barriers to innovation. It’s the type of person that works for SimpliFlying that makes the work so special. The work of SimpliFlying is warmly and immediately human. It deals with human needs, wants, dreams and hopes. Its ‘product’ cannot be turned out on an assembly line. It’s a group of people who everyday say ‘hey, look there’s the moon up there; let’s take a walk on it’.
Stronger in the face of adversity
In July 2013, after just 5 months in the role and after several months training for my first triathlon, I was involved in a terrible accident and spent many weeks in hospital recovering from surgery after a fall that I might not have survived. During the immediate days in hospital and the following weeks and months of extensive treatment and physiotherapy, my colleagues – Shashank, Shubhodeep, Guen, Marco & Ravi – were ‘virtually’ by my side to support me, every single day. I was part of something far greater than a team. I am extremely proud to be a member of the SimpliFlying family!
So here I am one year on, leading the SimpliFlying Airport business. Driving new airport consultancy and training partnerships whilst travelling the globe one flight at a time to speak at the biggest and best aviation conferences in the world. Could life get any better?
Well, it did. On the 31st December 2013, my year ended in a SimpliPerfect way.
