Of all the visuals on this site—this has to be my favorite, simply for the reason that it captures the essence of life. We can plan—we certainly improvise, but life ends up being somewhere in the middle.
Today is my last day with Digitas. I planned on staying here longer than a year and eight months—but as the saying goes, "life happens". I have an incredible opportunity ahead of me which I have recently accepted from Critical Mass, an agency based out of Calgary Canada (I will be working out of the Chicago office). Critical Mass has deep roots in user-centered design and excels at architecting the consumer experience across multiple touch points:
I'm thrilled to be joining Critical Mass who continues to be a leader in the space—earning praise and high marks from organizations such as Forrester. I'll be joining Critical Mass in a relatively new role (VP, Experience Design) and could not be more pleased with this, as it is a perfect fit for my background and the way I approach the work. The new position will also allow me to continue developing thought leadership and all of the stuff you've come to expect here.
You've probably got some questions—so I thought it would be best to treat the rest of this post in an FAQ style fashion. But before I do, let me just say that I've had the rare pleasure to work alongside some of the most talented people at Digitas in all capacities. Together we've launched several initiatives under tight deadlines and we've delivered innovative solutions through prototyping concepts and pushing the execution of our ideas. Thank you everyone at Digitas for the experience. And a special thank you to Executive Creative Director Mark Beeching, who accidentally stumbled upon this blog in the early days and embraced it immediately (I never told Digitas about it—I just launched it) . Mark, I won't forget your support. :-)
OK, on to the "FAQ's"
Why am I leaving?
Simply put, Critical Mass presents a unique opportunity to grow in areas that I am truly passionate about (multi-channel consumer experiences). I've had many discussions with the people there, and we posses a shared vision. This opportunity is a perfect fit for me.
How will this affect Logic + Emotion?
It shouldn't. This is still my personal blog, I'll just have a different employer. Theoritically it could get even better as I'll be tapped more often in the thought leadership area. The topics discussed here will probably be pretty much the same. Of course posting could get lighter while I adjust to the new role—but we'll see...
When do I start?
I start on May 30th. And Yes, I'm taking some much needed time off. A little over a week. Not a huge amount of time, but it will be enough to slow down, take a breath and bond with the family. I'll be doing a lot of that. This move comes at a good time as I've been working at a pretty fast pace between Digitas and this blog. So I'm looking forward to a break!
Will I become an honorary citizen of Canada?
If Canada will have me. Over my break, I will be renting large quantities of Hockey DVD's and audiobooks. I plan to know all about Hockey before I begin on my first day. If anyone knows about Hockey, please send me an e-mail directing me to some good resources. ;-)
So as you can tell, I'm very excited and even a bit nervous. This past year has produced amazing professional (and personal) growth for me. Thanks for coming along for the ride. Life—with all of it's planning and improvisation, goes on...
Your official toque and lifetime supply of maple syrup are on the way, as well as a Calgary Flames jersey. Welcome aboard, eh!
Posted by: gabby | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 09:57 AM
WOW! Congratulations, DA. Onward and upward, as they say. Critical Mass is lucky to have you. Good luck and God bless, buddy.
--Chris
Posted by: Chris Thilk | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Good luck with your new job, David.
I've been reading your blog for a few months now, and look forward to seeing some new insights that will result from your future work.
As a Calgarian myself, the only thing I can suggest is that you wear a Flames jersey on your first day of work, Blackhawks fans be damned.
Posted by: Parker | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 09:59 AM
Saw your public announcment via Twitter, which landed me here. Congrats on the new gig, and I will be posting the .life. graphic on my blog...doing so as we speak...
Posted by: mat g. | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:03 AM
Congrats Dave. I'm happy to help with "all things Canada."
Make sure they encourage you to check out the more Eastern cities like Montreal and Toronto ;)
Posted by: Mitch Joel | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:12 AM
Congrats on the new position, David. Stay creative!
Posted by: Chris Cree | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:14 AM
Best wishes for success with your new gig -- sounds like a perfect match. Enjoy some much-needed time off with those two cute boys. And btw, this graphic is one of my favorites too.
Posted by: Connie Reece | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:19 AM
Great news. The new role will surely keep you challenged. Congratulations!
Posted by: Kevin Dugan | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 11:34 AM
Congrats David and the best of luck to you! Stay in touch, and I promise to stay tuned into L+E! Cheers!
Posted by: Kate | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 11:54 AM
you know what i'm gonna say. :-)
(congrats, hermano.)
Posted by: christopher carfi | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 12:00 PM
Great stuff, DA. I'm so happy for you! You can spread your kickassery elsewhere, now!
Posted by: Paul McEnany | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 12:04 PM
Welcome to the team, David. I really couldn't be more pleased!
Posted by: Scott Weisbrod | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 12:37 PM
Great news DA, congrats! Sounds like Critical Mass will be the perfect fit for you, which you deserve of course!
Posted by: Mack Collier | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 12:46 PM
You can hold off on the hockey for now -- the season's almost over. Football's going to hit first! So brush up on your CFL vs. NFL rules. (http://www.answers.com/topic/comparison-of-canadian-and-american-football)
Beyond sports, get to know your beer. You'll find out why soon enough. Rent Strange Brew (http://us.imdb.com/title/tt0086373/) -- it explains a lot.
And to handle us odd folk up north, you might want a quick read on Canuck. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_English)
Welcome aboard!
Posted by: Geoff Sowrey | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 12:54 PM
It sounds like things continue on in great direction. Congrats!
Posted by: Ben Digman | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:15 PM
Congratulations on your Career 2.0! And very glad to hear that you will be sharing your growth with us here on L&E. Enjoy your 'break' and good luck in your new job.
Posted by: Jacqueline | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:24 PM
Hey - congratulations! Let me know if you'll be at the breakfast in New York on June 20th and we can grab a coffee.
Posted by: Pete | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:28 PM
Congrats on reaching the next chapter, David. I like the graphic, too. I'm not sure why, but in my graph, the "plan" circle seems much smaller by comparison. :)
Posted by: Cam Beck | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:36 PM
Congratulazioni, Davide. A cheer for all the great work you have done at Digitas and a toast to new beginnings on the journey of work, and life. Critical Mass is lucky to have you.
Posted by: Valeria Maltoni | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:40 PM
David, congratulations! You do wonderful work, and I expect you will be challened to expand your horizons in your new gig.
Enjoy your time off. :-)
Posted by: Mike Rohde | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 01:52 PM
Congrats on the new venture David. I hope it brings leads to even greater things!
Posted by: Adrian Lai | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 02:03 PM
Many congratulations. I feel sorry for Digitas...but great for you :) Well done.
Posted by: Ryan Karpeles | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 02:22 PM
Hi everyone,
Thank you so much for the overwhelming—and I do mean overwhelming support.
I mean it when I say that I'm a bit nervous—but I do feel that this is a great fit an an intuituitive level. Please continue to keep me honest and challenge my thinking here. It makes me better at what I do. Hopefully it does the same for you! :)
Posted by: David Armano | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 02:27 PM
Congratulations, David.
Posted by: Adam | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 02:38 PM
It's all been said before but I want to add my congratulations anyway. Critical Mass is lucky to get you.
By the way, I worked with Canadians for three years, and never have had more fun. Furthermore, one of my favorite cities in the world sits in Canada--Vancouver.
Posted by: Lewis Green | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 02:57 PM
off to the Mass, huh? used to live down the street by the Vicious Circle. wonder if Vlad is still there....
Posted by: davidicus | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 04:28 PM
Sounds like a great move. I hope it is fulfilling even beyond your expectations!
Posted by: Steve Woodruff | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 04:53 PM
Good Luck David.
You are a true inspiration, and a leader by example. Keep it up and please take more time to spend with loved ones. I always say "Life is with people" so maybe you can also add that to your imortant visual.
Michael
Posted by: Michael Melnick | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 06:21 PM
Congratulations and enjoy Canadia. You should probably do some research on Calgary weather - think 4 seasons in 24-hour cycles.
Posted by: Sherry | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 06:34 PM
Just think, you can thank Miller Brewery for your good fortune!
BTW: when did "architect" become a verb? (see the above CM mission statement). I guess I'm old-fashioned. Maybe that can be the first thing you change when you go to work on the 30th. It's a little hard on the ears.
Congrats, I'm glad it all worked out well. Perhaps you'll get to make a few trips to Banff. (http://www.banff.com/)
Posted by: Roger von Oech | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 06:35 PM
well well well the DA off to the mass. no one saw that coming. digitas presented you with the challenge and the client opportunity to build some incredible experiences for big, hungry brands. i hope you find similar opportunities at cm. instead of reporting on the news I look forward to you making some. Good luck on your new opportunity. I'll see you in Toronto. make the best of your family time.
Posted by: Matthew Pollock | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 07:46 PM
I'm just ecstatic for you--you sound really energized and inspired. On your break do take time out for you...BIG hug!
Posted by: CK | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 08:56 PM
I know you hate it when I call you a rock star... but... you are!
HUGS!
Posted by: Ann Handley | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 09:47 PM
Thanks everyone. I'm really looking forward to the opportunity as well as the quality time off with the family.
Matt Pollock:
your comment here comes across as snarky which is unfortunate as you were always nice to me in the office. Are you speaking on behalf of Sapient? Since you are linking back to their company site vs. your own personal blog (or website), I can only assume so.
Regardless, I wish you the best at Sapient and I know you'll do well.
Posted by: DA | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 09:56 PM
Wear hockey shirt; Calgary shirt would be a good idea if in Calgary. Go to Calgary Stampede - wear cowboy hat.
Start putting the "u" back in words like flavour and neighbourhood. Drink real beer but understand it has a higher alcohol content than U.S. beer (and real flavour too). Learn to say "eh" after every sentence.
Learn to curl; why I have no idea but it's something to do on cold nights. Understand that Newfoundland has the most fun on cold nights of all the places in Canada.
Anne of Green Gables was a fiction story and musical. Mounties come in different colours other than red tunics and not all of them ride horses; watch out for them running speed traps out west.
To understand the country, simply go to a hockey game. Sit in the stands. When you find yourself leaning into a shot, wincing at a hit, cheering for a slick move - you'll understand the heart and soul of this country. Eh?
Posted by: Doug Green | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:00 PM
Doug,
This is pretty useful stuff! I'm taking notes. Thanks. :)
Posted by: DA | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:11 PM
David,
The right move to the right agency at the right time. Bravo!
You know how happy I am for you!
Drew
Posted by: Drew McLellan | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:50 PM
A big move and a big opportunity. We all knew you could do it! Congratulations, my favorite late-night image-swapping Twitterer. I look forward to following your new exploits and insights.
And with any luck, I'll have a little news of my own to share shortly...
Posted by: Scott Monty | Friday, May 18, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Congrats David !!!
Posted by: alain thys | Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 02:46 PM
Taken the wrong way d.new opportunitits await. Make the most of them. Based on some conversations we had I'm not surprised. Snarky? Don't think so. Go get em. I'm happy for you.
Posted by: Matthew Pollock | Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 03:56 PM
OK Matt, I'll take your word for it. Comments, like e-mail are always difficult to decipher in regards to tone. So thanks for the well wishes.
PS, everyone else--though I do want to learn more about Canadian culture, you do know I'm staying in Chicago right? :)
Posted by: David Armano | Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 04:07 PM
Canada is no different than Chicago, David :) and vice versa ;)...Here's my lens on Canada and the people - they say "eh" a lot, drink mass quantities of lager aka beer and can go on and on about flyfishing! Smokes are bit more expensive. Petrol in the US is inching its way toward the Canadian price. You buy it in liters (I know your staying in the Windy City but I'm guessing Critical Mass-Calgary might invite you north on occasion). Everybody I meet when I visit complains about the cost of items. They got a kick ass national health system which everyone moans on and on about. Sound familiar? They've a Prime Minister as head of state. Echoing Lewis - Vancouver is a beautiful city. And I'm with Roger on architect being a verb? But Canadians DO have a way with words :) but it is the Kings English. And they do say "right on" a lot...at least in BC. You're on the right track with hockey...pay close attention to Stanley Cup.
CONGRATULATIONS, David! How exciting for you - I look forward to continued Logic + Emotion insight.
Posted by: Bob Glaza | Saturday, May 19, 2007 at 09:30 PM
Wow, David, when an opportunity like this one knocks, open wide the door. I consider myself a world citizen, especially since even a wider world is opened to me through the art of particpating in social media. You stand out with your fine work and I sense it will reach higher peaks. All the best
Posted by: Robyn | Sunday, May 20, 2007 at 09:44 AM
David,
I discover your post now (back from holidays). Even if a bit late, I want to say it : CONGRATULATIONS! I'm sure this is going to be a thrilling new experience. Wish you all the best.
Regards.
Luc.
Posted by: mindblob | Sunday, May 20, 2007 at 03:44 PM
Good luck in the new spot, eh.
Posted by: David Reich | Sunday, May 20, 2007 at 06:19 PM
David,
Congratulations! It has been amazing to see how quickly you have risen in prominence, since you've first started your blog (I'm a long time reader, despite scarcely commenting).
Well Deserved! And, I look forward to see how your company and position can help further your passion for new understanding of the consumer experience.
Posted by: Daniel Riveong | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 01:13 AM
Congrats!
Posted by: Steven Chien | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 02:16 AM
David:
Good for you! Looks like your move will be a great match for your talents! Have fun with the family and let us know how the transition goes.
Posted by: Claire | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 06:46 AM
David, Congratulations. God speed. And don't worry about hockey, it's a pretty easy game to understand after you've watched it a few times. Once you get what 'icing' is, you're home free.
Posted by: Dawud Miracle | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 07:02 AM
Good for you David, I can't think of a company that is a better fit for the way you think and work. Critical Mass is on a very short list of companies that understand what experience design really is and that's a great area to be working in now.
Posted by: Karl | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 07:59 AM
Congrats... we love CM.
Posted by: Steve Mann | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 10:52 AM
No one brought up Timbits and Tim Hortons. Must not be any real Canadians here.
Go grab a cup of coffee there, and enjoy a few Timbits.
And, for the NHL, it's all about Lord Stanley and the original six.
Posted by: Jeremy Pepper | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 11:36 AM
Congrats David. You truly deserve this and I wish you the very best with this great new challenge... I have no doubt you'll do well.
Besides, now you can keep an eye on the Menace of the North for us all down here.
Just remember, that for some reason, "Roy" is pronounced "wah"... it's confusing, I know.
Posted by: Tim Jackson | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 01:32 PM
Just remember that everything has to have a French translation but not an English one. Curling is not about a woman's hair but skill at sliding stones on ice. Insert 'ey in every sentence and you'll not be easily confused with those people from "South of the Border"- Americans (Washington, Idaho, Montana, North Dakota, and other depressing locations)
Posted by: Roger Anderson | Monday, May 21, 2007 at 08:54 PM
Hockey?! Oh yeah... good timing in case the cup returns, but coming from Detroit, I don't think that will happen! ;)
Best films on hockey. period.
http://www.brettkashmere.com/films.htm
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076723/
http://www.cbc.ca/arts/film/winnipegjets.html
Good luck!
Posted by: Mike | Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Wishing you all the best in pursuing your dreams.
Good luck
Posted by: Prakash Dogra | Tuesday, May 22, 2007 at 11:15 PM
David,
I am sooooo embarrassed to have missed this....congratulations! I am having some sort of out of the blogloop moment this month
I totally love and agree with your venn diagram...one of my life rules is that it isn't a good idea unless you can make a venn diagram out of it and now you have created the ultimate venn diagram rule of life!
Best of luck and continued success!
Marianne
Posted by: Marianne Richmond | Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 12:11 AM
Wow, I get stuck in a business travel loop for three weeks and go on vacation myself and everything changes.
I'm sure the transition will be great for you and your family. Keep up the good work.
- Nick
Posted by: Nick Rice | Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 08:17 AM
Well Nick, serves you right for putting your life in front of this blog. ;)
Thanks for the well wishes!
Posted by: DA | Wednesday, May 30, 2007 at 10:55 AM