I’m grateful for the past three years – both personally and professionally.
On the personal side of things…
Meeting and marrying Kelly Long. She’s super awesome and I still feel blessed daily by her presence. Ends up, she’s a pretty amazing Wife and Mother too (bonus!). I’m eternally grateful for her love and support.- Fatherhood. I became a Dad in 2010 with the arrival of my beautiful little girl Sophie. It’s been a lot of work and some long nights, but totally worth every minute.
- We’ve moved three times within San Antonio. Yes, all in the city, but holy bubble wrap… moving sucks. Especially if you do it in the Summer.
- Kelly is pregnant with our second child (a boy). The first few months of the pregnancy were pretty much the Crucible of Husband-hood (if that’s a word). Anyway, I learned a lot about carrying the household load and, in the end, it was good for us.
- I went through an experience in April of this year that I’m not quite ready to write about. Not for lack of desire… but more because it was such a powerful, out of this world experience, that I’m still struggling with how to explain it. All incredibly good – quite life altering. More to come on this one.
On a professional note, things were just as crazy:
- Started consulting Rackspace in 2009 and built up a new kind of Employment Branding strategy. Worked alongside Paul Norman and discovered my vocation (at least, one of them).
- Permanently joined Rackspace in March of 2010 and launched rackertalent.com. Over the next two years, Culture Branding would go on to change things for the better… across many industries and with many companies.
- Got a tattoo on my first day at Rackspace –> Video for you doubters.
- Spoke across the country and abroad on the topic of Culture Branding. Led the debate and spurred the conversation. Of course, with help from folks like William Tincup, Bryan Wempen, Craig Fisher, Joni Doolen, Ryan Estis, Bill Boorman, Marianthe Verver, and many others, things moved along quickly.
- Had the distinct honor of building the most talented, creative, passionate team of people I’ve ever encountered – the Culture + Communications Support Team at Rackspace. In alphabetical order: Ashley Sherfy, Dave Sims, Drew Hicks, Ernest Flores, Jacob Forbis, Jason Hopkins and Neeta Mistry. What a crew! Together, we handled functions including: Culture Branding (Internal & External Employment Branding), Internal Communications, Videography, Environmental Art, Corporate Culture Initiatives and many other fun and demanding projects that arose. Awesome, awesome, awesome times! Thank you C+C!
“So, what’s with the recap Red?” Great question! Thanks 
I’m taking the next step in my journey. About two weeks ago, I spent my last official day as a Racker. Instead of making an immediate announcement, I decided to spend some time reflecting on the past few years and laying out my personal goals for the future. It felt like the right way to conclude this portion of my journey and I’m glad I took the time.
I’m very grateful for having been a part of Rackspace for the past three years. Many of the relationships and experiences have permanently left a mark on me and it will always be a time I look back on with great joy. To the Rackers who read this post, I thank you. And, in case you’re wondering, I have no immediate plans to do away with the tattoo.
Looking Forward
“So, what’s next?” Another good one – bravo!
As I have in the past, I intend to continue with my passions. After all, this life is short and I hate the idea of wasting it with anything less than the type of work that gets my blood pumping – work that fully leverages my strengths. And, in case you’re wondering, my Top 5 (Gallup – Strengths) are:
- Activator
- Woo
- Connectedness
- Futuristic
- Communication
If you’re interested in this topic, check out some of the theme descriptions – super fascinating stuff!
Over the past years, I have found that Connectedness and Futuristic play a very active role in the way I think and approach problems and opportunities. It fills my bucket to be presented with complex issues that I can solve through connecting the dots and peering into the future. Allowing others into my vision, so that they too can look forward, absolutely leaves my bucket flowing over.
In the coming weeks, I will finish the creation and launch of my new company. In addition, I’m eager to start speaking more regularly on the topics of Employment Branding, Corporate Culture, #BeTheBird and… well, you’ll see. It involves a duck
I’m pumped. This is exciting and, if I know anything about the future, it’s going to be an interesting ride!
Looking Forward,
Michael
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