Thanks, Alex

Wow. What a great two and a half years. I’ve been fortunate to have lived a life full of adventure; climbing, skiing and surfing all of over the world plus starting a few businesses and writing a few books.  One of the things I love about adventures, especially in the big mountains, is the ability to travel into the unknown, both physically and mentally. Not knowing exactly where to go, and how the team will cope with the challenges ahead. It brings a sense of mystery, wonder and excitement. When you sit on the summit of a peak the victory is sweet from all of the collective effort that’s been put into the journey.

The CP+B adventure has been one of the most amazing I’ve had the opportunity to participate in. Alex and I first met for a mountain bike ride when he arrived in Boulder. Living in Boulder and participating in outdoor sports you can quickly distinguish the posers from the real deal. I wasn’t sure how a guy from Miami was going to do.

From the first few pedal strokes of that ride I could tell Alex is the real deal. Alex is a trusted friend and partner. He’s one of the few guys in the world that I can do anything with in the mountains, no matter how dicey the situation gets.

The same goes in business. I feel exceptionally fortunate to have had the opportunity at CP+B to help create more momentum for planning, start the product innovation practice and, of course, write Baked In with Alex.

A few weeks ago I turned 50. On my birthday, I went for a climb, soloing the First Flatiron. While I had soloed the climb dozens of times, it was somehow different. 800 feet up the face I sat on a ledge, and wrote a blog post on my iPhone about the importance of the act of soloing. While it’s not for everyone, it’s something I deeply believe in. After the climb, I made the decision that I needed to embark on another entrepreneurial adventure to explore new territory. As a good friend, Alex has been a part of the conversation since that day.

Going forward Alex and I will continue to work on Baked In together. That adventure has only begun. And, I’m sure we’ll find a few new lines to ski and peaks to summit.

So here’s to CP+B. What makes it so special are all of the great folks. Thanks to everyone for making the last two and half years incredibly special. I have no doubt that the agency will continue to lead the way for the industry through these disruptive times.

Comments

[Ben Malbon]

Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing
(Helen Keller)

[Gareth Kay]

Good luck with the next chapter John.

[twitter.com/anibalcasso]

Life is carnival... the best for your next adventure John. Cheers!

[Len Kendall]

Congrats on starting the next chapter. Best Wishes.

[Gustavo]

Amazing!

[Dennis]

Congrats. Best wishes on your next adventure.

[Brett T. T. Macfarlane]

Bravo, been fun watching from the outside the planning and product development practices ramp up at CPB. If during the transition you're by chance looking for some new lines up in the incredible Coast Mountains & Whistler drop a line and we'll find something nice and dicey.

[Anthony Kalamut]

Best wishes on all the future brings you... and hope we can start and continue the BAKED IN opportunity with my students.

All the best...

Anthony Kalamut
Seneca College Toronto

[John Winsor]

thanks, everyone. you guys are so inspiring.

[Paul Miser]

Congrats and Good Luck John... After "Baked In" I'm excited to see what you do next.

[Peter Metcalf]

John:
as a good friend I wish you nothing less then the best and may your life continue to be the amazing adventure in the second half as it was in the first half.
best to you
Peter Metcalf

[JP]

Congrats on your next big move. I'll have a review up shortly on "Baked in". It's great so far!

@jaypiddy

[twitter.com/reelspit]

continued success. Enjoy the journey.

gc

[Darren Herman]

continued success and discovery of new trails...

[Anand Chopra-McGowan]

Best wishes John; I look forward to following your career.

Best,
Anand

[twitter.com/Maidique]

John: Mark, Alex's brother in law here. As fellow solo-er I wish you the best of luck in your new endeavors.

[John Winsor]

Thanks, guys.

[faris]

legend. best of awesome in all you do. FX

[John Winsor]

thanks, Faris. See you at the Burp.

[Mark Jones]

Congratulations John! You have been an inspiration to me, thanks. Hey, there are a lot of adventures to be had here in Brazil!!!!