Leaving Work Behind has been a one-man band project for me since its inception in June 2011. However, for the last several months, my ambitions for the site have grown.
If you are a regular LWB reader then you will have taken note of the recent manifestation of those ambitions, most notably in the form of the community forums.
The key word there is community — a word that perhaps best describes my long-term intentions for the site. I want Leaving Work Behind to grow more and more into an online community within which people can share their hopes, aspirations and plans and get help with the realization of their dreams.
With the above in mind, today I am excited to make a big announcement on behalf of the Leaving Work Behind community.
What You Can Expect From LWB in the Future
Ultimately, I want the LWB community to serve as a hugely beneficial resource for those who are looking for help (be it practical, technical, or psychological) in leaving work behind.
Furthermore, I am keen to make LWB about more than just me. I know a lot of you have taken value out of reading about my personal experiences (and I will continue sharing my story with you as it unfolds), but the more I can make the LWB community a two-way street, the better.
I want this site to be as much about you as it is about me. I want to help as many of you as possible in leaving work behind, and the best way I can do that is to openly invite you into the community, get to know you, and help you as best I can.
Announcing the New LWB Community Manager
Today, I’m taking a big step closer to realizing that aim.
After weeks of consideration and planning, I can today announce the first addition to the Leaving Work Behind team: Jo Davies is joining the Leaving Work Behind team as Community Manager.
Since the community forums launched back in November 2013, Jo has been heavily involved. She has shown an open eagerness to help others as much as possible, and to be perfectly honest, she has added more value to the forums than me (despite my attempts to be as active as possible!).
That’s why I have chosen Jo as the LWB Community Manager — a role that will immediately be important and one that will only grow in importance in the future.
Jo’s immediate role will involve being highly active in the community forums,Β making sure that each new member is welcomed heartily. She’ll also be offering assistance to anyone that seeks it. Over the past several weeks I have noticed just how valuable Jo’s advice typically is, which is why I’m so delighted to have her on board.
I should point out that I will still be active on the forums (and contactable by email, as always). This is not my way of trying to shirk my responsibilities as the founder of Leaving Work Behind. I’m not going anywhere π
I have no doubt that Jo’s responsibilities will grow over time, but for the time being, why not sign up to the community forums and say hi?
Who is Jo?
Jo was a shoe-in for the Community Manager role for many reasons, not least that she is a living embodiment of the leaving work behind spirit.
She is a Canadian work at home mom of three (Colton, Cayden and Cullen). She quit her job in order to focus on creating a life that enables to care for her kids and create a rewarding (and profitable!) online business.
Speaking of which, Jo is a blogger and research consultant extraordinaire. She specializes in audience, resource and competition research and analysis. In a nutshell, she helps businesses and entrepreneurs find their competitive edge so that they can stand out from the crowd!
She also does the more “usual” side of online research for books, blog posts and so on.
I’m seriously excited to have Jo on board; I have no doubt that she will become an integral part of Leaving Work Behind before long.
Become a LWB Community Member Now!
In conclusion, all of the above means one simple thing for you: Leaving Work Behind is an even better resource than it was before.
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to leave them below, or get in touch with Jo and me via the community forums!
David Moore says
Congratulations on your new community manager role Jo! From the moment I joined the forum you made me feel extremely welcome and I can’t think of a better choice for this position π
David
JoDavies says
Thanks David!! Much appreciated!
Justin says
Congratulations, Tom!
It’s always exciting (and a bit nerve-wracking) when you bring someone new onto the team, not to mention your first! I’m sure she’ll be awfully helpful in helping the LWB brand grow. Best to both of you!
JoDavies says
Definitely planning on being as helpful as possible! Thanks!
Tom Ewer says
Thank you Justin!
Bree Brouwer says
Congrats, Jo! Tom, you picked a good one. π
JoDavies says
Thanks Bree! π
Tom Ewer says
I like to think I have excellent taste π
Josh Medeski says
Awesome! Way to go Jo. I think she’s perfect for this role.
JoDavies says
Nice to see you here Josh! Thanks for everything!
Tom Ewer says
Glad to hear it Josh, thanks!
Razwana says
This is really exciting for both of you, and the community! Awesome.
JoDavies says
I’m extremely excited and looking forward to it Razwana!
Nick Loper says
Very cool — congrats Jo!
JoDavies says
Thanks a lot Nick!
Justin Jackson says
Congrats Jo! This sounds awesome.
JoDavies says
Thanks Justin!
jamiealexander says
Well done, Jo.
Does this mean I can ask about any random subject and you have to answer me?
JoDavies says
LOL, I’m sure I will think of an appropriate response Jamie! π That sounds like a challenge!
Tom Ewer says
This is exactly what I had in mind Jamie. You knew that, right Jo? π
JoDavies says
Ha Ha… Yes, saw that from a mile away… Bring it on Jamie!! (as Gary V would say “Jab, Jab, Jab, Right Hook!”
Sofie says
Yaaaaay jo!!!!!
Congratulations.
Honored to have you as our community manager:)
JoDavies says
Thanks Sofie!
Sushant Misra says
I am in a mastermind group with Jo….she brings so much value to the group. Great addition to this website and community! Congratulations all around.
JoDavies says
Thanks so much Sushant! Means a lot! π
Zeb Welborn says
Congratulations Jo. A great addition to any team.
Zeb
JoDavies says
Thanks Zeb!
Kaya Ismail says
I know I’m late, but well done Jo! Very well deserved after being the most active member since the community forum opened its doors.
JoDavies says
Thanks so much Kaya! π Looking forward to many more great discussions π