I wish someone had told me how fast time flies

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. We regularly hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so. This post is by Colin Ford.

It’s been 10 years since I joined CN&CO as a partner and shareholder – and what a ride it’s been!

On 1 August 2015, a group of us joined forces to “paint South Africa red”. So much has happened in that time – and yet it feels like yesterday when I first walked into our offices at 1 Corlett Drive in Johannesburg and got blown away by the vibe of the place.

Of course, we don’t work in fixed offices anymore, but we had many good times in our old space. Here’s a reminder of what it looked like.

We’ve also seen many colleagues come and go – and many are still around! Here’s a look at our evolution between 2015 and 2018 in caricatures.

When I joined, there were nine of us, all based in Joburg. Over the years our team has grown and shrunk again, and today we find ourselves at nine again – obviously the magic number right now – but with most of our number based in the Cape.

For a small team, we pack a big punch! We’ve worked on brands we love and causes that matter. We’ve had the freedom to choose the people we work with — and to show up for them in ways that go beyond the brief. Whether it’s helping to launch a product, cover an event, write a tricky article, or just check in on someone’s wellbeing, the work always starts — and ends — with people.

I often say I don’t need to make millions. And it’s true. What CN&CO has given me is something far more valuable: autonomy, flexibility, purpose and the space to do meaningful work and live a meaningful life. I’ve been able to pursue my studies, travel, write, exercise, rest, reconnect. I’ve had days where I’ve worked 14 hours straight and others where I’ve gone for a run at 10am or taken the afternoon off to sit with a friend.

This kind of balance is rare — and it’s not by accident. It’s built into the DNA of CN&CO. We often call ourselves a “lifestyle business”, but that doesn’t mean we don’t work hard. It means we trust each other, back each other and know that showing up fully (on our own terms) delivers the best results for everyone.

• Some standout moments over the past decade:
• ConFab sessions in our Illovo offices, where we shared ideas, stories, wine and inspiration
• Travelling to France and Indonesia with Club Med
• Editing FIA Insight magazine
• Working on RMB’s incredible sponsorships, including Starlight Classics and the RMB National Rowing Squad
• Attending and working at the African Insurance Exchange at Sun City — always a vibe!
• Climbing Table Mountain… and sleeping at the top
• The mad “booze runs” for charity in Joburg and Stellenbosch
• Collaborating with the wildly talented Ndlovu Youth Choir and Mzansi Youth Choir
• And the small, everyday things: brainstorms, brainstorms-that-turn-into-life-chats, making headlines, meeting deadlines, new business wins and cheering each other on through it all

I wish someone had told me how fast time flies – but I’m glad no one did, because I might have tried to slow it down or hold on too tightly. Instead, I’ve just shown up every day and made it count. For my teammates. For our clients. For myself.

Ten years in, and I’m still excited for what comes next.

Here’s to the next chapter — whatever it may look like. 🥂