Since the announcement that Workplace from Meta would be no more, I have spent most of my time developing and running the Work Networks Assess and Match offer. Looking back I realise just how much I’ve enjoyed the experience. It’s been a lot of work but there’s something incredibly satisfying about creating and delivering something that actually makes a difference for people and organisations.
Here are the top three things that have really stood out to me during this journey:
Being Platform-Agnostic: Finally, Just Honest Advice
We’ve stayed completely agnostic when it comes to recommending platforms. In a world full of hard sells and tech companies pushing their products, we’ve been able to say, “No, let’s find what’s actually going to work for you.” And that’s been a game-changer for how we work with clients.
There’s no hidden agenda, no bias—just honest advice about what’s really going to make a difference for their business. And it feels good to be on the client’s side like that. They trust us because they know we’re not just trying to sell them the latest shiny thing; we’re trying to get them to the best solution for their specific challenges. It’s been incredibly rewarding to see that level of trust develop, and to know that we’re doing right by our clients.
Getting Back to the Real Purpose: What Are We Really Trying to Achieve?
One of the most refreshing parts of this whole process has been getting back to what these platforms are actually for. Instead of getting bogged down in features or tech specs, we’ve focused on what really matters—what are the core organisational goals we’re trying to support? What are the actual priorities that will drive success going forward?
It’s been nice to have those real conversations with clients. What are we actually trying to do here? How can this platform help with those broader goals? It’s easy to lose sight of that in the rush to implement something new, but I think this approach has helped us (and our clients) reconnect with the bigger picture. It’s not about rolling out tech for tech’s sake; it’s about using it to make a meaningful impact. And that’s the stuff that gets me out of bed in the morning.
Seeing the Bigger Picture: Adding Value Beyond Just Comms
A game-changer for me during this journey has been the opportunity to not just help organisations improve their internal comms, which is still really important, but there is also the opportunity to help them with much bigger organisational transformation. By taking a step back and looking at things from a higher level, we’ve uncovered ways these platforms can add value across the business, beyond just communications.
In some cases, it’s been about enabling cultural shifts or supporting strategic changes that weren’t even on the radar at the start. I’ve loved being able to contribute to those bigger conversations, helping leaders think about how a platform can drive change in areas they might not have considered. It’s been rewarding to see that what started as a conversation about communications can lead to a focus on real, tangible change in other areas of their business.
Other things that have also been refreshing
Beyond those three main things, there are a couple of other reasons I’ve really enjoyed this work:
Working with Some Amazing Leaders – I’ve been lucky to work with leaders who are genuinely invested in making things better for their people. They’re not just ticking boxes; they’re really trying to connect with and listen to their teams. That’s been refreshing, especially in a world where leadership can sometimes feel detached. Seeing their passion and drive has inspired me and reminded me why I love this work.
Constant Learning and Fresh Perspectives – This whole process has also pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. It’s been a great challenge to approach things differently, learn new ways of thinking, and take on a fresh perspective. I’ve rediscovered a love for the work because of that—it’s exciting to feel like I’m growing alongside the projects we’re delivering. And it’s been a reminder that no matter how long you’ve been doing something, there’s always more to learn.
At the end of the day, spending time developing and running the Work Networks Assess and Match offer has been a really rewarding experience—not because of the tech, but because of the real, human impact it’s had on the organisations we’ve worked with. It’s been about trust, purpose, and adding value in ways that matter. And for me, that’s what this work is all about.
I’m genuinely excited to see where this takes us next.