Children of the evolution

Some exciting changes are afoot here. Five years ago, Elaena and Kath founded Active Voice together. Our vision was to create an ethical communication agency that would use its powers for good. This evolved into a passion for values-led communication and working with brands and businesses that wear their hearts on their sleeves.

Now it’s time for the next step in our evolution. The vision remains the same only the structure of the team is changing.

From the beginning of 2007, Elaena will be the majority shareholder and Managing Director of Active Voice. Kath is heading off to complete her studies in counselling and focus her energy in the worlds of wellbeing, personal development, communication and psychotherapy. She’ll continue to write and edit in these areas too.

The partnership between Elaena and Kath was born out of a strong friendship. That friendship and an abiding mutual respect carries them forward into this new chapter.

Technically speaking, Kath will retain a small (largely silent) interest in the company. Realistically, you’ll never shut her up about it. Kath will remain a passionate advocate for everything Active Voice is about.

“It’s an amazing business with incredible resources – talented people, creative systems, absolutely original ways of interacting and relating, and bucket-loads of integrity,” Kath said.

“I’m very proud of my part in creating that over the years. And I look forward to contributing in other ways by remaining a shareholder.”

At Active Voice, it’s business as usual. We’ll continue to bring you integrated creative campaigns and projects that ‘reveal your true identity’. The impact on our range of services will be minimal. Where there is an existing commitment in which Kath has a role, she’ll see her part through to completion.

Meanwhile, Active Voice celebrated five years in business this November. To mark the occasion, we took a moment to reflect on what we’ve learned since those early days. What we came up with was a whole bunch of stuff related to each of our values…too much to share here. So here are some highlights.

5 things we’ve learned in 5 years

1. It’s important to look after yourself (what ever that means for you). You have a much better chance of sustaining other things and people if you’re taking care of you.

2. Great service is created through the quality of the experience and the process of working together – not just the content and outcome.

3. I am responsible for my own good time. If I’m not having fun, I can choose to shift my perspective, change what I’m doing, uncover the humour and have a chuckle at myself.

4. Clarifying expectations is vital to smooth operations, harmonious relationships and ultimately, profitability. Don’t expect people to be mind readers – and don’t try to be one yourself.

5. Even in the briefest communication, there is relationship