Winds of Change
Well its official... change has come for James McBeath
As many of my closest friends know, I've been lighting candles at both ends, the middle and elsewhere for going on two years. Breathe Productions is growing and my attention is being spread very thin to too many initiatives. I've made the executive decision to simplify. I've decided that it is time for me to change my role with Breathe Productions (web) and concentrate on only two initiatives. Two new and exciting ones to boot!
First - Breathe Productions: I've created a partnership with Shelley Montreiul of Strategic Media Consulting and she will be the wind beneath Breathe's wings from here on in. As many of my clients are my friends and I've invested a ton into this company, I will definitely be working closely on the strategic direction end and business managing Breathe as it continues to grow. We are now 8 strong and will be hiring and engaging more for our team after a brief period of settling to roles. In 2008 we will be actively moving towards two vertical markets with our web offerings. Breathe Production clients will continue to have me as their strategic lead, but Shelley will be shoring up all the details in her strong project management ways and handling the production and delivery process. www.breatheproductions.com
The new...
Left side of brain - World Kayak: The World Kayak Initiative has been a brainchild of 4-time World Champ, Eric Jackson for going on 10 years. We first spoke of it in '96 at a infamous meeting of the minds in Montreal. The idea had merit, but no funding, time or leadership to be truely carried forwards. This year EJ and I reawakened it due to dangerously slipping statistics concerning new enthusiasts... our market is drying up a bit. The aim is quite simply to bring the sport of whitewater kayaking to where it should. Build a network of ambassadors across the globe, improve how the sport is integrated with other sports, get into the media's face more, implement Parks programs, youth programs, help events become point series/leagues, help the World Cup efforts and get our freestyle events into the next Olympics. I've just been appointed Chief bottle washer (Dir/Prez) of the World Kayak org. This is finally an extremely well funded and backed initiative and has legs of its' own now to stand on for generations. We have access to a staff and a growing list of volunteers in most sectors of the globe. I get to be that first master of the ship as she launches out of the dock. Cool. www.worldkayak.com
Right side of brain - Post-Production Project Management: Luc Devar, one of my first hires 15 years ago at Honeybee Software has gained the rights to a software I had helped design back in the day. I left that company simply because the partnership didn't want to go down the 'product' path. Last month, Luc asked me to help him do just that. Job Central (new name to come) is a tried and true project management software solution. Luc has been installing it internationally at some of the largest agencies, design houses, internal art departments and post-production firms around... Red Car (NYC), NFL Productions, Chiat Day, Leo Burnett, Whirlpool, Final Cut and many others... Luc has made an amazing living with this product, but he wants to take it to the next level...he needed some help with the sales and channel development... I get to rebrand and launch into this industry at my own whim and pace... basically taking over from where I was 15 years ago and leaning on the experience I have gained in channel marketing/development over that span with Compuware and others. Fun! www.job-central.net (old and outdated)
Cheers.
