Embracing the journey: A reflection on six months at Blurred
By Itty Alimi, Talent Assistant
Taking the leap into the unknown can be a daunting prospect, but as I look back on my first six months at Blurred, I’m incredibly glad I did.
My journey at Blurred began in January, following five years of work in training & development. Ready to expand my skills as a people professional, I’d be keeping an eye on the company ever since hearing Nik (our Founder & CEO) speak at a conference a few years ago. However, what truly drew me in were Blurred's purpose and values, which strongly resonated with me.
I have long believed that all businesses share the responsibly of making a difference in our world, and that [commercial/financial] success shouldn’t come at the cost of positive impact on the environment and society as a whole.
With that in mind: Blurred's unique proposition, commitment to impact, and transparency in its ESG and DEI targets felt like a breath of fresh air in the comms space, and I wanted to be a part of it.
Strength in values, strength in team
Since joining, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredibly inspiring people who motivate me every day. Regardless of role or level, everyone shares a common commitment to personal growth and delivering exceptional work.
My role at Blurred includes a range of responsibilities across the business. From organising events on greenwashing, to onboarding talented interns like Warren, each day has provided opportunities to build meaningful relationships and quickly develop my skillset.
Other fun-filled moments came in the form of exposing my deepest, darkest self via Desert Island Discs, joining games of Wimeble-pong (yes, you read that right) and watching bicycle-powered theatre productions at the Barbican (shoutout to our wonderful Culture Committee!).
Being comfortable with being uncomfortable
Though I’ve worked in the PR & comms industry for a while, the world of sustainability felt new to me. At times it was a challenge picking up new concepts (not to mention the endless stream of acronyms) and being able to engage others on them rather quickly. The flexible nature of my role also took some getting used to. But I firmly believe that to truly embrace the journey, you need to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. I’ve found that it’s perfectly OK to put your hand up and ask questions or jump into tasks you haven’t done before – every experience, even failure, is an opportunity to learn.
A culture of learning and sharing
On the topic on learning (something I am incredibly passionate about), Blurred's culture of knowledge-sharing has been a game-changer for me.
As a consultancy, each team member brings valuable subject matter expertise, and the emphasis on upskilling ourselves and others has led to a constant flow of creative ideas for our clients.
Regular fireside chats, masterclasses, and training bulletins all form part of a great development program tailored to each person's strengths and interests.
So far, I’ve been able to explore a diverse range of topics, from mining to reproductive health to climate optimism, with plenty of opportunities to share my own expertise. I’m really grateful to be part of a team that values collective growth and learning.
An exciting path ahead
Looking back on the past six months, I can only describe it as a wonderful blur (pun intended). I've learnt so much, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.
Huge thanks to the Blurred team for welcoming me, here’s to the journey ahead!