Posts like this always seem easier to write until you sit down to actually, err…write them.
Years ago I began working at RealNetworks in the Games group. I started off helping with the organic SEO and wound up a SocialMedia Strategist for the GameHouse brand. When I first started there I lived in Oregon. I was still in grad school. I had NO idea what SEO was. I was such a baby. Over the years a lot has changed. What hasn’t changed is my passion for making the businesses I work for and with…better for my having been there.
Over my career “better” has meant different things. Acting as employee and organizational advocate when I was in HR worked towards “better” in one way. As I transitioned into marketing I worked to help contribute to better products, better customer service and better opportunities for my clients.
At Real I got to work on a team full of some of the smartest people I have ever met. My team was amazing and taught me a lot. John, Jeff, Kristina, Chad, Mark, Stacey – I’m looking at you guys. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with you and learn from you.
Recently an opportunity presented itself that I just could not pass up. And while I’ll miss my friends at RealNetworks the offer to join the team at Ants Eye View was one I simply could not turn down. Their focus on improving customer experience and their philosophy on business in general is in such close alignment with my own. The company is stuffed to the gills with crazy smart people that I can’t wait to work with. The work is exciting, the people are inspiring. What more could a girl ask for?!
I am beyond excited to announce I will be joining the team as a Social Business Consultant. At Ants Eye View I’ll be working with the team on some really intriguing clients to continue making things…better. You can read more about what Ants Eye View does but let’s just say – it’s going to be awesome and I can’t wait. So. From the [Game]House to the [Ant]Hill I go.
A BIG thank you to all of you at Ants Eye View that I’ve worked with so far – it’s been such a pleasure. And to those I haven’t yet met, your colleagues respect you immensely and represent you incredibly well – I can’t wait to work with you!
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And we can’t wait to have you join us on the Ant Hill:)
These are exciting times for our organization and even more exciting times for the industry as a whole. Looking forward to 2011!
Thanks
Sean
Sean O’Driscoll
CEO
Ant’s Eye View
Thank you Sean!! Exciting indeed
Good for you; sounds like a great move. Congrats!
Congrats, Kristy! When do we celebrate??
Sounds great and congrats Kristy. I’m sure you’re excited for the new opportunity!
Cheers
Mike
Huge congrats Kristy. I remember when Sean came to me to make sure I approved of your hire, like he does with all AEV decisions. I of course counseled him to make you Co-CEO immediately. Sounds like you are not Co-CEO but I am sure it is a matter of time.
Good luck in the new gig.
Great hire Sean.
Congrats, Kristy! Best of Luck at your new job!!!!
Ryan
@Jason – We did discuss the Co-CEO title, but to be honest they’ve got that under control already
But I do so appreciate your efforts! #lolz
@Ryan @Mike @Dan – THANK YOU!!! I am very excited!!
@Kenji – I’ll see you tonight at the SMC event I’m sure. We can start there!
So looking forward to working with you Kristy. Welcome to the anthill!
@Jennifer – Thank you very much!! The feeling is definitely mutual
We’re terribly excited for you to start, Kristy! Can’t wait!
So excited for you – shame on me for being tardy to the knowing party. I know you’re gonna rock it lady! Ode to new beginnings and congratulations!!!!!
Kristy!!! You know I’m a HUGE fan of yours, right? This is such fantastic news and a great move for you. The Ants totally scored.
Congratulations! High fives and group hugs when I see you at SMC Seattle tonight!
Kristy, I know this will be a fantastic move for you! You will continue to grow in your already stellar abilities and show even more people and businesses what a super star you are! Soon, the whole world will know… then the master plan will be in place! *insert evil plan laugh*
But seriously, congrats! And to AEV, you are adding one amazing and bright woman to your team!
@Jake – That feeling is also very mutual
I cannot wait!! Thank you again for everything!
@Mona @Veronica @Karianne – You guys. Seriously. You make me all teary. Love you all. Thank you so much for being such amazing and supportive friends.
Congrats! Sean and co. are lucky to have you! The Ant Hill has such an amazing team of folks! Enjoy! Cheers @bcahill
Kristy – Congrats on the new gig. The group at AntsEyeView just got even more awesome!
@Blake – THANK YOU!!
They really are an amazing team – I think I’m the lucky one here!!
Congratulations Kristy!! Sounds very exciting – so happy to see continue to share your talents and make great moves
Hooray! Congrats Kristy, I’m super excited for you.
So proud of you, you are going to do spectacularly awesome. You can say you are upping the “ante”
(But you need a way better title than Social Business Consultant.) Here’s to 2011 and kicking it with all six of your ant legs!
It’s always exciting/scary to start a new job! Congrats on the fresh start!
Mike
Kristy,
Can’t wait to meet in person. So exicted to have you join our team.
@Michelle @Jen @Monica @Mike – thank you so much you guys. You have all been so supportive of me all these years. It really means so much to me! Thank you thank you
@Sean – Me too!! Will be so nice to put faces to all of the voices and tweets
Um. You know. You rock. Ant Hill is blessed to have you. That’s all. Continue rocking the world of search and social. Love.Hugs.Puppies.Ponies.Unicorns.Glitter.And.All.That. <3
Awww @KateMorris you’re such a sweet heart!!! Thanks lady
Loves and puppies and all that right back atcha 
*notice I kept the ponies for myself *
Congratulations Kristy!
Congrats, lady. They’re mighty lucky to have such awesomeness in their hands.
Congrats and Good Luck.. recently made career change.. best thing i have done in a while.
Congrats!!!!!
Already said congrats, but wanted to again. Seems like just yesterday I was out there, leaning on you for support. So happy for you and can’t wait to see your footprints (all six of them) in 2011. Joining a new team is exciting and wait till they see what you can do.
Kevin, Todd, Steve, Manda, Robert – thank you all very much. For this, but also for all of the support you’ve given me over the years. Much much appreciated
I want to send my congrats to the Ant Hill, it is true that they are an exciting progressive lot, for now they have you. Now that they have proven themselves, I too will throw my full support behind them. Their future now will be as bright as any lighting bolt. Bravo!!!
YAY!!!! Congrats girl! We’re so excited for you!
Was it really that bad working with Pete?
But seriously, congratulations. Ant’s Eye is building a totally awesome crew there of people I know, trust and respect. Namely, Joann, Shauna and you — there are probably more.
@Mary – Thank you for your continuous support <3
@Christa – Thanks to both of you
@foleymo – Thanks Mike!! I’m so lucky to get the chance to work with all of the amazing people there! Truly!
Huzzah!
Congrats on the newjob!
Kristy has always been a great help and mentor for me. Kudos to the team that picked her up, she will be a great asset.
Cheers!
Alex
“Queen of Antertainment” sounds so much more fun than “Co-CEO”. I’d push for that!
Congrats on your new job!
Congratulations, Kristy! So many great Seattle social media folks joining the View. Very excited for you!
@Alex – Aww you’re too sweet!! Thank you very much
@Sean – Thank you sir, and I do love your idea. I may have to formally present that one!!
@Eric – So many thanks Weave!! I’ve been impressed with the talent that they’ve snatched up there…I feel lucky to be included!
Congrats Kristy! You’re gonna do fantastic!
@Wilhelm – Thank you sir, very much appreciated
I hope you’re doing well in your new role as well!
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