Happy Birthday, Luminary - H5YR!

Dear Luminary,

Happy 24th Birthday! I'm glad to be celebrating with you. 🥂

It's with great joy and excitement that I pen this letter to you. As I reflect on this 24th birthday milestone, I can't help but feel a deep sense of gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared together.

Luminary is not just a great digital agency, it's a collection of awesome human beings doing great things together. You have been more than just a workplace to me; you have been a source of inspiration, growth, and fulfillment.

I joined Luminary eight years ago, with an eagerness to contribute my skills and make a meaningful impact in the software industry. Little did I know that this would mark the beginning of an incredible chapter in my career of 21 years. Over the past eight years, or approximately one-third of Luminary's lifetime, I have witnessed firsthand the remarkable growth and success of this organization.

I started as a Senior developer, eager to learn and make a difference. With each passing year, Luminary provided me with opportunities to step up and take on greater responsibilities. This allowed me to be promoted to the role of Technical Lead, and eventually, I reached the position of Technical Director. Luminary has not only recognized my potential but has also nurtured and supported my passions, enabling me to evolve both professionally and personally.

I am grateful for the owners of Luminary, Marty Drill (CEO and Founder), Adam Griffith (Managing Director), and Andy Thompson (CTO), who have created an environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and growth. Their leadership and vision have been instrumental in shaping Luminary into the vibrant and dynamic organization it is today. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the leadership team, all our team members, both past and present, who have contributed their talents and expertise to make Luminary a powerhouse in the digital industry. Each individual brings a unique brilliance to our collective effort, and I am fortunate to work with such bright minds on a daily basis.

One of our proudest achievement this year was receiving the prestigious overall site of the year award in the Australian Web Awards for the website we built for UNICEF Australia. This recognition is a testament to the tireless dedication and passion that each Luminary team member puts into their work. We strive to make a difference in the digital landscape and create experiences that leave a positive impact on people's (and especially children's) lives.

In the words of Confucius 孔子, "Choose a job you love, and you'll never have to work a day in your life." I can honestly say that I am yet to work a day at Luminary. The passion, enthusiasm, and commitment that permeate our workspace make it feel less like a job and more like a fulfilling journey. The challenging projects, the creative problem-solving, and the opportunity to shape the digital world all fuel my love for what I do.

However, as our MD Adam said, it's important to acknowledge that it isn't roses every day. We are all human, and we experience our fair share of ups and downs. Yet, it is during these moments of challenge that Luminary truly shines. We come together as a team, supporting and encouraging one another, finding solutions, and emerging stronger than before. This camaraderie and resilience make Luminary not just a workplace but a family.

Talking about Family, my wife Suzie and son Jordan are also a part of that Luminary family. They are known and have made connections over the years. As my colleague Sarah said, when the kids (who are teenagers now) meet up once or twice a year, it's like meeting your cousins who live far away. It's the small things which make Luminary great.

It's also that outward look which you foster as a BCorp - People, Planet and Profit makes you unique among your peers, Luminary! As Liam, our Engagement Director, said, with Luminary you don't experience the stress that hinders some other agencies.

As we celebrate your 24th birthday, Luminary, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we have shared. You have provided me with a platform to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact in the digital world. Here's to many more years of success, innovation, and brightening the digital landscape.

Happy Birthday, Luminary - H5YR! (For the uninitiated, it means High Five You Rock!)

With warmest regards,

Emmanuel