I was going to wait a few months to let folks know, but the communicative department I work in has spread the news quickly inside the company. So, it’s only fair to blurt it all out.
Yes, after 8 years living and working in Finland with Nokia, I’ve decided to leave (my last official day is a few months away, though).
Sure, some of you who know me well know that I have been toying with the idea for a long time, but this time we’re committed to a move and have put things in motion that will make this happen. We realized that if we didn’t commit and “just do it,” then we would be toying with the idea for many more years.
Of course, I am publicly discussing this, since this might open up opportunities for me, ones that I might not have been given had everyone thought I was a Nokia lifer.
Areas that most interest me now are continuing my PR and marketing work, but in different areas other than consumer electronics; doing something around molecular biology or biochemistry, such as synthbio or personal genomics; or building Web services (that might sound random, but it crops up everywhere my mind wanders).
I have a bunch of threads I am following, all very interesting. And I have a long list of things I can do if any of those threads die out. I have been very excited in the past 6 months about things that are happening around me and feel that it’s a great time to start something new – a new company, a new project, a new direction.
Geography and new adventures are also big motivators in the change. We’re looking to move to the US, preferably Boston or San Francisco areas, or London (three hot-spots for the the things I want to do).
Am I nuts? Nah. I know that the world is in its biggest slump in since the Depression. I know a ton of folks who have lost their jobs. But I have made an assessment of the folks I know, the opportunities I currently am chasing, and the skills and experience I have and concluded that I can weather this storm and be ready for the big growth times that are sure to follow.
Image from C.P.Storm
You Sir, will be sorely missed.
Good luck and hopefully catch you in London later this week.
Much love and well, bloody well done on all that you’ve achieved at Nokia.
Tough act to follow.
wow! U go for it dude – crazy but in financial times like these, you can also take the world by the balls and come out on top!
Ah man. You’ll definitely be missed. Try and keep us posted as to where you end up. Best of Luck with the future dude !
Awww.. you will be missed Charlie. But hopefully we will be meeting Daredevil on Twitter.
Here is to exciting goodness and warmer climates!
Wow, good luck with what you choose next Charlie. If you move to London, count yourself one pint up from me!
Minulle tulee kyllä kova ikävä sinua! Carita
all the best, charlie!
i am sure another continent / country will be good for you and your new start!
Good luck Charlie! Let’s have dinner in Helsinki before you move. Not much molecular gastronomy to be found here ;), but some good stuff anyway…
All the best Charlie! Full faith that you’ll land in a happy place 🙂
Best wishes Charlie. You should consider Austin as well… email/call if you want to chat about that.
ceo
Seeing this in print doesn’t make it any worse for Nokia than hearing it in person did. You’ve definitely left your mark at Nokia and in mobile, and I for one am keenly aware of what you pour into next. Certainly glad to call you a friend, hopefully we’ll meet up again soon.
I’m so sad to hear this… You’ll leave a huge void behind. You bastard!! 🙂
You have my deepest respect, Charlie, for everything you’ve done. And now, hearing this bold move, it’s just as wonderfully adventurous that one could expect from you. I wish you the best of luck in continuing your serendipitous journey!!
If there is anybody from London/Boston/SF listening, take my word:
Hire him. You won’t regret it.
Exciting news – If it’s London might get to catch up next year – I think it’s wonderful – congrats 🙂
congrats! let me know if i can help in any way and of course if you are ever in vancouver (or perhaps seattle), love to get together for coffee/bicycle ride what ever 🙂 !
you will be missed! who is going to run conversations.nokia.com now?
i don’t know what to say. i am happy that you are going into molecular biology but at the same time i feel that nokia conversations will not be the same after you.
all the best for the future and keep us posted. will miss your posts on NC.
I will miss you. Although I was the first one to move away..
Have fun and hopefully you’ll find your purpose in life. If not, enjoy the search 🙂