We often don’t take time to acknowledge the great work people do. Even more so when it’s people we work with. Sometimes we take them for granted. Sometimes it’s just not considered “politically correct” to talk about the great work that goes on within our own company.

I wanted to use this post to share an email I was copied on that was sent to my colleague here in the World Company social media department, Whitney Mathews. Sometimes public recognition is good, and this is one of those times.

Whitney joined the Journal-World in September, 2009. How she came here is in itself a great example of social media in action. I got to know Whitney via Twitter before I ever met her in person. Through that online relationship I ended up doing business with the company she then worked for, and ultimately was able to bring her here to join our new social media department. Thanks Twitter!

I survived her wrath after inadvertently misspelling her name. Believe me, I will never forget, “one t in Mathews”. I also survived her Mother threatening me serious bodily harm should I pass my pneumonia on to Whitney late last year. And Whitney, well Whitney survives me on a daily basis and that in itself deserves recognition.

She’s been a tremendous asset to our social media team. She constantly brings great ideas and enthusiasm, is incredibly organized, edits my blog posts (so apologies for any typos in this one!), and has played a key role in helping turn my Free State Social dream in to a reality.

That brings me back to the email that came through yesterday. Whitney and Jane Stevens, our Director of Media Strategies, have spent the last couple of days in Toronto working with one of our social media clients, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.

The email came through from one of the CBC staff that attended a lunch and learn session Whitney presented at. I contacted the lady at the CBC who sent the email asking if she would mind me including it in this blog post and she kindly agreed. Here it is:

Whitney, I loved your presentation at CBC in Toronto today. You are a crackerjack public speaker and Digital Media Strategist! The energy, the focus, the charm, the poise, the communication skills, the smarts — all in
one person! Very impressive work. Ever thought of running for office? You could change the world. All the best, Janet

So thanks Whitney for all your hard work. Emails like this one from the CBC are a real testament to what you bring to this department and this company.

Ben