This week, with a very heavy heart, TMPR said goodbye to our incredible Office Manager, Charlene Lau.
Charlene joined the team as an Office Administrator, but impressed everyone so much, that she progressed to Office Manager in less than a year! Charlene brought a wealth of experience in advertising and the media industry to the team – a skill set that saw her become a fundamental part of TMPR’s growth.
We’re sad to see Charlene leave, but we’ll be wishing her every success and cheering her on from rainy Wales she returns to her family in ‘sweaty’ Singapore.
On her final day in the office, Charlene took some time to reflect on her time with TMPR. Drawing inspiration from our Friday debrief, where we all share our highlights and challenges from the week, here’s what she had to say:
Highlights
“I’m super grateful for the kindness and tremendous support everyone has shown me since I first joined the team over two years ago. I have made friends for life and will miss everyone very much.
“It has been a privilege to watch TMPR grow – winning awards, gaining recognition from clients and publishers, and of course welcoming new faces to the team.
“I have really enjoyed being part of the brand refresh, crafting our new mission and vision statements, and generally laying the foundations for TMPR to grow even more. I’m sad I won’t be here to be part of it, but I know the team will keep doing amazing things.
“I will treasure every moment from our team building away days and parties to training sessions. We have had so much fun together, and shared so many giggles – I will never forget being exposed to new idioms like ‘turkeys don’t vote for Christmas’”. “I will take all these memories and phrases with me to Singapore and think of them when I need to laugh!”
Challenges
“Maybe I’m feeling soppy on my last day, but my time at TMPR has been a dream. The only challenge I can think of is adjusting to the work culture here – it’s much more relaxed than Singapore and Hong Kong!
And of course, a big challenge has been trying to park my car without any mishaps. Even on my last day I have had trouble trying to park my car! Maybe I need to revisit driving lessons…”.
Saying goodbye
“Leaving the TMPR team is going to be really hard. Everyone has been so thoughtful, encouraging, and all round amazing. I can’t go without thanking as many people as I can.
“Louise, my super talented lady boss! I couldn’t be more grateful to you for trusting me, allowing me to try new things, and encouraging me to grow and be better. You have definitely expanded my technical marketing knowledge, but in a way that I can take these skills and use them anywhere. It has been a great privilege to learn from you.
“Tom, the day we met you welcomed me with the most charming smile – it’s one of the best first impressions of someone I’ve ever had. From that day until this one, you have always guided me, offered support, and looked after me like family. Thank you for being a great friend.
“Olly, my partner in crime, lunch buddy, best English tea maker and Welsh cake baker! Life will be boring without you. I am sorry for forever teasing you, but we had so many laughs and so much fun. Your famous slogan ‘get back to work!’ will be part of me forever.
“Rachel Cole, my admin goddess! Your contagious laughter and positive vibes fill every room that you are in. I can’t think of anyone better to look after the team when I have returned to Singapore. Thank you for being authentically you.
“Mollie, my main competitor to marry Harry Styles! My only wish is that we could have more time to work together. It has been lovely getting to know you since you joined the team a few months ago, thank you for introducing me to various kinds of cows!
“Rachel Knight, it has been a great pleasure meeting you. In our short time you’ve shown me what gentleness and the term soft-spoken should be! I know you will do great things at TMPR.
“Jo, Katrin, Grace, Joanna, Elaine, and Chris – thank you for your kind support and the professionalism you have shown me throughout my tenure. I will miss working with you all.
“Publishers and clients, my heartfelt gratitude to each of you for making my time at TMPR truly memorable and smooth-sailing. I wish you all the best for the future.
“Coming together is the beginning, staying together is a process, working together is success.
“This is not goodbye but see you later my dearest TMPRers. My sincerest thank you to all of you. We became the best of friends, and I will miss you all deeply.”