Trading London’s commute for Cape Town’s coast and a fresh creative challenge

I’ve always been someone who thrives on a bit of a whirlwind. A couple of months ago, I packed up five and a half years of my life in the UK, moved back home to South Africa, and started a new role at Times One Hundred. All in the space of a fortnight! As I settle back into life by the sea in Cape Town, it already feels like the best decision I’ve made.

Before joining the team here, I spent my time in London at a large media house, working on commercial partnerships for titles like BBC Good Food and Olive Magazine. While I loved the brands, the world of traditional publishing can often feel a bit stuck in its ways. I found myself craving something faster, more creative, and more adaptable.

The shift from a massive corporate office of 300+ people to a tight-knit, remote-first agency has felt like the natural next step in my career, allowing me to deepen my focus and hone my paid media skills. I’ve always valued the social energy of an office, so I was curious to see how a distributed team actually functions. What I’ve found is that it’s not about working in isolation; it’s about a different kind of connection. Whether it’s our morning coffee calls or jumping into a huddle to brainstorm ideas for a new film release, there’s a real sense of shared purpose that doesn't need a physical desk to thrive.

I’ve always been naturally curious, and I’m really enjoying the chance to dive deeper into the technical side of our work, specifically within paid social and growth engineering. It’s been rewarding to work at such a dynamic momentum alongside a team that’s genuinely energised by experimentation and finding what truly drives results.

Outside of work, I’ve been embracing a slower rhythm. Being back near the coast has allowed me to reconnect with running and cooking, while leaning into a more intentional pace of life. I’m also determined to finally give surfing a proper go although, for now, I’m spending much more time in the water than on the board. Whether it’s hiking, long dog walks or just being closer to nature, I’m really enjoying the balance this new environment provides

Joining Times One Hundred has felt less like a new job and more like finding the right fit. I’m excited to be part of a team that’s so focused on real-world impact and bold ideas, and I can’t wait to see what this next chapter brings both in and out of the water.