Post by Alex Graves

At the end of the May, I’m turning the page on a big chapter and I’ve decided it’s time to leave Silicon Reef after nearly 10 years. Ten years ago, five of us took a leap of faith and into the start-up world. We moved from being consultants in the Collaboration Centre of Excellence at Unilever to backing a shared vision: to use our collective expertise to build a Microsoft partner business that would go on to be an industry leader – Silicon Reef was created (2016). Since then, I’ve had the privilege of serving as New Business Director, Operations Director, Chief Pirate, CEO and, most recently, Chief Visionary Officer at Silicon Reef. Over the years I’ve worn a lot of hats, and each one has given me the opportunity to learn, to grow, and to look at the business from every angle – sales, people, culture. Silicon Reef was founded out of what Unilever taught us: if you start with people – and let technology wrap around how they really work – you build something that lasts. That thinking became our Work Happy ethos (2019): using Microsoft 365 as an enabler to create people‑first, technology‑supported workplaces, which 10 years on still feels like the right approach, especially in today’s era of AI enabled workforce. I’m incredibly proud that the business has grown from a start‑up idea into a fantastic Microsoft 365 partner with a brilliant team of people at its heart. As the last of the original 5 founders remaining, it’s taken a lot of hard work to get here – and not every step has been a bundle of fun – because building something from scratch is a tough journey. The business is now ready for its next phase of growth, and I genuinely wish Silicon Reef every success as it moves into that next chapter in a great position. My passion for what Microsoft 365 can do, and for how AI will transform the way people work, communicate and create, is as strong as ever. Helping organisations connect their people, work smarter and build better employee experiences will continue to be at the heart of what I do next, and I’m excited about the conversations and community this next chapter will bring for me. I’m closing the book on a decade that has taught me so much and given me the opportunity to build relationships – with Reefers past and present, clients, partners and you reading this – all of which mean a great deal to me. My next chapter will be announced soon, but this post is about appreciation, reflection and saying thank you to everyone who has been part of my Silicon Reef story. I’d welcome the chance to reconnect with people I’ve worked with over the years, so say hi!  Alex p.s - I had too many good fun photos over the decade, so kept it to a few