Twilo: 2024 Wrapped Up

What was your highlight of the year at Twilo?

This is an easy one to answer; the progress we’ve made in November & December. I can say with a lot of confidence that the past couple of months have been transformative for a many reasons.

1. Building a successful business that creates job opportunities for people is something that I’m incredibly proud of. In the final quarter of the year we’ve added people to the team who have fitted in perfectly. I have an enormous sense of accomplishment when I look across the office to see people discussing projects and helping one another. This is how I measure success, and it’s something I’ve done a lot of recently.
2. In November we welcomed Tim who has joined Twilo as a business advisor. Tim is supporting myself and the wider team with processes and responsibilities, which will bear fruits in the new year. For the first time in a decade I have a job description! 🤩 We’re providing clarity right across the business, which feels like levelling up as we aim to make Twilo one of the best places to work.
3. With these really positive things happening, I’ve been able to focus my attention on where it should be. I’m doing things that I want to be doing and should be doing; the things that I’m good at. This includes achieving my own KPIs related to revenue and growth, as well as making Twilo an exciting proposition for clients and employees alike. Just recently I’ve been out seeing people again which has resulted in a number of proposals being sent out – more in the past two months than the previous ten months combined. I’m in the process of finalising new employee perks – something I’ve been trying to get done for years – which will bring further rewards to the great people at Twilo.
4. Bright Points are being passed at record levels! Twilo’s Bright Points system was introduced to recognise colleagues who provide help and support to others. This can be anything from giving a hand with a project deadline, to making a particularly nice cup of coffee. In November the maximum number of Bright Points was used for the first ever time, which tells me that recognition is at an all time high! I even broke my personal best for Bright Points received, but that wasn’t enough to catch the joint winners who were out in front.
5. I can’t mention a great December without talking about Christmas activities. I was really proud of the effort that people put into Secret Santa, with gifts that had a lot of thought put into them. Our Christmas jumper and fuddle day is always something to look forward to, with the annual darts and foosball tournaments going down really well. Congrats to Reece as the winner of the foosball tournament, and Roxanne, who somehow went on to win the darts tournament, hitting two bullseyes in a single visit! These latter points fill me with confidence that this team will achieve great things together.

What campaign or project are you most proud of from this year?

My favourite project is often one we’re currently working on, and that’s no different today. We’re developing a website and customer dashboard for a start-up in the health and wellness sector. This project is really exciting because it leans heavily on AI, from integration with Grok to our own machine learning functionality which pairs popular treatments together, this new venture has big ambitions.

We’ll certainly share more information when the website is launched!

What’s one skill you learned or improved in 2024?

Since starting Twilo almost ten years ago I’ve leaned on others to help me develop, and this year I’ve increased the regularity in which I ask for help. I’m ending the year with professional support in three different areas of my life, which has helped provide the clarity that I mentioned above. I think it’s important for people to look externally for help, particularly when they have a high-pressure job and/or lifestyle.

Who on the team deserves a shoutout, and why?

Well obviously, I can’t just pick one, so I’d like to thank everyone that you’re hearing from in this blog post. I have always said that a business is only as good as the people in it. This is why I’m so confident that 2025 is going to be a great year for everyone involved. I would also like to thank our suppliers who have continued to be there for us, including turning things around at a moment’s notice – thank you!

What’s the funniest moment from the office this year?

I have to shout out Amit here for the random things he comes out with. He’s embracing a new culture and fair play to him, he’s really brave. On the other hand he does do some very clumsy things! I asked Amit to load up Google, so he Googled Google.

We also introduced the Twilo Dunce Hat. The two things mentioned are unrelated.

What’s a piece of marketing inspiration that stuck with you this year?

When it comes to 2024 inspiration it’s hard to look past AI. I have a list of 100 AI tools which I’ll be looking through over the Christmas period. One that stands out is Google’s BigQuery. BigQuery is a fully managed, AI-ready data platform that helps you manage and analyse data with built-in features such as machine learning, search, geospatial analysis, and business intelligence. Our marketing team will be excited by the different integrations which can support client campaigns. We’re not using AI for code just yet, though, because AI coding standards are nowhere near that of good developers.

If you could describe this year in 3 words, what would they be?

Ending ona high! (Ona is a word, right?)

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

Honestly… Getting back to it! We’re closing for 16 days which is a really nice rest for everyone. I’ll be spending time between Christmas and New Year finalising 3 P’s: Perks, Procedures and Promotions. We’re setting a target of the end of Q1 to provide training and introduce new processes which will help the people at Twilo flourish. Our growth plans mean two new positions are being created in Q1 to further expand the team. I don’t want to sound like a cliché business owner, but I’m really excited about everything that’s happening right now.

And the big one… Twilo turns TEN! I’ll be the first to say that running a business is one of the hardest thing a person can choose to do. You have to move on from mistakes quickly and build up incredible resilience to things outside of your control, while maintaining your position at the forefront to keep things moving in the right direction. It’s bloody difficult. A survey by The Telegraph reported that 60% of businesses fail within three years, with 20% of those going under within the first year. The Office of National Statistics support this by stating that only 40% of new businesses are still trading in their fifth year.

We 👏 Are 👏 Ten 👏

That’s why, at our tenth birthday in April, Twilo will be championing the employees, suppliers, consultants, friends and family who helped us achieve this milestone.

Thank you to Roxanne for putting these questions together, it’s been a really positive experience to reflect and talk about our future plans. Thank you to the rest of the team for your dedication and loyalty, and to everyone involved with Twilo, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 🎅 🎉

What was your highlight of the year at Twilo?

My work highlight of the year was working on an old system built onto Linux and Apache. There are certain things which systems like WHM do automatically. For example, with SSL certificates you don’t have to know how they work as you generate and install them in a push of a button. Having to install a certificate on a system without WHM was a great learning opportunity as I now know how to install a certificate manually if needs be. It’s also great for understanding the individual components of a certificate and how they work.

What campaign or project are you most proud of from this year?

Although its small, I’m really proud of using AI APIs to make an AI consultant for a new big project. I had built it onto Laravel using React JS as the front-end framework. We came up with a plan of how we want to build our future Laravel projects. This includes using React and building the applications modular. This means that we can just plug in components that we have built already with ease. It will allow for much faster and more efficient projects in the future. I’m happy so far with how we are implementing this and I’m happy with how my first experience with AI APIs has worked. It was also my first time implementing React JS into a project.

What’s one skill you learned or improved in 2024?

The main skill I’ve been making progress towards is planning efficiently. When dealing with programming problems, the planning and research stage is often overlooked. I’ve gotten better at breaking a problem down, planning my components and what I need to research before I begin coding. This allows me to work faster but also reduces the risk of getting requirements wrong.

Who on the team deserves a shoutout, and why?

I think Roxanne has been exceptional. She has dealt really well with a large workload but has also found the time to help the rest of the team get projects through the door. Roxanne has also brought some Christmas spirit to the office with suggestions like Secret Santa and organising the Christmas work do.

What’s the funniest moment from the office this year?

The funniest moment was during our Christmas fuddle when we had setup a foosball and darts tournament. Roxanne had made it to the final of both despite not wanting to win. She even hit a bull without looking at the darts board.

What’s a piece of marketing inspiration that stuck with you this year?

For me, it has got to be the Duolingo advert where they had a crossover with Squid Games. It was weird, entertaining and did a great job at threatening you to learn a language.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bN2rUoX7540

If you could describe this year in 3 words, what would they be?

Busy, exhausting but rewarding.

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

I’ve bought a house this year but have been so busy with life that I’ve not had chance to properly make it a home. I look forward to adding in more furniture and decorations. I think it will be fantastic to finally have some friends over as well for movie nights or board game nights.

Reflecting on a Year of Growth, Inspiration, and Collaboration

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the experiences and lessons that have shaped both my personal and professional growth. 2024 has been a year of significant milestones, creative breakthroughs, and incredible teamwork. From earning my Master’s degree in Digital Design to stepping up my skills with the latest design tools, it’s been a rewarding journey, and I’m excited to share some of the highlights.

What was your highlight of the year at Twilo?

The standout moment for me this year at work was the opportunity to join the talented team at Twilo. Being surrounded by such creative minds has been truly inspiring. The collaborative environment at Twilo has been a game-changer, pushing me to think outside the box and expand my design horizons. It was a year where I felt like I grew not only as a designer but as a team player, which has been a rewarding experience in its own right.

What campaign or project are you most proud of from this year?

The project I’m most proud of this year involved creating visuals centered around interactive components of Twilo’s clients. This was a completely new area for me, and it pushed my creativity in ways I had never imagined. I had the opportunity to design visuals that were not only aesthetically compelling but also meaningful.

What’s one skill you learned or improved in 2024?

2024 was a year of significant growth in terms of design skills. One of the standout improvements I made was with Figma. With its new features and plugins launched this year, I dove into mastering the advanced aspects of this powerful tool. Learning how to use Figma’s features more efficiently and creatively allowed me to bring new ideas to life in ways I hadn’t previously imagined. It has empowered me to create more polished, dynamic designs and collaborate seamlessly with my team.

Who on the team deserves a shoutout, and why?

I’d like to give a special shoutout to Wayne at Twilo, who has been a constant source of inspiration and support throughout the year. He has an exceptional eye for design and have always been willing to lend a hand when needed. His feedback and collaborative spirit have made all the difference in elevating our projects. Whether it’s brainstorming ideas or offering constructive criticism, his mentorship has helped me grow significantly as a designer. I truly appreciate having him as part of the team!

What’s a piece of marketing inspiration that stuck with you this year?

One campaign that really stood out to me this year was a minimalist ad campaign focused on storytelling through visuals, with very little copy. The simplicity and elegance of the design made it feel fresh and impactful in a world so saturated with information. It reminded me of the power of design to communicate ideas, emotions, and stories without the need for excessive words. It also inspired me to experiment with more restraint in my designs, allowing the message to shine through the visuals alone.

If you could describe this year in 3 words, what would they be?

If I had to sum up this year in three words, they would be: Growth, Collaboration, and Innovation. I’ve experienced significant growth in my skills and confidence as a designer, and the level of collaboration within the Twilo team has been unmatched. On top of that, I’ve been able to embrace innovation in design, experimenting with new techniques, tools, and trends that have allowed me to stay ahead of the curve.

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

As we step into 2025, I’m most excited about continuing my learning journey. The design world evolves at a rapid pace, and I want to stay ahead of the latest trends, tools, and technologies. I’m particularly excited to work on more innovative projects with the Twilo team and push my creativity even further. Additionally, I’m eager to explore new areas of design that I haven’t had the chance to dive into yet. 2025 promises new challenges, opportunities, and moments of inspiration—and I can’t wait to see where it takes me!

As I reflect on the year, I feel incredibly grateful for the experiences that have shaped me, the lessons I’ve learned, and the team that has supported me along the way. Here’s to another year of growth, creativity, and collaboration in 2025!

What was your highlight of the year at Twilo?

I joined Twilo at the beginning of April. I had previously had experience in doing some PPC work, but this was the first time it was my full focus. I was quite nervous to be solely focusing on just one area of marketing. There were a few initial bumps in the road, but my highlight of the year at work was when everything clicked. It was a special moment personally because my hard work and the effort I’d put into learning and getting to grips with PPC had paid off.

What campaign or project are you most proud of from this year?

There have been many successful projects since I’ve joined Twilo, but I’d say I’m really proud of launching the new configurator for our client MS-RT in July. It’s the only MS-RT configurator like it in the UK and allows customers to create their dream MS-RT in front of their eyes. This campaign has been a big success too, which always makes the hard work and time put into it more satisfying.

What’s one skill you learned or improved in 2024?

One skill I’ve definitely improved this year is problem solving. Whenever there’s been any issue with a Google Ads account or anything, in general, that’s come my way, I’ve been able to approach it head-on and get it fixed.

Who on the team deserves a shoutout, and why?

Everyone! They all worked really hard this year and produced some great work. They’re all brilliant and helpful colleagues.

What’s the funniest moment from the office this year?

We’ve had a good laugh this year at Twilo, and choosing a funniest moment is really hard. A hilarious moment came recently at our Christmas fuddle and games afternoon. We had a darts and table football competition in the office, despite saying she never played either, Roxanne somehow won the darts and got to the final of the table football. The look on everyone’s faces as she was absolutely battering them at either game made me laugh so much.

What’s a piece of marketing inspiration that stuck with you this year?

One trend that has stuck with me this year is how people use social media as their primary search engine. This shift shows a change in how people seek and consume information and is important to keep an eye on. This means that the content businesses are putting on social media needs to optimise their content for discoverability and include answers to common queries. Doing this will help businesses find their target audience directly and engagingly.

If you could describe this year in 3 words, what would they be?

Learning, growth, and fun.

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

I had such an exciting 2024, travelling to the stunning destinations of Australia and Bali, seeing the mighty Taylor Swift on her Era’s Tour, as well as seeing Paramore, Fontaines D.C., and Confidence Man too, doing the 10k Abbey Dash in Leeds, doing the Yorkshire 3 Peaks to raise money for charity, seeing Leeds United win a semi-final (the less said about the final the better), and all the time I’ve spent with family, friends, and my dog Enzo.

I don’t really know how I’m going to top it in 2025! I do have a few things planned already that I can’t wait for, which are a trip to see my friend in Denmark in March and I was one of the lucky few to get Oasis tickets! But the thing I’m most looking forward to is after years and years of trying, I finally got Glastonbury tickets!! It’s been a dream for both me and my sister and next year is the year. There will also be a lot of exciting things happening at Twilo next year, no spoilers yet. Roll on 2025!

What was your highlight of the year at Twilo?

Joining the whirlwind that is Twilo has been an incredible experience. Our clients are truly wonderful, and our team is equally amazing. The highlight for me has been getting to know everyone and meeting some incredible new people. I’ve dived right in, and it’s so rewarding to already see the impact of my work.

What campaign or project are you most proud of from this year?

While I’ve worked on many projects, the one I’m most proud of is our own! Our brand-new website is nearly complete, and we’re gearing up to take marketing to the next level in 2025. It’s an exciting time!

What’s one skill you learned or improved in 2024?

I’ve been focusing on improving my self-confidence, and this year has taught me so much. I’ve learned to take a step back and be less reactive. I’ve also embraced multitasking like never before—something that was an adjustment but has become a skill I’m proud of improving.

Who on the team deserves a shoutout, and why?

Honestly, the whole team deserves a huge shoutout. They’re not just talented but also genuinely kind and supportive. Matt, my work partner in crime, is always ready to lend a hand. Aleena, our brilliant graphic designer, helps me daily, and Amit, a front-end designer, is always there for site fixes alongside Andrew. Reece patiently listens to me ramble every day (poor guy, he sits next to me!), and Wayne has spent countless hours teaching and helping me develop my skills. I couldn’t ask for a better team—they’re incredible at what they do and such lovely people to work with.

What’s the funniest moment from the office this year?

There have been so many laughs this year! Introducing Amit to cocktails at the Christmas party was hilarious, but the daily mix-ups caused by my strong Yorkshire accent have been a constant source of laughter. What Amit thinks I’ve said versus what I actually said never fails to crack us all up!

What’s a piece of marketing inspiration that stuck with you this year?

I find inspiration everywhere—whether it’s from LinkedIn posts or clever ideas from other brands. I love discovering tools that streamline my day-to-day work. One mantra from my Chartered Institute of Marketing training has stayed with me: Marketing is a tool so effective that the sales team doesn’t need to sell—the customers already know exactly what they want. That perspective shapes everything I do.

If you could describe this year in 3 words, what would they be?

Exciting. New. Rewarding.

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

I’m excited to roll out the plans we’ve been working on! Launching our new website and diving into projects with our wonderful clients will make 2025 an amazing year. I can’t wait to get started!

My time at Twilo so far has been fantastic. I’m so grateful for our supportive and talented team, and I want to thank our lovely clients for their collaboration and trust. Wishing everyone a joyful Christmas—I’m ready to make 2025 our best year yet! 🎉

What was your highlight of the year at Twilo?

The highlight of my year was settling in and getting to focus on more projects and technical development. This experience has been both fulfilling and exciting as I’ve been able to dive deeper into my work and build on my skills. Additionally, the Christmas party was a standout moment. Watching Amit’s reaction as he took a sip of an unexpectedly sweet cocktail was priceless! Adding to the fun, winning the table football tournament made it an unforgettable event that truly capped off a fantastic year.

What campaign or project are you most proud of from this year?

This year, I’m most proud of two key projects. Firstly, I successfully worked on my very first OpenCart project, which was both challenging and rewarding. I’m thrilled with the final result and the skills I gained along the way. Secondly, I started developing a complex animation project, which has pushed me creatively and technically, allowing me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

What’s one skill you learned or improved in 2024?

In 2024, I honed my skills in OpenCart development. Learning the platform was a great experience, and it has significantly expanded my toolkit as a developer. I’m looking forward to exploring its capabilities even further and applying it to future projects. This new skill has added tremendous value to my work and has been a highlight of my professional development this year.

Who on the team deserves a shoutout, and why?

Honestly, I can’t single out just one person. Having been at the company for only six weeks, I’ve been fortunate to have the support and guidance of the entire team. Everyone has played a role in helping me settle in and move forward confidently. It’s been a privilege to work with such a collaborative and welcoming group of people.

What’s the funniest moment from the office this year?

The funniest moment has to be at the office Christmas party. Also, a shoutout to Roxanne’s performance in the finals of all the competitions—she had everyone laughing and cheering. It was a brilliant display of team spirit and light-hearted fun that brought everyone together.

What’s a piece of marketing inspiration that stuck with you this year?

One piece of inspiration I’ve taken away this year is the idea that “Great user experiences start with great front-end design.” It’s a principle I’ve tried to embed in my development projects. The emphasis on usability and aesthetics has resonated with me and guided my approach to crafting impactful designs.

If you could describe this year in 3 words, what would they be?

Challenging, Rewarding, Growth.

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

I’m excited about further developing my skills and taking on more complex projects. I can’t wait to see what opportunities the new year will bring. With the momentum of 2024 behind me, I’m eager to tackle new challenges and continue grow.

As the curtain falls on another year, I find myself reflecting on an incredible journey filled with growth, learning, and meaningful experiences. This year, my second in England, has been nothing short of transformative, leaving me with countless cherished memories and a renewed sense of positivity.

What was your highlight of the year at Twilo?

The year began on a high note in London, ringing in 2024 with lively parties and celebrations, including my January birthday. Those moments were pure joy, but as the year progressed, I found myself discovering a new appreciation for quieter, more peaceful times. This shift in perspective has been one of the many life lessons I’ve embraced this year.

2024 brought its ups and downs, each teaching me the art of balance. My university journey continues to thrive, and seeing my academic performance improve with each passing term motivates me to aim higher. It feels like time flew by this year, but every moment has been meaningful.

One of the most significant milestones was moving from student accommodation into my own flat. This new chapter is like fresh start of my life and Joined Twilo, marking a pivotal step in my career. The past five months have been incredible, filled with enriching experiences. From day one, I’ve been fortunate to work with a team that’s not just highly skilled but also energetic and supportive. Together, we’ve tackled a variety of projects, each one fuelling my enthusiasm and pushing me to give my best.

The highlight of the year at work was I get good hand on working with OpenCart and WordPress. It was a significant step in my career, and working with such a talented and energetic team has been an incredible experience.

This year has been as much about people as it has been about growth. I’ve made wonderful friends and built connections that make life in England feel even more fulfilling. These bonds, coupled with the professional companionship I’ve found at Twilo, have made 2024 a truly special year.

What campaign or project are you most proud of from this year?

The project I am most proud of is the Grilla CSS Framework and Twilo’s Consent Mode. Grilla helps me to boost up my skills and Twilo’s Consent Mode filled me with solving problems. On a personal level, I’ve discovered the importance of staying calm and positive, even in challenging situations.

What’s one skill you learned or improved in 2024?

This year also highlighted one of my biggest obstacles—laziness. Recognising this, I’ve taken steps to overcome it, including starting a gym routine that keeps me motivated and energetic. In terms of learning, 2024 has been a powerhouse year. I’ve expanded my skill set by diving deeper into WordPress, OpenCart, and React JS, while also gaining more proficiency in Mobile App Development and PHP. Each new skill feels like another brick in the foundation of my future goals. I wrote a blog on The Importance of the WordPress Platform in 2024, showing my growth on WordPress.

Who on the team deserves a shoutout, and why?

I give credit to Wayne, who teaches me that attention to detail in front-end and gives me Learning hour opportunity which help me to learn and get better each day.

What’s a piece of marketing inspiration that stuck with you this year?

“Focus on the story, not just the product.” This idea reminded me how important it is to connect with users emotionally through projects and campaigns.

If you could describe this year in 3 words, what would they be?

As 2024 ends, I’m taking all the good memories, lessons, and friendships with me. This year has taught me to keep improving, stay positive, and enjoy every moment. I’m excited to see what next year brings and look forward to new opportunities to grow and learn. I can describe this year in 3 words which is “Growth, Learning, Connections.”

What are you most looking forward to in 2025?

With the start of 2025, I’m looking forward to taking on bigger projects, expanding my skills further, and seeing where this career journey leads. Plus, more exciting collaborations with the team!