Wayne
What Was Your Most Exciting Moment This Year?
My wife planned an amazing trip for my 40th which took us backpacking through Europe visiting Gdansk, Tromsø, various places in Switzerland including Montreux, Brig, Zermatt, Lauterbrunnen and Zurich, then on to Budapest, Krakow, Amsterdam and Rotterdam.
It was an incredible experience, a great opportunity to experience different foods and cultures, and we did some really exciting and inspiring things such as go to the top of the Matterhorn, visit the thermal baths in Budapest, tour Auschwitz, visit a small town in Holland which my birth name is from, and take in Premier League Darts in Rotterdam – the Dutch are next level darts fans! There is always the other side to what you see on Instagram such as the night trains, and arriving in cities at 4am with nothing open and waiting until 2pm to check-in, but it all adds to the experience making it a few weeks I’ll never forget.
Our favourite place was Tromsø for many reasons. It started snowing as soon as we arrived there making it feel like a scene from a Christmas movie. We visited the Sámi people at their reindeer farm (reindeer stew is delicious), and went fishing in the fjords to catch our lunch. The standard of food there is exceptional, nothing like what I was expecting. We even managed to find an Indian restaurant after we’d had a few drinks which was one of the best I’ve ever had. I highly recommend Tromsø to anyone looking for a different experience to the usual holidays.
I must give a notable mention to Twilo’s 10th birthday celebrations. We put on an event in Canal Club for employees and clients. It was really well attended, the venue was perfect and the food really good. A big shout out to everyone who came along and made it a night to remember.
Which Moment Of This Year Had You Questioning All Your Life Choices?
There is no one moment. I think we are where we are and anything that makes me think twice is carefully considered and dealt with. Perhaps some external factors such as how difficult it’s becoming to run a business in the UK, but let’s not get political, we’ve made it this far.
Best Desk Snack Of The Year?
No snacks for me – not without putting it through the Yuka app first! There’s been some absolutely horrendous ‘snacks’ passed through the office this year, especially thanks to Laura’s quest to find the most obscure sweets in the shopping centre. The freeze-dried watermelons deserve a shout out. Although I didn’t try them, the look on people’s faces tell me they might have been the best.
Oh! The Doboy donuts this week! They are so good, and it’s a small independent bakery which isn’t on the Yuka app, so it doesn’t count.
Gallery Of My Favourite Pics Of 2025
If Your 2025 At Twilo Was A Film, What Would The Title Be?
The year started with a lot of talk about where we were vs where we want to be, and because of that we decided to take a couple of steps back to move forward. Now we’re at the end of the year it feels a bit like we’ve conquered something, so I’m going to go with a comeback movie and the only one I can think of is The Dark Knight Rises (Batman).
Handiest Thing You Learned This Year?
Shredded chicken! This sounds so basic – but poached chicken has changed my life! Poaching a couple of packs at a time has made meal prep so easy and it’s saving me several hours of cooking time. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it!
What’s The Funniest Thing That Happened In The Office This Year?
So many times I laughed to stop myself crying! It’s just been a fun end to the year and everyone is in good spirits. Probably the biggest laugh (or should that be frustration) was trying to figure out Liam’s space ship game on the Christmas do – I still don’t get it.
MVP Of The Team This Year?
I’m not going to pick just one person because everybody contributes. We all have different responsibilities and we’re all doing our absolute best to deliver the results our clients deserve. I’d like to thank Andrew, Reece, Liam, Matt, Tim and Laura for giving it everything this year. Caring and doing your best is what I ask for, and you all do that in abundance.
Andrew
What Was Your Most Exciting Moment This Year?
The most exciting for me was when I joined Twilo on the Mam Tor hike for charity. It was a great day out and what made it interesting was on the way back. We stumbled down a steep hill densely packed with trees and went through some land we definitely should not have been on. It was a great adventure
Which Moment Of This Year Had You Questioning All Your Life Choices?
It is a recent memory, but this is one that I think will stick out for a few years. When I went on holiday to Scotland in October, this was my plan: The train station in Kirknewton was a 3 mile walk from the campsite I was staying at. I didn’t mind the idea of dragging all my luggage for a few miles upon first arrival, so I didn’t book any taxis or anything in advance. It was only when I got there, did I realise I should’ve have researched the route. There were no footpaths whatsoever. I was then carrying a backpack, a suitcase and another large bag for 3 miles up and down hills with cars having to drive around me. Multiple times during that I asked why I did this to myself.
Best Desk Snack Of The Year?
Best snack for me was the Doboy donuts brought in by Wayne. They looked amazing and the chocolate orange donut I had tasted great without being too sickly. I normally don’t do too well with heavy desserts that have lots of cream or butter, but this was a good balance.
Gallery Of My Favourite Pics Of 2025
If Your 2025 At Twilo Was A Film, What Would The Title Be?
Onwards and Upwards 2 – Fast but not furious
Handiest Thing You Learned This Year?
With it just being over a year since I bought my first house, there were a few DIY things I needed to learn. Probably the most useful is repairing my wall after the curtain pole had fallen down and left a gaping hole. The walls are non-standard construction, so they are not the best holding up heavy objects. We still reinforced it as best we could.
What’s The Funniest Thing That Happened In The Office This Year?
The Christmas fuddle topped everything this year when the dev team and I demonstrated that we should not be baking. I had accidently made a giant cookie instead of 12 small cookies and Reece attempted cookies but made pancakes instead. He also overcooked the brownies. We did not give our department a good reputation.
MVP Of The Team This Year?
I think Matt has done a brilliant job this year. He has handled the marketing projects really well but has also taken the time to help the dev team get projects tested and over the line. Matt is also usually very eager to help any clients that ring in or have e-mail enquiries.
Matt
What Was Your Most Exciting Moment This Year?
This year has been pretty stacked with amazing experiences, and I’ve been incredibly lucky to do a lot of what I’ve done.
In terms of at work, it was a wonderful feeling to hit six-month KPI targets for clients in month two and become more confident in taking on more work and my abilities. Also, we’ve got such a strong team, who work hard, and we have a lot of fun!
Outside of work, choosing a top one moment is so hard! So, I’m going to cheat a little bit and give a shout out and a top three.
So on with the shoutout – I loved all the gigs I went to this year, I saw so many incredible artists and hearing some of your favourite songs live is always a beautiful experience, all the excellent films I’ve seen and visiting Leeds International Film Festival, my sister turning 30 and having a big party for family and friends, visiting my friends in Denmark and London and having a lot of laughs, completing the Abbey Dash again and getting another great time! And finally, the mighty Leeds United winning the title and finishing 100 points and being where they belong.
In third, I mentioned the gigs I went to, but one gig stood out above the rest, Oasis live at Wembley. Finally seeing one of the UK’s biggest and most iconic bands together finally after it did seem impossible to happen and seeing it with my mum made it even more special.
In second, more music and visiting Glastonbury. It is every bit as good as people say it is, it’s the ultimate festival. The weather was glorious, the vibes were good and having surprise sets from people like Lorde and Pulp just completely blows you away.
Finally, in first, it’s visiting the beautiful Vietnam. From start to finish the two weeks I was there were incredible, I saw stunning sites, met some brilliant people and just experienced a whole new world. Especially, visiting the ancient town of Hoi An, the lantern city, it blew me away how stunning it was.
Which Moment Of This Year Had You Questioning All Your Life Choices?
On a trip to London we had a lovely weekend, the weather was great, we’d caught up with people we haven’t seen for years and went to new parts of London we’d never seen. The train back on the Sunday was early morning, which we knew it was early, and we knew to call it early on the Saturday, but we didn’t.
Cut to us running for the train and it turns out the train was packed and one of those trains that goes all around the country before getting to Leeds (over four hours) and we had to sit on the floor the entire trip. It was a humbling time and a lot of questions of life choices were being asked on that train.
Best Desk Snack Of The Year?
When it comes to desk snacks, Laura is the best for providing them, as they’re always different and a little odd sometimes. She brought in some gummy brains around Halloween, and they were very tasty!
Gallery Of My Favourite Pics Of 2025
If Your 2025 At Twilo Was A Film, What Would The Title Be?
Yes Man. As I’m always up for anything that gets suggested.
The sequel is what I must do next year… ‘Stop Saying Yes, Man!’
Handiest Thing You Learned This Year?
How I imagine a situation in my head is usually a lot worse, than how it actually is going to be. This has helped me deal with a lot of imposter syndrome this year and really helped me back myself and my abilities inside and outside of work.
What’s The Funniest Thing That Happened In The Office This Year?
The Twilo Christmas fuddle is always a great source of laughter as people become quite competitive at the darts and table football tournaments.
The funniest moment of all that must be the darts game between Laura and I, where it just turned into a lot of trash talking between the two of us and we were struggling to throw our darts because we were laughing so much.
MVP Of The Team This Year?
Choosing just one of the team for an MVP is so hard, everyone works so hard and provides so much to the team.
If I have to say one, I think I’d say Liam, he only joined halfway through the year, but he’s brought so much life and energy to the team and is always on hand to help out. I think he’s also improved the output of the design team massively.
Reece
What Was Your Most Exciting Moment This Year?
The most exciting moment of the year for me has to be being best man at my best mate’s wedding. It was amazing from start to finish, and seeing someone I’ve been mates with since we were young finally get married was something really special.
Moving into a new house was also a huge highlight, going from living on my own for a long time to moving in with my girlfriend was a big and exciting change.
Seeing the Acropolis in person was another standout moment, it’s one of those things that really hits you when you’re actually there.
At work, the most exciting moment was doing the charity walk in the Peaks. It was something different and it was great seeing everyone push through and finish together.
Looking back, it’s hard to pick just one exciting moment when the year has been filled with so many different experiences, both personally and professionally. It’s been a year of big changes, memorable moments, and things I’ll look back on for a long time.
Which Moment Of This Year Had You Questioning All Your Life Choices?
A moment that definitely had me questioning all my life choices was building flat-pack furniture. It’s meant to be easy, but somehow things never quite fit right. And don’t get me started on IKEA “click to assemble” furniture, there is absolutely no clicking involved.
Another moment was climbing Snowdon. Instead of taking the normal route, we decided to climb straight up the side, which was pretty sketchy at times and had me questioning why we were doing it in the first place. That said, once we made it to the top, it turned out to be pretty fun and definitely worth it.
Best Desk Snack Of The Year?
I’ve been pretty good this year at not snacking too much. That said, when the donuts or sweets get passed around, it’s very hard to say no. Day-to-day, I probably go through more Smints than I’d like to admit, which you could loosely class as a snack.
Gallery Of My Favourite Pics Of 2025
If Your 2025 At Twilo Was A Film, What Would The Title Be?
The Fast and the Curious
Sequel: The Fast and the Curious 2 – Still Curious
It fits because it’s been a fast and exciting year, with plenty going on and lots of chances to learn and improve. I’ve stayed curious throughout, and like most sequels, it only gets better.
Handiest Thing You Learned This Year?
That “easy to assemble” is rarely true.
What’s The Funniest Thing That Happened In The Office This Year?
The Christmas fuddle in the office was probably one of the funniest moments of the year. All the games, quizzes, and food made it a really enjoyable day, even if I didn’t manage to hold on to my foosball crown from last year.
MVP Of The Team This Year?
It’s hard to pick just one MVP this year because it’s genuinely been a team effort. Everyone’s pulled together, supported each other, and stepped up when needed, which has made a big difference. It wouldn’t have been the same without everyone contributing.
Liam
What Was Your Most Exciting Moment This Year?
Securing my new job at Twilo back in June was definitely a high-point of 2025, but my 3 week honeymoon in Japan a few months prior has to take the number 1 spot. We manage to visit all the main cities, bumped into a few friends for a late night in Golden-Gai and even found time for 3 nights in a luxury onsen spa up in the mountains, an experience we’ll never forget.
Which Moment Of This Year Had You Questioning All Your Life Choices?
Being ¾ the way up Ben Nevis on the CMD arête, in the pouring rain, gale force winds, scrambling along a knife edge. Gloves soaked, feet soaked, hat soaked, wondering why we didn’t just take the tourist route up.
Best Desk Snack Of The Year?
Best desk snack has to be the doughnuts Wayne brought in from Doboy. Does this count as a desk snack? I don’t know but I did eat it at my desk so…
Gallery Of My Favourite Pics Of 2025
If Your 2025 At Twilo Was A Film, What Would The Title Be?
Everything everywhere all at once, this year has been eventful to say the least!
Handiest Thing You Learned This Year?
Adding links in InDesign – embarrassingly I’ve been doing it the long way my entire life only to learn this week that there’s a really easy way. I guess every day’s a school day.
What’s The Funniest Thing That Happened In The Office This Year?
The Christmas Fuddle as a whole, no one moment stands out alone but it felt like we laughed the entire afternoon away.
MVP Of The Team This Year?
It’s so hard to choose! I’ve only been here for 7 months and everyone has already impressed me in some way or another – but I’ll have to go with Andrew for his coolness under pressure and the way I’ve seen him respond to difficult situations, there’s definitely a lot I can learn from him in that regard.
Laura
What Was Your Most Exciting Moment This Year?
From a work point of view, I really enjoyed working on the Twilo strategy. It was great to have input into the direction of the business’s marketing and to help shape it.
On a personal level, it has to be taking my kids to Sri Lanka so my youngest could meet my husband’s side of the family for the first time finally!
Which Moment Of This Year Had You Questioning All Your Life Choices?
Definitely deciding to do a big room switch around in our house that wasn’t exactly necessary. Our fairly organised(ish) home quickly turned into absolute chaos, with every single room upside down. There were moments I questioned why I ever suggested it, but it’s all finished now and I’m very glad we did it!
Best Desk Snack Of The Year?
I’ve been buying lots of weird and wonderful sweets for the team to try this year. The gummy brain sweets were a big hit. The freeze-dried watermelon sweets… not so much. They tasted like armpits.
Gallery Of My Favourite Pics Of 2025
If Your 2025 At Twilo Was A Film, What Would The Title Be?
The Juggling Act.
Handiest Thing You Learned This Year?
Probably figuring out the logistics of getting my kids where they need to be every day. Balancing school runs, two working schedules, childminders and workloads is no small task, so finding a system that actually worked has been a big win.
What’s The Funniest Thing That Happened In The Office This Year?
The entire Christmas Fuddle day. The whole team spent most of the tournament trying to smack talk each other out of winning everything.
MVP Of The Team This Year?
Matt. He’s always so willing to help and is such a great person to have around when you need support or have a question. Always positive, always approachable, and always ready to lend a hand!