Celebrating Vicky Teinaki

To my friend Vicky, I wish I’d told you that you are an inspiration to me. From first meeting you at HMRC in 2015, you gave me a yard stick for what collaboration, openness and design excellence looks like. I am in awe of your intellect and power of getting sh*t done, and the way you did it, seemingly with ease. I treasured every interaction with you, although I deeply wish I had found more time for those in person coffee and cake chats, or a walk to talk through your latest recommendations- whether that was books, articles, conferences or just to catch up. Your advice was always sought after and always warmly gifted. No matter how obscure the subject, you could always provide expert counsel. If you said to read something, I always knew it was going to be a stonker! You’re hilarious, in the wryest, quick-witted way and I’ll fondly remember the silly (and likely sarcastic) doodles and back-channel DMs we shared. You’re a collector and have the extraordinary ability to hold things close with care, whilst simultaneously sharing outward, whether that’s knowledge or friends, you connect so many of us together. Thank you for your gift of joy, learning and friendship. I am going to miss you and only hope you know how many more people feel the same way. You are treasured.