How Being Dropped in College Shaped My AI Playbook for Enterprises

Leaders often tell me that being ‘behind’ in AI makes them nervous as everything is changing so rapidly. However, what we have to realise the path to success is through experimentation and possibly failure.?

Let me take you back to my college days:

I was a Division 1 water polo player, training 6 hours daily, giving it everything I had. But at 5'3", I was second string to second string. One day, I had a hard conversation with my coach Mo.

"Listen," she said, "I love your tenacity. I love your effort. But you're 5'3" and these girls are 5'11". You can make up some with power, but you're not naturally built for this sport."

It was a gut punch. But sometimes the best lessons come from knowing when to pivot rather than persist.

Every Friday morning, I deliver 1 actionable insight to help you navigate the post-AI landscape, simplifying complex transitions into a clear path for business impact. You can click here to subscribe.

A week later, fate intervened. A rugby coach named Kathy tapped me on the shoulder and asked: "Have you ever tried rugby?"

My immediate thought? "Why would women play football without pads?"

But a disadvantage in water polo - being 5'3" - became my superpower in rugby. A lower centre of gravity meant I was harder to tackle. My ball-handling skills in water translated perfectly to land.

Within three months, I became the team captain.

This journey taught me three truths that now guide me as I help leaders navigate AI transformation:

#1. The Right Fit Beats Pure Effort

Just like I switched from water polo to rugby, sometimes succeeding with AI means finding the right applications that match your organization's natural strengths - not forcing approaches that work for others.

#2. Your Constraints Can Become Your Edge

My height was "wrong" for water polo but perfect for rugby. Similarly, what seem like barriers to AI adoption - industry regulations, complex processes, legacy systems - can become advantages that help you implement AI more thoughtfully than competitors.

#3. Stay Open to New Plays

If I hadn't been willing to try something completely different, I would've missed my calling. The same applies to AI - sometimes the best solutions come from being open to approaches you haven't considered before.

Remember: It's not about getting everything perfect from day one. It's about being willing to adapt and find your unique path forward.

Until next time,?

Sol

Every Friday morning, I deliver 1 actionable insight to help you navigate the post-AI landscape, simplifying complex transitions into a clear path for business impact. You can click here to subscribe.