TOTW 27: Embracing Change - A Personal Tale of Professional Reinvention

As we wrap up 2024, I'm departing from our usual tech-focused discussions to share a more personal story—one that might resonate with many of you contemplating significant professional changes.

Late last year, I made the decision to leave AE. While this isn't the place to delve into the specifics, I knew I needed a new challenge that I couldn't pursue within my existing context. Having been there from AE's inception, and proud to have been part of it (twice), it wasn't an easy decision. But sometimes, growth requires stepping into the unknown.

The aftermath of leaving a company after years of dedicated service isn't just about professional transition—it's an emotional journey. There's a genuine mourning period that needs to be respected. It took several interviews and, rather symbolically, a journey to Namibia (TOTW 16) to realise that my next chapter needed to be fundamentally different.

For years, I've been evangelising about the possibilities of generative AI in forums and customer meetings. Yet, as I explored new opportunities, I noticed a curious pattern: while organisations were interested in discussing AI, few seemed ready to seriously contemplate its implications—both positive and negative—in their specific context.

This realisation led me to take what some might consider an unconventional leap: developing business cases myself. At 54, I wasn't the typical startup founder profile, and I harboured doubts about rekindling technical skills that had taken a backseat during my managerial years. The journey to launching AskEveAI.com has been filled with moments of uncertainty about possessing all the necessary skills for startup success. Yet, every fibre of my being remains deeply engaged and motivated, embracing the challenges ahead.

The results have been surprisingly rewarding. Not only have I rediscovered my technical capabilities, but I've also found immense joy in using generative AI to build next-generation solutions (as documented through TOTWs 20-26). The conversations with potential users have been both encouraging and enlightening.

This year has been predominantly focused on development—taking longer than anticipated, but resulting in the recent release of Evie v2.0. While there's still work to be done, 2025 beckons with the promise of engaging with potential users and implementing the business cases we've envisioned.

Is this a high-risk venture? Absolutely.

Is there a chance of failure? Of course.

Will I regret taking this leap? Not for a moment.

As we approach the new year, I'm reminded of something I often emphasize when discussing AI: the most primitive AI tools we'll ever see are the ones we're using today. Similarly, the most challenging step in any journey is often the first one—but it's also the most crucial.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with courage to embrace your own transformative journeys.