Embracing Change as a Knowledge Worker
How to transition into a Commercial Actor in the post ChatGPT world
Over the past decade, I have spent much of my time working to identify and develop projects that bridge the gap between cutting-edge innovation, industry, and finance in the quest to accelerate the introduction of new technology into industry and society at large. My journey has taken me through stints working within prestigious institutions such as University College London (UCL) and Imperial College London (ICL), and on collaborations with Innovate UK, and many of the UK’s Catapults and Research Technology Organisations.
My work with UCL, ICL and Innovate UK led me to specialise in programmes designed for the construction sector, where I worked on the Transforming Construction challenge and witnessed first hand the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.
Throughout this time I have operated as an independent consultant, a ‘gun for hire’. The privilege of working on a continuing array of amazing projects with amazing people has given me a deep insight into how the value chain operates from institutional investors through to the actual construction process and whole lifecycle management.
However, it has also presented its own challenges. The classic feast and famine experience of working as a consultant has now worn thin and the advent of ChatGPT and general use of AI is increasingly challenging the value knowledge workers can bring to the table.
Over the last few months I have deliberated on this dilemma. I love my work, but realise that if I keep selling my knowledge and role as an innovation catalyst using the time for money consulting model, it will only become harder over the remaining 20 or so years I have left in my career.
The question I have been asking myself is, how can I transition from a role as a knowledge worker, to a role where I am operating as a commercial actor with a scaleable proposition?
The answer to that question currently is, I don’t know. But I have ideas.
To achieve this transition there are two threads I intend to retain; firstly my knowledge of construction sector supply chains, from institutional investors, public funding bodies, clients, contractors and the broader SME supply chain. Secondly the need that exists within the sector for transparent reporting of data verifying the sustainability of a built asset, the chain of custody of materials and products used in the construction of that asset, and the need to optimise the reduction of impact on the environment as much as possible.
The second main question I need to address is, where in the construction sector supply chain am I most likely to find opportunities to operate as a commercial actor? The most logical points to explore are the points at which commercial transactions are completed. If I can identify a role where I can add value in facilitating these transactions, then I can transition from a knowledge worker to a commercial actor and generate income based on performance.
I am under no illusions that this will be easy. My past experiences as an entrepreneur and innovation consultant tell me that one’s initial hypothesis is pretty much never what the market actually wants.
Next post <Entering the Market Discovery phase>.
