This World is not Made for Alchemists

The Webster Dictionary defines an alchemist as, “a person who studies or practices alchemy.” What is alchemy? Back from the period of time before chemistry, alchemy was a pseudoscience defined by Webster as, “a power or process that changes or transforms something in a mysterious or impressive way.” Translation into today’s workplace-friendly terminology: alchemists are changemakers. Thought leaders and innovators can have places of prestige; but it is rare that those who color outside the lines find acceptance let alone peace. 

Color has been used by cinema to articulate the “other” as well as dystopian themes. From The Wizard of OZ to Mary Poppins to more modern films like the Hunger Games series- color has been used as an agent of alchemy. Overly bright golden brick roads and flashy costumes make the contrasting gray hued scenes all the more poignant. These films all tell very different stories. They also all feature changemakers. Dorthy is challenged to click her heels and wake up- the notion that we have the power within to change ourselves or the system. Mary Poppins is literally a light in the dark, acting as a culture shift agent. Finally in the Hunger Games, we see the unlikely revolutionary in Katniss- one gesture of tribute started a revolution.

The AI revolution has been upon us for some time. Generative AI, Quantum, and drone technology are changing content creation, health research, and flood and fire response capabilities in real time. At the same time, government and some private sector systems are still wired for prior stages of technology. Unemployment forms don’t list the majority of tech, creative, or modern iterations of office jobs. From the IRS to some banks, fax machines are still the required method of document submission. And with the influx of technology-based jobs and post-Covid, more and more jobs are remote or hybrid. And yet, credit forms and applications ask for physical addresses.

Whether you are Gen Alpha or Gen Z who spent pivotal school years under awkward remote conditions, or a Millennial, like myself, who learned how to adapt and became a digital nomad- the world we live in is a technicolor contrast to just five years ago. The amount of professionals without a computer science background who have adapted and then thrived with the use of AI is impressive. A quick scroll of LinkedIn presents a myriad of thought leaders in the space. AI transformation is the gold rush of the 2020’s. I have chosen to offer AI Integration services as part of the OP Collab’s services. This decision was made primarily because myself and the consultants who have joined me are adept at bridging tech and non-tech spaces. We see where AI can blend seamlessly with the creative process, the potential for AI to be used ethically, and healthcare applications developed without bias. 

At the core of the OP Collab is the idea that disparate backgrounds can come together- be it in the use of AI technology or in the relaunch of a struggling startup.Where I get exhausted is while the latest AI innovation is being heralded, I face daily challenges just  living as a digital nomad amidst institutional structures that have not quite caught up. Societal systems are not designed to accept people whose addresses constantly change. And yet most businesses are virtual now, with PO boxes for government purposes. I challenge people to find the alchemy amidst conformity. The world is changing from personal lifestyle to businesses operations: all with greater utilization of the newest technology. If we do not shift and become fluid, we will miss out on the learning and innovation that is truly possible. Change the system. Be a Mary Poppins and illuminate the path for others.