One leap, many doors: Why you should follow what sparks your interest

Is it just me, or did May come and go in the blink of an eye? It’s only been a few weeks since my last blog post at the end of April, but a lot has been going on behind the scenes. I'd love to tell you all about it, not because I need an excuse for my several-week absence, but because it's exciting stuff that I hope will be of interest to you.

When I started Clover Lane Publishing in July 2024, I began my journey by writing and publishing books on artificial intelligence.

AI-generated image of a door opening to new possibilities. Source: Freepik.

Why I decided to write about AI in the first place

There were a few reasons I felt drawn to this space and ultimately decided to dive in by writing about it:

I’m a lifelong learner. I love exploring new ideas and immersing myself in unfamiliar territory. Writing is one of the best ways I’ve found to truly understand a topic, and AI gave me plenty to dig into.

I enjoy helping others make sense of complexity. I’ve always had a knack for breaking down technical concepts in ways that are accessible and engaging. And let’s be honest: there’s a lot of noise (and hype) out there about AI. Clarity is needed.

It’s a hot topic for good reason. AI isn’t just trendy; it’s reshaping how we work, communicate, and create. That relevance and urgency make it a fascinating, high-impact topic to explore.

I was curious about what might happen. I had a hunch that writing about AI might open doors to new opportunities in my consulting work, and it turns out I was right.

Bringing it back to my consulting work

Let me pause for a moment to give you some context about the consulting work I do. In addition to founding Clover Lane Publishing, I'm a director at MDR Strategy Group, a for-profit social enterprise focused on public interest work. We support a broad mix of non-profit organizations and public sector institutions, from regulatory bodies and not-for-profit employer advisory groups to overseas intergovernmental bodies and more in areas like stakeholder engagement, governance, strategic communications, organizational design, and strategic planning.

Regardless of sector, my work has always been rooted in making systems work better for people and the planet, and, more recently, exploring how technologies like predictive, generative, and agentic AI can support that mission.

A history of systems thinking and tech curiosity

While I've always been a creative person, I've long had a passion for and gravitated towards technical fields. For example, in my younger years, I enjoyed computer programming, studying electronics, and learning how circuits work, and I've undertaken many DIY renovations and construction projects. For the past fourteen years, I've worked in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry, focusing on the development and implementation of innovative tools and approaches to embedding sustainability principles into buildings and infrastructure projects. So, while it may seem like I wear many hats today—author, publisher, strategist—my curiosity about how systems work (and how to improve them) has been a constant.

This thread—systems thinking, curiosity, and communication—has tied all of my work together over the years. Writing about AI felt like a bit of a leap at the time, but it turns out it wasn’t such a stretch after all. In fact, it led to more growth and opportunity than I ever anticipated.

Let me show you what I mean.

When the leap paid off

My first book on AI, Essentials of AI for Beginners, helped solidify my place in this fast-paced, rapidly evolving tech world. The book continues to sell well, and it's both inspiring and humbling to read readers' feedback. What transpired after writing the Essentials book is nothing short of remarkable. Let me tell you about it.

Speaking at the UN: I shared insights on AI’s role in sustainable development at a United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) event in Geneva (November 2024).

Leading a major conference: I played a leading role in organizing and delivering the premier AI in Regulation conference in North America (February 2025), which brought together regulators, innovators, and thought leaders from across Canada, the US, and Europe.

Writing a second book: Reader feedback inspired me to write Generative AI Basics & Beyond, a deeper dive into how generative tools are transforming work and creativity.

Evolving my role: I received a meaningful title change at MDR Strategy Group to Director, Public Engagement and AI Strategy, reflecting the evolution of my work and expertise.

Expanding services: MDR Strategy Group now offers a broader suite of services, including AI readiness assessments and tailored training for non-profit, grassroots, and social impact organizations. We’re also launching a new workshop series, Essentials of AI for non-profits, and it's already generating buzz.

Sharing insights more widely: I began writing articles for other publications, including The Registrar Magazine, where I contribute insights on the intersection of AI and the regulatory sector.

Growing my network: I’ve made meaningful new connections I never would have met if I hadn’t taken a leap of faith into AI.

And most of all, I’m having more fun than I thought possible.

A conversation worth sharing

Recently, I had the chance to reconnect with a fellow Queen’s University grad, Adrienne Bellehumeur, for a conversation about AI and its role in professional life. We talked about the very journey I’ve been reflecting on here: how writing Essentials of AI for Beginners followed by Generative AI Basics & Beyond, clarified my thinking and opened doors I never could have planned for.

In the interview with Adrienne (owner of Risk Oversight and author of The 24-hour Rule and Other Secrets for Smarter Organizations), I shared practical tips for professionals navigating the AI landscape while juggling full-time roles and how small experiments can lead to big outcomes. If you're wondering how to get started with AI without overhauling everything you do, I think you'll find this conversation really helpful. You can read the full interview here.

Take your own leap of faith

What I hope stands out is this: you don’t need to have everything figured out. You just need to stay curious, start small, and take that first leap, even if it’s just writing a blog post, trying a new tool, or talking to a colleague about a challenge AI might help solve.

So while I haven’t been blogging as often the past few weeks, I’ve been doing exactly what I often encourage others to do: let your work evolve, stay open to unexpected intersections, and keep learning out loud.

Taking a leap of faith, even a small one, can lead to outcomes beyond what you imagined.

If there's one thing I'd love for you to take away from all of this, it's that taking a leap of faith, even a small one, can lead to outcomes beyond what you imagined. Start with something that genuinely sparks your curiosity. Share what you're learning. Let people know what you're exploring. You don't have to be an expert to begin. You just have to begin.

Evolution of this blog

I’ll be posting more regularly again, and not just about publishing and the author's journey. You can expect to see more about how AI intersects with creative work, mission-driven organizations, and career growth; receive updates on future books; and more. Because the truth is, when you write about something you’re genuinely interested in, the right people start paying attention.

Thanks for sticking with me. If you’re exploring AI too, or just thinking about what’s next in your own work, I’d love to hear about it. Let’s keep the conversation going!