Last October, I decided to transition out of a full-time role to become an independent consultant. It was so terrifying to leave behind the stability I had enjoyed for years to venture into the unknown. But you know by now that Amollo takes big swings. To begin the scary journey, I set up this website to showcase the diversity of my expertise across different domains including academia, international development, and philanthropy. This was the easy part because I knew exactly how to curate my 17 years of work experience. My web designer, Kigen, totally understood my vision so the website was up and running in just a week.
Then came the hard part: finding clients. I prepared a list of 30 people from my vast networks to speak to. I called them my "club of 30". By the end of December 2023, I had spoken to about 45 people. The most encouraging conversations were with established independent consultants working in the international development space. They convinced me that there were plenty of consultancy opportunities on the Continent. Many a night I woke up in cold sweats wondering why I ever believed them. By the morning, I would find new courage to soldier on.
With the help of my leadership coach, Sean (Strategicimpactuk.com), I went on to craft a one-year plan aiming to have several clients and get back into academic teaching and publishing by the end of 2024. To spice things up, the Universe threw me the mother of all curve balls right in the middle of my carefully laid out plans. I wasn’t fazed. It's Amollo we are talking about here. With a swollen face and one eye, and right after my six-hour maxillofacial surgery, I sent out emails to reassure potential clients. You should have seen me fighting with my family and friends to keep my laptop with me in the high-dependency unit.
Fast forward to May 2024, and guess what? I'm back on my feet, quite literally, facilitating workshops. The best part is that I am learning so much from the variety of work I have been contracted to do. From a scoping citizen-science study for Urbanbetter.science to doing a city data strategy project with OpenCitiesLab.org, my love for new challenges is being put to good use. I'm also thrilled to co-learn with students at ALU who will attend my online classes on creativity & innovation and idea generation & future thinking.
So, in seven months, I have picked up a few ideas that you might find useful:
Network, network, network: Your former colleagues and acquaintances familiar with your work are invaluable resources. Talk to them about your goals and the kinds of projects you are looking for.
Don't be shy: Build a compelling portfolio highlighting your expertise and experiences. Your website serves as an excellent platform to showcase your capabilities.
Get help: Whether through formal coaching or informal mentorship, having someone to bounce ideas off of and help chart your path is essential.
Don't give up so easily: Transitioning from a stable job to the unpredictable world of independent consulting is no easy feat. However, the potential rewards are worth the risks, so don't give up at the first hurdle.
And there you have it, the extreme sport of independent consulting that will test you to your limits. If you face a huge obstacle as I did, you will be better for it, so, brace yourself.
Most importantly, have fun.
This great achievement Amollo sky is the limit for you. am sorry happy for you and am motivated by your ideas for sure am keeping them in use.