Knowledge Explorer

 Why I Call Myself a "Knowledge Explorer"

As I recently returned to solo consulting, I had to figure out what to call myself.  It took about 30 seconds to settle on Knowledge Explorer.  I will use the title "Knowledge Explorer" because it captures my deep commitment to learning and exploring new ideas. Here's why this title fits me:

1. Curiosity-Driven: I am naturally curious and always eager to learn more. I enjoy exploring new fields and discovering new ideas, which keeps my work and life exciting.

2. Interdisciplinary Approach: My work benefits from combining knowledge from different areas. This helps me solve complex problems, especially in knowledge management, where understanding different perspectives is key.

3. Innovative Mindset: I'm always looking for new ways to improve how knowledge is used and understood. Staying open to new technologies and ideas is a big part of who I am.

4. Educator and Thought Leader: Teaching and sharing knowledge with others is important to me. I strive to make complex information clear and useful for everyone.

5. Commitment to Growth: Being an explorer means I never stop learning. Even as I plan for semi-retirement, I look forward to continuing my education and exploring new areas.

Calling myself a Knowledge Explorer reflects my ongoing quest for new insights and my dedication to growing and helping others grow. It's a perfect summary of my approach to work and life.

I have also updated a couple of pages on the site:

• About Insight Mapping
• Services

Think Globally, Act Locally

 A significant portion of my professional life has revolved around knowledge work, delving into analytics, and navigating the realm of words, documents, and evidence. It's a landscape of abstraction, particularly in the context of international development where my focus on knowledge management often leads me far from the tangible impacts we aim to achieve. While you can envision how your efforts contribute to projects worldwide, the chain of impact often feels elusive.

A couple of years ago, I made a deliberate shift towards more hands-on involvement, seeking tangible actions beyond the confines of my analytical mind. Volunteering became my avenue for hands-on local engagement, with two organizations in Arlington:

• Arlington Neighborhood Village, where I assist older citizens with garden tasks and engage in regular conversations with those who may benefit from more social contact.
• EcoAction Arlington, where I engage in various activities, from park clean-ups to improving housing for low-income residents, promoting energy and water conservation.

In embracing this ethos of localization, I've come to realize that sustainable development isn't bound by geography. It's a universal principle, applicable everywhere. I take comfort in being able to act locally in alignment with global sustainable development goals.

Through volunteering, I've gained insights into the diverse fabric of my community, encountering individuals and systems that enrich my understanding of local dynamics and governance structures, imperfect as they may be.

Receiving the Impact Award from EcoAction Arlington last week was a humbling affirmation of these efforts.

Holding my Impact Award.  Photo by Alexandra Fillip.