A few years ago, I joined a gym. I was convinced that having access to all the equipment, all the classes, and all the expertise I could possibly need would transform my fitness.
But I still had to show up. The gym wouldn’t do the workout for me.
These days, I use an online training course at home. For this stage of my life – with a child, work, and everything else that comes with that – it’s a much better fit. It saves me a commute, for one thing.
The point is: The training course isn’t inherently better than the gym. It’s only better because it suits me at this point in my life.
And I think the same thing is happening right now with AI. Not to mention online courses, workshops, books, and all the other tools available to support career change.
Everyone seems to be asking: “What’s the best tool?” But is that the right questions?
Let’s talk about that.
Are Public Sector Leaders Asking the Wrong Question?
One thing I’ve noticed is that many public sector leaders are wondering whether AI can help them figure out their next career move.
The short answer? Yes. And no.
AI is incredibly useful for certain parts of the process. It can help you research industries, compare sectors, prepare interview questions. I use AI myself for brainstorming and research.
But here’s where I think people sometimes get confused. HAVING information is not the same as CREATING change.
Most leaders I work with aren’t stuck because they lack information. They’re stuck because they’re trying to answer questions like:
- What do I actually want now?
- What am I no longer willing to tolerate?
- What kind of life do I want my career to support?
- Why am I hesitating to make a move?
Those questions are more personal. And often more emotional.
What Leaders Should Ask Instead
Think about all the books you’ve read. The courses you’ve bought. The webinars you’ve attended. How much of it did you actually implement?
Implementation is where things get interesting.
Some people are brilliant self-directed learners. Give them a course, a framework, a checklist, and they’ll run with it.
Others learn best through conversation. By testing ideas out loud. By being challenged. By having someone notice the assumptions they can’t see themselves.
Neither approach is better. They’re just different. The important thing is knowing which one works for you.
Instead of asking: “Can AI solve my career change?” Ask yourself: “WHERE am I stuck?”
If you’re stuck on information, AI and online courses may be exactly what you need.
If you’re stuck on clarity, confidence, accountability, identity, or decision-making, information alone may not be enough. You may need reflection, conversation, feedback and support.
Because some challenges are easier to navigate with another human being beside you. An honest thinking partner. Someone who holds up a mirror. Who challenges you. Who holds you accountable. And who celebrates milestones with you.
A Word About Privacy
There’s one other consideration worth mentioning.
Many career conversations involve deeply personal questions. About your fears. Your ambitions. Your finances. Your relationships. Your doubts.
Everyone has a different comfort level with sharing that information online. Some people are perfectly comfortable discussing these topics with AI tools. Others prefer keeping those conversations between themselves and a trusted human.
It is worth making a conscious choice – rather than simply clicking “accept” and assuming someone else has thought about it for you.
How Public Sector Leaders Know What They Need
So… can AI solve your career change?
Sometimes it can help. It can accelerate parts of the process and save you time and money.
But no tool can decide what matters most to you. No tool can tell you who you are – and who you are becoming. And no tool can take responsibility for the choices you make next.
That’s still your job.
As you think about your own career change, I invite you to consider three stages:
- Information
- Insight
- Action
AI can be a great help in the information-gathering stage.
Insight is about understanding yourself and what that information means for you. What matters to you now? What are you no longer willing to compromise on? What kind of contribution do you want to make in this next chapter? That often requires reflection, experimentation and honest conversations.
And then comes…
Action. Turning ideas into reality. Testing assumptions. Having the difficult conversations. Generating possibilities that are a good fit for you. Making decisions. Following through.
So ask yourself: Which stage am I actually stuck in right now?
Do you need more information? More insight? Or more action?
Because once you know where you’re stuck, it becomes much easier to choose the right support. Whether that’s AI, an online course, a book, a coach, a trusted friend. Or a combination of all of them.
The goal isn’t to use the latest tool. The goal is to find the support that helps you move forward.
Until next time: make space, rediscover YOU, and then take action.