The Audacity of Authenticity: Sinead Bovell – Designing work on Her Own Terms

A Personal Essay on Finding Your Voice in the Face of Change

Nov 08, 2023

Blue pill: Remain in a contented life you built by getting a degree in finance and an MBA to land a dream job in management consulting.

Red pill: Leave it all behind to become a fashion model, an unpredictable path.

When Sinead Bovell made the decision to give back her signing bonus and become a model, she had no idea that one decision would change the entire trajectory of her life so profoundly.

My red pill moment came when I was laid off yet again. Being in tech, particularly startups and innovation, layoffs were part of the game. After missing out on family time and working all hours to grow a business I loved, only to get laid off, I had a decision to make.

Blue pill: Get another job in tech leveraging a twelve year career.

Red pill: Sell everything and go searching for what’s next.

An archetype of the future of work, Sinead Bovell audaciously returned her signing bonus abandoning the expected path of management consulting to embrace the spirit of a multi-hyphenate. Designing work on her own terms, she merged her roles as a fashion model, tech commentator, business owner, and futurist. Unbeknownst to her, being a fashion model would create space for her to find her voice and bring all the parts of herself into the world.

"I have used everything that I am, all that I am, to be in this world as loud as possible."

Not only did she benefit, but everyone has benefited.

Vogue Magazine lauds her as the AI educator for "non-nerds," but her reach extends beyond glossy pages to the global stage, not only taking a seat at the table but constructing her own chair. She is a voice for the unheard. With nine United Nations speaking engagements under her belt and a role as a strategic advisor on digital inclusion, Sinead crafts dialogues with world leaders and AI innovators alike, shaping a more inclusive future for technology.

“Young people should not have to succumb to the idea that online harm from cyber threats are simply the cost of global connectivity…
…there’s an even greater risk, the risk that young people will not get to reap the full benefits and opportunities technology presents”
[Sinead Bovell’s address to the United Nations as UN Youth Representative on combating online harms for youth]

Whether for the UN General Assembly or a young person on TikTok, Sinead stands out as a visionary, demystifying artificial intelligence and making it accessible for everyone.

[See her catalogue of videos below]

Each appearance and all her advisory roles do more than just add to her list of accomplishments—they weave a tapestry of change. To a minority woman like me, Sinead’s work is essential. She is stepping up to change the face of leadership in AI. In a world where AI is set to become as ubiquitous as the internet, its architects must reflect the rich diversity of humanity, not a homogenous group defined by a single race and gender.

At the heart is her brainchild, WAYE – Weekly Advice for Young Entrepreneurs. This platform isn't just an organization; it's a movement. Through it, Sinead has educated over 200,000 young entrepreneurs, imparting wisdom on business, technology, and the future.

[WAYE - Providing young entrepreneurs with a platform to voice their concerns]

Sinead’s story resonates with me, not only because we’re both mixed-race Canadians with a red-headed parent and a background in finance, business, and artificial intelligence, but because of the leap of faith she took leaving her stable career path for modeling. For her, that was a catalyst to delve into the depths of her identity. I believe mine is writing. Just as she emerged whole, integrating the full spectrum of her talents and interests, I too am seeking to utilize my gifts to fulfill every facet of my own potential.

I have taken the red pill. For the past two years, I’ve been exploring, connecting, and learning. Wherever my heart leads me, I trust that the journey itself will be as significant as the destination. In embracing the ethos of living boldly, I seek to own my time, follow my curiosity, and be unapologetically me. It's not about a specific title or role but about creating possibilities and serving others. I am committed to a life of consistent discovery, where each day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and help people along the way. This is my form of progress, not measured in milestones, but in moments when I am fully present and alive.

Sinead Bovell didn't just change her career; she changed her life's story. In that vein, I too strive to 'be in this world as loud as possible,' a blend of genuine expression, curiosity, and kindness.

Follow Sinead Bovell on Tik Tok | Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn

WAYE Talks | Website

Check out Sinead Bovell’s TikToks

I took the liberty of categorizing some of her videos. Whether you’re interested in arts, healthcare, education, or have concerns about AI, there’s something for everyone. Find your interests below and enjoy!

A few videos I found fascinating

A New Way to Make Babies

I have a few friends who are dealing with fertility issues. In this video, Sinead Bovell talks about a new technology called IVG which shows promise to not only help heterosexual couples have biological babies, but same sex couples as well

Why We Need to Stop Asking “What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up”

I struggled most of my life with the question “what do you want to be when you grow up.” It’s as if we have only one dimension. Here Sinead suggests:

“Instead of asking kids ‘what do you want to be when you grow up?’, ask them what problems they want to solve, what skills they hope to learn and what creative ways they hope to change the world.”

Relationships with Chatbots

I use ChatGPT as a coach, a confidant, and for suggestions to communicate better with the humans in my life. In this video, Sinead Bovell gives several examples of how chatbots support humans on an emotional level.

Meet Sinead Bovell

AI and the Arts

AI Assisting Humans

AI Assisting Human Relationships

AI in Healthcare

Animals and AI

Future of Work

Warnings About AI

Miscellaneous

Many thanks for your editing suggestions. They made this piece become what I had hoped, something that expresses my appreciation for Sinead Bovell and introduces people to her work:

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