A lot of people assume entrepreneurship starts with a big idea.
In reality, it often starts with a moment you didn’t plan for.
In this episode of Workday Gold, I sat down with Alan Shearer, who shared how the 2008 financial crisis forced him to quickly figure out how to build a business. What stood out to me wasn’t just the story, it was what he learned along the way.
One of the biggest themes was this: growth comes from stepping into things you’re not fully prepared for.
Alan moved across roles, from developer to project manager to sales to solutions architect. Not because he had it all mapped out, but because he was willing to say yes to new opportunities.
That mindset is even more important now.
We’re in the middle of another major shift, this time driven by AI. And what’s interesting is that innovation is happening faster outside of platforms like Workday than inside them.
That creates both a challenge and an opportunity.
The consultants and leaders who will thrive are the ones who can bridge that gap. Not just understanding Workday, but understanding how to bring new ideas alongside it.
Another takeaway that really hit home was about overanalyzing.
It’s easy, especially with AI tools, to keep refining, keep prompting, keep tweaking. But at some point, you have to deliver.
Done is better than perfect.
That’s true in implementations. It’s true in consulting. And it’s definitely true in an environment where things are changing this quickly.
The final piece is one that never changes, even with all the technology.
The ability to have difficult conversations.
Whether it’s telling a client a timeline won’t work or admitting something didn’t get done, trust is built in those moments.
Technology will evolve. Tools will change.
But those fundamentals still matter.
If you want to hear the full conversation, including how Alan is thinking about AI opportunities in the Workday ecosystem, take a few minutes to listen to the episode.
Keith Bitikofer is a Workday coach and consultant who helps professionals navigate their careers in the Workday ecosystem. Listen to the Workday Gold podcast for more insights on career transitions and leadership development here
Want to learn more from the Workday ecosystem? Connect with Keith Bitikofer on LinkedIn for ongoing insights about Workday support and team management.