The coming of competition in traditionally regulated industries, convergence in the electronics, computer and media industries, and Smart Grid development is bringing together a number of different businesses and disciplines that historically didn't interact. Those are the "dots".
Connecting those dots (getting the right people communicating) can be a challenge. Particularly since for many of the companies involved, this is the first time they have dealt with Regulated Utilities, Utilities Regulators or the often contentious issues that surround them.
Note that I didn't say "getting the right people in the same room" or "getting the right people talking", I said "getting the right people communicating," which can be a whole new problem. Different disciplines don't use the same terminology, or even if they do use the same words, they often use them differently, which can be even worse. On top of those issues, you often have passionate advocates, somtimes opposing change, sometimes promoting a different kind of change.
For a few years I was doing my “connect the dots between people and ideas” thing with the Electric Power Research Institute. A not-for-profit research entity headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with offices scattered across the globe.
It was a very good gig, with great people. However, the time came when I wanted to kick back and relax a little, but still be gainfully employed. so, since May of 2020, I have been an Assistant General Manager at a bike shop (roll: Bicycle Company's Upper Arlington, Ohio location). I'm still "connecting the dots", except now the dots are people, and the type of riding they want to do.
I may come back into the Utility industry, but for right now, I'm living by the motto in my Strava profile:
"Some people suppress their inner child. I bought mine a bicycle."
If you want to get hold of me, you can reach out to chriskotting@rollbicycles.com.