Why the future belongs to those who combine integrity, expertise, and the power of generative AI
Let’s be honest: the word “professional” gets thrown around like confetti. Anyone with a business card, a clipboard, or a half-decent logo can call themselves one. But deep down, we all know the difference between someone who’s qualified and someone who’s genuinely professional.
Whether it’s a solicitor sorting your will, a decorator transforming your hallway, an insolvency practitioner guiding a business through difficult times, or a mechanic who knows why your car is rattling — the true professional stands out. And not just because they’ve got a smart website or a signwritten van.
But here’s a question worth asking: In today’s world, are you truly at the top of your profession if you’re not using tools like AI to support your work?
What makes a true professional?
Here are my personal suggestions…
Competence
They’ve trained, practiced, made mistakes, learned, adapted, and done the hard yards.
Integrity
They do the right thing — even when nobody’s looking. This is a big one for me.
Reliability
They deliver what they promised, when they promised it.
Attention to Detail
They care about the finer details.
Communication
They speak clearly, explain things in plain English. And they listen.
Accountability
They hold their hands up, take responsibility when things go wrong. Then they fix them.
Continuous Learning
They never think they know it all. The world moves on — and they move with or in advance of it.
Respect
They show respect to others.
Presentation
They present their work (and themselves) with care.
Discretion
They know what’s confidential and deal with it appropriately.
Problem-Solving Mindset
They adapt, improvise, and solve problems — calmly and creatively.
Client-Focused
They think about what’s best for the client, not what’s easiest for them.
Time Management
They juggle workloads, meet deadlines, and respect your time.
Confidence (Not Arrogance)
They believe in their ability, but know when to bring in another expert.
Fair Pricing
Their fees reflect skill, effort, and value they bring to the table. They recognise that no one owes them a living.
How the Professional Landscape Has Changed (And Is Not Going Back)
• The Internet Changed Everything: Reviews became public. Expectations and competition skyrocketed.
• Everyone’s Got Tools Now: With a few clicks, anyone can use the tools — but not everyone uses them well. Big firms no longer have the advantage. Small, nimble, firms do.
• Speed Became a Weapon: Turnaround times are now measured in hours, not weeks.
• Complexity Has Increased: Laws, Everyone’s day to ay has become more complex — and compliance has become a full-time job.
• Clients Are (Quite Rightly) More Demanding: They want clarity, transparency, and visible value.
Enter Generative AI (aka Your New Best Friend)
AI tools like VAI can:
• Draft documents and emails quickly.*
• Summarise complex info into plain English.*
• Suggest checklists or highlight gaps.*
• Generate creative ideas.*
• Keep tone consistent.*
• Help train staff.*
• Save time on admin.*
Note: *These are tasks that require speed, structure, and clarity. Exactly where AI shines when guided by human oversight.
But AI Is Not the Hero — You Are
AI doesn’t have judgment. It doesn’t carry responsibility. It needs you — the professional — to steer it.
That’s why I say: AI needs a human in the loop.
VAi — Built for Professionals Who Provide Insolvency Support
• VAi is trained for use by anyone interested in company insolvency.
• Saves many hours every week.
• Boosts consistency.
• Helps with client-facing work.
• Massively reduces errors and stress.
Conclusion: The Professional Plus AI, The Insolvency Practitioner + VAI = Unstoppable
Professionalism is about skill, ethics, and care.
The world has changed — and is changing ever faster.
AI and VAI support professionals to be faster, sharper, and more effective.
The future belongs to those who embrace the best of the old and the best of the new.
If you would like to know more about how VAI can help you in your practice wither, call Paul on 07813 102014, or email him at paul@vaisolutions.co.uk
The AI genie is out of the bottle. The only question now is: will you make it your ally?
