Stevenson began his career working for Ovum, an information technology think tank. There, he co-authored reports on e-commerce and smart card technology and edited material related to CASE. After leaving Ovum, Stevenson worked as a freelancer, consulting primarily in the field of cryptography. Throughout this period, Stevenson was also a semi-professional musician. As a founding member of the band Clear, he co-wrote both music and lyrics, sang and played bass. The band's sole album, Coming Around, had the unique distinction of being funded by a company founded by the members but owned in part by the band's fans. The album, recorded in 2003, was produced by Andy Metcalfe at the studios of Glenn Tilbrook; it was mastered at Abbey Road.
Comedy
After leaving Clear, Stevenson took to comedy. His stand-up material was primarily focused on science. He has appeared at many comedy clubs, festivals and other venues. And although his current duties as businessman and author preclude a full-time career in comedy, he still occasionally makes appearances at clubs and on programs. He continues to write comedy. His farce, co-authored with Jack Milner, Octopus Soup! tours the UK in 2019.
Writing
In early 2011, Stevenson released a book entitled An Optimist's Tour of the Future, which explores how invention and innovation can help overcome several of humanity's current problems. The book has since been translated into 12 languages. Notably, whilst writing An Optimist's Tour of the Future, Stevenson met the then President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed and was present at the world's first underwater cabinet meeting. "to draw attention to the climate change issue... he held an underwater cabinet meeting... I was there, I was lucky, I was one of four people that wasn't in the government or the support team that was in the water at this time, it was a very bizarre experience..." His second book, We Do Things Differently is described as "an enthralling picture of what can be done to address the world's most pressing dilemmas, a journey that offers a much needed dose of down-to-earth optimism. It is a window on a different and better future"
Current Activities
Following the success of his book, Stevenson is in high demand as a consultant and speaker on issues related to cultural change and technology trends. In addition to his role as one of the co-founders of the consultancy We Do Things Differently he also co-founded and help run the London-based The League of Pragmatic Optimists. He fulfils a number of advisory roles notably to The Virgin Earth Challenge, Civilised Bank and Atlas of the Future.
