The Impossible Network

 Today, I want to discuss a concept that's been on my mind lately: what it truly means to be a reality distortion shaper. This idea was inspired by Steve Jobs' infamous "reality distortion field" - his almost mythical ability to make people believe in the impossible and, through sheer force of vision, bring ideas to life.

As I unboxed my new iPad Air and installed iOS 17, I couldn't help but reflect on how far we've come from Apple's beginnings. The evolution of Apple, and now Apple Intelligence, is another chapter in the legacy Jobs left behind—a legacy built on thinking differently, on bending reality to the will of a powerful idea.

Jobs' reality distortion field wasn't just about charisma or leadership. It was a powerful fusion of attitude and action. And it's this combination that defines what I call "reality distortion shapers." They're the ones who break new ground, challenge norms, and refuse to accept the limitations that the world presents.

And here's the thing—it wasn't just Jobs who had this ability. Throughout history, we've seen people like Elon Musk, Walt Disney, Nikola Tesla, and Oprah Winfrey exhibit this same characteristic. What they all share is a deep belief that reality can be shaped by their ideas, their attitudes, and most importantly, their actions.

This spirit of innovation is perfectly captured in Apple's "Here's to the Crazy Ones" campaign. It celebrated those who think differently—the ones who push boundaries, who disrupt the status quo, who see possibilities where others see limitations. This message resonates even more deeply today, in a world grappling with what many call a polycrisis—multiple global challenges unfolding simultaneously.

In the face of constant negativity from doom-mongers and naysayers, it's crucial to remember that each of us has the power to shape reality through our beliefs, our optimism, and our actions. We can either embrace pessimism, letting it define our future, or we can choose optimism, believing that tomorrow can be better than today.

Optimism is the fuel that accelerates this process. Without that deep-seated belief that things can change, that the impossible can be achieved, no action will ever take off. It's this combination—of vision, belief, and action—that compounds over time, creating something far greater than what we started with.

Each of us can shape reality by harnessing the interplay between our thoughts and our actions. Guests like Jon Alexander and Gavin Fernie Jones do this. The reality distortion shapers of the world aren't afraid to push boundaries and reject limitations. They don't just dream big—they act. And through those small, consistent steps, they bring their vision to life, pulling others along with them.

So, as you go through your day, ask yourself: what reality do you want to shape? What action can you take, no matter how small, that moves you closer to your vision? And most importantly, do you believe—truly believe—that you can bend reality in your favor?

If there's any truth to the idea that what we think manifests in the world around us, then it's on us—each of us—to think differently. To embrace optimism, not just for ourselves, but for the collective good. Because the future we create starts with the thoughts, feelings, and actions we put into motion today.

Remember, as Jobs and Apple have shown us time and again—those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do. The truth is, you're already shaping reality. 

So I ask: what reality are you shaping? And...What action can you take right now that pushes us all toward a better future?

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In this weeks episode we dive into the intersection of artificial intelligence and creativity with NY based AI creative trailblazer Tony Jones

From growing up in Ohio his creative ambitions led him to New York to work in numerous leading ad agencies where he carved out a niche at the intersection of creativity and technology.

Today, Tony is the co-founder and head instructor at Creative AI Academy, where he’s on a mission to help organizations and individuals harness the power of AI to enhance their creative processes. He also teaches AI Design at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, equipping the next generation of creatives with the skills they need to thrive in an AI-augmented future.

Tony brings a unique perspective to the conversation about AI and creativity. He sees AI not as a replacement for human ingenuity but as a powerful tool that can augment and amplify our creative capabilities. He’s a strong advocate for embracing AI to stay competitive in today’s fast-changing landscape while emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining human judgment, taste, and ethics.

This is a must listen episode for anyone interested in where AI is leading us and how to embrace the unrelenting pace of the change that is underway. 

Now over to Tony. 

Time Codes

00:00 Intro to Tony Jones

02:30 Who is Tony as a human 

03:59 Embracing AI in Creativity

07:13 Tony's Family and Upbringing

16:34 Early Career and Move to New York

22:43 Digital Transformation in Advertising

26:34 Innovation and AI in Advertising

30:52 Founding Creative AI Academy

35:18 AI's Impact on Creativity and Industries

46:25 Challenges and Adoption of AI

57:05 Teaching AI Design at Pratt Institute

58:02 Course Structure and Student Projects

58:52 Diverse Student Backgrounds

01:00:08 Misconceptions About AI and Creativity

01:01:34 Personal Experience with AI Tools

01:02:49 Impact of AI on Creative Processes

01:04:57 Corporate Training and AI Integration

01:07:37 Patented Inventions and AI

01:10:27 AI in the Advertising Industry

01:18:01 Advice for Creatives and Ethical Considerations

01:23:54 Future of Education with AI

01:30:16 Speculations on AGI and Future Impacts

01:35:11 Serendipity and Personal Reflections

01:47:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Social Links

Tony on Linkedin 

Creative Ai Academy On Linkedin 

Links in the show 

Creative AI Academy 

Pratt AI Design Course 

Andy Awards

McCann

Media Monks

Book - Future AI 2041

Podcasts - Last Week in AI 

AI For humans 

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Today, I'm joined by Hugh Forrest, Chief Programming Officer of South by Southwest (SXSW). 

For over three decades, Hugh has been at the helm of one of the most influential events in the world, celebrating creativity at the convergence of tech, film, music, and culture.

Hugh's journey is a fascinating one, rooted in Austin, Texas, a city known for its vibrant creative scene. From his early days running a local newspaper to becoming a key figure in the expansion and evolution of SXSW, Hugh's story is one of persistence, innovation, and a deep commitment to fostering creativity. In our conversation, we explore his unique upbringing with a Scottish father and American mother, the impact of Austin's cultural landscape on his development, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

We also discuss the challenges and high points of running a globally recognized festival, the role of technology in connecting people, and the future of creativity in an increasingly AI and digitally driven world. Hugh shares his insights on the importance of community, the power of serendipitous encounters, and his vision for the future of SXSW and beyond.

If you are a creative person in any domain I am sure you will enjoy this conversation as as we uncover the human side of one of the driving forces behind one of the world's most dynamic events.

Thanks to Jennifer Hutchins for the connection

Time codes 

00:00 Introduction 00:53 Meet Hugh Forest: The Man Behind SXSW

02:33 Who is Hugh? Personal Journey and Aspirations

03:45 Who or what made him Hugh?

09:54 The Evolution of SXSW

14:34 The Role of Technology in SXSW's Growth

18:18 Who is Hugh Working to Achieve?

28:27 SXSW's Community and Content Curation

32:35 Future Directions and Reflections

38:22 The Evolution of South by Southwest

38:57 Lessons in Persistence and Value Creation

40:53 Personal Growth and Organizational Leadership

42:17 Creating a Cohesive Experience

43:34 Challenges and Future Plans

46:12 Impact of COVID-19

47:14 The Importance of Human Connection

53:06 Balancing Commercial and Creative Interests

57:36 Future Directions and Personal Reflections

59:55 Personal Insights and Inspirations

01:06:20 Quickfire Questions and Recommendations

01:15:46 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Social Links 

Linkedin

X

SXSW 

Email

Links in show 

Testament of a furniture dealer 

Books 

Ministry of The Future 

Cal Newport Deep Work 

Show 

The Greatest Night In Pop

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Last week, I sat down with Stephen Davies, a unique voice in sustainable architecture and community development. Stephen's journey from the gritty streets of Bolton and the Manchester party scene to a cycling enthusiast and socially-conscious designer in a quiet town in Cornwall was both unexpected and inspiring.

He reflected on how personal challenges and a near-death experience shaped his perspective on life and work. His approach blends philosophical musings with practical solutions to the problems of globalism by embracing a localism strategy for building sustainable food systems, communities, and building practices. Stephen is particularly passionate about hempcrete, a carbon-negative building material that he sees as a game-changer for the construction industry and local economies.

Stephen embodies the power of embracing change and is a testament to how personal transformation can drive broader social and environmental change.

I hope you enjoy this refreshing and thought-provoking take on creating resilient communities in an uncertain world. Thanks to Alex Fish for the recommendation.

00:00 Introduction

02:34 Who is Stephen as a human?

05:13 Who or What Made Him?

10:34 Education and Party Culture

14:49 Cycling and a Life-Changing Accident

18:16 Pursuing Architecture

30:10 Social Conscience and Family Dynamics

37:26 Localization and Community Building

49:49 Community Projects and Company Formation

51:27 Skills Training and Women in Construction

52:07 Innovative Use of Hempcrete

53:06 Challenges and Solutions in Sustainable Building

58:00 Funding Strategies and Community Support

01:00:20 Collaborating with Local Authorities

01:05:31 Philanthropy and Commercial Partnerships

01:11:47 Personal Reflections and Inspirations

01:23:57 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Social Links

Links in Show

Hemcrete

Cornwall

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This week the tables are turned as I’m the guest on the Funds & Founders Podcast. Hosted by Abhinav Sinha, the pod explores the untold Journeys Behind Founders Breakthroughs.

Across this broad conversation Abhi explores my view on life-long learning, building community, the differences between New York and Austin, forming Fabrica and the power of Storytelling, lessons from my failed start-up, Creating The Impossible Network, memorable interviews, the power of the network, my support system and my most transformational business experience. 

What I thoughtlessly forgot to acknowledge was the importance of my partner Elaine on my journey.. so making amends; thank you now Elaine. 

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

00:51 Commitment to Lifelong Learning

02:03 Exploring the Impact of AI

04:40 Defining and Building Community

08:28 Comparing Communities: New York vs. Austin

13:13 Journey from Advertising to Founding Fabrica Collective

20:24 Challenges and Lessons from Pundit Club

29:16 Transitioning to a Service Agency

30:43 Starting The Impossible Network Podcast

31:28 Procrastination and the Birth of Fabrica

32:12 Exploring Serendipity Through Podcasting

33:20 Building a Community Around the Podcast

33:57 Random Collisions and Serendipitous Connections

35:37 Challenges and Rewards of Podcasting

48:31 Support Systems and Personal Reflections

53:16 Transformational Business Experiences

57:29 Final Thoughts and Future Questions

Social Links 

The Impossible Network

YouTube 

Instagram

Links 

Funds and Founders Podcast

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In this week's episode, I sit down with Amanda Hamilton, a renowned nutrition expert, ex-broadcaster, and founder of retreats focused on holistic well-being and women’s health.

We cover how Amanda's innate curiosity drove her to independently travel the globe, open a fasting retreat, aged 27, create a groundbreaking TV show, and ultimately redefine what it means to live a truly nourished life. 

Amanda shares her pragmatic perspective on nourishing the body and mind through real, unprocessed foods, restorative sleep, movement, and most importantly - learning to listen to and trust your own body's cues over external data and trends and making small "edits" for graceful aging. 

Amanda also discusses fasting, food accessibility, and her wellness reset program.

Amanda's journey is one of inspiration and innovation so whether you're seeking to optimize your well-being, navigate the overwhelming world of health information, or simply learn from a woman who has fearlessly followed her curiosity, this episode is not to be missed. Now over to Amanda. 

Thanks Dr Morgaine Gaye for the connection

Time stamps 

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Meet Amanda Hamilton: A Journey of Curiosity and Innovation

02:25 Amanda -Who is she as a human?

04:08 Who or What Made Her?

09:35 The Role of Travel in Shaping Perspectives

15:08 From Journalism to Nutrition: A Career Evolution

21:34 The Power of Fasting: Amanda's Breakthrough

24:27 Challenges and Successes in Broadcasting Fasting Retreats

32:07 What is Amanda Working to Achieve?

34:12 Holistic Wellbeing: Beyond Nutrition

46:42 Exploring the Complexities of Nutrition

47:48 Guiding Parents on Nutrition

48:43 Fundamentals of a Healthy Diet

50:12 The Impact of Sugar on Health

53:01 Navigating Modern Nutrition Challenges

01:01:59 The Importance of Sleep

01:07:52 Aging and Nutrition

01:15:09 The Role of Exercise

01:16:22 Programs and Future Plans

01:19:49 Dealing with Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome

01:22:40 Guiding Children Towards Independence

01:24:32 Principles and Inspirations

01:26:45 Recommended Books and Life Hacks

01:30:16 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Social Links 

Amanda’s website 

Instagram

Facebook

Links in the show 

Food Inc 2 

Books 

Fast Food Nation 

The Singularity Is Nearer

Outlive 

The One Thing 

Show 

My Octopus Teacher

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I recently interviewed Suba Vasudevan, a tech optimist and eternal learner who has made a lasting impact in the realm of trust, safety, and responsible innovation.

Growing up in Mumbai, Suba was shaped by her parents' unwavering support. Her innate curiosity led her to pursue computer engineering while also working as a journalist, exposing her to the importance of risk management and trust in technology.

Over the years, Suba has worked at renowned companies such as News Corp, KPMG, and Meta, where she has been a driving force in operationalizing strategies and promoting responsible technology practices. In our conversation, she shares her insights on the importance of education, collaboration, and embracing change in the face of rapid advancements in AI. Suba also discusses the future of work, offering valuable advice on navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Now over to Suba. 

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction 

01:41 Who is Suba as a human

03:26 Who or what made her?

09:31 The Intersection of Technology and Business

16:07 Understanding Trust, Safety, and Responsible Technology

19:16 Practical Examples from Meta

22:30 What she is Working to Achieve?

24:21 Embracing AI: Challenges and Opportunities

26:43 Emerging Big Tech Movements

27:34 The Importance of User Choice and Transparency

28:08 Collaborative Efforts and Regulatory Frameworks

29:13 Addressing Election Risks and Deepfakes

33:29 AI's Impact on Business Leadership

39:55 Parenting in the Age of AI

44:04 Quickfire Questions and Personal Insights

49:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Social Links 

Linkedin 

X/Twitter

Links In Show 

Mozilla

Book - The Checklist Manifesto 

Show - The Gentleman 

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Natalia Talkowska shares her journey from Poland to London's startup ecosystem and how her insatiable curiosity led her to transform lives through visual storytelling. Interviewed at the Austin Public Library, Natalia delves into her mission of connecting people and making them feel seen and understood. She recounts the pivotal encounter with Darren Robson, a mentor who fundamentally shaped her career and personal growth. Natalia also discusses her approach to visual thinking as a strategic tool for distilling complex challenges and empowering decision-making within businesses. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the importance of human connection, creativity, and storytelling in an increasingly digital world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in innovative problem-solving, personal development, and the evolving role of AI in creativity. Thanks to Dave Birss for the recommendation.

Time Codes

00:00 Intro

01:46 The Impact of Mentorship and Personal Growth

02:08 Exploring the Roots of Creativity and Connection

04:40 The Transformative Power of Curiosity and Networking

05:39 The Entrepreneurial Leap: Support and Strategy

10:40 Reflecting on Legacy and Future Ambitions

18:32 Strategic Storytelling and Visual Thinking Explained

20:05 Unlocking Creativity in the Corporate World

20:33 Why Visual Storytelling Works for Businesses

21:38 Overcoming Brand Fear with Creative Solutions

22:45 The Power of Simplifying Complex Ideas

23:10 Developing a Unique Methodology for Engagement

26:19 The Journey of Visual Storytelling and Its Impact

33:14 Navigating the Future of Storytelling in the AI Era

40:28 Advice for Navigating Uncertainty and Embracing Creativity

44:35 Final Thoughts and the Importance of Community

Social Links 

Website

Linkedin

IG

YouTube

Links 

Books:

The Creative Act

Movie:

The Matrix

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Lauren Hug joins me this week. Lauren Hug, is a writer, speaker and activist based in Colorado Springs. Lauren grew up with a unique mix of influences - a tech-savvy household, a love for the humanities, and a conservative religious upbringing. This sparked in her a deep curiosity about ideas and a passion for rediscovering and sharing the wisdom of the past.

Lauren has focused much of her work on promoting digital kindness and encouraging healthier ways of interacting online. While social media often gets a bad rap, Lauren sees its potential for amplifying new voices and stories. Through her writing, speaking, and online presence, she inspires people to engage with more empathy, seek out different perspectives, and use digital platforms to spread uplifting content.

In this wide-ranging discussion, Lauren opens up about her journey of unlearning default mindsets, coping with anxiety, and defining herself on her own terms. She shares her optimism about younger generations and her excitement about the creative potential made possible by emerging technologies. I think you'll find Lauren's perspective refreshing and thought-provoking. Now over to Lauren

Time Codes

00:54 Introducing Lauren Hug

02:23 Lauren's Personal Philosophy: Rediscovering Ancient Wisdom

02:23 Exploring Identity and the Complexity of Self-Definition

03:57 The Role of Old Ways in Modern Times

05:29 Navigating Parenthood and the Pandemic's Effects

06:55 The Importance of Remembering and Celebrating Old Wisdom

07:15 Lauren's Unique Upbringing: Tech Meets Humanities

11:48 From Dreams to Reality: Lauren's Career Path

15:11 The Influence of Religion and the Quest for Authenticity

22:05 Digital Kindness: Lauren's Mission to Transform Online Spaces

36:48 The Challenge of Civil Discourse in a Digital World

48:08 Embracing Ambiguity in a Complex World

48:34 The Transformative Power of Uncertainty

49:01 Challenging Binary Views and Media Influence

49:38 Rethinking Social Constructs and Democracy

50:46 The Resurgence of Storytelling and Social Media's Role

51:32 Gen Z's Impact and the Future of Discourse

52:12 The Nuances of Gen Z and Social Media Perceptions

53:33 Redefining Business and Ideology for Gen Z

01:01:21 The Potential of AI and Rediscovering Humanity

01:06:33 The Importance of Intergenerational Communication

01:09:40 Exploring New Forms of Community and Connection

01:13:32 The Digital Kindness Journal: A Tool for Reflection

01:18:15 Personal Insights and Overcoming Challenges

01:22:21 The Future of Creativity and AI's Role

01:26:47 Concluding Thoughts on Digital Kindness and Legacy

Social Links 

Website

Linkedin

IG

Links 

"The Dawn of Everything" by David Graeber and David Wengrow

Better Things

TEDx talks by Lauren Hug

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In March I attended SXSW and for 8 days immersed myself in every available AI related keynote or panel discussion.

What did I learn?

1.No one can say for certain how the future will unfold as we embrace these AI tools and powered robotic technologies

2. Whether we like it or not AI is coming to our jobs and those using it - coming for our jobs.

3. Resisting it is futile but Embracing it while being cognizant of this full range or risks and ethical issues is essential

4. As futurist Amy Webb stated ‘we are in a tech Super cycle that will change every aspect of life and work’ and will require governments to prepare for the transformation ahead and for business to reimagine their value networks

5. What is certain is that we must focus on our humanity and celebrate what makes us uniquely human - our curiosity, and ability to build meaningful relationships, and find a sense of purpose that transcends algorithms and code.

Building on my interview with ChatGPT and as I have reflected I recalled an article I wrote for The Huffington Post called the Future of Getting Lost.

So in the spirit of embracing AI I have explored the potential and possibilities of using new AI avatar and chat tools like Hey Gen and Delphi and recorded my thoughts using HeyGEN delivered via my first AI Avatar. Aside from the weird accent it’s pretty impressive.

Now over to Mark Bot.

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