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?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.