Tag Archives: AI

The Futures AI Mindset: Thriving in a World of Generative AI

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic buzzword—it’s a transformative force already reshaping industries, creativity, and the way we solve problems. But as AI becomes increasingly integrated into our work and lives, the real question isn’t just how to use it, but how to think about it. Enter The Futures AI Mindset: a framework for approaching AI as a collaborator, not just a tool.

Image created in DALLE

What Is The Futures AI Mindset?

The Futures AI Mindset, developed by the Applied futures Lab, is a way of thinking that positions AI as a partner in creativity, problem-solving, and innovation. It helps individuals and teams navigate the complexities of emerging technologies while keeping humanity and ethics at the center. Instead of viewing AI as a replacement for human effort, The Futures AI Mindset emphasizes collaboration, balance, and forward-thinking.

This approach is grounded in eight key principles:

  1. Collaborative: AI thrives when combined with human creativity and intuition. Use AI tools to brainstorm, co-create, and enhance your work.
  2. Confident: Confidence grows with practice. The more you experiment with AI, the more you’ll trust its capabilities and your own.
  3. Positive: Focus on the opportunities AI brings rather than fearing disruption. Reframe challenges as chances for innovation.
  4. Prepared: Stay ahead of the curve by learning new tools and trends. AI is evolving rapidly, and preparedness is key.
  5. Balanced: Use AI to streamline repetitive tasks, creating space for creativity and personal well-being.
  6. Specific: Set clear, actionable goals for how you’ll integrate AI into your work.
  7. Open-Minded: Be curious and willing to explore new possibilities AI presents, even if they challenge your assumptions.
  8. Patient: Mastering AI tools and achieving meaningful results takes time. Celebrate small wins along the way.

Why The Futures AI Mindset Matters

Generative AI is already transforming industries—from healthcare to education, fashion to filmmaking. While these advancements bring incredible opportunities, they also create new challenges. The Futures AI Mindset helps us navigate this landscape with clarity and purpose.

  • Anticipate Change: AI can disrupt the status quo, but with the right mindset, we can turn disruptions into opportunities.
  • Think Systemically: AI’s impact isn’t isolated. For example, improving supply chains with AI also involves addressing workforce readiness and ethical considerations.
  • Innovate Boldly: Generative AI opens doors to bold experimentation, such as creating immersive virtual environments or designing entirely new product categories.

How to Apply The Futures AI Mindset

Applying The Futures AI Mindset starts with small, intentional actions. Here are a few steps to get started:

  • Stay Curious: Dedicate time to exploring AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, or DALL-E. Experiment with how they can enhance your work.
  • Collaborate: Use AI to enhance team brainstorming sessions, blending diverse perspectives with machine-generated insights.
  • Reflect and Adapt: Regularly evaluate your AI strategies. What’s working? What needs refinement? Use feedback to improve your approach.
  • Engage in Learning: Attend workshops or join communities focused on AI. Programs like the Applied Futures Lab offer hands-on experience integrating AI with creative and strategic thinking.

Building Rafts Together

Not everyone is prepared for the speed and scale of AI transformation, and many feel like they’re drowning in a sea of uncertainty. That’s why The Futures AI Mindset isn’t just about personal growth—it’s about building rafts for others. By sharing our knowledge, creating accessible resources, and fostering inclusive discussions, we can ensure that no one is left behind. Helping others find their footing in the AI revolution is as important as navigating it ourselves.

The Takeaway

The Futures AI Mindset isn’t just about using technology—it’s about building a relationship with it. By embracing AI as a collaborator, we can unlock its full potential to enhance creativity, drive innovation, and shape meaningful solutions.

As we stand on the cusp of this AI-driven era, it’s up to us to ensure that the way we engage with AI reflects our values, creativity, and commitment to making a positive impact. So, how will you adopt The Futures AI Mindset in your work and life?

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Build Cutoms GPTs

First, what is a GPT? Generative Pre-trained Transformer, which is a type of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s a family of large language models (LLMs). The cool thing about GPTs is you can very easily build your own custom bots to do things for you.

There’s been a big update:

Any ChatGPT user can now use all custom GPTs. It used to be only subscribers could use each other’s GPTs. Now with Free 4.o anyone can use Chat GPT and use the Open AI GPT Directory to find GPTs.

Visual of the GPT Directory (above)

Only paid subscribers can build them at this time, but everyone can access them now. I have many GPTs; some are public, and some are not. I have posted some of my public GPTs on my Linktr.ee if you fancy taking any of them for a spin. If you are a subscriber and haven’t built a custom GPT yet – get on it!

If you need support – jump to this video series called Custom GPTs with Friends.

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Artists and Algorithms

Technological advancements are continuously reshaping our world, and one of the most intriguing developments in the future of creativity is the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). As an Applied Futurist, I’ve closely observed and engaged with this evolution, and I’m excited to share my perspective on how AI is revolutionizing the creative landscape.

AI’s role in the arts and creativity is transformative, serving as a collaborator that enhances my own human potential rather than replacing it. I am in no way afraid of this technology. I can see and feel the fear from other creatives who go immediately to “This is going to replace us.” It isn’t. Whenever new technology creeps into the human experience, we go straight to fear and survival. When photography first came out as a medium the Fine Artists with a capital FA, yelled and wouldn’t allow photographs in shows, they were concerned what would happen with art if one artist could make copies of their work and sell it many times over. Today, we don’t talk about photographs in that way because we realize that creatives will still create. Movies were exciting but caused a big stir in the theatre community as they thought no one would ever go to the theatre again if you could just record the actors and play the film at any time to any audience. Mathaleticians were up in arms when the calculator came out. Convinced that people would no longer do math because the calculator would cheat for them. Does all of this sound familiar to today’s rhetoric about AI?

Here’s the thing: AI does have dangerous sides, dark sides, and deep web possibilities. There is plenty to fear about the future of AI, but I would ask – What can you control? Do you have a degree in cyber security or work in the intelligence field? If your answer is no, then the very best thing you can do, as a creative or not, is to jump in. Get informed, educated and familiar with these tools. We can jump up and down all we want, but they are not going away. Learning them is our individual path for the future.

AI is not taking over the creative process, but instead is augmenting and amplifying human ingenuity. From the perspective of an artist, imagine having a partner who never tires, continually bringing new ideas to the table, and expanding the limits of your imagination. AI is redefining the traditional boundaries of creativity. It’s not just about creating art or writing stories; it’s about venturing into unexplored territories of creativity. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, spot trends, and synthesize information rapidly, AI enables artists to move swiftly from concept to prototype, tailoring creative outputs to specific tastes and preferences.

One of the most exciting aspects of AI in creativity is its democratizing effect. AI tools are becoming more accessible, allowing people from all walks of life to engage in creative activities. Whether you are a seasoned artist or a novice, AI levels the playing field, providing tools that assist in the creative process and making art more inclusive and diverse.

TI have been hanging out in AI play spaces where people from all different disciplines are gathering to connect and play, to experiment and to ask curious questions together. From one of these groups I came to meet seven amazing humans who are all on this journey and we decided to map it – together. We started by each writing down our experiences to date as we have engaged in AI. We create an anthology together as round one. It is called AI Futures An Anthology. Our next steps will be to video nd audio record our chapters and use those inside AI to create more things. It is an exciting play space to explore.n

As an Applied Experiential Futurist, I invite you to consider how AI can enhance your creative or professional work. Whether it’s through an AI-assisted design project, a data-driven marketing campaign, or an AI-curated educational curriculum, the opportunities are endless.

How will you embrace AI in your creative journey? Share your thoughts, and let’s continue to explore this exciting frontier together.

For more insights into the future of AI and creativity, visit Applied Futures Lab. To discuss these concepts further or get personalized guidance, connect with Cyndi Coon, on LinkedIn.

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