Tag Archives: creative

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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Why We Choose the Bear: An Exploration of Strength, Safety, and Symbolism

When danger can appear in the most unexpected places, the question of where and how we find safety becomes deeply personal, touching on our fears, strengths, and shared experiences. We Choose The Bear, a new anthology I have co-written with Kim Larkin, invites readers to explore these themes through a powerful collection of stories, essays, poems, and artworks that challenge traditional ideas about power and protection.

BUY We Choose The Bear

At first glance, the title may evoke images of wild, untamed nature—perhaps a fierce bear stalking through the forest. But this anthology flips the script, using the bear as a symbol of safety rather than fear. The inspiration behind the book is rooted in a provocative and poignant question: Why do many women and marginalized individuals feel safer encountering a bear in the woods than a man? This question isn’t just rhetorical; it’s a lens through which the authors examine the complex dynamics of violence, trust, and survival.

Byte-Sized Book Banter Curious Questions Considered Podcast with Iris and Axil. Episode on “We Choose The Bear” book.

We Choose The Bear was created during significant celestial events in 2024, a year marked by both cosmic and cultural shifts. The anthology captures this moment in time, weaving together personal narratives, mythological themes, and cultural insights to form a rich tapestry of experiences. Each piece in the collection adds a unique thread, offering readers a diverse array of perspectives on what it means to find strength in vulnerability, to reclaim power in the face of oppression, and to redefine safety on one’s own terms.

The bear, traditionally seen as a symbol of raw, untamed power, becomes in this anthology a protector. The contributors explore this symbolism through various lenses—some stories draw from ancient myths, where bears were revered as sacred protectors; others offer contemporary narratives that reflect the lived experiences of women today, navigating a world that can often feel hostile and unpredictable.

But We Choose The Bear is more than just a collection of stories; it’s a call to action. The anthology doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of violence and fear, but it also doesn’t leave the reader in despair. Instead, it offers a path forward, one that is rooted in solidarity, resilience, and the power of reclaiming one’s own narrative. It’s a book that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human—vulnerable yet strong, fearful yet courageous.

As you turn the pages of We Choose The Bear, you’ll find yourself drawn into a world where the boundaries between myth and reality blur, where the woods offers not just danger, but also refuge. The stories and essays will challenge you to think differently about power and protection, while the poems and artworks will leave a lasting impression, inviting you to reflect on your own experiences and beliefs.

Whether you are a seasoned reader of feminist literature, someone seeking to understand the complexities of violence and safety, a fan of art or simply a lover of thought-provoking stories, We Choose The Bear has something to offer. It’s a book that stays with you, sparking conversations and inspiring action long after you’ve finished reading.

In the end, We Choose The Bear asks us all to consider where we find our strength and how we can create a safer, more equitable world. It’s a question that resonates deeply in today’s society, and one that this anthology answers with both honesty and hope.

We Choose The Bear is available now online. Don’t miss your chance to experience this powerful and timely collection. Read it, share it, and join the conversation.

BUY We Choose The Bear

BUY We Choose The Bear

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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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