AI, Elite Creativity and the Curse of the Mushy Middle

Vikram Sharma, Operating Partner at S2G Investments on the massive opportunities of new technology for digitization and legacy industries. The former division president of Information Resources, or IRI, and former CEO of Shop Local says that 80% of US GDP comes from low-digitized industries, presenting significant opportunities for innovation.  An extraordinary combination of businessman, strategist and technologist, he argues that technology, while it might be scary, is coming to enable us. He says that in both the real world and the investment world, it’s important to marry math and meaning, and that ROI with storytelling can inspire and drive transformation.#Business #Innovation #Technology

Jack Myers, media ecologist, leadership strategist and author of The Tao of Leadership on how ancient principles can guide the modern business. The former executive at CBS TV and ABC Radio, and founder of The Myers Report and Media Village Education Foundation argues that leadership In the AI era will be built around five Taoist values: harmony, flexibility, balance, stability and integrity, integrating technology with human creativity and helping business adapt to rapid technological changes. He predicts the rise of the 'Nexus Generation,' born into an AI-integrated world, which will play a critical role as human intuition and creativity learn to coexist with AI in the future workplace.#Business #Leadership

Jack Klues, former director at Publicis Groupe, on the current talent crisis in the advertising industry. The architect of what is now Publicis Media built his career at Leo Burnett Media and says that long-term employee growth over constant job churn is about companies investing in their people. The role of leaders, he says, is to foster a supportive environment in the age of AI, shifting from boss behaviour to collaborative leadership. And short-term pitch cycles and the commoditization of talent, he argues, degrade trust, respect, and integrity in client-agency relationships.#Business #Leadership #AI

Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and authors of Shoveling $!it: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to Success. As the co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media—acquired by Salesforce for $745 million—they bring a wealth of experience from decades of building businesses and supporting nearly 100 early-stage startup founders as angel investors and advisors. They explore how AI and no-code platforms are breaking down barriers to entry, fueling a record surge in new businesses and reshaping the rise of entrepreneurs as the new franchisees. The heart of their message is that the balance between passion and persistence is the key to business success. Pre-order their book here:www.shovelingshit.com#Entrepeneur #DigitalBusiness #Leadership

Andrew Essex, a seasoned executive at Tata Consultancy Services on the future of business, creativity, and brands in an AI-driven world. The founding CEO of the award-winning agency Droga5 and CEO of the Tribeca Film Festival argues for the importance of human ingenuity and the need for brands to maintain their value, and gives us his vision of the evolving role of Madison Avenue. He predicts that excellence in craft and the hybridization of creativity and technology will be the way to thrive in an AI world, and says that continuous learning and curiosity is the way to navigate the changing landscape effectively. #business #leadership #advertising

Seth Green, Dean of the University of Chicago Graham School on how to navigate career transitions while keeping sight of our North Star, ‘traveling lightly" as we balance purpose over material wealth in achieving a fulfilling life. The co-architect of the University’s Leadership in Society Initiative, aimed at helping accomplished individuals transition to meaningful second careers, argues the importance of lifelong learning, especially in a rapidly changing world in which many are now climbing two career mountains. Ultimately, he says, we need to align our careers with personal values and to balance joy and meaning in work.  Title draws on David Brooks' concept of the "Second Mountain." #Business #Leadership

Peter Naylor, seasoned media executive on the impact of streaming television and the superior experience it provides. The former global Vice President at Netflix argues that Sports streaming will explode our expectations of the viewing experience as Netflix and others begin to leverage the advertising potential of what was the last bastion of traditional media. And through his involvement with Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit focused on gun violence prevention, he reminds us of the power and responsibility of media influence as it expands exponentially, particularly on children. *This episode was recorded on December 11, 2024.

Donna Dupont, founder and chief strategist for Purple Compass on the importance of good governance and forward planning in business as we face the challenges of climate security and extreme weather events. As an award-winning designer and futurist who helps organizations build their future literacy, she argues how in preparation for future risks, we can see future opportunities. She reminds us that the ramifications of climate change impact every one of us, both as leaders and as individuals, but that in business, it will affect how we hire talent, how we manage risk and where potential clients might or might not spend their money. #ClimateChange #Business #FutureOfWork

Scott Donaton, currently Chief Marketing and Content Officer at Versus Game, on brand storytelling and the agility of startups. The former Global Chief Creative and Content Officer at Digitas who became CMO at Hulu argues that Versus Game's AI-driven engagement engine which gamifies content to enhance user interaction is a glimpse of the future in media. He says that companies need to embrace the Next Big Thing – especially the AI era of brand storytelling, and to move at the speed of startups if they are to stay competitive.   #Marketing #Media #FutureOfWork #BrandStorytelling

David Kenny, Chairman of Nielsen, dives deep into the evolving landscape of talent, data, media, and technology. David explores the critical intersection of people and business goals, offering powerful insights on creating synergy between the two. He discusses how to navigate the complexities of industry shifts, the importance of adaptability in leadership, and how the future of data-driven decision-making will impact companies and consumers alike. #Leadership #Media #Technology #Data #BusinessStrategy #Innovation