Learn more about Annovation 💡
https://stan.store/annovation

Guest Links 🔗

• See what Addie is up to: https://cascadiasolutions.ai/
• See what Jon is up to: https://www.up.edu/franzcenter/executive-education/competing-in-the-age-of-ai.html
• See what Alec is up to: https://stan.store/annovation

Episode Links 🔗

• ChatGPT instant checkout: https://openai.com/index/buy-it-in-chatgpt/
• ChatGPT Pulse: https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-pulse/
• HubSpot AEO Guide: https://offers.hubspot.com/view/aeo-guide-early-signs
• Claude in Microsoft Copilot: https://x.com/Microsoft365/status/1970879198085398624
• OpenAI's Sora 2: https://openai.com/index/sora-2/
• Meta Vibes: https://about.fb.com/news/2025/09/introducing-vibes-ai-videos/
• Veo3 in YouTube: https://blog.youtube/news-and-events/generative-ai-creation-tools-made-on-youtube-2025/

The Monthly AI Update is where we recap the most important AI news you should know about from the past month and offer our thoughts to help you understand why it matters and what it means for the future of AI.

See all our AI Updates here: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcmBXRTidTC2LEI6E9qPBuU-Thm6mKSzi&si=NuAWj1ml5zw0aL0j

Expect useful frameworks, thought-provoking questions, and even a bit of friendly debate as we untangle the mess of AI news. The goal is that this discussion will help you, the viewer, to stay up to date and form a deeper understanding of AI.

Summary 📝

In this month's update, we discuss the latest updates in AI technology, including enhancements to ChatGPT, the update of Claude, the great AI slop debate, and the implications of AI-generated content. We explore the evolving landscape of AI tools, the importance of ethical considerations, and the ongoing debate surrounding the quality of AI outputs, often referred to as 'AI slop.' The discussion emphasizes the need for better benchmarks and the potential for AI to enhance creativity and productivity in various fields.

Chapters 🎬

00:00 Welcome to the Monthly AI Update

05:46 ChatGPT Instant Checkout

13:31 ChatGPT Pulse and Daily Summaries

18:31 Smart Glasses and Data Privacy

23:10 AI Notetakers

26:17 Claude AI: Performance and Benchmarking Challenges

33:41 Claude in Microsoft?

37:03 Small Businesses and AI Tools

38:22 Sora 2 and AI Video Generation

41:08 The AI Slop Debate

45:09 Quality vs. Quantity in AI Content

51:33 AI Content Watermarks

58:41 See you next month!

Annovation: Helping small businesses use technology to build something big! 🚀

Learn more about Annovation: https://stan.store/annovation

Episode Links 🔗

• Lauren's Substack (Folklore for the Future)
• Alec's Substack (The Innovator’s Journal)

• Google Genie 3 (AI World Model):

Summary 📝

This conversation explores the intersection of technology and genealogy, focusing on how emergent media and AI are transforming the way we connect with our past. The discussion highlights the importance of accessibility in storytelling, the role of technology in preserving family histories, and the potential for augmented reality to enhance our understanding of historical contexts. The speakers share personal experiences and insights on how technology can facilitate deeper connections with ancestors and inform present-day decisions.

Chapters 🎬

00:00 Welcome to the Annovation Podcast

00:29 Tech Communication

01:59 What is Emergent Media?

03:40 Tech Unlocking Storytelling

05:11 Unlocking Genealogy

10:43 Using AI as a Research Assistant

14:03 Historical Images & AI

19:45 The Future of AI-powered History

26:07 Stepping Into History Demo

30:23 Historical Applications for AI World Models

34:37 The Core of Genealogy

38:04 Emergent Media & Immersive Media

40:43 Connecting with History

43:22 Sharing Family Stories

44:13 Using Technology to Connect Generations

46:29 Just do it! (with technology)

Annovation: Helping small businesses use technology to build something big! 🚀

➡️ See how Annovation can help you: https://stan.store/annovation
➡️ Join the Annovation Community: https://www.skool.com/annovation

🎥 Watch more episodes of the Annovation Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcmBXRTidTC2uhi-FENJgfcYgTujaH2Ct&si=t0RIevdXb4vIRb5O

Innovate through Anything! 💡

Watch the video version on YouTube or Spotify

• Connect with Alec
• Connect with Aoife
• Connect with Scott

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the evolving landscape of careers and the essential skills needed to navigate it. They emphasize the importance of designing one's career intentionally, building strong relationships, and leveraging technology effectively. The discussion covers the significance of networking, negotiation, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. The speakers also highlight the need for continuous learning and adaptation in a rapidly changing job market.

Chapters

00:00 Welcome and Future Frameworks

02:07 Introductions

05:10 The Power of Relationships

10:14 Entrepreneurial Mindset in Career Development

16:33 Building Authentic Connections

21:18 The Importance of Trust and Visibility

28:14 Negotiation Skills for Career Advancement

36:40 Building Human Relationships in an AI World

37:35 The Art of Negotiation

39:34 Relational Capital and Wealth

41:32 Asking for Help and Networking

43:41 Transitioning to Technology

45:31 Learning Technology One Step at a Time

48:29 AI as a Tool for Learning

51:44 Evaluating Technology Tools

55:09 Learning vs. Adoption of Technology

59:04 Leveraging Technology for Greater Output

01:02:52 Outro - Thanks for listening!

Continue the discussion in the Annovation Community: https://www.skool.com/annovation

Watch the next episode live: https://lu.ma/annovation

This talk explores the evolving landscape of jobs and careers, emphasizing the importance of selectivity in career choices, the impact of technology and AI on job markets, and the need for individuals to adapt and innovate in their career paths. The speakers discuss the shift from traditional corporate ladders to more entrepreneurial approaches, the significance of meaningful work, and practical strategies for navigating career risks and building resilience in uncertain times.

The Future of Careers is a monthly discussion that takes a look at how jobs and careers are changing with new tech. Each discussion includes a look into the jobs of the future and the tactics that you can use today to help you future-proof your career.

Check out all of our Future of Jobs & Careers conversations in this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcmBXRTidTC0XCBGuuwV7-bITNmrL-N2F&si=tU3EaCnuTmA8bYfs

Chapters

• 00:00 Welcome to the Future of Jobs and Careers
• 00:50 Future Frameworks
• 02:29 Speaker Intros & Agenda
• 03:51 Understanding Employment Risks
• 06:07 The Shift from Traditional Career Paths
• 11:25 Finding Meaningful Work
• 17:59 Work-Life Alignment
• 24:32 Navigating Career Traps
• 28:53 Navigating Career Traps and Skills Development
• 30:14 Building Your Board of Mentors and Advisors
• 32:22 Designing Your Life and Career
• 33:44 The Importance of Support Networks
• 35:26 Listen to People: What Do They Want?
• 37:39 Experimenting with Career Paths
• 39:35 Understanding Modern Employment Values
• 40:45 Networking and Career Exploration
• 41:35 Using Fear as a Compass
• 43:09 You Can't Ignore Change
• 48:50 Key Takeaways and Future Directions
• 50:01 Wrap Up & Next Episode
• 52:13 Bonus: You Can Do Anything, But Not Everything

Continue the discussion in the Annovation Community: https://www.skool.com/annovation

For more on the rise of freelancing, check out our article on Substack: ⁠https://open.substack.com/pub/annovation/p/ai-exploration-the-rise-of-freelancing

Connect with Alec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleckauffman/

Connect with Hollie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/holliefasone/

Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscottjacobs/

The Future of Jobs & Careers is a monthly discussion that takes a look at how jobs and careers are changing with new tech. Each discussion includes a look into the jobs of the future and the tactics that you can use today to help you future-proof your career.

This conversation explores the challenges and opportunities within freelancing and entrepreneurship, focusing on the formation of guilds to support freelancers, de-risking entrepreneurship, and the potential for freelancing to be the majority of American work in the future.

Learn more about Annovation: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://annovation.io/⁠⁠

Watch with Video on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ & Spotify

Chapters

02:01 Welcome to the Future of Jobs & Careers

04:28 The Annovation Community

05:26 Frameworks for the Future

06:42 The Rise of Freelancing

11:26 Flexibility and Independence in Freelancing

18:10 A Taste of Independence

21:46 Reviving Guilds for Freelancers

25:03 Defining Freelancers and Their Needs

30:04 Bad Data Causing Bad Policy?

32:09 The Hidden Freelancers

34:48 Health Insurance is the Big Problem

36:44 De-risking Entrepreneurship

41:28 The Future of Work: Freelancing vs. Traditional Employment

48:23 America becoming the Freelance Hub of the World

53:51 The Role of Technology in Entrepreneurship

54:55 Wrap Up and Info For Next Meeting

The Future of Leadership is a monthly series, continue the discussion in the Annovation Community: https://www.skool.com/annovation​The Future of Leadership is a monthly discussion designed to explore modern leadership and the ever-changing business landscape. We look at the trends and techniques that make a good leader today and how those trends and techniques can help you and your team thrive tomorrow. Connect with Alec: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleckauffman/Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jscottjacobs/Connect with Aoife: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aoifeholden/

SummaryIn this first episode of the Future of Leadership, Alec Kauffman, Aoife Holden, and Scott Jacobs discuss the evolving landscape of leadership in the face of uncertainty. They explore key themes such as engaging with uncertainty, balancing employee and company needs, and the importance of communication in building trust. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of fostering a culture that embraces mistakes as learning opportunities and making informed decisions with limited information. The episode serves as a guide for leaders navigating the complexities of modern business environments.

Watch with Video on YouTube & Spotify: https://youtu.be/9xHOCpaGCb8

Learn more about Annovation: ⁠⁠https://annovation.io/⁠

Takeaways

• Leadership requires adaptability to constant change.
• Engaging with uncertainty is essential for effective leadership.
• Balancing employee needs with company goals is crucial.
• Communication builds trust and confidence in teams.
• Creating a culture that allows for mistakes fosters innovation.

• Iterative processes help in making informed decisions.
• Understanding the purpose of an organization is key to leadership.

• Embracing uncertainty can lead to growth and opportunity.

Chapters

05:23 Exploring Leadership in Uncertainty

10:49 Proactive Engagement with Change

22:58 Balancing Employee and Company Needs

29:02 Building Trust and Communication in Leadership

36:39 Fostering a Culture of Mistakes

40:59 The Importance of Feedback

43:21 Iterative Learning and Experimentation

46:26 Making Smart Decisions with Limited Information

52:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Leadership

The Future of Marketing is a monthly series from the Annovation Community: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/annovation⁠

Watch with Video on YouTube & Spotify: ⁠https://youtu.be/l3TnTve5dK4

Learn more about Annovation: ⁠https://annovation.io/

Summary

In this conversation, Alec Kauffman and Charlie discuss the future of operations, focusing on the importance of technology in business systems. They explore client communication systems: advanced phone systems, AI integration, booking systems, and the significance of integrating various tools for efficiency. The discussion emphasizes the role of AI in enhancing business communication and the necessity of building a support network for tech. They also touch on the difference between learning and adopting new technologies, the potential for creating custom solutions, and the importance of experimenting with AI and technology in business operations.Takeaways

• Businesses are becoming more systematized with technology.
• Client communication systems are crucial for success.
• Social media serves as a digital storefront for businesses.
• VoIP systems provide a professional communication solution.
• AI can enhance customer interaction and streamline processes.
• Booking systems reduce back-and-forth communication.
• Integration of tools can significantly improve efficiency.
• AI can assist in managing customer interactions.
• Learning about technology is essential for business growth.
• Experimenting with new technologies can lead to better outcomes.

Chapters

01:53 Understanding Modern Business Systems

03:45 Client Communication Systems in 2025

10:26 Advancements in Phone Systems

15:16 Asynchronous Communication and Booking Systems

20:58 Integrating Tools for Efficiency

26:45 Trust and Security in Automation Tools

32:09 Unlocking Business Scalability with Technology

34:12 Leveraging Booking Tools for Customer Engagement

35:39 Integrating AI for Enhanced Communication

40:40 AI's Role in Personalizing Customer Interactions

44:11 The Importance of Learning About Technology

48:39 Maximizing Efficiency with Technology

50:48 Creating Custom Solutions with AI

53:38 The Future of AI in Business Operations

55:06 Embracing Technology for Growth

The Future of Marketing is a monthly series from the Annovation Community: ⁠⁠https://www.skool.com/annovation

Watch with Video on YouTube & Spotify: https://youtu.be/CKS4Boarl-w

Learn more about Annovation: https://annovation.io/

Summary

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of marketing, focusing on the attention economy, the role of algorithms in content visibility, and the balance between paid and organic strategies. The speakers discuss the importance of experimentation, the impact of followers versus content quality, and the emergence of decentralized social media platforms like the Fediverse. They also share insights on effective advertising strategies and highlight notable trends in social media engagement.

Takeaways

• Understanding technology today helps achieve a better future tomorrow.
• Attention is a scarce resource in the digital age.
• Algorithms dictate what content gets seen and by whom.
• Follower count is less important than content quality and engagement.
• Paid advertising can enhance organic reach and visibility.
• Experimentation is essential for discovering effective content strategies.
• Decentralized social media platforms are emerging as alternatives to traditional ones.
• Engagement metrics are crucial for assessing content performance.
• Video content is currently favored by social media algorithms.
• AI-generated content can be a valuable tool for testing ideas.

Chapters

02:05 Understanding the Attention Economy

04:23 The Role of Algorithms in Content Visibility

11:11 Paid vs. Organic Strategies in Marketing

16:36 Navigating Social Media Algorithms

32:54 The Fediverse: Decentralized Social Media

39:17 The Future of Social Media Platforms

41:15 The Future of Social Media Protocols

44:00 Advertising in a Decentralized World

45:54 Navigating New Platforms: Threads and Blue Sky

48:49 Understanding User Experience in Decentralized Platforms

54:45 Testing Content and Advertising Strategies

01:07:36 The Evolution of Social Media and User Fatigue

01:10:32 Navigating Online Privacy and Authenticity

01:13:43 Engaging with Local Communities on Social Media

01:15:04 What's Got Your Attention? Exploring New Platforms

01:15:53 Case Study: WSDOT on Blue Sky

01:21:57 Performance Comparison: Blue Sky vs. X (Twitter)

01:23:05 Leveraging AI in Marketing Strategies

The Future of Jobs & Careers is a monthly series from the Annovation Community: ⁠https://www.skool.com/annovation⁠

Watch with Video on YouTube & Spotify: ⁠https://youtu.be/BWSfn9LaxBg

Summary

In this conversation, Alec Kauffman and Scott Jacobs discuss essential career tactics for future-proofing one's career, including marketing oneself, leveraging networks, and adapting to job searching in uncertain times. They emphasize the importance of soft skills, creativity, and transparency in the job market, while also exploring the impact of technology on careers. In this conversation, Alec Kauffman and Jacobs discuss the evolving landscape of jobs and careers in the context of AI productivity and automation. They explore the phases leading up to 2040, emphasizing the importance of mindset, confidence, and leveraging technology for job opportunities. The discussion highlights essential skills for the future workforce, the impact of AI on employment, and the potential for new roles and value creation in an age of abundance.

Takeaways

• Marketing yourself is expressing your value.

• Be clear about your goals.
• Content is key in job searching.
• Soft skills are critical for success.
• Networking is human connection.
• Be adaptable in your career.
• Creativity is not fluffy; it's essential.
• Employers need to be more transparent.
• Freelancing can be a proving ground.
• The era from 2025 to 2030 is characterized by AI productivity.
• Mindset and confidence are crucial in job searching.
• Technology can help automate repetitive tasks, freeing up time for more strategic work.
• Job roles will evolve with automation, requiring adaptability.
• Essential skills for the future include tech literacy and lifelong learning.
• The future job landscape will see a shift towards more creative and human-centric roles.
• AI will not necessarily eliminate jobs but change the nature of work.
• The age of abundance may lead to new forms of employment and value creation.
• Community and care roles will remain important in the future job market.
• Understanding technology is essential for staying relevant in the workforce.

Chapters

01:07 Essential Skills for Tomorrow's Careers

11:21 Future-Proofing Your Career

18:44 The Role of Soft Skills in a Tech-Driven World

23:37 Innovation and Creativity in Problem Solving

37:36 Embracing Change and Opportunity

44:43 The Future of Work and Drone Technology

45:56 World Economic Forum Insights on Job Creation

48:45 Essential Skills for the Future

50:26 The Evolution of Management Roles

53:13 AI and Task Automation

58:45 The 2030-2035 Job Landscape

01:01:41 The Shift Towards Non-Essential Jobs

01:06:51 The Age of Abundance and UBI Discussions

01:08:51 Future Work Hours and Job Scenarios

01:12:07 The Role of Humans in an Automated Future

01:14:56 Emerging Careers in the Care Economy

01:20:14 The Value of Human Creativity in Art and Entertainment

01:23:03 The Future of Work: Earning and Living

01:26:02 Introduction to Career Tactics

01:27:59 Marketing Yourself as a Subject Matter Expert

01:37:22 Leveraging Your Network

01:47:42 Job Searching in Times of Uncertainty

The Future of Marketing is a monthly series from the Annovation Community; click here to join the community: https://www.skool.com/annovation

Full Video: The Future of Marketing - Talk 2 | Annovation Community

Summary

In this conversation, Alec Kauffman and Ian discuss the future of marketing, focusing on innovative strategies and tools that can help small businesses thrive. They explore the creative potential of April Fools' Day marketing, the importance of improving content creation processes with new tools, the power of live interactions, and the benefits of automated direct messaging. Additionally, they delve into the significance of customer relationship management (CRM) systems and how AI can enhance marketing efforts.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Future Marketing Strategies

02:07 Leveraging April Fools' Day for Marketing

04:13 Enhancing Content Creation with New Tools

08:54 The Power of Going Live in Marketing

16:43 Automated Direct Messaging and Engagement Strategies

22:21 Integrating AI with Business Tools

25:11 Leveraging Technology for Small Businesses

26:19 Expanding Your Digital Storefront

29:22 Repurposing Content with AI

32:01 Understanding CRM Systems

43:55 Future of Customer Engagement

45:12 New Chapter