"For the first time in history, there is a way to make faster, smarter decisions without any of the sacrifice: by harnessing artificial intelligence as your strategic Thought Partner."

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Embrace Change - treat this as an opportunity to build better businesses and lives.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Become a Practice Leader - build trust and lead with authenticity and with integrity.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Communicate Transparently - be transparent about what you know and what you don't know.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Empower People to Shape the Future - give your people a role in building the future.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Shift from Operational to Strategic - AI is here to help your team focus on high-impact priorities with superhuman abilities.</li></ol>

Thought Leadership

Starting Point: Start wherever you are.The Lightbulb Moment: Have AI turn a relatable moment into a remarkable experience.The Reality Check: The issue is not AI, it's how you communicate with it.Building Momentum: Start doing better work in no time.Accelerating Progress: Harness AI across different use cases.Expanding What's Possible: Build an AI-driven company with your people's best interest at the center.

The AI Empowerment Curve

"Successful change often requires strong, visionary leadership that can inspire and guide the transformation."

The simple ways you can use AI to increase your productivity:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Strategic thinking</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Decision-making</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Content creation</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Idea generation</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Analysis (data, content, ideas)</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Research</li></ul>

It's Not Just About Helping Us With Emails

"As AI becomes part of our way of life, the leaders who learn to harness it will be the ones who thrive."

Mastering great questions is a skill that will serve you no matter where you go.We all have biases and assumptions that can lead us astray.AI can challenge your biases and enhance them.  Ask it to challenge you.Your job as a leader is to teach your people to think strategically.What seat are you in?  Are you the driver, the passenger, or stuck in the trunk.

The Questions You Ask Shape Your Future

Data overload versus Data security: two main challenges: drowning in too much information or lacking enough data to make informed decisions.Speed: while humans take about five hours to read 100,000 tokens, AI process the same information in seconds.Accessibility: previously data analysis required waiting weeks for results from an analytics team. Now, AI provides answers in seconds.AI puts insights right at your fingertips.AI allows you to utilize skills beyond your own, accelerating your momentum and impact.

Getting it Right

"The more you learn to harness AI, the more you start to realize just how effective you can become."

Get out of the gate fast.Four simple steps to drive execution of your strategic plan:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Break your plan down into small, actionable milestones.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Block time to focus on the priorities.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Create a common language around prioritization with your teams.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Elevate the impact of your one-on-ones by coaching your people to focus on what matters each week.</li></ol>

Design Your AI-driven Organization

Strategy first, technology second.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Don't make AI a solution looking for a problem.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Start by looking for problems, that if solved, would unlock business value.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Identify what tools can help you.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Map out the stakeholders required to help you.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Lead through the change with empathetic strength.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">AI adoption happens by consistently getting on base, not by swinging for the fences.</li></ul>Create a good first impression and build momentum.

And Off We Go!

"My AI makes me more human. I want my AI teams to allow my human teams to get back to doing smart human things."

A simple 3-step framework:<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Ask the AI to interview you: Don't know how to use AI for a situation? Ask AI to interview you to identify a way it can help. One question at a time.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Generate a high-quality prompt: Ask AI to generate for you a high-quality prompt to help with the task you have identified.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Execute the prompt: Tell AI to execute the prompt it just generated.</li></ol>

Expanding Your Use of AI

Note: Not covered in the book - this is my own personal opinion.When I am not sure how to prompt my AI, I ask myself, "How would I delegate this to a human team member?"I would explain what I am looking for.I would give context and boundaries around my request.I would tell them what I felt success would look like.and finally I would ask them if that had any questions before they get started.So, talk to AI like a human.

When In Doubt

"I talk to my AI Agent team the same way I talk to my human team, polite and with patience."

I am using my AI every day.I have various agents for a variety of tasks.                                  Sintra is one of my favs:                                   <a href="https://playosinc.pxf.io/mtisintrateam">Your New Sintra Team</a>                                                     Have fun with AI

Thank You for Following and Support

Harnessing AI to make faster, smarter decisions

The difference between growing your business and going out of business is your ability to think strategically. The problem: Leaders are stuck in the operational weeds, while their competition gains an edge with AI. The time to act is now. In The AI-Driven Leader, you'll learn how to: <ol>Escape operational overwhelm and lead with strategic clarity</li>Collapse the time for turning data into decisions </li>10x the impact of every employee</li>Apply real-world examples and prompts to get immediate results</li></ol> The AI-Driven Leader gives you a simple path to harness AI as your Thought Partner. Grow your business, outpace the competition, and get more done in less time.

productivity

Productivity

education

Learning & Education

books

Books

artificialintelligence

Artificial Intelligence

leadershipandmanagement

Leadership & Management

Geoff Woods

The AI-Driven Leader

<ol><li class="ql-align-justify">Steal like an artist</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Don't wait until you know who you are to get started</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Write the book you want to read</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Use your hands</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Side projects and hobbies are important</li><li class="ql-align-justify">The secret: Do good work and share it with people</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Geography is no longer our master</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Be nice</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Be boring</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Creativity is subtraction</li></ol>

The 10 Things:

Every artist gets asked the question."Where do you get your ideas?"The honest artist answers,"I steal them."Look at all that is around you.  Steal the ideas as they flow into your brain.

How to look at the World (Like an Artist)

"The only art I'll ever study is stuff that I can steal from."

Nine out of ten times when people call something "original" they just don't know the reference or original source that sparked the idea."There is nothing new under the sun." Ecclesiastes 1:9

Nothing is Original

Everything that needs to be said has already been said. But since no one is listening, everything must be said again.

Take your ideas and run❗️Paint the painting you want to paintPlay the music you want to playWrite the books you want others to readCreate the products others will loveTake your ideas and just run with them❗️

Go Make Stuff

Create two spaces: Digital (we all have those) and AnalogYour Analog Station:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">markers</li><li class="ql-align-justify">stickie notes</li><li class="ql-align-justify">scissors</li><li class="ql-align-justify">tape</li><li class="ql-align-justify">paper</li><li class="ql-align-justify">keep all digital products away and just create</li></ul>

Make Space for your Best Work

"The work you do while you procrastinate is probably the work you should be doing for the rest of your life."

Creative people need time to just sit around and do nothing.Some of the best ideas come from a place of boring.Multiple projects happening at the same time allow you to bounce back and forth between them in the event things get boring with one.Move to another, and then another, and then back again.

Practice Productive Procrastination

Do good work and share it with people.Wonder at something, then invite others to come and wonder with you.When you open up your process and invite others in,  you learn.  Learn from their comments and reactions.Find inspiration from others.Personal Note: I took a lot of my painting inspiration from Bob Ross, just like the author Austin Kleon did.Everyone loves "Happy little trees."

Not so Secret Formula

Want to learn from the best❓Stand next to them, watch, listen, absorb.You Will Need:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Curiosity</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Kindness</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Stamina</li><li class="ql-align-justify">A willingness to look stupid</li></ul>If you ever find yourself in the situation where you are the most talented person in the room, leave the room and find a new one.

Stand Next to the Talent

Avoid the desire to correct all the stupid mistakes you find out there.Focus on making something special over picking fights online.Waste not your energy on the stupid, the incorrect, or the ignorant.Resist the dopamine hit that comes with being right or judging.Focus on your own mastery.

Go Make Something Special

"Complain about the way other people make software by making software."

Want to continue to be a well of inspiration❓Take care of yourself.Eat the right foods.Drink plenty of water.Exercise and move.Get proper regenerative sleep.Read the right books and listen to the right music.Your body is your number one asset.  Protect it, treat it right.

Take Care of Yourself

Give yourself the honor of creating and maintaining a praise file.Fill it with all the positive reactions you receive.Emails.  News articles.  Blog posts.  Podcasts. Text messages.Review these during those times of doubt.These are reminders of your greatness.  Your impact on others.When the negative self talk, or ability questioning in your head begins - STOP, consult the praise file.Remember who you are❗️

Create a Praise File

"Telling yourself you have all the time in the world, all the money in the world, all the colors in the palette, anything you want - that just kills creativity."

The right constraints can lead to your very best work.Limitations can draw out our creativity.Create with what you have.Make a movie using only your iPhone.Paint with only 3 colors.Start a business with absolutely no money.Don't wait until you have it all to get started.  Start with what you have and simply move.

True Artistry Comes from what is Left Out

Be sure to follow me for more.Go ahead and smash the Follow button.Join my podcast where I review these same book:<a href="https://www.brianmunroe.tv">BrianMunroe.TV</a>

Hope You Enjoyed❗️

"10 things nobody told you about being creative."

You don’t need to be a genius, you just need to be yourself. That’s the message from Austin Kleon, a young writer and artist who knows that creativity is everywhere, creativity is for everyone. A manifesto for the digital age, Steal Like an Artist is a guide whose positive message, graphic look and illustrations, exercises, and examples will put readers directly in touch with their artistic side. When Mr. Kleon was asked to address college students in upstate New York, he shaped his speech around the ten things he wished someone had told him when he was starting out. The talk went viral, and its author dug deeper into his own ideas to create Steal Like an Artist, the book. The result is inspiring, hip, original, practical, and entertaining. And filled with new truths about creativity: Nothing is original, so embrace influence, collect ideas, and remix and re-imagine to discover your own path. Follow your interests wherever they take you. Stay smart, stay out of debt, and risk being boring—the creative you will need to make room to be wild and daring in your imagination.

mindfulness

Mindfulness

business

Business

artsandculture

Society, Arts & Culture

I’m a writer who draws. I make art with words and books with pictures. Author of Steal Like An Artist and other bestsellers. Visit my website: http://austinkleon.com/

Austin Kleon

Steal Like an Artist

"Is it time for the next project because the clock or calendar says it's time, or because the work itself says it's time?"

The artist's job is never truly finished.This is because the artist's job is of two kinds:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of doing</li><li class="ql-align-justify">the work of being</li></ul>Creativity is something you are, not only something you do.Staying in it means a commitment to remain open to what's around you.  What you see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.There is no telling where the next great story, painting, recipe, or business idea will come from.Be ever present.

24/7 (Staying In It)

How many times have we decided to just flip a coin to find out.Do I want option A or do I want option B.And how many times do we secretly hope that "heads" or "tails" will appear when we have set our parameters.What am I truly rooting for?This is the option you go with.  While the coin is spinning in the air, your heart has already decided which option it wants.Let the coin fall.Don't look at it.Go with what your heart desires.That's how you choose.

How to Choose

"What we say,what we sing,what we paint - we get to choose.......The art is the final word."

The mission is to be in the present moment with the work.Clean slate is our ability to see the work again like it was the first time.This may require time away from the work.Let is sit for a minute, a day, a week, a month.When you return with a clear perspective, you will more likely have the discernment to see what the project wants or needs.Time is where the learning occurs. ﻿

Clean Slate

What motivates us?What drive us to finish certain pieces and not others?This energy that comes from our work feels similar to another force of creation in the world:Love ❤️You catch yourself losing track of time, forgetting to eat, withdrawing from the outside world.It generates excitement in you.It commands your attention.The call of an artist is to follow the excitement.

The Energy (In the Work)

"The best work is the work you are excited about."

Art exists in the same circle of death and rebirth.When consumed with a single work to the point where we feel it is our life's mission, we leave no room for new art to be born.While the artist goal is greatness, it's also to keep moving forward.Every artists creates a living museum of finished works.  One work after another.Keep moving forward❗️

Ending to Start Anew (Regeneration)

"A work of art is not an end point in itself.It's a station on a journey.A chapter in our lives.We acknowledge these transactionsby documenting each of them."

Making art is a serious matter.The opposite is also true. Making art is pure play.Some of the best ideas come from a playful state.Stress reduces our creativity.  Reduces our resourcefulness.In play, there are no stakes. No boundaries. No right or wrong.Let your spirit be free❗️Embrace your inner child with a fresh new box of crayons.

Play

"Whether the work comes easily through playor with difficulty through struggle,the quality of the finished piece is unaffected."

We have stories about ourselves,and those are not who we are.We have stories about the work,and those are not what the work is.You are you.The work is the work.As artists, we're called to let go of these stories.We move forward in the energy of curiosity to see what transpires.Even if perceived chaos, there is order and pattern.The work is you.You are the work.

What We Tell Ourselves

"Being an artist meansto be continually asking,"How can it be better?"whatever it is.It may be your art,and it may be your life."

As I continue to share the books I read, I hope you follow me on this journey.Remember that all the Deepstash publications I do end up being a subject for my podcast "All About Books"<a href="https://www.brianmunroe.tv">www.BrianMunroe.TV</a>

Thank you❗️ I hope you follow me.

There are so many great insights in this book I decided to break this into 2 parts.  Here is part 2 - Enjoy‼️

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

creativity

Creativity

The Creative Act - Part 2

This book has so many wonderful insights I need to do this in two parts to due it justice.

Part 1 of 2

Fantastic book on creativity and how we are all creative beings.  I will cover this book in two parts due to the amount of valuable content contained in its pages.

writing

Reading & Writing

mentalhealth

Mental Health

videos

Videos

Brian Munroe

All About Books Podcast Episode 2 - The Creative Act by Rick Ruben Part 1

We are all creative in one way or another. In The Creative Act, Rick Rubin reminds us that creativity isn’t reserved for artists; it’s a universal trait that lives within us all, waiting to be embraced.

Creativity is for Everyone

The depth of The Creative Act by Rick Rubin is truly astounding. There is so much wisdom packed into its pages that I’ll need to cover it in two parts, starting with this first part.This is a book I know I’ll return to again and again, discovering new insights with each read.

A Book Worth Revisiting

Early in life, I always considered myself creative through my oil painting and art. Over time, my creativity shifted to training development and delivery, where I found new ways to express myself. Now, it’s showing up in writing and podcasting, continuing to evolve as I explore new ways to share ideas and connect with others.

Creativity Evolves over Time

"There's a time for certain ideas to arrive, and they find a way to express themselves through us."

Creativity is not a rare ability.It is not difficult to access.Creativity is a fundamental aspect of being human.It involves bringing something new into existence that wasn't there before. Could be art, a conversation, a solution to a problem, or a new way of thinking.Creativity is about perceiving, filtering, and curating experiences for ourselves and our audience.

Everyone Is A Creator

Though artists generally aren't aware of it, the end work is a by product of a greater desire.Our creations allow us to share a glimpse of the unseen, an inner landscape that is beyond what we could image.Watch for moments that take your breath away, whether a beautiful sunset, the sounds of amazing music, or a design that captivates your attention.Harnessing this energy can be useful in your own creative pursuits.

The Unseen

"Look for what you notice but no one else sees."

A practice is the embodiment of an approach to a concept.An approach to living in a state of openness.Requires setting up daily rituals and constantly refreshing awareness to maintain the state.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">A daily walk.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Savoring our meals by eating slower and with intention.</li></ul>One day you realize you are always in a state of awareness at all times.

Practice

We are all different. We are all imperfect.Imperfections are what makes each of us and our work interesting.If a creator is afraid of judgement, they will never move forward in their creations.The desire to share the work needs to be greater than the fear of judgement.It is in our imperfections that some of our best work shows up.

Self Doubt

"The person who makes something today isn't the same person who returns to the work tomorrow."

When it comes to art, rules are different.The laws and rules of math and science are different than the laws and rules of art.Artists follow assumptions, not absolutes.Rules direct us to average and our goal is not to fit in.Value your own approach. Holding every rule as breakable is a healthy way to live as an artist.

Rules

There are no shortcuts.Patience is required for crafting a work that resonates and contains all that we have to offer.If there is a rule to creativity that is less breakable than the others, it's that the need for patience is ever present.Experience life slowing. Taking in the experiences it presents.Re-image your ideas.  And now do it again.

Patience

Art creates a profound connection between the artist and the audience. Through that connection both can heal.

Inspiration involves creating space for insight.Practice meditation and contemplation as a method of quieting the mind to achieve inspiration.It's about both our quality and quantity of download.One can never be sure when this spark of insight originates.An artist's life cannot be solely based on waiting for inspiration.In its absence, we may work on other areas of our work that does not require the power of "awe."

Inspiration

"Talent is the ability to let ideas manifest themselves through you."

Part 2 of this book will come next week.Would love to have you follow me❗️Hope you all enjoy my content and remember each entry in Deepstash turns into a podcast:www.brianmunroe.tv

Would Love To Follow

The object isn't to make art, it's to be in that wonderful state which makes art inevitable. - Robert Henri

The #1 New York Times bestseller. From the legendary music producer, a master at helping people connect with the wellsprings of their creativity, comes a beautifully crafted book many years in the making that offers that same deep wisdom to all of us. "A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment.” —Anne Lamott “I set out to write a book about what to do to make a great work of art. Instead, it revealed itself to be a book on how to be.” —Rick Rubin Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable. Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn’t, he has learned that being an artist isn’t about your specific output, it’s about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone’s life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities. The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distills the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime’s work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments—and lifetimes—of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.

habits

Habits

Rick Rubin

The Creative Act

Each book that I write ideas about here in Deepstash turn into a podcast sharing session. I hope something you hear in my words resonates with you. - Brian<a href="https://youtu.be/ZAyiTG3vdfE">BrianMunroe.TV</a>

Ep1 - The Secret Letters from the Monk who Sold his Ferrari - Robin Sharma

This book came into my life at one of my darkest periods. The transformational journey the character went through was my journey. His words, my words.This book truly saved my life.

loveandrelationships

Love & Relationships

podcasts

Podcasts

Books change our lives. Book change our way of thinking. Books re-enforce our beliefs.  We learn from books.  We laugh at their words, we cry on their pages.  Books come to us for a reason and a season.  For me, these books have come into my life for a purpose and I plan to share the story and lessons around each one of them.  And when I am so lucky, I will have others on the podcast to talk about their books as well.

All About Books

The Book That Changed My Life Forever

We are all here for some special reason. Stop being a prisoner of your past. Become the architect of your future.

As I started to read I had no idea this book would alter the course of my life forever.  "You read this 3 times?!" - Chris Collins author I Am Leader, during a podcast while talking about this book.That's right I read the book 3 times.  I was the character in this book.  I felt an instant connection.  I was the one with a relationship in shambles, disconnected from my children, lost in my mindset and at an all-time unhealthy weight.  Little did I know I was about to go on the journey of my life.

Man In Trouble - Was This My Story?

As I stepped into the character, my transformation began.A journey to wonderful places around the world to meet with an eclectic group of people.Strangers who reveal astounding insights on how to reclaim my life, be true to myself, and fearlessly live my dreams.Here are the lessons I learned in my journey and share now with you.

We Can Learn from Anyone

The best gift we can give ourselves is the gift of living an authentic and genuine life.  We need to:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">break free of the seductions of society and live on our own terms and values.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">explore our unseen hopes, desires, strengths and weakness that make us who we are.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">understand where we have been and where we are going.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">make every decision our commitment to living a life that is honest and true.</li></ul>

The Power of Authenticity

Fear keeps us right where we are.  Right in the center of our comfort zone and our familiar place.The greatest risk in life is not taking any risks at all.Stepping into the discomfort of growth, learning, and progress brings us a step closer to living a free life.We learn, over time, to grow more fearless and powerful.

Embrace Your Fears

Our words are our thoughts verbalized and our deeds our beliefs in action.No action, regardless of size, is insignificant.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Kindness is life's biggest mirror.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Mistrustful to others - mistrustful to ourselves.</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Cruel to others - cruel to ourselves.</li></ul>Every encounter with another is our opportunity to shine a light on our values to influence positivity.Be kinder. Be more generous.

Live with Kindness

”Small daily improvements over time lead to stunning results.”

The way we handle of small tasks dictates the way we handle ALL tasks.As we excel at our small tasks, our large tasks fall into place.Consistency is key.Daily incremental effort builds upon itself to produce monumental things.Small daily improvements lead to exceptional results over time.

Make Small Daily Progress

All work is your chance to express your personal talents - your time to shine a light on your greatness.<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">devotion</li><li class="ql-align-justify">passion</li><li class="ql-align-justify">energy</li><li class="ql-align-justify">excellence</li></ul>May your work be a source of inspiration to others and make a difference in the lives around us.Strive for true mastery in your work.  A life beautifully lived is to do the work that matters to you.

To Lead Your Best Life, Do Your Best Work

Always be aware of those around you. Those you allow into your inner circle of influence.Spend time with those who appreciate you.  Lift you up. Elevate you.Be with those who bring out the very best in you.Surround yourself with people who truly love and care for you.Your most positive friends and peers will inspire you to be the greatest version of yourself and lead a magnificent life.

Choose Your Influences Well

Most people end up discovering what is truly important to them when they are much older in life.  How sad a realization.Years spend pursing things that do not matter only to find out the things that truly matter have been around us the entire time.Look for the wealth of blessings all around you each day.As you do, your happiness and gratitude will expand.

Life's Simplest Pleasures Are Life's Greatest Joys

The heart is wiser than the head.Trust your heart.Honor your heart.Follow your heart.The quality of your life will come down to the amount of love you poured into it and everything around you.

The Purpose Of Life Is To Love

"Don't live the same year 75 times and call it a life."

Every single one of us is here for a reason, a special purpose, a mission.Build a happy beautiful life for yourself and those around you.Make your life matter.  Be of use, be of service to others.Become successful on your terms, not the terms of society.Develop yourself, always be learning, always be expanding.Seek understanding.Be curious.Dance like EVERYONE is watching, and have fun!

Stand For Something Bigger Than Yourself

This book found me during one of the darkest periods of my life.

After a bizarre encounter with his lost cousin, Julian Mantle—a former high-powered lawyer who suddenly vanished into the Himalayas—Jonathan Landry is compelled to travel across the planet to retrieve letters and mementos that carry the extraordinary secrets that Julian discovered throughout his life. On a remarkable journey that includes visits to the sensual tango halls of Buenos Aires, the haunting catacombs of Paris, the gleaming towers of Shanghai and the mystical deserts of Sedona, The Secret Letters of The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari reveals astounding insights on reclaiming your personal power, being true to yourself and fearlessly living your dreams.