In this talk, we’ll embark on a journey to demystify the world of generative AI, moving beyond the sensational headlines and fear-based narratives. We’ll unpack what this new form of intelligence really is, exploring its capabilities, potential trajectories, and near-term implications.
This exploration is particularly crucial for creatives, across all domains, many of whose day-to-day lives have already been profoundly impacted. You’ll leave with a nuanced understanding of how generative AI works, and steps you can take to shape its impact in your life.
We will discuss this topic from several angles:
• Comparing Human vs. AI Creativity: Understanding the relative strengths and weaknesses is key to knowing where and how to spend time
• Cyborg and Centaur Styles: Understanding the difference between periodic augmentation of human capabilities with AI (Centaur) versus integrating AI into our fundamental approach (Cyborg).
• Multimodal AI Interactions: Exploring how AI interfaces through text, speech, and visuals, and how these modalities shape our interaction with technology.
• AI as a Serendipity Engine: Uncovering how generative AI, with its instant and vast reach, can help us manifest unexpected, beneficial discoveries and ideas in various fields.
• Leveling Up Your Metacognition: Demonstrating how the very act of developing the skills needed to work effectively with AI will accelerate self-awareness and mental mastery
• Practical Experiments: We’ll conclude with a hands-on segment, “10 Things to Try at Home,” offering practical ways you can engage with generative AI in your day-to-day activities, for new superpowers as well as understanding of this alien intelligence.
Thor Muller has made a career out of guiding people, communities, and companies through technological transitions. As co-creator and director of the AI prompt engineering practice at Mach49, a global company helping large organizations incubate their own startups. In his role, Thor works with AI experts researching and developing new ways for AI to enhance the creativity and effectiveness of teams.
As the co-founder of the Rogue Valley AI Lab (RV/AI), Thor works to nurture a growing community of our region’s AI practitioners, enthusiasts, and curiosity-seekers with bi-weekly sessions open to all. Partnering with local institutions like SOU and Scienceworks, RV/AI aims to wisely integrate AI into local communities in ways that promote health and wellbeing. RV/AI offers opportunities for people to learn about, find work, conduct independent research, and build businesses with generative AI.
Thor is also known for co-authoring the NY Times best-seller “Get Lucky: How to Put Planned Serendipity to Work for You and Your Business.” The book shows how serendipity is a skill of “discovering things that you didn’t know you were looking for,” and why this is a fundamental driver of creative pursuits. Drawing from his experiences as an entrepreneur and creative, “Get Lucky” outlines eight concrete methods that can be used to increase the presence of serendipity in work, art, and play.
With over 30 years in technology and entrepreneurship, Thor has founded, advised, and built numerous companies. Notable ventures include Get Satisfaction, a customer service platform that empowers customers, and Zola Electric, which has illuminated lives across Africa with renewable energy.
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