Experimenting with a new format with my pal Christoper Jerard. We’re planning to do a few of these so you can hear a format where there is more banter and storytelling. A little sneak behind how the sausage is made. Let us know what you think.
The creativity and the future of work is constantly evolving, with new technologies and ways of working emerging at an exponential pace. From AI to remote work, and proliferation of digital media how we work and create is different from even 1 year ago.
Meet Chris
Joining me at the mic is my long-time friend Christopher Jerard. Chris is the Vice President of the Outside Creator Studio, a marketing organization overseeing the production of content, social media, and events for Outside Interactive. With his extensive experience in media and publishing—having founded the agency Inkwell, run a free ski and snowboard magazine publishing group, and served as CEO of the venture-backed company ROAM—Chris is a force to be reckoned with in the creative industry.
I first met Chris through my work as a live action sports photographer. As the head of Freeskier Magazine, Chris was an early supporter of my work. We quickly became friends and he came on board as my manager as my work started really exploding on the internet scene. We have worked closely and travelled the world together on some pretty epic projects.
Working in Remote Teams
In this episode, Chris and I look back at our past experiences in the business community and how they relate to today’s world of work. While the ability to get things done from home in your boxers is an agreed-upon perk, it has its limitations. Filming a podcast in the same home office or collaborating on a project with colleagues halfway around the world can be tricky. We’ve both had the privilege of seeing how in-person connection can help teams become more productive and creative.
It’s easy to see how employers and professionals are split on this issue, and it doesn’t seem to have a clear resolution. What Chris and I do believe, however, is that the old ways of working are over. Whether completely in-office or at home, society seems to have recognized the importance of creating the right spaces to collaborate and produce work. Social platforms, dedicated team workspaces, and a global workforce will only make these collaborations easier over time.
Balancing Digital Engagement With Real-World Experiences
The internet has changed the way people work, but with it comes the difficult challenge of finding a balance between digital productivity and natural human essence. The rise of AI technology is just one example of how fast things are evolving, creating opportunities but also potential risks.
Chris mentions a news article that made headlines recently, detailing eerie responses a reporter was able to siphon from ChatGPT. Social media is another complex issue; while we’ve both built our careers through online platforms, they can be both good and bad depending on one’s perspective. On the plus side, it allows us to stay informed and connected in ways never before possible. Unfortunately, this can also lead to virtual burnout if you’re not careful with your reliance on technology.
Ultimately, Chris and I agree that the key to thriving in today’s world is to create a balance between digital and real-world life. The latter is what humans were designed for, and it is important to honor that, regardless of how advanced things get.
Although technology, working dynamics, and industry trends have changed tremendously since I first met Chris over 20 years ago, his creative spirit and savvy business sense remain intact. I’m grateful for his friendship and look forward to our continued collaborative effort in building conversations around the challenges of creative work today.
Enjoy!
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