Remember Rule No. 6

I used to show this video of Benjamin Zander telling the story of Rule No. 6 at the start of my university courses or Gen AI workshops.

Sorry to spoil the surprise, but his message is: "Don't take yourself so ***damned seriously."

Unfortunately, I have largely stopped showing the video because the audiences often continued being their very serious selves. I've concluded that the video is only appreciated by people already comfortable with laughing at themselves in front of others, and I suspect it has a chilling effect on everyone else.

I suppose this problem of "why so serious?" has always existed, but it has gotten worse in modern times. Social media trains people to put up a perfect-looking facade, and many people on LinkedIn believe they should write posts like an encyclopedia entry.

Humour is an integral part of our humanity and cannot be delivered authentically by a machine. No AI can create the laugh lines around our eyes, only our giggles will.

That is why during the first "The Agency of You" masterclass that I taught this past week, I emphasised that it is our human feelings and judgement that make a difference in the age of AI. On the one hand, I teach people how to automate the menial tasks we don't want to do. On the other hand, I teach people to pause and ask how we can communicate more warmly, more funnily, more caringly (yes, there's such a word!).

Being able to laugh at ourselves is not just about lightening the mood in the room. I think it's also vital in keeping us grounded (you're not as important as you think you are) and enabling us to bounce back quickly from mistakes and failures ("'Tis but a scratch!" - Monty Python).

So, lighten up a little today!

What I wrote this week

"The Agency of You" masterclass with The Straits Times finally happened! I have spent many months designing this course which combines the teaching of marketing fundamentals and Gen AI skills to enable anyone to sell their ideas, products and themselves better. The next run will be in November, stay tuned!

For those looking for advanced Gen AI training, The Straits Times and I have just announced the Advanced Gen AI Masterclass, happening on 29 Sep.

How to get better at data storytelling with the help of ChatGPT. But I still recommend you go for proper training.

ChatGPT is a better LinkedIn search engine than LinkedIn. Well, at least for my old posts.

Simple Canva lifehack to get free clip art for your pressos.

Google Veo 3 video: My transforming apple.

Google Veo 3 now allows you to upload and animate your own photos. It's a work in progress and only available to those on the Google AI Pro or Ultra subscription plan.

Up, up, and away! I highly recommend the new Superman movie. It's the best one since Superman II, which was 45 years ago! I rarely go to the cinema now, but this was a must-see. Here's the unlocked NYT review for you.

That's all, thanks for reading!