The Precision of Algorithms and The Creativity of Humans

Exploring the Intersection Between Technology and Communications

CNN news anchor and correspondent to technology entrepreneur was not the path I imagined taking after leaving my role as a journalist almost ten years ago. I’ve taken a long hard journey of reinvention by overcoming a litany of fears. The incredible talented humans I have met along the way have far surpassed any algorithm I have interacted with, and they continue to challenge me and shape my path.

Fear is a great avoidance or a great opportunity. I chose to embrace it by learning about business plans, market sizes, product road maps, project plans and canvases. One failed start up, multiple pivots later, and an evolving deep interest in new technologies has redefined who I am. I realize I am a learner-builder.

Blockchain and NFTs

While creating and building thezvg.com with an incredible team during the day, late at night I can be found practicing what I am absorbing. I started my own You Tube NFT channel (ZeeVeeNFT) learning how to trade crypto, opening hot and cold wallets, buying NFTs, creating collections of my own, and making new friends on crypto X. I have been collecting African NFT art in particular.

I have even bought land in the metaverse, I own gaming coins and I’ve invested in oracles like Chainlink. All this to say I lost a lot of money in the crypto bear market and NFT crash but I’m still standing. There is light as a new bull run seems on the horizon for the coming year. I am hoping one day I can introduce you to the Luka Press Club, an NFT collection for democratized storytelling.

Artificial Intelligence

Like millions of others I have learned a new language this year about Large Language Models, Diffusion Models, Mixture of Experts, Data Lakes, Text to Video, Text to Audio and while I was learning I started a blog so I could break down what I’m reading and share it with you. I am a co.founder in TheRundown.Studio which is a modern comms academy where we double down on the core values of storytelling and introduce the power of new technologies. It’s in beta and there’s a long way to go here.

A Chatbot Called Wanja AI

While we are building it out, new Artificial Intelligence technologies and open source codes allowed us to develop our own assistant, a chatbot called Wanja AI where we are prototyping, sprinting and learning. Wanja is your guide to understanding Africa. Those who know me, know that everything I do is with a proudly African DNA.

Introducing Ndoto

This year I co-produced a film called Ndoto with Mirada Studios to show the kind of beautiful storytelling we can achieve with AI and extraordinary human talent in the driver’s seat. It is the world’s first AI film calling for climate action in Africa. I’m really proud of this.

Ndoto validated my thinking that being open to learning and sharing is essential. All this exploration has occurred over a two year period and I find it thrilling.

Many intractable problems can be solved with new technologies emerging. When I look past the hype, there are real use cases, real solutions in communications that compel me to keep exploring without fear.

Why This Substack

That’s what this Substack will be about. My efforts and experiences to explaining new technologies that I am coming across in my every day work as a storytelling and comms shop. How we can apply new tech, what are the red flags to watch out for, what new skills are needed, and what workflows should we consider. Ethics, security and transparency are

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Zain