The Creative Mindset I&CO

The framework for deploying generative AI for brands and corporations as read by Simon Osmont.




The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter that explores what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.




Episode References:How to AI | ArticleSimon Osmont | WebsiteRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site


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How do smaller AI companies stand against giant corporations with more significant resources?




On this week’s episode, we welcome back Sho Rust, the Founder & CEO of SHO.AI, to discuss the future of AI-based services in an increasingly competitive industry, the intricacies of scaling a business, and how AI can enhance the work of professionals.  




Sho Rust, an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to AI and design in brand content generation, has a rich professional background marked by significant contributions to the industry. His career includes roles at the United Nations, B-Reel, co-founding RAREFORM, and impactful work for brands like Disney, Google, and Nike. At the Boston Consulting Group's Digital Ventures Division, he excelled as a Lead Brand Technical Designer, skillfully blending AI with design. 




In 2018, he launched SHO.AI, a Generative AI platform that predates ChatGPT. This platform has been embraced by universities, global agencies, and Fortune 100 brands, revolutionizing their creative processes. Additionally, Sho dedicates his Saturday mornings to teaching at the same college he graduated from, sharing his knowledge and passion for AI and design. 







Timestamps:0:04 Exploring AI's Impact on Creativity and Content Creation1:25 Balancing Startup Growth, Culture, and Leadership Challenges6:03 Innovating Brand Management with AI-Driven Design8:51 Challenges and Successes in AI-Augmented Branding12:23 Empowering Humans With AI: The Superpower Synergy13:23 Harnessing AI Tools Requires Skill and Patience14:43 ChatGPT's Impact on Perception and Business Practices17:55 AI Platform Scrutiny and Competitive Pressures Intensify20:26 Tech Giants and Nations Invade the AI Island21:19 Agility and Innovation in AI Product Development24:23 Lightning Questions28:00 Three Takeaways





Episode References:SHO.AI | Corporate SiteSho Rust | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site





See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Opportunities are everywhere. It’s just a matter of recognizing them and bringing those ideas to life.




On this week’s episode, we welcome Sho Rust, the Founder & CEO of SHO.AI, to hear about his journey from studying design to starting his own AI platform for content creation. Sharing Sho’s challenges in building his own company, the discussion highlights the importance of passion, execution, and recognizing opportunities for success.




Sho Rust, an entrepreneur with a deep commitment to AI and design in brand content generation, has a rich professional background marked by significant contributions to the industry. His career includes roles at the United Nations, B-Reel, co-founding RAREFORM, and impactful work for brands like Disney, Google, and Nike. At the Boston Consulting Group's Digital Ventures Division, he excelled as a Lead Brand Technical Designer, skillfully blending AI with design. 




In 2018, he launched SHO.AI, a Generative AI platform that predates ChatGPT. This platform has been embraced by universities, global agencies, and Fortune 100 brands, revolutionizing their creative processes. Additionally, Sho dedicates his Saturday mornings to teaching at the same college he graduated from, sharing his knowledge and passion for AI and design. 







Timestamps:

0:04 Exploring AI's Impact on Content Creation with Sho Rust

1:24 Bridging Design, Technology, and Entrepreneurship

3:20 From Art to AI: A Designer's Evolution

6:52 From AI Projects to Disruptive Startups at BCG

9:51 Rapid Growth and Japanese Expansion

10:33 Scaling Design Systems With AI Across Global Brands

14:11 Early Experiments with Language Models Transforming Brand Management

15:31 From Cushy Jobs to Grandma's Basement Startup

18:13 Startup Challenges and the Importance of Simplification

20:21 Rapid Growth and Strategic Focus in Tech Startups

24:58 Three Takeaways




Episode References:

SHO.AI | Corporate Site

Sho Rust | LinkedIn

Rei Inamoto | Instagram

Rei Inamoto | X

I&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A campaign worth numerous advertising awards doesn’t necessarily mean your community of customers will like the idea.




On this week’s episode, we welcome Ginny Golden, the Executive Creative Director at YETI, to hear about YETI’s rapid revenue growth and the importance of staying true to the brand’s authenticity. Ginny shares her experience transitioning from agency-side to in-house at YETI, insights on building an in-house agency, and the value in cultivating a strong community of dedicated customers.







Timestamps:0:03 From Agency Creative to Executive Director at Yeti2:38 Transitioning to Yeti for a Broader Creative Experience3:36 Transforming an In-House Creative Agency at Yeti5:26 Challenges of Onboarding and Brand Stewardship at Yeti8:12 Yeti's Multidimensional Brand and Community Authenticity11:46 Embracing Outdoor Lifestyles: From Casual to Hardcore12:33 Tensions Between Creativity and Capitalism in Corporate Culture13:32 Yeti's Growth: Brand Heart and Founders' Spirit17:32 Nike's Ethos and History Through Maxims and Booklets19:26 Crafting Artifacts to Preserve a Rapidly Growing Company's Story21:10 Yeti's Brand Growth and Marketing Strategy Discussed22:51 Unlocking Yeti's Growth Through Authenticity and Versatility25:41 Innovative Brand Building and Community Engagement at Yeti29:40 Turning Lost Gear Into Delightful Surprises30:28 Cultivating Authentic Community Connections in Marketing32:55 A Surfer, Skater, and Pitmaster's Old World Hog Hunt33:24 Authenticity as a Brand's Defining Characteristic35:52 Balancing Short-Term Demands With Long-Term Brand Strategy37:11 Lightning Questions41:51 Three Takeaways








Episode References:YETI | Corporate SiteGinny Golden | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site


See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Rei answers questions about hiring in the creative industry with guest Roy Husada. This AMA segment dives into challenges that small studios face when competing with big agencies and tech companies for talent, the importance of codifying a company’s operational principles, and practical tips such as the strategic use of in-house recruiters who understand the company’s DNA.




Roy Husada comes on our show with questions as Founder & Managing Director at Rival Schools Japan, a creative agency specializing in brand localization for the Japanese market.







Episode References:Rival Schools Japan | Corporate SiteRoy Husada | LinkedInRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is the decline of elitism of creativity inevitable? as read by Simon Osmont.




The Intersection is Rei’s weekly newsletter that explores what the future holds at the intersection of creativity and technology. Subscribe to The Intersection to receive his latest editions directly in your inbox.




Episode References:The Cult of Productivity | ArticleRei Inamoto | InstagramRei Inamoto | XI&CO | Corporate Site

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.