In this "quick one", Barry and Phil crack some beers and explore the impact of AI on design leadership, change management, and the future of work. They discuss recent developments in AI tools like Figma agent and Gemini, the cultural and emotional implications of AI adoption that come with this change, and practical strategies for integrating AI into creative and organizational processes, including the importance of focusing on value and experimentation in AI adoption. It is a timely and much-needed conversation for design leaders, and creatives in general, in the throes of AI transformation. Enjoy!

Drinks: Sprindrift Blood Orange Tangerine Sparkling Water, Tree House Brewing Company Waffleberry Double IPA

Links: www.figma.com

In this episode, Barry and Phil are joined by Dave Peak, serial entrepreneur and the founder of AI startup EasyBee.AI, which focuses on building customizable agents for mid-market firms. Dave takes us through his storied career leading innovation strategies for companies large and small, including pharma, financial services, and consulting. With a track record of successful exits, Dave shares his thoughts on being a successful entrepreneur in the AI age, including whether or not to secure financing, how much, and where to draw the line. We also discuss how to bring top talent on board, even with a bootstrap budget, and how to keep them engaged for the long term. We even get into the all-important topic of corporate swag, and how to turn a badly designed thermos into a collector's item. This is a broad discussion that covers a lot of pertinent topics. Enjoy!

Drinks: Stellwagen Beer Company Cooler Beer American Light Lager, Tree House Brewing Company Very Green Double IPA, Sierra Nevada, Sierra Nevada Hazy Little Thing New England-style IPA

Links: https://www.easybee.ai/

In this episode, Barry and Phil regroup from their time in Austin, Texas to share their thoughts on the week they spent attending SXSW 2026. Their takeaway from the festival was overall a feeling of hope and inspiration as they usher in what they see as a "Golden Age of Artificial Intelligence". Gone are the feelings of fear and trepidation, replaced with the hope of using these tools as a way to showcase differentiation, taste, and storytelling. They discuss how NOT knowing where things will go is a good thing, creating a particularly vibrant space where creative thinkers and tinkerers can thrive: observing seemingly disparate things that others can't, and connecting them together to create opportunities that others won't. It was a great week with a ton of amazing conversations, and we can't wait to do it again next year. Enjoy!

Drinks: Coffee, Water

Links: www.sxsw.com