In this episode of the Experience Strategy podcast, hosts Aransas Savas, Joe Pine, and Dave Norton discuss the recent developments in AI leadership, particularly focusing on Sam Altman's 'code red' declaration regarding OpenAI's competition with Google. They explore the importance of experience in AI development, the frameworks that should guide AI companies, and the evolving expectations of users. The conversation delves into the distinctions between 'stupid', 'dumb', 'smart', and 'genius' AI, emphasizing the need for contextual understanding and anticipation in AI solutions. The episode concludes with thoughts on the future of AI personal assistants and the potential for a more integrated AI experience.

Takeaways

• Experience is the key differentiator in AI competition.
• Frameworks like 'Stupid, Dumb, Smart, Genius' help understand AI evolution.
• Consumer expectations for AI are rapidly changing.
• AI must focus on contextual understanding to improve user experience.
• The distinction between smart and genius AI is crucial for development.
• AI hallucinations undermine user trust and effectiveness.
• Companies need to anticipate user needs for better AI solutions.
• Personal assistant AI must fulfill its promise to users.
• The future of AI lies in creating integrated, context-aware systems.
• Experience strategy is essential for navigating the AI landscape.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Experience Strategy Podcast
01:26 AI Leadership and Experience Focus
06:22 Frameworks for AI and Experience Strategy
11:56 Understanding AI: Stupid, Dumb, Smart, Genius
19:24 The Future of AI and Personal Assistants

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https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

The conversation explores the evolving perception of wealth and meaning, highlighting a shift towards purpose-driven initiatives among wealthy individuals like Musk and Gates. Taken from the article in the Economist, entitled the Ultra-rich Are Giving Up on Luxury Assets, it discusses how traditional symbols of wealth are losing significance as people seek deeper meaning in their financial pursuits.

Takeaways

• People are starting to think differently about what is meaningful.
• Owning luxury items does not equate to personal meaning anymore.
• Wealthy individuals are focusing on greater purposes for their money.
• Musk and Gates exemplify this shift towards purpose-driven wealth.
• The current transitional period is reshaping our understanding of wealth.
• Eradicating world hunger and space exploration are new priorities.
• Meaning is becoming more important than material possessions.
• The conversation reflects a broader societal change in values.
• Wealth is being redefined in terms of impact rather than ownership.
• Purpose-driven initiatives are gaining traction among the wealthy.

Chapters

• 00:00:12 Introduction to Experience Strategy
• 00:00:41 The Economist Article Discussion
• 00:01:21 Luxury Goods and Experiences
• 00:02:12 Premiumization and Ultra High Experiences
• 00:03:13 Value of Experiences Over Goods
• 00:04:18 Branded Hotels and Innovation
• 00:06:11 Transitional Period in Consumer Perception

Read More:

https://www.economist.com/finance-and-economics/2025/10/12/why-the-ultra-rich-are-giving-up-on-luxury-assets

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https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com

Two articles caught our attention. The first was in The Hollywood Reporter about a new movie theater concepts with private rooms and high end food in New York. The second was a story about the power of IMAX in the movie industry, per the Wall Street Journal.

In this episode, Joe Pine, Aransas Savas, and Dave Norton discuss the evolving landscape of the movie theater experience, particularly in light of the pandemic's impact. They explore new concepts in Hollywood, such as premium movie theaters and IMAX, and how these innovations cater to changing consumer preferences. The conversation emphasizes the importance of customization, personalization, and the need for theaters to create engaging experiences that resonate with audiences. The hosts also provide valuable insights for experience strategists on how to adapt to these trends and enhance the overall consumer experience.

Takeaways

• The pandemic significantly impacted the movie theater industry, leading to a decline in attendance.
• Premiumization is a key trend in the film industry, focusing on enhancing the overall experience.
• Customization and personalization are crucial for attracting audiences back to theaters.
• Consumers decide the 'when' or the situation, then watch the movie
• Theaters need to innovate and create engaging environments to compete with home viewing.
• Experience strategists should measure the money value of time (MVT) in their offerings.
• The integration of social components can enhance the movie-going experience.

Chapters

01:23 Hollywood's New Movie Theater Concepts
02:38 The Impact of the Pandemic on Movie Theaters
04:47 Premiumization in the Film Industry
06:40 Customization and Personalization of Movie Experiences
08:57 Consumer Preferences Post-COVID
11:38 The Role of IMAX and Alternative Experiences
16:41 Innovations in the Theater Space
20:15 Key Takeaways for Experience Strategists

Read More:

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/inside-metro-private-cinema-tim-league-movie-theater-1236311204/

https://www.wsj.com/business/media/imax-movie-release-trend-6f4587a2?st=PKpj1G&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink

Podcast Sponsors:

Learn more about Stone Mantel

https://www.stonemantel.co

Sign up for the Experience Strategist Substack here:

https://theexperiencestrategist.substack.com