A Full-Circle Moment of Inspiration: Meeting Guy Kawasaki

Some moments in life feel like they bring everything full circle. Meeting Guy Kawasaki was one of those for me.

I’ve been following Guy since the original Macintosh days—back when his evangelism at Apple was shaping the future of personal computing. As a teenager, I was completely immersed in the magic of the Mac, and later, working at an Apple VAR (Value-Added Reseller) in those early years only deepened my admiration for Apple’s vision. It wasn’t just about selling hardware; it was about empowering creativity, breaking barriers, and redefining how we think about technology. Guy embodied that spirit.

His work at Apple and beyond has been a guiding force in how I approach innovation, learning, and design. He didn’t just promote a product—he championed an idea, a mindset that technology should be intuitive, empowering, and, most importantly, delightful. His books, from The Art of the Start to Enchantment, have been constant sources of wisdom, reminding me that great products and experiences aren’t just about features—they’re about how they make people feel.

Guy Kawasaki's Books: Macintosh Way, Selling the Dream, How to Drive Your Competition Crazy, Art of the Start, Think Remarkable

When I finally got the chance to meet him, it was one of those surreal, fanboy-meets-mentor moments. And true to form, he was engaging, insightful, and, of course, effortlessly cool.

But Guy wasn’t the only one from those early Apple days who shaped my journey. I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to visit Apple and work with the amazing teams at the Apple Market Centers in Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and Reston, VA. These centers were hubs of innovation and collaboration, where I got to connect with some of the most passionate, knowledgeable people in the industry.

Holding monthly events at these Market Centers—where we shared knowledge, explored new technologies, and learned together—was a defining part of my career. It reinforced my belief that the best ideas come from open collaboration and a willingness to teach and be taught. That experience didn’t just make me better at what I do—it shaped who I am.

I’m grateful for the mentors, colleagues, and fellow Apple enthusiasts who instilled in me the love of sharing, teaching, and constantly pushing boundaries. Whether it was an engineer taking time to explain a new feature, a designer showcasing a breakthrough workflow, or a developer revealing the magic behind an app, those moments of learning and discovery were invaluable.

That spirit of sharing knowledge and inspiring others is something I carry with me every day. Whether it’s designing learning experiences, building new platforms, or mentoring others, the DNA of those early Apple experiences—the passion for making things insanely great—is always there.

Here’s to lifelong inspiration and the people who help shape our creative paths. Thanks, Guy, and thanks to all the Apple minds who helped me grow—not just in what I do, but in how I share it with others.

Photo of Nick and Guy at the FETC Future of Education Technology Conference

How Many Steps Does It Take to Launch an App?

If you’ve ever developed an app, led a UX design project, or managed a product from idea to launch, you know the journey is rarely linear. It’s a mix of planning, iteration, unexpected detours, and—at times—a frantic race to the finish.

Watching the classic Tootsie Pop commercial got me thinking: launching a project is a lot like asking, “How many licks does it take to get to the center?”

At the start, everything seems simple. You’ve got an idea, a vision, maybe even a wireframe or prototype. Just like unwrapping a Tootsie Pop, it feels exciting—a fresh start full of potential.

One… Two…

Then reality kicks in. User needs shift, goals evolve, stakeholders have new requests. Development reveals unforeseen challenges—APIs don’t work as expected, edge cases pop up, accessibility needs refining. Suddenly, your smooth path turns into an obstacle course.

Three!

Now comes the make-or-break moment. You can push forward blindly (the equivalent of the owl taking a giant bite), or you can pause, reassess, and iterate. Great UX isn’t rushed—it’s tested, refined, and validated.

Some teams rush to the finish line, shipping a product that barely holds together. Others take too long, stuck in analysis paralysis. The best teams find a balance—moving quickly while ensuring the core experience is rock solid before launch.

So, how many steps does it take to build a great app?

It depends. Every project is different, and no two journeys are the same. But one thing is certain—the process matters just as much as the final product.

Exploring the Magic of Glen Keane’s Google I/O Presentation: A Masterclass in Creativity and Technology – Glen Keane’s Creative Process

If you’re passionate about creativity or a fan of Disney, Glen Keane’s Google I/O presentation is one you shouldn’t miss. Glen, the artist behind iconic characters like Ariel, Beast, and Pocahontas, reveals his creative process and how technology can amplify artistry in ways that feel both fresh and deeply authentic.

In this talk, Glen used Google’s Tilt Brush in VR to sketch and animate in real-time. Watching him bring Ariel to life in a 3D space was mesmerizing; it felt like standing right beside him as he crafted each line, each motion. The magic wasn’t just in the tech—it was in seeing how Glen, with decades of traditional animation experience, embraced a new medium to expand his storytelling. It’s a true blend of classic artistry and modern tools, showing us that creativity doesn’t get replaced by tech; it gets enriched.

Glen’s approach to character design is rooted in simplicity and emotion, starting with the heart of each character and building from there. He showed us that each sketch, each iteration, is an opportunity to explore and find meaning, not just a final product. His openness to experimenting, to seeing “mistakes” as part of the creative journey, is a reminder to keep our own work exploratory and open.

This presentation captures what’s exciting about the intersection of art and technology, where tools like VR can deepen the impact of storytelling rather than distract from it. It’s inspiring for anyone creating experiences—especially in learning and development—where meaningful stories and engagement are key.

If you haven’t seen Glen’s Google I/O talk, recommend watching. It’s a perfect example of how we can use technology to bring ideas to life in unforgettable ways.

Apple’s New Stop-Motion Mac Mini Promo is Pure Creative Magic

Apple’s latest Mac Mini promo is a fun stop-motion animation, packed with the kind of charm only stop-motion can bring. It has a handcrafted feel that’s refreshing in a world filled with digital effects, and it makes the Mac Mini seem more approachable, even fun.

Stop-motion takes real patience and creativity; each little movement is adjusted frame by frame, bringing the whole setup to life one second at a time. Apple uses this to show off the Mac Mini’s versatility and power in a playful, human way. The result? You’re not just looking at a piece of tech; you’re seeing a creative tool that’s ready to bring any idea to life.

This ad makes a clear point: the Mac Mini is here for creators. It’s inviting you to imagine, to make, and to push your creativity, no matter the scale. It’s as if Apple is saying, “Here’s a device that’s as powerful as your imagination.” And this stop-motion style just hits differently—it’s raw, hands-on, and connects with us visually in a way 3D animation doesn’t always reach.

For creators, this ad is a reminder of why we love tech in the first place: it’s not just about consuming, it’s about creating. The Mac Mini isn’t flashy; it’s quietly powerful. And in this ad, it shows us that sometimes, the best tools are the ones that let you keep it simple, focus, and get things done creatively.

Experimenting with Googles NotebookLM

If you’re looking for an AI-powered assistant that transforms how you interact with information, Google’s NotebookLM could be a game changer. This smart note-taking tool goes beyond basic document management by integrating Google’s advanced language model technology. NotebookLM not only helps you organize your notes but also enables you to generate summaries, track key ideas, and uncover insights you might have missed. Its real strength lies in its ability to understand the context of your documents, helping you connect ideas and extract meaningful information more effectively.

Screenshot 2024-10-14 at 12.21.26 PM.jpg

Imagine being able to ask your notes complex questions, instantly generate content ideas based on your research, or synthesize lengthy documents into digestible insights—all without switching tabs or losing focus. NotebookLM is designed to be an extension of your thinking process, helping students, professionals, and lifelong learners alike navigate their information more efficiently and creatively.

What’s even more exciting is NotebookLM’s ability to transform written content into audio formats, letting you create podcast-like episodes on the go. By simply selecting your notes or research topics, the AI can generate scripts and narrate them for you, allowing you to turn key insights into a podcast for easy listening. This feature is perfect for reviewing content during a commute, sharing your research in a new format, or reinforcing your learning through a different medium. With just a few clicks, you can repurpose your notes into a completely new experience.

Here’s how you can use it today to enhance your learning:

  • Summarize lengthy notes or documents: Instantly create concise summaries of complex information, helping you grasp the key points faster.
  • Generate self-assessment questions: Use NotebookLM to prompt questions based on your notes, so you can actively test your understanding.
  • Identify connections between concepts: The AI can highlight links between different topics, helping you see relationships and overarching themes in your material.
  • Extract key takeaways from research: Pull out the most important insights from large volumes of research, making studying and reviewing more efficient.
  • Create a podcast from your notes: Easily transform your research or key points into audio, so you can listen, learn, or share ideas on the go. Magic Feature – if you play with one part of the product, listen to this example based on this post. I love the interaction and engagement that is created. 
Example of the User Interface and auto prompts to get you started.
Example showing highlights from the post generated by NotebookLM.
Screenshot

In short, NotebookLM is not just a note-taking app—it’s an intelligent tool designed to help you engage deeply with your information and turn it into meaningful knowledge across multiple formats.

Join us at the 20th Anniversary of DevLearn

I’m so excited to announce that we’ll be attending, speaking, and sponsoring DevLearn this year, and I’d love for you to join me! The primary event takes place Nov 6-8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. DevLearn is the premier event for learning and development professionals, and it’s the perfect opportunity to learn about the latest trends in e-learning, network with other professionals, and discover new tools and technologies. Whether you’re new to the field or a seasoned pro, there’s something for everyone at DevLearn. Plus, it’s always more fun to attend conferences with friends! So mark your calendars and register today

3 Great Keynote Events:

Kara Swisher

Kara Swisher
Co-founder and Editor-at-LargeRecode

Erik Wahl

Erik Wahl
Internationally Recognized Graffiti Artist

Dani Johnson

Dani Johnson
Co-founder and Principal AnalystRedThread Research

David Kelly
CEO
The Learning Guild

Learn More >

Have you tried the new ChatGPT 4o – Omni?

The new ChatGPT app is here and is set to revolutionize how you interact with AI. It reminds me of the computer on Star Trek, where you can activate and interact just by using your voice. The app comes with a fresh, user-friendly design that makes chatting with ChatGPT smoother and more intuitive. With faster response times and an offline mode, you can get the answers you need, even without an internet connection. Plus, the app now supports rich media, so you can share images and videos directly in your conversations, making your interactions more dynamic and engaging.

The new app also brings a highly personalized experience to the table. You can customize the look and feel to match your style and integrate it seamlessly with your favorite tools and apps. Security has been beefed up, ensuring your data and conversations are well-protected. Whether you’re using it on your phone, tablet, or desktop, the multi-device sync keeps everything consistent across all your gadgets. Download the new ChatGPT app today and experience a whole new level of AI-powered communication!

Watch the Streamed Announcement:

Apple Vision Pro – Dawn of Spatial Computing

The Apple Vision Pro is designed to blend the digital and physical worlds seamlessly. Imagine having virtual screens, interactive 3D objects, and immersive environments right in your living room. Whether you’re watching a movie, playing a game, or collaborating on a project, the Vision Pro promises an experience that feels incredibly real and engaging.

Screenshot

One of the coolest aspects of the Vision Pro is its versatility. It’s not just a device for entertainment; it has the potential to revolutionize how we work, learn, and interact with the world. Imagine virtual meetings where you feel like you’re in the same room as your colleagues, or educational experiences where historical events come to life in your living room.

Apple has put a lot of thought into making the Vision Pro user-friendly. The intuitive interface and easy setup mean that you don’t need to be a tech genius to get started. Plus, it integrates seamlessly with other Apple products, so you can easily access your apps, photos, and more.

It’s exciting to think about how this device will evolve and what new possibilities it will unlock. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a gamer, or someone curious about the future of digital experiences, the Vision Pro is definitely something to keep an eye on.

Favorite Features:

  • Great for expanding your laptop with a big virtual screen
  • Love watching media
  • I’m still using it after the launch

Learn More >

Luis Malbas on Using ChatGPT | AI for TLDC Workflow

Check out Luis Malbas’s video presentation on how he uses AI for his workflow. My takeaways:

  • Using ChatGPT free for generating, summarizing and accelerating the creation of content for the TLDC community
  • Importance of adapting to technological advancements and demonstrates how they use AI in their workflow, including subscribing to an AI newsletter and using ChatGPT for 80% of their tasks
  • Critical everyone learns, experiment and start to build skills to be more productive
  • Using SnackPrompt to help generate and learn about new prompts to improve ChatGPT results
  • AI is an essential part of our digital world and we need to stay on top of it.

Join TLDC Community

Join Learning Guild’s – Learning Leaders Winter Online 3/15/23

The Learning Leaders Winter Online Forum allows you to dive into valuable conversations, build new skills, and expand your leadership toolkit. Join us for two days from the comfort of your office or home, and leave feeling re-energized and equipped to implement new leadership strategies and practices at your organization.

David Kelly interviews several leaders to learn about their Journies into starting their own businesses and how they evolved.

Learn More



Learning About AI

In this web-based resource, you can learn about Artificial Intelligence and the key areas that make it up. It’s a great example of a resource, providing mini learning objects for us to consume. https://atozofai.withgoogle.com/intl/en-US/

I love the rollovers on the desktop:

Love the rollovers and motion on the desktop.

Review it on a mobile device to learn how the content shifts and moves.

Let me know what you think.

Best Mac Screen Capture > CleanShot X

What I love: It just works. Whether you need to grab a still or video to include in email, documentation, or share feedback, if you are on a Mac, check out CleanShot X.

  • Easy to activate
  • Great ux for captuing scrolling pages
  • Text recognition so helpful (iOS and MacOS aslo have but nice to have in one place)
  • Annotations are Editable (on a layer)
  • Option to Save / Share to Cloud with team
  • Fast

The menu provides several ways to capture a still or video.

https://cleanshot.com

Cost $29 1 time or $8 per user/mo for Cloud Pro