Connect Who or what is your inspiration in business?

I never forget that my life’s work is possible because of the opportunity to stand on the shoulders of design and marketing giants. The amazing Ron Primm of Creative House and Primm, Inc., who was willing to take a chance on me and my portfolio, jumpstarting my career. My talented colleagues who now comprise my startup team, Kolade Daniel, Fred Yavorsky and Brian Cronin, and my advisors including Frank Romano. And giants like David Ogilvy, A. M. Cassandre, Dalí, and so many more.

How do you stay motivated?

I am forever addicted to discovering all the wonderful and dynamic possibilities that original design and storytelling can bring to humanity. It’s enthralling to consider how AI is now exponentially increasing those possibilities for wonder and originality. Especially when we keep the human first — “Brain First, Then AI".

What would you do with the $25,000?

I would start by giving a prize to the designer who took that chance on me. Plus, my startup is about helping to save creator and marketer jobs by empowering them alongside AI, in 1:1 partnership with AI. We are returning design and marketing to its immersive roots, with the goal of making marketing truly persuasive again. With the prize, I plan to give back to the global design community by teaching how to stop fearing AI and accelerate the improvement of their own work and careers as I have.