Awesome Future

A strong personal vision helps Alan Smithson stay positive and stay focused through the ups and downs of his career in product and category innovation. Hear how this founder's journey (that includes PLUR, virtual reality, and AI) is transforming the the future of education on this week's episode of The Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds - hosted by Nathan C. Available wherever you get your podcasts and the Awesome Future YouTube channel. #innovation #education #edtech #AI #earntolearn #blockchain #VR #business #founder #product #PLUR #vr #virtualreality #xr #spatialcomputing #webxr #unlimitedawesome #TGU #TheGlowUp #podcast #np #nowplaying

There's a big difference between saying what you made and showing users the value that you bring to their lives. In this clip from The Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds - Caspar Thykier eloquently describes this as "the lightbulb problem." Nobody cares how a light bulb is made (except the makers), they just want the room to be full of light. These same rules go for any innovation or new technology. Don't TELL people about what you made. SHOW them how you make their lives better. #marketing #PMF #innovation #brand #value #valuenotspec #strategy #founder #business #businesspodcast #np #TheGlowUp #AF

Caspar Thykier, CEO of Zappar, joins Nathan C to share his 13-year journey in augmented reality on The Glow Up podcast. Key points: 1. Focus on practical applications: Zappar aims to solve real-world problems with AR. 2. Adaptability is key: The company has navigated changing markets and evolving technology. 3. User-centric approach: Success comes from focusing on value, not just the technology itself. 4. Diverse applications: From enhancing toys to improving accessibility on product packaging. 5. Non-linear innovation: Caspar emphasizes the unexpected paths technology development can take. Thykier's story offers insights into building a lasting tech company in a competitive and rapidly changing field, highlighting the importance of adaptability and focusing on user needs. #innovation #podcast #founder #founderstory #innovationJourney #np #theGlowUp

The path to finding one's calling and community isn't always clear - until it's crystal clear. Howard Taylor's journey into VR began with a simple Christmas gift that led to a profound realization about the technology's potential. Discover how a virtual comedy club experience (and a welcoming community) in Horizon Worlds opened his eyes to new possibilities in digital interaction. #ar #vr #xr #spatialcomputing #augmentedreality #virtualreality #TheHowardHourLive #VRhost #VRvarietyshow #vrlatenight Nathan C #TheGlowUp #podcast #innovation #np #businesspodcast

"Don't say what you couldn't do, but tell them what you won't do." Howard Taylor discusses his commitment to growth and boundaries and the importance of staying adaptable in a rapidly evolving tech landscape in this clip from his recent chat with Nathan C on The Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds. New Episodes of The Glow Up launch Thursdays everywhere podcasts live. #innovation #strategy #values #boundaries #professionalvalues #professionalboundaries #founders #dreams #BHAG #podcast #businessPodcast #np #AF #TheHowardHour

While success can come in many forms - being open the the entrepreneur's journey and growing with his community are big markers of "making it" for Howard Taylor's vision for the creative, engaging community he's building in VR worlds with The Howard Hour Live. Though often we hope for overnight acclaim for our big ideas — success at scale requires being present with the many smaller formative moments that move us toward that end. We're buoyed by Howard's enthusiasm for every step of his journey and his commitment to giving back to the community that 'saved him.' #communitymatters #community #talkshow #host #VRtalkShow #TheHowardHour #Podcast #TheGlowUp #NP

The audacity of bringing a business to life is often just the first phase of a founder's bigger vision. How big are you dreaming? One of our favorite questions to ask on The Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds - is "What would you do if you knew you couldn't fail?" While most innovators are hyper-focussed on the demands of the current moment and building their businesses, nearly every leader we've asked this question of had a precise and immediate answer. That big dream was so clear. There's no question. It's telling that those who choose the long, challenging path of innovation usually have an even bigger idea behind it all. Hear about the journey of innovation and bringing big ideas to life, with new episodes every Thursday. Available where podcasts are. #innovation #dream #vision #gobigorgohome #founder #product #passion #longtermvision #ai #strategy #driven #businesspodcast #leadershippodcast #ar #vr #xr #spatialcomputing #augmentedreality #virtualreality #augmentedreality

Only a few slots left for the first half of The Glow Up. Do you have an innovation story to share?

To meet the futre AI / XR empowered workforce, look no further than your local college innovation center—which are now popping up everywhere! The role of University 'labs' and 'institutes' in the continued development of spatial computing is undeniable. From deep theory and technical skills, to community collaboration and mentored support — groups like UF Digital Worlds Institute are empowering bright minds (like Austin Stanbury) to solve problems, build businesses and uplift the industry as a whole. Conversations like this drop on Thursdays weekly on The Glow Up - Fabulous conversations with innovative minds. Join us where you get your podcasts. #edu #UF #innovation #strategy #innovation #founder #businesspodcast #podcast #TheGlowUp #np

VR is proving to be a powerful tool for accessible education. Austin Stanbury discusses how the virtual reality tools Augmented Info Systems is developing for neurodiverse users improves learning experiences not just for people with high support need, but for everyone. At Awesome Future we're big fans of how universal design, which prioritizes "design for one, benfits all" inclusivity, leads to broader, more effective educational moments far beyond the initial focus of the accommodations. #ar #vr #xr #spatialcomputing #augmentedreality #virtualreality #VRtraining #highsupportneeds #occupationalsupport #lifeskills #vreducation #edu #accessibility #inclusivedesign