Hey Alpha Fam, 

This week at the ManyChat Summit, I sat in on Zach King’s session. You probably know him for his quick, mind-bending video illusions, but what stood out to me weren’t just the effects— it was the structure and discipline behind them and the way his team creates space for creativity without shutting it down. 

His talk was a blueprint for creative resilience and innovation. Here are the takeaways that stuck with me most:

1) Don’t label ideas too early

Zach’s team lives by a simple rule: *“Yes, and” not “No, but.” Ideas start in the greenhouse, where they can grow and evolve, instead of being judged right away under the green light of approval.

 2) The Power of an “idea dump”

One of the most powerful parts of Zach’s process is how he approaches brainstorming. He calls it an “idea dump.” I love that framing because it captures what true creative jam sessions should feel like.

In an idea dump, you take off your producer hat. You don’t label ideas as good or bad. You don’t think about budgets or logistics. You just let the wild ideas flow.

Then, as a group, you come together, vote, and test. What makes this so effective is the freedom it gives— anyone can throw something out there, and the team feels empowered to build on it.

In a time when creators and teams are under constant pressure to deliver, this reminder is so necessary. The best ideas don’t come from perfect planning; they come from letting yourself play.

3) Build processes, not just projects
 Behind the magic is structure. Zach talked about:

• Creative shortcuts → removing friction so ideas flow faster.

• Brainstorm, then pitch → separating play from decision-making.

• T-sheets and mockups → previewing an idea in an hour, often filmed on a phone, before investing in full production.

4) Add the extra 10%

Small details make the difference. Whether it’s a clever sound effect, an additional shot before wrapping the day or an unexpected edit, Zach’s team asks: “What’s the extra 10% we can try that will surprise and delight?”

5) Collaborate and multiply

Illusions may look like one person’s work, but Zach stressed how critical collaborators are. Creativity scales when you find the right partners to push your vision further.

6) Budget for failure

One of my favorite lines: “Every creator needs a failure budget.” Instead of fearing missteps, he sets aside resources to test ideas that may flop — knowing that’s where breakthroughs often come from.

7) Develop your signature 

To stand out, Zach said you need to find your creative signature. And often, the best way to find it is to go back to your roots: what excited you when you first started creating?

Back in 2011, I interviewed Zach on Partners Project when he was still known as “Final Cut King” on YouTube. Watching him on stage now with the same imagination but a stronger foundation and wiser, was just awesome. Here’s that old interview if you’re curious: 

Other headlines to check out:

AI

• If Anyone Builds it, Everyone Dies review – how AI could kill us all - The Guardian

• Nvidia and Abu Dhabi institute launch joint AI and robotics lab in the UAE - Reuters

• Google AI risk document spotlights risk of models resisting shutdown - Axios

• Here’s how AI will help hospitals take back control of their revenue cycles - HealthCare

• Could AI-generated art replace human creators? | The Excerpt - USAToday

• If A.I. Can Diagnose Patients, What Are Doctors For? - New Yorker

• OpenAI Wants to Decide If You’re Hireable - The Daily Download

Creator Economy

• Lucy Smith on Embracing the Creator Economy at MIPCOM - WorldScreen

• How technology is fueling Africa’s content creator economy - Techloy

• Three signs the creator economy is at an inflection point for marketers - Digiday

• Celebs Use Emmys Stage to Protest With ‘Free Palestine’ and ‘Cease Fire’ Messages - Whats Trending

Web3 

• EU’s Chat Control law would push users toward ‘Web3 alternatives’ — Experts - CoinTelegraph

• LimeWire revives infamous Fyre Festival brand with Web3 integration - CoinTelegraph

• Your phone gets stolen. Your crypto may be next - Financial

• Exclusive | Scaramucci-Backed Crypto Treasury Company Launches With $550 Million Fundraising Plan - The Wall Street Journal

• 'Am I Too Late to Invest' in Crypto? This Wall Street Bank's Answer Might Surprise You - CoinDesk

• Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP Tumble. Why Cryptos Are Slumping Today. - Barrons

🎧 New Episode of The AI Download:“Every AI Model Failed”: Sean Dadashi on Mental Health, Suicide Risk & the Future of Safe AI

On this week’s episode of The AI Download, I sat down with Sean Dadashi, co-founder of Rosebud, an AI-powered journaling app built with ethics and safety at its core. What began as Sean’s personal healing project has grown into a platform backed by Alexis Ohanian and used by people seeking healthier ways to integrate tech into their mental health routines.

We discussed why AI shouldn’t—and can’t—replace therapy, but how it can be a supportive tool when designed with care. This was one of our most candid and important conversations yet about AI’s role in our most vulnerable moments.

🎙️ Listen now to get caught up on the AI headlines you need to know plus insights on future of life, creativity and culture. 

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Gentle Reminder 🙏

It’s a skill to have a good attitude for no reason at all. - @melrobbins

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