Learn Alongside JDI

JDI is invested in the overlap between cutting edge technology, science, and art, seeking intersections that inform our understanding of the wider world.? We believe that progress is measured not by the number of new technologies created, but by their ability to be understood, embraced, and leveraged for positive impact.?

Because of that, lifelong learning is a crucial part of our work at JDI. Our professional development program keeps us engaged in an ever-changing world, seeking new experiences, connections, and ways of understanding our roles in that change.?

Here’s a quick peek at what we have:

???? Learn how to become a category pirate

??? Master the art of challenging conversations

?? Get good at explaining stuff

?? Take a crash course in generative AI

?? Experience the magic of a solar eclipse

?? Mingle with other tech enthusiasts

?? Join a book club discussion of "Unapologetically Ambitious"

? And last but not least, check out how to create a more sustainable and inclusive energy future

NEWSLETTER? |? MARKETING

Category Pirates

Category Pirates is a twice a month newsletter that brings you mini-books on the subjects of category creation and design. Brought to you by some of the best minds in the field.?

A glimpse of some of their top posts:

• The Content Pyramid: The 5 Levels Of Becoming A Legendary Writer, Creator, and Thought Leader
• The Art Of Fresh Thinking: How To Create Obvious & Non-Obvious Content
• Languaging: The Strategic Use Of Language To Change Thinking?

Subscribe to Category Pirates here .

? Bonus? ???

Listen to Chris Lochhead (one of the writers of Category Pirates) talk about how to become a category pirate on an episode of Lenny’s Podcast: Product | Growth | Career .?

SKILL? |? COMMUNICATION

Space, Pace, and Grace: How to Handle Challenging Conversations

Think Fast, Talk Smart Podcast

Giving difficult feedback is a skill. Equally important, though, is knowing how to receive feedback and the inevitable emotions that arise from these hard conversations. Listen to Collins Dobbs, lecturer at Stanford University Graduate School of Business , talk about the power of slowing down during difficult conversations.?

Listen to the podcast episode here .?

? Bonus? ???

Check out the AIR Feedback Model for giving constructive feedback.

SKILL? |? COMMUNICATION

WIRED’s 5 Levels and the Art of Explanation

WIRED’s collection of explainer videos have a simple premise — get an expert to explain a really really hard thing at different levels of complexity to five different audiences: a kid, a teen, an undergrad student, a grad student, and lastly, another professional. Read more about what makes this format of explanation so special, and why shorter ≠ easier. And check out more of WIRED’s videos here .

And if you want a quick way to check if you’re effectively communicating the complexity of a client’s science, check out BBC Journalist Ros Atkins’ 10 qualities of a successful explanation.

SCIENCE + TECH? |? GENERATIVE AI

Introduction to Generative AI

Does Generative AI still leave you scratching your head? This visual piece from the Financial Times breaks down all things LLM and its potential.

And if you’re looking to go deeper, check out Google’s new (and free!) course collection, Introduction to Generative AI . Read this review if you want to get a general overview of the course content.?

EVENT

Solar Eclipse Parties

If you’re looking to celebrate the annular solar eclipse on October 14th, check out some of these options below. (And if you have no idea what the different kinds of eclipses are, don’t worry, you can read about it here .)

Austin Public Library will host eclipse parties at several of their branches. These are free to attend and all ages. They’ll have space-themed crafts, activities, and protective glasses available. The Central Library will have a solar watch and rooftop viewing event from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Check to see if your local branch is having an event here .

And if you want to sip on some beer with your eclipse, check out this Solar Eclipse Event hosted by the HUE Marketplace at Beerburg Brewing. While you’re there, shop for crafts, play some disc golf, and eat some awesome Mexican food (don’t skip out on their ice cream!).

NETWORKING EVENTS? |? TECH

Techtopia Social + H3

Techtopia Austin hosts their Techtopia Social every third Thursday of the month. Tech enthusiasts, innovators, and industry experts gather to explore the latest tech trends, network, play games, and listen to some expert speakers. You can find details for their next one on October 19th at Capital Factory here .

Hardware Happy Hour happens every first Thursday of the month. Details about their meetup can be found here .

BOOK CLUB? |? CAREER GROWTH

Discussion of "Unapologetically Ambitious: Take Risks, Break Barriers, and Create Success on Your Own Terms"

Austin Forum On Technology and Society

When: Tues, Oct 24? |? 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Event Type: Virtual

Free? |? Click here to register

Join CEO Brad Englert in a discussion of Shellye Archambeau’s book, Unapologetically Ambitious . Archambeau shares her journey as a young black woman balancing family and a rising career, all while working her way up the ladder at IBM to taking on her roles as CEO. She dives into the ups and downs of Silicon Valley, offering practical advice and strategies, like conquering impostor syndrome, strategic planning, and building a strong network, to help readers achieve their goals.?

EVENT? |? ENERGY

EnergyTech for All Summit

Austin Technology Incubator

When: Thu, Nov 2? |? 8:30 am – 1:45 pm

Event Type: In person

Location: Austin Community College: Highland Campus, 6101 Highland Campus Drive Austin, TX 78752

Free? |? Click here to reserve a spot

Hosted by the Austin Technology Incubator , EnergyTech for All Summit is all about creating a more inclusive and sustainable future in the energy tech world. They’re bringing together innovators and companies who care about serving all communities. You can expect inspiring talks, engaging panel discussions, and some speed mentoring sessions. You may even get to see JDI’s own Alexa Ball speak!

SYMPOSIUM? |? ENERGY TRANSITION

UT Energy Symposium

UT Austin

When: Tues, Oct 10? |? 12:30 – 1:30 pm

Event Type: Virtual

Free? |? Click here to register

The UT Energy Symposium is a free weekly guest lecture series discussing the most pressing energy issues, from climate policy to low-carbon technology. These talks are an excellent way to stay in the know about all the market forces and technology influencing the energy sector today.?

You can see all their upcoming talks and register for them here . And in case you miss any that you find interesting, you can view them on the UTES YouTube channel .

Be sure to go back and watch Vida Asiegbu’s talk on Climate Investing x Diversity . She speaks about how VCs are taking steps towards making the energy transition more accessible and sustainable for all communities.

If any of these opportunities have sparked learning, joy, or insight we’d love to hear from you. If you come across any cool opportunities for us to feature next month, feel free to send them our way!