The Tech Trifecta: Legislation, Innovation, and Personal Development

California’s Sobering AI Legislation – A Pause for Innovation?

Governor Gavin Newsom hit pause on SB 1047, the Safe and Secure Innovation for Frontier AI Models Act, citing concerns over its impact on California’s tech ecosystem. While Hollywood heavyweights and SAG-AFTRA rallied behind the bill, claiming it would curb AI’s potential dangers, Silicon Valley threw red flags. Critics, especially startups and open-source advocates, warned it would strangle innovation with vague, restrictive regulations.

The debate is very real: how do you balance safety with the need to stay on the cutting edge of technological development? Newsom’s decision not to sign the bill reflects just how tough the balancing act is. California isn’t just grappling with new regulation; it’s setting the tone for the future of AI governance nationally. Newsom may be the first to face these tough choices, but he won’t be the last.

AI Hype Warning – The FTC Is Watching

The FTC’s Operation AI Comply is making waves, signaling to businesses that the era of unbridled hype is over. Companies that stretch the truth about AI's capabilities—or worse, use AI to deceive customers—are in their crosshairs. From inflated promises of AI-driven legal services to fake product and service reviews, no industry is safe from scrutiny.

For businesses, the message is crystal clear: stay grounded in reality, not the artificial. Claims that AI can replace human expertise or guarantee success are dangerous territory. If your overhyped claims don’t deliver as promised, don’t be surprised when the FTC comes knocking.?

Meta’s AR Vision – Orion Glasses Leap Forward

Meta's Orion Augmented Reality (AR) glasses are getting rave reviews from the first previews. It’s a jump ahead glimpse into the future of augmented reality. But before anyone gets carried away, Zuck and team have some serious waves to ride—like the $10K price tag and a separate processing unit that apparently gets quite hot and needs regular cool downs. Just a few “minor fixes” that keep these glasses in the “not quite ready for mass market” category.

Orion could be a potential game-changer for industries like education, healthcare, and entertainment, but we’re nowhere close to adoption of any kind. This is exciting “preview tech”, but remember to stay grounded—the future of AR looks promising, but it’s not here today.

My Eternal Truths

I’m starting a new section to share some of the lessons and truths I've had the pleasure to learn. The first felt critical to share as I see a new generation of excited minds entering the business and startup world.?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Ask the bold question you’re scared to ask. Ask for the thing you want, but feel like you don’t know how to say it. Be afraid and then let the question out into the world. Ask the question everyone is thinking but afraid to say out loud.?

You’ll be amazed at the doors and conversations it opens up for you. For me, it’s created opportunities to become friends with artists I would never have expected to know, but I was curious, spoke up, and opened doors I never thought possible.?

Asking questions created career moves that defied my own logic. Could I create opportunities for myself that weren’t there before? Absolutely, if I followed my instincts and asked the question I was afraid to ask. “What if we pursued something totally different and this is what it could look like?”?

That question led me from years in the agency world to leading a marketing R&D team at the largest HMO in the country. And I did it virtually, out of state remote, 80% of the time, before WFH was even cool.?

How? I asked.

Too often I’ve seen people hold themselves back because of their fear to ask questions that could change a trajectory, a mindset, or even a corporate legend. If it’s repeated over and over, I believe it has a black hole effect on a person's spirit. It traps their light and holds their gravity, unnecessarily.?

My advice to you, be voracious in your curiosity and questions. It will serve you well.