This episode picks up where the last AI conversation left off. Jonathan and Jaime respond to the pushback they heard from creatives who feel unsettled by how quickly AI tools are lowering the barriers to entry across music, writing, design, and software. Instead of debating whether the shift is fair, they focus on what is actually happening and how to navigate it without losing your sense of self.

At the center of the discussion is an identity shift. When people define themselves by the noun rather than the act of creating, disruption feels personal. Jonathan and Jaime argue that much of the fear around AI is not about economics or quality, but about the discomfort of watching formerly scarce skills become widely accessible. The reaction sounds familiar because it has happened before.

Using examples from hip hop, sampling culture, and the electric guitar, the conversation draws parallels to moments when new tools were dismissed as shortcuts or “not real.” Each time, the medium evolved and expanded. AI, they argue, is simply the next instrument. What matters now is not how hard something was to make, but whether it connects, resonates, and reflects a distinct point of view.

As execution becomes cheap and abundant, scarcity moves elsewhere. Taste. Judgment. Human experience. The ability to curate, connect, and decide what matters. The episode closes with a clear reframing. Do not protect the title. Protect the practice. Be the verb, not the noun.

–––

The Slackers Podcast is produced by Jaime Solis and Jonathan Sasse.
Audio production by Stephen Kallao.
Cover art by Jonathan Sasse

Connect with the Hosts

🎙️ Jonathan Sasse — Chief Strategy Officer and executive advisor.
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn · Forbes Communication Council

🎙️ Jaime Solis — Music & Media executive, strategist, and creator of the Red Threads newsletter.
🔗 LinkedIn | Newsletter | Website
📱 Social: Instagram · Threads · LinkedIn

We want to hear from you!
🤔 Do you have a question you'd love to ask us, or a topic you think we should dive into on the show? You can leave us a voice message right here!

Thanks for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app—and leave a quick rating or review. It helps new listeners find the show.

Fresh off the reveal of his new company IM Media Labs at CES 2026, veteran executive Jim Cady joins Jonathan Sasse and Jaime Solis for a wide ranging conversation about leadership, mentorship, and the moments that quietly shape careers. Jim brings perspective from decades spent building teams and products across consumer technology, audio, and media.

The discussion centers on what the hosts call the “Bright Star” effect drawing based an incredible story about Howard White from Nike and Jordan Brand. The idea that a single sentence, a small vote of confidence, or a leader simply saying “I see something in you” can create ripple effects that last for years. These moments are rarely formal or planned, and the person offering them often does not remember them. But for the person on the receiving end, they can become a turning point.

Jim also shares practical leadership habits that defined his career. From personally calling frustrated customers every week, to focusing on outcomes instead of effort, to pushing teams to take initiative before asking for permission. Throughout the conversation, the emphasis stays grounded in dignity, ownership, and trust as real drivers of performance.

The episode closes with a reminder that leadership is not about protecting a position. It is about creating more leaders. Whether you manage a team or are early in your career, this conversation offers a clear message. Small moments matter. How you show up matters. And belief, when given freely, compounds.

Learn more about Jim’s latest venture, IM Media Labs, a unified in vehicle hub for audio entertainment and discovery that is embedded, brandable, and scalable at https://immedialabs.com/

–––

The Slackers Podcast is produced by Jaime Solis and Jonathan Sasse.
Audio production by Stephen Kallao.
Cover art by Jonathan Sasse

Connect with the Hosts

🎙️ Jonathan Sasse — Chief Strategy Officer and executive advisor.
🔗 Connect on LinkedIn · Forbes Communication Council

🎙️ Jaime Solis — Music & Media executive, strategist, and creator of the Red Threads newsletter.
🔗 LinkedIn | Newsletter | Website
📱 Social: Instagram · Threads · LinkedIn

We want to hear from you!
🤔 Do you have a question you'd love to ask us, or a topic you think we should dive into on the show? You can leave us a voice message right here!

Thanks for listening!
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow or subscribe on your favorite podcast app—and leave a quick rating or review. It helps new listeners find the show.