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As technology continues to reshape nearly every industry, one question becomes increasingly important: What remains uniquely human?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist is joined by John Drake, President of Drake Cooper, and Mae Myers of Pivot North Architecture for a wide-ranging conversation on creativity, architecture, design, branding, leadership, and the future of work in an increasingly automated world.

Mae shares her journey into the design profession, from growing up in a creative household to spending more than two decades helping shape spaces that influence how people live, work, heal, and connect. The discussion explores the often-overlooked science behind great design—from natural light and color psychology to acoustics, materials, accessibility, and biophilic elements that can impact mood, productivity, and well-being.

The group also dives into the role physical spaces play in company culture, employee experience, recruiting, retention, and brand identity. Whether it's a healthcare facility, office environment, hospitality space, or community gathering place, thoughtful design has the power to shape behavior and create meaningful human experiences.

A major theme throughout the episode is the rapid rise of artificial intelligence and how creative professionals are learning to embrace it without losing the human element that makes great work possible. Mae and John discuss how AI is transforming workflows, accelerating ideation, improving visualization, and helping creative teams move faster than ever before. At the same time, they explore the risks of over-reliance on technology and the importance of maintaining craft, curiosity, expertise, and creative judgment.

The conversation also touches on architecture, branding, workplace environments, creative leadership, mentorship, design education, and the evolving skills that will define the next generation of professionals. As tools become more powerful and automation becomes more common, creativity, vision, and the ability to connect with people may become even more valuable.

Throughout the episode, John shares lessons from decades in the advertising and branding industry, including the importance of clarity, storytelling, and creating a shared vision that aligns teams and organizations. Together, the group reflects on how some of the most successful businesses, brands, buildings, and experiences are born at the intersection of creativity and strategy.

Whether you're a business owner, architect, designer, marketer, developer, entrepreneur, leader, or someone simply interested in the future of creativity, this conversation offers practical insights and thought-provoking perspectives on how to continue building for humans in an automated world.

Topics include:

• Creativity in business and leadership
• Architecture and interior design
• Workplace culture and employee experience
• The science of light, color, and space
• Branding and organizational identity
• AI and the future of creative professions
• Human-centered design
• Innovation and technology
• Creative problem solving
• Vision, culture, and leadership

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As AI rapidly transforms the way we work, create, and communicate, what remains uniquely human?

In this episode of Ever Onward, Tommy Ahlquist sits down with John Drake, President of Drake Cooper, and James Beard Award-winning chef Kris Komori, co-owner of KIN and Art Haus Bar, for a conversation about creativity, branding, hospitality, and the human experiences technology can’t replace.

Together, they explore why creativity is becoming one of the most valuable skills in the modern workplace, how great brands are built through authenticity and attention to detail, and why meaningful experiences continue to matter in an increasingly automated world.

John shares lessons from 30 years in advertising and branding, while Kris offers a unique perspective on culinary creativity, hospitality, and creating unforgettable moments through food. The discussion also touches on AI, entrepreneurship, resilience, criticism, curiosity, and the importance of human connection in both business and life.

Whether you’re a business owner, creative professional, entrepreneur, or simply someone interested in where our world is headed, this episode offers valuable insights into what it means to stay creative, authentic, and human.

In this episode:
• Why creativity is becoming a critical skill in the age of AI
• The intersection of art, business, and commerce
• How great brands are built and remembered
• Hospitality as a form of human connection
• The role of curiosity in fueling creativity
• Learning through failure and creative risk-taking
• Building experiences people can’t get anywhere else
• Why authenticity matters more than ever

Guest Links:

John Drake & Drake Cooper: https://www.drakecooper.com

Kris Komori & KIN: https://www.kinboise.com

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes creativity and human connection still matter.

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In this episode of Ever Onward, Dr. Bree Derrick, Director of the Idaho Department of Correction, joins the conversation for an important discussion on public safety, incarceration, rehabilitation, and second chances in Idaho.

Idaho’s correctional system is facing significant pressure, with a growing prison population, capacity challenges, and more individuals preparing to transition back into communities across the state. But this conversation is about more than numbers. It is about what happens when people leave incarceration and begin the difficult process of rebuilding their lives.

Dr. Derrick shares insight into the realities of Idaho’s correctional system, including prison capacity, reentry, rehabilitation programs, mentoring, education, staffing, community reentry centers, and the role of probation and parole. She also explains why most people who enter prison will eventually return to the community—and why helping them succeed is directly connected to public safety.

The episode also explores how businesses, churches, nonprofits, and individuals can play a meaningful role through employment, mentoring, housing support, and community connection.

A thoughtful and human conversation about accountability, opportunity, and what it means to give people a real chance to move forward.

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