AI can make a small creative team faster... but it can also flatten the very thing clients pay for: the human touch. Taylor Pfeifer sits down with Chad, Frank, and Eric of JIG to unpack how they are using AI without losing craftsmanship, instinct, and soul.What starts as a conversation about a Saskatoon creative studio quickly turns into a sharp, honest look at the future of creative work. JIG is building custom apps, automating payroll, and using AI for the tedious stuff—but drawing a hard line when it comes to story, writing, and the parts of the process that need a human eye. The result is a business that is both deeply analog and aggressively future-facing.You will discover:

• Why JIG describes itself as both anti-AI and pro-AI at the same time
• How Chad, Frank, and Eric balance each other out as a three-person creative team
• The story behind JIG's name, and how a love of fishing shaped the brand
• Why Frank believes energy, effort, and craftsmanship literally live inside the work
• How the team uses AI as a tool for operations, not originality
• Why the team thinks film photography, live events, and local-scale art are about to matter more than ever

Frank shares the career leap that took him from corporate burnout to co-founding JIG, Chad breaks down the tension between urban and rural life and why practicality beats fashion in the shop, and Eric opens up about finding his way back to video through family, curiosity, and a machine that powers his every morning. Together, they reveal what it takes to build something creative without letting automation take over the heart of the work.This episode goes beyond a simple AI conversation. It is about making things with intention, protecting original ideas, and remembering why the process matters as much as the final product. If you care about creativity, small business, analog craft, or where AI actually fits in a human-centered workflow, this one is essential listening.Perfect for creators, founders, photographers, and anyone trying to stay inventive in a world moving faster than ever.

The advice that will change your career might not come from a performance review. Bonnie Wan reveals why the most powerful brief she's ever written was for herself, and how that same life-clarifying framework is now helping people and teams make sharper, braver decisions.Bonnie has spent nearly 30 years shaping some of the world's most recognizable brands, from Got Milk to Adobe, BMW, Comcast, and beyond. But the story that makes her unforgettable is the one behind The Life Brief: a personal reset born in the middle of crisis that turned into a practice taught at Google, South by Southwest, and Jane Goodall's Activating Hope Summit.Ryan and Brooke go far beyond the keynote version of Bonnie's story to unpack the real tension underneath it all - identity, assimilation, imposter syndrome, fear of change, and the uncomfortable truth that growth is rarely tidy. Bonnie shares how she went from wanting art school to becoming one of the top strategists in advertising, why she resisted leadership for years, and what finally helped her define success on her own terms.

You'll discover:

• Why Bonnie's strategy philosophy is not about being the smartest person in the room, but making everyone in it smarter
• The three fears that stop people from changing their lives, careers, or identities
• How a single-page, single-minded brief can become a tool for clarity in work, parenting, money, relationships, and more
• Why discomfort is not a warning sign, but a growth muscle you have to keep training
• How Bonnie is bringing the Life Brief into companies as a more human, more actionable alternative to the traditional performance review

She also opens up about parenting four kids, living across Taiwan, California, New York, and Portland, and why water, dark ambient music, and honest writing help her access the deepest parts of her thinking. Along the way, Brooke admits she was scared to read the book, Ryan pushes into the bigger questions about change, and Bonnie keeps pulling the conversation back to one core idea: authorship is ownership.If you've been feeling the pull of a new season, a new role, or a new version of yourself, this conversation is for you.

Shad reveals why the best creative careers are built on risk, joy, and refusing to let the work turn into just a job. From a sister secretly entering him into the contest that funded his first album to the "love of the game" mindset that carried him from rap into CBC's Q, Hip Hop Evolution, and beyond, this conversation is packed with the kind of hard-earned creative wisdom artists, founders, and builders need right now.Ryan Mack opens up the interview by tracing Shad's path from early mixtape-era ambition to Juno-winning artist, Peabody and Emmy-winning storyteller, and Memo Festival keynote speaker. What follows is a wide-ranging look at the moments that shaped Shad's career, the people who believed in him before the world did, and the choices that kept him evolving without losing his center.You'll discover:

• Why external validation matters early in a creative life, and why it has to matter less later
• The Michael Jordan "love of the game" clause that became a blueprint for protecting artistic joy
• How to tell when an idea is worth committing to, even if it looks like a bad career move on paper
• Why risk creates tension, stakes, and meaning in art
• How Shad decides when a project has arrived at the right moment in culture

He also breaks down the long-term relationships that made projects like Hip Hop Evolution possible, including working with Darby Wheeler and Rodrigo Basquenin, and explains why continuity with good people matters as much as talent. Then, in one of the most revealing parts of the episode, Shad shares the albums that shaped him, from Lauryn Hill's MTV Unplugged No. 2.0 and Kanye West's The College Dropout to Ras Kass, The Cardigans, and Common.This episode matters because so many creatives get stuck between playing it safe and chasing what actually feels true. Shad makes the case that fulfillment comes from finishing what you're compelled to make, protecting your curiosity, and staying in motion long enough to grow into the next version of yourself.If you care about making things that last, building with the right people, or staying connected to your own creative spark, this is essential listening. Perfect for artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone who needs a reminder that the work only works when you still love it.

Join us as we explore the innovative world of sports engineering with Gillian Pinder, who combines technical expertise with athlete-centered design to push the boundaries of mountain sports gear and footwear. Discover her journey, testing methodologies, and insights into inclusive product development.

In this episode of the Memo Creative Festival podcast, hosts Taylor Pfeifer and Brooke Hoffos interview Jillian Ross, a master printer and collaborative artist based in Saskatoon, Canada. Jillian shares her journey into printmaking, her experiences in establishing a collaborative studio in Johannesburg, and her work with renowned artist William Kentridge. The conversation explores the importance of collaboration in art, the cultural dynamics between South Africa and Canada, and the future of printmaking in Saskatoon. Jillian emphasizes the significance of community, transparency, and the creative process in her work, inspiring listeners to embrace their artistic journeys.

In this episode of the Memo podcast, host Corey Michel interviews Mike Schwarz, founder and CEO of MyZone AI, a digital transformation agency focused on helping entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of AI. They discuss Mike's journey in automation, the impact of AI on the creative industry, and the fears surrounding AI adoption. Mike emphasizes the importance of embracing AI as a thought partner rather than a replacement, and shares practical steps for integrating AI into workflows. The conversation also touches on the future of creative teams, ethical considerations, and the potential for an intelligence explosion in AI.

Summary

In this episode of the Memo Creative Festival podcast, hosts Taylor Pfeifer and Brooke Hoffos interview Leland Maschmeyer, CEO and co-founder of Collins, a renowned brand and design consultancy. Leland shares insights on the intersection of design and AI, the importance of brand differentiation, and his experience transforming Chobani from a single product company into a wellness platform. He emphasizes the need for designers to recognize their economic value and encourages young designers to take risks in their careers. The conversation explores the evolving role of design in creating intentional change and the significance of understanding value market fit in branding.

Takeaways

• Design is about creating intentional change, not just aesthetics.
• Brand differentiation is crucial in a competitive market.
• AI can enhance design processes but should not replace human creativity.
• Understanding value market fit is essential for brand success.
• Chobani's transformation illustrates the power of a wellness-focused brand.
• Designers should be proud of their work and its economic value.
• Pricing strategies are a creative discipline that can enhance perceived value.
• Young designers should take risks to maximize learning opportunities.
• Simplicity in design communication is key to success.
• The design industry must defend its economic value to thrive.

In this engaging conversation, George Stroumboulopoulos shares his unexpected journey through the world of media, music, and culture. He reflects on the profound impact of music on his life, the importance of embracing chaos, and the strength of empathy. Through personal anecdotes and insights, Strombo discusses the consequences of curiosity, the lessons learned from high-risk experiences, and the transformative power of music in navigating emotional challenges. He emphasizes the need for balance in life and the value of understanding one's feelings, ultimately encouraging listeners to engage with life fully and authentically. In this engaging conversation, the speaker shares insights on the importance of creativity, storytelling, and the risks involved in pursuing a creative career. They discuss personal experiences with adventure and the balance between personal expression and audience engagement. The conversation delves into societal issues, including the impact of technology on youth, the need for protecting the working class, and the importance of resilience and community in navigating life's challenges. The speaker emphasizes the role of art in society and the necessity of active participation in life, advocating for truth and connection within communities.