Welcome to this week’s Friday Footnotes. AI is dominating the headlines again – in politics, in business, in sports even. It’s tempting to get swept up in the noise, but perhaps the more important question isn’t what it will change, but how you’ll choose to harness it. How will you respond when technology knocks louder on the door of your industry, your habits, your inbox? Here are a few things that might help you shape that answer.
Business of Endurance Podcast
After a short break, The Business of Endurance returned last week with the launch of Season 9 – and what better way to kick things off than with a conversation that’s all about shaking things up.
In this season opener, I sat down with Chris Williams, the commercial force behind Supertri, the groundbreaking triathlon league that’s rewriting the rules of endurance sport. From building team franchises to locking in game-changing partnerships, Chris is on a mission to make triathlon faster, more exciting, and more sustainable – for both pros and fans.
But this episode goes deeper than just boardroom strategy. Chris is an endurance athlete through and through, and he opens up about his attempted Atlantic row and the dramatic rescue that followed. It’s a raw, honest look at what it takes to bounce back from failure and how risk, resilience, and belief in a bigger vision drive performance in sport and in business.
If you’re ready to be inspired, to think differently, and to hear what the future of endurance might look like, this is the perfect place to start. Here’s to a powerful start to Season 9.
What I’ve Been Reading
When three of the world’s sharpest minds – Henry Kissinger, Eric Schmidt, and Daniel Huttenlocher – combine forces to write about AI, the result isn’t a doom-laden sci-fi tale, but a thoughtful exploration of how artificial intelligence is reshaping everything from diplomacy to consciousness.
What’s refreshing in The Age of AI: And Our Human Future is how they treat AI not just as a tech trend, but a philosophical shift. Expect to walk away from this one thinking less about “robots taking jobs” and more about what it means to be human when machines can reason, create, and decide. A book to stretch your perspective and nudge you toward the right kind of questions.
TED Talk I’ve Found Interesting
If you’ve ever sat through a soul-sapping presentation, this one’s for you. In this witty and sharp TED talk, How to Avoid Death by PowerPoint, David JP Phillips breaks down exactly why most slide decks fall flat – and more importantly, how to fix them. With a combination of humour, neuroscience, and storytelling, he makes the case that communication isn’t about cramming in data; it’s about crafting a message people will actually remember.
From font sizes to emotional triggers, Phillips gives practical, instantly usable tips that anyone who communicates – in meetings, pitches, or keynotes – can benefit from. Especially relevant for those trying to convey new ideas (say, about AI or innovation), this talk is a masterclass in making your message stick.
What I’ve Been Watching
Garrett McNamara didn’t just chase bigger waves – he turned Nazaré into the world’s ultimate surfing arena. This documentary series, 100 Foot Wave, is about obsession, risk, and reimagining what’s possible when everyone else says it’s not.
Whether you run a startup or train for your next Ironman, the message is the same: sometimes you have to go where the wave is wildest. A beautiful and tense reminder that greatness often lives on the other side of discomfort.
Quote of the Week
“AI will not replace you. A person using AI will.”
– Unknown
Tech I’ve Found Useful
If your inbox feels like a daily ambush, Fyxer might be your peacekeeper. This virtual assistant service filters, delegates, and even drafts your emails, freeing you up to focus on higher-value thinking. Because let’s be honest – spending your best energy on inbox triage isn’t what you were built for. Consider this your permission slip to outsource the noise and reclaim your deep work.
The Trusted Team
If AI is the wave that’s rising, Unleash the Power of AI is your surfboard. You’ve just read about how AI is transforming the way we work, decide, and create. But knowing it’s coming isn’t the same as knowing what to do with it. That’s where Unleash the Power of AI comes in – a hands-on event designed to help ambitious professionals and business leaders stop being spectators and start becoming strategic users of AI.
Whether you’re looking to reclaim hours from your week, supercharge your marketing, or rethink the way your business operates, this session will give you real-world, practical applications of AI tailored for high performers. No jargon, no overwhelm – just smart, actionable insights to sharpen your edge. If the future belongs to those who adapt fastest, Unleash the Power of AI gives you the head start. It’s not about learning AI for AI’s sake. It’s about learning it to work smarter, lead better, and unlock more time for what truly matters.
Secure your place here. Spots are limited, and momentum favours the prepared. Don’t get left behind.
Whether you’re diving into deep tech, catching waves of a different kind, or simply sorting your inbox with new intent, remember: the tools are only as useful as the mindset behind them. Use them well.
See you next time.
P.S. After half term in Cornwall with the family, I am cycling home ‘via’ John O’Groats as part of my ‘Longest Triathlon’ challenge. I’m raising money for Motor Neuron Disease Association. If you’d like to find out more, or sponsor me you can here.
