Today’s Citizens Must Equip Themselves For The Technological Future

Originally posted on Medium on April 20, 2018

Kim Keever, Abstract 27001b, 2016

“If we don’t understand the technologies or other forces at play in changing our world — be they the burgeoning sciences of the early Renaissance or the neural networks or cyberthreats of today — then how can we possibly understand what is to come? ”

— The Great Questions of Tomorrow, David Rothkoopf

Today, data and algorithms have influence over everything from our democracy, to our homes, to our work. We are in an era of seemingly unlimited technological progress and the speed of innovation requires citizens to be engaged in non-partisan learning and discussion. We don’t have to know everything but we need to know enough to think critically and ask questions about the technologies being developed, as well as be able to hold accountable the individuals and organizations creating them.

Our Democracy

Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must, like men, undergo the fatigue of supporting it. — Thomas Paine: The American Crisis, №4, 1777

A need for deeper investigation and understanding was made abundantly clear when Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg testified before congress. Too few of the members of congress were equipped with the right questions. As I listened to some of the hearing I could not help but wish that congress had met with Tristan Harris, former ethicist for Google, prior to the session. One of the benefits of the increased reporting around Russia’s interference in our most recent elections, is greater transparency around the role technology plays in our elections whether in the past, the present or the future.

Our Homes

While our culture is all gloss and pace on the outside, within it is too often haunted and lost. The commercial edge of so-called “progress” has cut away a huge region of human tissue and webbing that held us in communion with one another. We have fallen out of belonging. — John O’ Donohue, Bless The Space Between Us

Technology is pervasive in society and we must consciously consider that not all “progress” is progress for the common good. Consider for a moment who do smart homes benefit? Initially we may conclude that they increase efficiency for the purchaser but what about all of the data that is being collected by these smart homes? Perhaps smart homes feel too distant what about Amazon’s Alexa, its estimated that 39 million Americans now own a smart speaker. Recently there has been increased scrutiny over privacy concerns tied to Alexa’s collection of data and what exactly is being done with said data.

Kensuke Koike, No More No Less

Our Work

As machines do more of what was once human, companies and people who thrive will not be those who guess correctly at the next narrow skillsets, but who cultivate the capacity of their workers to learn faster. — Fulfilling The Promise of AI Requires Rethinking the Nature of Work Itself by Cathy Engelbert and John Hagel III

Our current education system, a relic of the industrial revolution, takes a myopic view and does not encourage students in multi-disciplinary learning/systems thinking producing graduates with limited job options. It has been said that “we need to teach artificial intelligence to adopt our values” but how do we do this when schools devalue subjects such as ethics for engineers and when we can’t even agree on our baseline values? Our corporations are not much better, treating employees as cogs in a machine instead of as human capital whose value increases with the acquiring of new skills.

Our Future

A new consciousness is awakening that recognizes our oneness as a global community. — Jalaja Bonheim

All of this is not to cast a hopelessness but to empower us to realize we as engaged citizens play a very important role in the direction that our society heads in. We can no longer count on the fragmented religious, community and political institutions we once did or even the new corporations taking their place. Instead we must move from the role of observers to active participants, in every area:

• Breaking out of partisan siloes and biases which do not serve the common good and cultivating belonging.
• Pro-actively taking control of our personal knowledge framework and the information we are absorbing.
• Encouraging the corporations we work for to become anchor institutionsthat develop wealth in our cities (not just exploiting the talent and resources).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post, please comment as this is something I am very passionate about and I am curious to hear your thoughts. I will leave you with this final quote as well as some resources if you are interested in digging into any of these areas in a deeper way.

Technological shifts will be only a part of the cascading disruptions associated with the new era. As history shows, these shifts will, in turn, change human behaviors, open new areas to human understanding, enable new forms of creative expression, empower new means of economic activity, and inspire new thinking about the way lives and governments and businesses should be organized. These changes will empower the reweaving of the fabric of our lives much as the steam-powered looms of the Industrial Revolution did not only with textiles but with the lives of workers, the rise of a new middle class, the empowerment of unions, the recasting of politics, the remaking of the relationships associated with colonialism, the shifting of the power of nation-states, and so many other changes. — The Great Questions of Tomorrow, David Rothkopf

Thought Leaders

• Tristan Harris, Former Google Ethicist, Co-Founder of Humane Tech
• Harold Jarche, Life in Perpetual Beta

Learn More

• If you are wondering what questions you should be asking that you aren’t then check out the thought provoking “The Great Questions of Tomorrow” by David Rothkopf.
• In Braving The Wilderness by Brene Brown, Brene Brown identifies the dehumanization that is happening in today’s culture and how it’s the breeding ground for hate, nationalism and us vs them thinking. There is an urgent need for us as citizens to break out of our siloes and engage in the uncomfortable conversations.
• Harold Jarche’s blog and e-books provides brilliant information around developing a Personal Knowledge Mastery system.
• Last but not least, if all of this feels a little bit overwhelming consider starting with Micromastery: Learn Small, Learn Fast, and Unlock Your Potential to Achieve Anything: Robert Twigger.

Tool(s)

• Diigo — Not only can you filter your online resources in this social bookmark system but you can also annotate PDF’s, import Kindle highlights, and create outlines. I actually created the outline for this post in this app.
• Google Alerts — Set alerts for topics you are interested in or even better ones that you know you need to learn more about.

Case Study: Special Event Keys

We have been working with Madeleine of Special Event Keys for two months now, and have had an awesome time helping to take the brand's social media to the next level. Keep an eye on Special Event Keys as their new website is launching soon!  

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SOCIAL MEDIA

As a business owner it can be challenging to juggle all of the demands of a brand from product creation, business development, administration to more! That is why Uncommon Cartography considers it a privilege to help bring a client's vision and products to life through their social media. We realize that social media is only one touch point along the customer journey but its an important one!

We audited Special Event Keys existing social media content, made recommendations, then developed a content strategy which would enable them to reach their target audiences. After identifying our strategy we partnered with local photographer, Danny Owens, to produce a variety of custom images from product flatlays to lifestyle photography. 

BEFORE

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Social Media Feed - Before UC Audit

AFTER 

Social Media Feed - After UC Audit + Content Strategy Development

INFLUENCER OUTREACH

At Uncommon Cartography we pride ourselves on the relationships we have with influencers, edge players, and tastemakers across a variety of industries. We work with clients to identify mutually beneficial relationships for their campaigns. As the gig or freelance economy continues to evolve it is important to stay connected and understand these dynamics. We help provide our clients with the latest information, ex. just because an "influencer" may have a large following, this does not necessarily mean their posts will convert to engagement or sales. Our goal is to identify the right individuals and build lasting relationships that lead to brand growth for our clients.

INFLUENCER CAMPAIGN RESULTS

While our campaign is currently running we wanted to show you a preview of our results. Below are the results of just two influencer posts.

SERVICES

• Social Media Audit
• Social Media Content Strategy
• Creative Producer of New Product Photography 
• Content Creation
• Audience Engagement 
• Influencer Outreach
• Blogging (Website launching soon!)

As we mentioned social media is one touch point in a customer's buying cycle. We work with clients to identify their marketing needs and create custom packages that integrate and amplify all efforts taking place.

Let us help you take your social media or marketing to the next level, schedule a consultation with us by emailing info@uncommoncartography.com.

Together Everything Is Possible

Ultimately, the people who choose to champion originality are the ones who propel us forward. After spending years studying them and interacting with them, I am struck that their inner experiences are not any different from our own. They feel the same fear, the same doubt, as the rest of us. What sets them apart is that they take action anyway. They know in their hearts that failing would yield less regret than failing to try. - Adam Grant, Originals

Almost every week I have the chance to meet beautiful and talented people who are trying to share their craft with the world. Whether they are engineers or photographers, I love hearing their stories. I am inspired by those who hold onto their dreams even when it takes a little longer to break through, to become known for that thing which they are so very passionate about.

But even more than being inspired by the tenacity and persistence of so many individuals, I am incredibly motivated by how people more and more are joining together to help each other reach their dreams. Because the reality is that while there is much we can do alone, there is much more that we can do together. My favorite artists are those who have been a part of a movement, who surrounded themselves with people who would challenge them even at times compete with them so that their skills were sharpened.  Let's not gloss things over -- Hemingway and Fitzgerald were brutal with each other. It's not fun to have your flaws under a magnifying glass, but as Ira Glass says,

“Nobody tells this to people who are beginners, I wish someone told me. All of us who do creative work, we get into it because we have good taste. But there is this gap. For the first couple years you make stuff, it’s just not that good. It’s trying to be good, it has potential, but it’s not. But your taste, the thing that got you into the game, is still killer. And your taste is why your work disappoints you. A lot of people never get past this phase, they quit. Most people I know who do interesting, creative work went through years of this. We know our work doesn’t have this special thing that we want it to have. We all go through this. And if you are just starting out or you are still in this phase, you gotta know its normal and the most important thing you can do is do a lot of work. Put yourself on a deadline so that every week you will finish one story. It is only by going through a volume of work that you will close that gap, and your work will be as good as your ambitions. And I took longer to figure out how to do this than anyone I’ve ever met. It’s gonna take awhile. It’s normal to take awhile. You’ve just gotta fight your way through.”

Honestly, we've gotten a little too comfortable with not speaking the truth to each other. The reality is though we may have great aspirations, some of our work is shitty. Only when we look that truth in the face can we get better. We do each other no service by not encouraging one another to raise the bar of excellence. While the role of the critic is greatly dismissed, the critic does call out that sort of underdog spirit in an artist that determines to overcome, to make their voice known. A great strength is embedded in our core when we have to fight for what we believe in.

Never forget your real identity. You are a luminous cosmic stardust being forged into the crucible of cosmic fire. - Deepak Chopra

It's about being real, true, transparent, and authentically You. Cracks, bumps, flaws, and all. When the light shines through our imperfections, that's when we are truly able to touch other people's hearts and souls. - Rebecca Campbell

Last summer, I had the chance to collaborate with an incredible group of individuals who are each cultivating beauty in their own sphere. They are people who are pushing themselves and raising the bar in the creative community. We shot at the magical venue, The RUINS, located in lower Queen Anne. Everyone reached out to their contacts and favorite people to work with, and out of this came the ultimate dream team.

As we were shooting I could walk into each room and see these creatives like fairy godmothers absolutely transforming the models and surroundings. But more than transformation, it was each of their ability to call out, to usher out the best light of the individuals they were working with. This shoot while it produced amazing images beyond what I could have dreamed of, it revealed to me that together we truly can do anything.

So let's keep doing it. We made mistakes, we had challenges, but we learned so much. Nobody does it perfect the first time, but goodness we sure are off to a damn good start (I mean can you believe these photos?! Yunkin you sir there just aren't even words). And you know what? Even more than that -- I like you guys, and feel so very lucky to be creating in the same city as each of you. Let's do BIG things, bigger than we can IMAGINE in 2017.

To everyone else it looked like a single leap. But in reality it was hundreds of little baby steps.

Together this team made magic possible, let's keep taking each and every one of those baby steps towards our dreams. You all continue to amaze me, and I can't wait to work with them again:

• Collaboration Producer: @uncommoncartography
• Photos: @danieljshapiro @yunkinkeophomma
• Behind The Scenes Photos: @greenteleaf
• Venue: @the_ruins
• Gowns: @belltown_bride @pmndesigner   , Justin Zachary Couture
• Event Design/Floral: @kalebnormanjames
• Makeup: @j0rdanr0ss @melissakornmakeupartist
• Hair: @makahmatt 
• Wardrobe Stylist: @julietandlou
• Jewelry: @shannonkoszyk / @namikoabloom 
• Food/Dessert: @the_ruins
• Champagne/Wine: @preceptwine 
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker @_myfriendhanna                                             

Ps: Next week a blog post will feature Daniel Shapiro's photography from this shoot :)

The Fairest Ones

“Little by little, one travels far”  ― J.R.R. Tolkien

How utterly perfect that this blog is to be posted on Tolkien's birthday. His writings have been such a source of inspiration to me. I have always been jealous of his participation in The Inklings, an informal group of literary enthusiasts, which is included C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien who shared and each other's writings. You see there has always been a sort of magical power which happens when creatives combine their talents to craft and shape the world around them.

“All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

As I sit here writing and listening to Sleeping at Last, I am filled with a quiet sense of excitement and wonder that the artists in Seattle have begun to leave their siloed corners to join together on a journey to give something beautiful to the city and the world. They have individually been working under the radar, quite often thanklessly honing their talents, and cheering each other on, all the while waiting for the day when they will be revealed. Each of us has the ability to recognize that unique essence of a creative, even before they are admired by the press or the masses. We don't have to wait for these artists to gain mainstream recognition, we can support now those who magnify the beauty for the common good. We can support them with our words, and with our financial investment in them + their businesses, showing that we care and we value what they are doing.

“In this hour, I do not believe that any darkness will endure.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

Artists are needed at this time, more than ever before. When people are divided, weary, and lonely this is when the power of art prevails. It allows us to see our life in the perspective of the past and the future. To see we are all interconnected, we do not live unto ourselves. We are empowered with the ability to lift up our fellow man. We can choose to be a hero in the story of our life. How often it is that the hero is not so dear to us because of the love he received, rather because of that which he selflessly gave.

“Oft hope is born when all is forlorn.” ― J.R.R. Tolkien

To those who continue to pursue their dreams in spite of the seeming odds, you are not alone. You are important. This is a love letter to who you are now and to who you are becoming. You see something, don't stop, don't give up until you release it into the world.

The BIGGEST of BIG thank you's to the incredibly beautiful and talented people who made this dream a reality. This blog contains the behind the scenes images, another blog post will be coming soon with the select final images from the Yunkin and Daniel:

• Photos: @danieljshapiro @yunkinkeophomma
• Behind The Scenes Photos: @greenteleaf
• Venue: @the_ruins
• Gowns: @belltown_bride @pmndesigner   , Justin Zachary Couture
• Event Design/Floral: @kalebnormanjames
• Makeup: @j0rdanr0ss @melissakornmakeupartist
• Hair: @makahmatt 
• Wardrobe Stylist: @julietandlou
• Jewelry: @shannonkoszyk / @namikoabloom 
• Food/Dessert: @the_ruins
• Champagne/Wine: @preceptwine 
• Stationery Suite: @greyandcake
• Models: @annavina10 @noellejohnsun @diana_jean_o @imsuzijane @rodasfeker @_myfriendhanna

💥Announcing The Launch Of Uncommon Cartography's Partner Program 💥

Hi!

Can you believe that 2017 is only a couple days away? 

In 2016, I had the privilege of partnering with tastemakers and influencers across a variety of industries (interior design, fashion, food, tech) including @danny.owens, @samuelanthony, @acooknamedmatt, @lanadmitruks, and more! Not to mention delicious brands such as Dueminuti, Shannon Koszyk, The Four Seasons, Tame The Beast, and so many others. Let me just say I collaborate with some of the most talented individual creatives and brands, and I have been racking my mind of how to help you all take your businesses to the next level and make more sales 🌟 

The launch of Uncommon Cartography’s Partner Program addresses the need of creatives and brands to be able to keep their prices competitive and retain more profit by selling to their target customers. This program will connect you with influencers and ambassadors for your brand, who we will then empower to sell your products. Ambassadors receive a 10-20% commission (you set the commission) on items that they sell through their networks (social media, blogs, websites). It can be costly and time-consuming to research, launch, and manage a program like this on your own, so we do it for you. Also, because we are spreading the cost amongst several brands we are able to keep the program relatively inexpensive. 

I am looking to curate 5 -10 awesome brands kick-start this program on January 23💥 Initially, the program will focus on outreach and recruiting affiliates, but as it grows I envision hosting curated pop up’s, affiliate happy hours and more! As you all have been working hard on your social media, websites, content creation, and marketing this feels like a strong next step. What do you think😊

Would you be interested in being one of the curated brands that we launch with? If so, please email info@uncommoncartography.com for more details.

Best,

Esther

Ps: If you know anyone else who might be interested in joining this program, please forward the information along.