How do I make my content get seen now that AI is here?

AI loves long-form media because it answers questions. Optimizing your content means putting frequently asked questions in audio form and doing it repeatedly. [09:39]

What happens to my business if I don't think about AI?

If you haven't thought about how ChatGPT and other AI systems get their answer, your business is "on fire already" because people will use them to find things like "the best plumber in my city." [12:12]

How can I avoid getting stuck restarting my business after a failure?

You must create things you can continually build upon, creating a "staircase" of momentum rather than having to "start over every time you reinvented." [16:12]

Why did Nate McGill originally choose to make movies instead of writing or plays?

It was the era. Growing up with Star Wars and Indiana Jones, movies were the stories he resonated with, and being at the cinema was the "top of the ladder" for his ambition. [24:46]

Why did Nate McGill's film company focus on documentaries instead of fictional films?

It was a business decision. Raising money for nonfiction was easier and more economical than raising the millions needed to compete in the marketplace for fictional films. [29:44]

What was Nate McGill's main goal with the documentary, American Made Movie?

The movie was never the main point; "PR was always in the center." The goal was to make change and connect different organizations, with the movie serving as fuel for generating public relations. [36:27]

How did Nate McGill financially recover from his business failure?

After downsizing, they committed to never changing their cost of living for six years, allowing them to consistently build up margin so they could afford to make the jump to start a new business. [54:16]

What is the key to successfully using frameworks and systems in work and life?

Find something that works for you and run with it. The statement is: "It works if you work it." Most frameworks, like the three-act structure or budgeting, work if you commit to them. [57:13]

What kind of businesses are most at risk from the current technology shift (AI)?

Home service businesses (plumbing, roofing, etc.) are at the highest risk because they are too busy to adapt their marketing to the "answer engine" change, causing them to be easily overlooked by new search methods.1:07:02

What is the first step an individual should take to stop a negative generational pattern?

The essential first step is to acknowledge that you do not want to allow those generational things to continue (0:00). These negative patterns can be subtle, such as alcoholism, drug abuse, constant swearing, or raising your voice, which a person might have normalized because they grew up accustomed to it. The key is to identify that the behavior didn't work well for you and be willing to do the hard, intentional work required to stop it at your generation (20:03, 20:30).

What is Alvin Hicks' official role and how long has he lived in Sugar Hill, Georgia?

Alvin Hicks is a dedicated advocate and city councilman for Sugar Hill, Georgia (0:45). He has been a resident of the city since 2014 (0:45).

What are Alvin Hicks' main focuses as a city councilman?

As a councilman, he is focused on bridging generational gaps in the community (1:04). He is the city liaison for the Sugar Hill Youth Council, ensuring young voices are heard, and is also a strong advocate for the wisdom and well-being of the seniors (1:04).

What are the details of Alvin Hicks' background and upbringing?

He is originally from Richmond, Virginia, where he grew up in the inner city (1:45, 2:20). He was born to a single, teenage mom and was mostly raised by his grandmother while living in government-subsidized housing. Though he did not describe his life as "rough" because it was the only life he knew, he acknowledges the lack of a father figure as a challenge that ultimately shaped who he is today (2:20).

What was the reason and timing of Alvin Hicks' move to Georgia?

He moved in 1996, leaving Virginia for the metro area of Georgia (3:19). The move was largely catalyzed by a cousin who offered him the opportunity to visit and potentially stay after the cousin had moved for a job. Alvin had no clear path or goal at the time, so he took a "leap of faith" and drove down with everything he could fit in his car, arriving during the 1996 Atlanta Olympics (3:49, 4:50, 8:26).

How did faith and his grandmother influence Alvin Hicks' life?

His faith was the "foundational" piece that got him through his time in Virginia and the 29-30 years in Georgia (5:39). His grandmother, who was always in church, was his primary religious influence. He recalls waking up to hear her praying for him on her knees, often in the living room or a closet (5:39). When he moved, she would call him every day and end the conversation by saying, "I'll be praying for you," cementing his foundation (7:06).

What is Alvin Hicks' perspective on the role of intervention in changing someone's life trajectory?

He believes that "everybody is placed into your path or your life for a reason," whether the interaction is positive or negative (7:57). This "divine intervention" is super important, as it helps us learn and grow from the opportunities presented. He notes that without the opportunity his cousin gave him, he likely wouldn't have left his hometown (7:25, 7:57).

What was Alvin Hicks' vocational path and his career at AT&T?

He did not finish college after graduating high school and initially just looked for work to provide financially, not a career (10:47, 11:17). He eventually got connected with Bell South (which became AT&T) 22 years ago, starting as a field technician who would fix issues at people's homes, dealing with dial-up and copper lines (11:58, 12:25). He now serves as a network operations manager (2:13).

What is Alvin Hicks' definition of "living better"?

He believes living better means making choices that align with my values and improving quality of life (24:05). This could involve health and well-being, financial stability, stronger relationships, or simply having peace of mind (24:05).

What advice does Alvin Hicks offer to someone who is living in contradiction to their values?

He advises them to self-evaluate and talk to someone (25:11). This conversation doesn't necessarily have to be with a friend, but someone who can help shape misunderstandings and directionally guide them back onto the path (25:11). In situations of external pressure, such as in politics, he stresses the importance of understanding the other person's perspective—cognitive empathy—by setting your own thoughts aside and listening to grow and learn (27:51, 28:26).

What is Alvin Hicks' view on "working smarter"?

Working smarter is about aligning effort with strategy (28:55). Instead of just "working hard," it means making decisions that move us closer to the goals with less wasted time (30:06). In his role managing a diverse team, it also means being intentional about articulating strategy across all generational breakouts, from Gen Zers to Baby Boomers (29:54).

Why is mentoring important to Alvin Hicks?

Mentoring is a big piece for him because he feels it was missing from his own upbringing (32:58). He wants the youth to have inspiration that they can put their hands on within their own neighborhoods, not just from celebrities or social media influencers (33:45). He emphasizes that it takes a "village" because studies show that older kids are often more receptive to listening to an inspirational voice outside of their own family (34:30).

What is a foundational concept Alvin Hicks values from a book he reads often?

He often reads the non-fiction book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind (37:06). The core idea he draws from it is that what you think about, what you say is actually what comes alive (37:34).

What is Alvin Hicks' stance on broken systems and why they persist?

He believes people keep using broken systems because they are afraid to change them (40:45). They may feel the system has "been working" or believe they aren't smart enough to add enough value to change it (40:45). He challenges this, reminding his team that just because something has been done a certain way doesn't mean it has to continue (40:45).

What is the most important message Alvin Hicks would give his younger self?

He would tell him, "The future's bright" and "Don't give up" (41:48). He acknowledges there were times he felt despair and hopelessness, but the early morning prayers of his grandmother provided the hope that ultimately sustained him (42:35, 43:22).

What is the most important political privilege Alvin Hicks encourages people to use?

He encourages people to exercise their ability and our privilege to vote (44:45). To the cynic who claims their vote doesn't matter, he challenges them to be quiet after the vote if they are unwilling to participate (45:27).

What is Alvin Hicks' vision for Sugar Hill at the end of his next four-year term?

He wants the community to be strong enough, safe enough so that the younger generation, after finishing college, will want to come back to plant roots and to start their families (51:19). He also wants to ensure the community has diverse housing options so that seniors are able to downsize and stay in Sugar Hill without having to move away (52:29).

What makes Sugar Hill, Georgia a unique place to live?

Despite its population growth, Sugar Hill maintains a small town feel (53:37). He highlights the unique dynamic where the churches, schools, and government all work together for the benefit of the residents and their children (53:37). The city has great local schools (three elementary, a middle, and a high school) and an amazing mayor (53:37).

How can interested people connect with City Councilman Alvin Hicks?

He can be found on Facebook on his personal account, Alvin Hicks, or on his campaign page, Alvin for City of Sugar Hill City Council post four (55:31). He can also be reached by email at his city address or by calling the personal information provided on the city's website (55:31).

Where did Sugar Hill Mayor Brandon Hembree grow up in Gwinnett County?

Brandon Hembree grew up in the eastern part of Gwinnett County, in the Lilburn and Lawrenceville area, and graduated from Berkmar High School. (01:05)

What was Gwinnett County like in the 1970s and 1990s?

Gwinnett County was a lot smaller in population, and Sugar Hill in particular was very rural and agricultural in the 1970s. Traffic, however, has been an issue since at least the 1990s. (2:20)

What was a major event that contributed to the growth of the Suwanee/Sugar Hill area?

The location of the Atlanta Falcons training camp off the Suwanee exit on I-85 significantly contributed to the growth of that area. (05:09)

Where does Mayor Brandon Hembree like to go fly fishing near Sugar Hill?

He enjoys fly fishing on the western border of Sugar Hill along the Chattahoochee River, where he can wade into the water. (10:05)

How did Brandon Hembree start his journey in Sugar Hill city government?

He started by serving on his homeowners association, then was appointed to the city's Downtown Development Authority, and later became a City Council member. (12:18)

What is unique about Sugar Hill that attracts people to live there?

Its convenient location between I-85 and Georgia 400, the recreational opportunities at Lake Lanier and the Chattahoochee River, and the high-performing North Gwinnett and Lanier school clusters are all major draws. (16:34)

Is being Mayor of Sugar Hill a full-time, compensated job?

No, being the mayor is a full-time responsibility, but it is considered "volunteer compensation," with a stipend of $400 a month. Most individuals in the role also work a full-time job. (20:11)

What is the mayor's primary role and authority in Sugar Hill's city government?

The mayor heads the executive branch and is responsible for implementing the policies and budget set by the City Council. The mayor also serves as the chief spokesperson for the city but only votes on City Council in the event of a tie. (22:55)

What does Mayor Hembree believe is important for living well in a community?

Living well means being an engaged part of the community, finding ways to get involved, and feeling like you are thriving where you have been "planted." (26:41)

What is one of the most effective ways a mayor can work smarter?

Good leaders enable other people to lead. The mayor should open doors, be a voice for others, and support citizens in pursuing projects they are passionate about. (32:00)

What non-elected opportunities are available for citizens to get involved in Sugar Hill government?

Citizens can be appointed to boards and commissions like the Downtown Development Authority, the Arts Commission, or the Historic Preservation Society. (46:38)

When is the 2025 municipal election in Sugar Hill?

The municipal election, which includes the mayor's position and two City Council posts, has early voting starting October 14th, ending October 31st, and the regular voting day on November 4th. (48:33)

Why does Mayor Hembree encourage high voter turnout for local elections?

Only 9% of residents turned out for the last municipal election, meaning a small percentage of residents are making decisions that most directly impact the day-to-day lives of all citizens. (51:28)