Be the Prompt: How AI Can Power the Future of Ideas | Jeremy Utley

What happens when AI meets human creativity? In this episode, Frederik sits down with Jeremy Utley—Stanford adjunct professor, co-author of Ideaflow: The Only Business Metric That Matters, Thinkers50 Top Innovation Leader, and co-host of Beyond the Prompt. Jeremy has taught nearly a million students worldwide and advises CEOs and startup founders on how to harness creativity in the age of AI. Together, they explore how AI can amplify—not replace—our creative potential: ✨ Why your voice matters when working with AI ✨ How words shape agency and action ✨ Why humans must be the initiators in AI engagement ✨ The value of bad ideas for breakthrough thinking ✨ How to invite AI into everyday tasks as a true collaborator From practical ideation exercises to deep reflections on identity, creativity, and education, this conversation reminds us: AI is not the substitute—it’s the partner. 📖 Jeremy’s book: Ideaflow 🎙 Podcast: Beyond the Prompt → jeremyutley.com 📘 Frederik’s book: What’s Next Is Now 📰 Newsletter: NextLetter → frederikgpferdt.com ⏱ Chapters 00:00 Intro 02:53 Future bio: prompting AI to ask better questions 10:14 Use your voice: showing up with AI 18:50 The Initiator: humans as self-hired agents 26:09 You are the prompt: how words matter 29:43 Bad idea brainstorms & ego in ideation with AI 34:31 Mindstate Moment: reflective prompts 42:56 Speed round: what we get wrong with AI 47:47 Closing: Post-its & inviting AI into the moment 🎵 Original music by Andreas Horchler