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1. A bold vision for how good guys win!
   I loved this book! In an age dominated by soulless machines, Alana Ackerson offers a joyful vision centered in the human soul. We are being blitzed by a million business books predicting the end of human creativity. Ackerson is the rare business leader who has understood that success in an AI-dominated future demands authenticity and soulfulness — the most human of traits — to inform inspired imagination and boldness. That’s how “good guys” win. And she shows how this rooted approach, not “blitzscaling” or other blind jargonry, led to the successes enjoyed by many of the tech greats. Valley insiders and observers will appreciate Ackerson’s insights and anecdotes from a stellar career working with some of the savviest players in the 21st century tech boom, including the iconoclastic Peter Thiel. I especially appreciated Ackerson’s unique background combining technology and theology… I wish more tech leaders wrote from this point of view. Steve Jobs, a famous votary of spiritually grounded entrepreneurial mission, would no doubt agree. This book is timely and beautiful treatise that should be required reading for all of us who wish to build inspired and meaningful things. 5 stars.

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2. Insightful synthesis of innovation in the context of where we’ve been and where we’re headed
   I was drawn to this book because of Dr. Ackerson’s interesting cross-disciplinary background as a tech investor, startup entrepreneur, and theologian. (plus, I am a big fan of Dave Evans’ work, and it was exciting to see that he provided the Foreword!)
   Her analysis of tech companies rising to the forefront with impacts similar to religion is spot-on – and we are seeing some of those consequences now, whether they are positive or negative. My favorite part of the book is around the benefits of outsider perspective to leapfrog innovation. I have personally witnessed this and wonder how we can best keep nurturing this critical cross-pollination. Connecting across disciplines and cultures is how we are going to solve humanity’s biggest problems.

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3. A Must Read!
   “Creative Humans” is a masterful and transformative work that will undoubtedly shape the discourse around technology and human potential for years to come. Ackerson’s brilliant synthesis of technological understanding and philosophical insight offers an inspiring and thoroughly convincing vision of how technology can amplify human creativity and capability. This is a rare work that manages to be both intellectually profound and practically applicable, offering a framework for understanding and shaping the future of human potential.

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4. Excellent synopsis of the human condition and pushing our world forward
   A fascinating and insightful read. In a time where so many things are up in the air about our world — what it means to be human, to be intelligent, to be creative — this book does a great job of reminding us of our perseverance in the past while fostering optimism about humanity’s future. Part anthropology, part entrepreneurial, the book dives into how our individual bias-for-action can push the collective forward.

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5. Transformative read!
   I don’t normally write reviews, but this book was transformative. It’s a must read for those seeking to understand the driving force behind innovation and human potential. In a world filled with technology, I now look at how we develop and innovate in a totally different way! Recommended!

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6. Inspiring book with practical and interesting guidance and thoughts
   I really loved this book! I found it inspiring and filled with practical and actionable guidance. It’s particularly compelling as the author includes anecdotes from her own career. She’s been “sleeves rolled up” building teams, products, and businesses. It was fun to read about her experiences weaved into this powerful book.

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7. A must-read!
   A must-read for innovators, leaders, and anyone seeking to navigate the intersection of creativity, technology, and humanity. Alana Ackerson offers a refreshingly soulful and authentic vision in an era increasingly dominated by machines and metrics. Unlike the flood of books predicting the decline of human creativity in an AI-driven world, Ackerson demonstrates that the most vital tools for success in this future are deeply human: authenticity, imagination, and boldness.
   Ackerson reframes innovation as an act of creativity grounded in human values and emotional intelligence, showcasing how breakthroughs often arise from reframing problems and inventing new vocabularies for the indescribable. Her examples, drawn from science, technology, and her own career in Silicon Valley, highlight how language and perspective unlock unimaginable possibilities. Her insights resonate deeply, showing how leaders and other visionaries succeeded by staying rooted in a mission that was as soulful as it was ambitious.
   Ackerson’s unique blend of technology and philosophy is what sets this book apart. Her reflections on the interplay between humanity and innovation feel especially timely, providing a roadmap for those striving to build meaningful and inspired creations. Through inspiring narratives and practical frameworks, she empowers readers to act with intention and urgency in both personal and societal growth.
   This book is not just a guide for navigating the complexities of an AI-driven world—it’s a reminder that the human soul, with its capacity for creativity, resilience, and purpose, will always be at the heart of progress. Ackerson’s writing is insightful, uplifting, and deeply personal, offering a vision of the future where the “good guys” win by staying grounded in what makes us human.
   This is a timely and beautiful book, one I’ll keep close and return to often.

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