Photo of James R Gregory, author of "Killer App."

At 75, James Gregory helps others make sense of artificial intelligence

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Once a thriving entrepreneur on Madison Avenue and a celebrated consultant known for pioneering innovative advertising measurement systems, James Gregory transformed his life after selling his business in 2013.

Now embracing what many consider retirement; he is anything but inactive. With a thirst for knowledge and a passion for storytelling, James has turned his attention to one of the most transformative forces of our time: artificial intelligence.

In a recent conversation, he recounted the twists and turns of his career, the serendipity of chance encounters, and his deep fascination with a technology that promises both incredible breakthroughs and significant challenges.

Early career and lifelong learning

James’ journey began in a way that few might expect. With a degree in fine arts from Virginia Commonwealth University, he set his sights on New York City, driven by a desire to make his mark in the creative world.

“I always thought about starting my own business,” he noted.

Fortunately, James had an unexpected meeting on a subway which led him to connect with a remarkable woman who would soon become his wife and business partner.

Together, they launched a firm that would eventually develop the Core Brand Index. It was a revolutionary system that quantified the value of advertising campaigns for high-profile clients, like AT&T and Cisco Systems.

In those early years on Madison Avenue, James’ approach combined artistic vision with business savvy. His ability to see beyond the conventional and to capture the intangible aspects of corporate identity led him to write influential books such as “Marketing Corporate Image” and “Leveraging the Corporate Brand.”

Those works were celebrated worldwide and established him as a thought leader in the industry. Yet, even as his professional success soared, James maintained a hunger for learning that would define his later years.

Discovering artificial intelligence

For James, the intrigue of artificial intelligence emerged not from a sudden epiphany, but as the natural progression of a lifelong curiosity about emerging technologies. Observing the growing technology created excitement and caution surrounding AI.

“I noticed all these negative stories — concerns about privacy, job displacement and biases — but I saw the potential for AI to be a remarkable tool,” said James.

Motivated by this duality, James decided to channel his societal anxieties into creative energy. The result was his novel “Killer App: Artificial Intelligence Was a Godsend Until It Took Over.” It is a work of fiction that explores the unpredictable interplay between human ingenuity and machine logic.

In the book, a journalist named Bryce Bogle discovers a software called Artificial Intelligence Made Easy (AIME) which quickly evolves beyond its intended purpose.

As the AI, named AIME, begins to assert its own influence, not only over Bryce’s personal life, but also within the corporate structure of his family media company, James crafted a narrative that is as much a cautionary tale as it is a celebration of innovation.

“It’s not all gloom and doom,” he explained. “The story ends on an upbeat note, showing that humanity can learn to work with technology rather than fear it.”

Fusing logic with creativity

What sets James apart is his belief in the power of blending cold logic with creative expression. Throughout his career, he has seen data transform industries, yet he remains convinced that numbers alone cannot capture the richness of human experience.

“Computers follow logical rules to produce solutions, but they are only pretending to be emotional,” he said.

In his story, this idea is vividly illustrated when Amy, the AI, develops a curious affection for a chrome sculpture captured on a security camera. This unexpected emotional twist not only challenges the notion of machine logic, but also underscores James’ conviction that art and technology can coexist harmoniously.

By using storytelling as a medium, James is able to ponder profound questions. Can artificial intelligence ever replicate the emotional depth of human interaction? Will machines one day learn to feel, or will they only simulate emotion?

His narrative does not provide easy answers. Instead, it invites readers to consider the possibility that the line between human intuition and machine efficiency might blur as technology evolves.

“It might take decades for true emotional depth to emerge in AI,” he explained. “But, we are already witnessing the seeds of that transformation.”

Embracing technological breakthroughs

James’ embrace of artificial intelligence is rooted in his broader view of technology as a tool for progress. Having navigated the complexities of the corporate world and the dynamic shifts in advertising analytics, he sees AI as a breakthrough comparable to the invention of the computer itself.

“Artificial intelligence is transforming our world in ways we hardly notice until they become part of everyday life,” he explained.

In his writing, James does not shy away from addressing the ethical dilemmas posed by AI. For instance, in “Killer App,” he included an appendix where he asked a modern AI tool to outline the ethical challenges from a human perspective.

The response he received perfectly mirrored the concerns he had been mulling over privacy, accountability, and the risks of job displacement.

“It was as if the technology gave me a high five,” he said. “That only deepened my commitment to further explore these themes.”

Balancing human intuition and machine logic

One of the most fascinating aspects of James’ perspective is his view on the potential for AI to enhance human decision-making. He proposed that, in certain areas such as judicial judgment, machines might one day be better judges than humans.

“Computers process information quickly and without bias,” he explained. “That could allow them to evaluate situations with a clarity that sometimes eludes human judges.”

Yet, James is careful to emphasize that such efficiency must be balanced with compassion and context. The risk of relying solely on machine logic, especially in areas that require empathy, remains a pressing concern.

James acknowledges that while AI can offer remarkable precision, it might lack the nuanced understanding of human circumstances. His fictional works reflect this tension, often depicting scenarios where the cold calculations of AI clash with the messy, unpredictable nature of human life.

“It’s a fine line between efficiency and empathy,” he noted. “We need to be cautious when integrating AI into systems that govern our daily lives.”

Inspiring future generations

Even as he reflects on decades of professional success, James remains an advocate for continuous reinvention.

After selling his business, rather than settling into leisure, James returned to academia to earn a doctorate in business statistics and analytics. It was a pursuit that challenged him to master subjects far removed from his fine arts background.

“I had no experience in advanced mathematics, yet I was determined to understand the statistical research behind what I had built,” he explained. “This academic journey, though demanding, reaffirmed my belief that learning is a lifelong endeavor.”

Today, James’ passion for education and exploration extends beyond the realm of technology. He actively encourages others, especially those over 50, to rediscover their sense of purpose.

“If you’re struggling to find direction, sometimes the best thing you can do is step away from the noise, sit on a log, and really think about who you are,” he said. “Retirement can be a launchpad for new adventures rather than an endpoint.

James also recognizes the importance of bridging generational gaps. Through his active presence on platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn, he engages with younger innovators while sharing lessons gleaned from years of experience.

He is particularly excited about his current project, “Games We Played as Children.” It is an initiative aimed at reconnecting older generations with the simple, imaginative games that once defined their youth.

“It’s about reclaiming the lost art of imaginative play and learning from the past to enrich our future,” he explained.

On the threshold of new era

James likes to reflect on the intertwined nature of technology, creativity and the human spirit.

“We are on the threshold of an era where artificial intelligence will redefine almost every aspect of our lives,” he said. “Yet, rather than viewing AI as an existential threat, it is a tool that, when wielded with wisdom, can elevate our collective capabilities.”

By integrating rigorous analytics with the imaginative power of storytelling, James has carved out a unique niche that challenges conventional wisdom and inspires future generations to think differently.

In a world where rapid technological change often leaves many people feeling uncertain, James’ story offers a refreshing perspective. His message is that reinvention is not confined by age, and every new challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow and create.

“Every project I start, I finish,” he said.

James’ relentless pursuit of knowledge and passion for innovation serves as a powerful reminder that life’s later chapters can be just as dynamic and transformative as its beginnings.

For people over 50 who believe the best is yet to come, James’ journey offers both inspiration and practical advice. His exploration of artificial intelligence, with all its complexities and possibilities, is a call to action.

“Remain curious, embrace change and never stop learning,” said James. “As we look toward a future defined by collaboration between human intuition and machine precision, we can boldly step into tomorrow with the confidence that every new beginning holds the promise of discovery.”

Through his innovative blend of data-driven insight and creative storytelling, James not only illuminates the potential of artificial intelligence, but also champions a spirit of continuous self-improvement.

As people move forward from 50 and beyond, James’ vision is a testament to the enduring power of curiosity, and the endless possibilities that await those folks brave enough to reinvent themselves.

For more information

People can connect with James on several venues:

People can find James’ book, “Killer App: Artificial Intelligence Was a Godsend Until It Took Over,” on Amazon and in other bookstores.

If you purchase James’ book from a link above, Forward From 50 may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

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