281: Lessons from SXSW - My Fav Tech Conference

Lessons from SXSW: How Tech Inspires Us, But Human Connection Still Wins

If you follow me, you already know how much I love South by Southwest (SXSW). This year marked my eighth time attending "the Disneyland for entrepreneurs and creatives"—and every visit leaves my mind popping with inspiration and new ideas. For those who haven’t heard of it, SXSW is a world-renowned gathering of tech, music, and film, bringing together tens of thousands of people eager to learn, connect, and spark innovation. And while the city of Austin pulses with energy that week, it’s the tech component that keeps drawing me back.

Today, I wanted to pull back the curtain and share the biggest lessons—both exciting and sobering—that I brought home from SXSW 2024.

AI is Everywhere, But Are We Really Ready?

If I had to pick just one theme, AI dominated the conference. Far from the fringe novelty it was just a few years ago, it’s now woven into every conversation—from search, to robots, to personal assistants, and content creation. New small language models (like ChatGPT Mini) are taking over, promising to be less resource-intensive and better for the environment. (Pro tip: If you have the option, use a mini-model—it uses only 2% of the energy that the full version does!)

My biggest takeaway, however, is that while the tech industry is head-over-heels for AI, there’s a growing realization that not everyone else is as enthusiastic. For many of us, there’s a healthy skepticism about how far is “too far” when it comes to AI tools—and, honestly, about the privacy trade-offs we’re all making.

Human Connection Is Becoming a Luxury

One of the most moving talks I attended was about the “loneliness epidemic.” Did you know that 1 in 4 adults says they often have no one to turn to in a crisis? As tech invades every part of our lives, experts predict the next big health revolution will be about meaningful social connection (think: having a mindset coach like you have a personal trainer).

I loved learning about the “5-3-1 Game”:

• 5 meaningful connections a week (like meals, walks, or proper phone calls)
• 3 close relationships that you maintain with intention
• 1 hour a day of quality offline interaction

Even introverts aren’t immune to loneliness—but we might need less connection to feel fulfilled than extroverts. However, the need is still deeply human.

Tech for Good—and for Caution

Robots that learn, AI avatars, brain-computer interfaces, even biotech you can swallow to monitor your body—there’s no denying the wow (and sometimes the “whoa!”) factor of SXSW demos. For every exciting step forward (like using bio-tech to treat disease), there’s also a looming question: Just because we can, does it mean we should?

Security and privacy are bigger challenges than ever. AI agents that book your travel or manage your life will soon need access to a lot of your personal data, and no one has fully solved how to keep everything safe. The best thing we can do right now: Stay aware, take reasonable security steps (like end-to-end encryption on your iCloud), and remain critical thinkers.

The Secret Superpower: Being Uniquely Human

When the pace of tech feels dizzying (and it’s speeding up every day), remember: What can’t machines replicate? Empathy, creativity, emotional nuance, the wonder that comes from face-to-face connection, and the ability to get outside your echo chamber.

If you want to stand out in the age of AI, double down on your human strengths. Build your community. Seek out awe and curiosity. Get a little uncomfortable and challenge your own assumptions. Change your mind often—that’s how you grow.

My New Rule: Tech as a Tool for More Life, Not Less

After a week soaking up all things tech, the thing I craved most was…less of it! I’m keeping the tools that truly give me back time and freedom in business, so I can channel that energy into real relationships and richer experiences offline. And when I add a new tool, it has to:

• Increase my business’s profit,
• Enhance customer experience,
• Or give me more time and freedom.

Otherwise, I leave it behind.

Final Thought:
You don’t have to fly to Texas to bring SXSW energy into your business and life. Take a moment each week to explore a new tech trend, subscribe to a cutting-edge newsletter, or start one deeper, more meaningful conversation—even just with a friend over coffee. That’s where true innovation starts.