Embracing the Chaos: Generative AI, Neurodivergence, and the Future of Work

Welcome to the wild, untamed world of the Anti-Professional Podcast, where we throw the rulebook out the window and dive headfirst into the messy, beautiful chaos of life, work, and everything in between. In this episode, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with Leo Guinan—software engineer, startup founder, and all-around brilliant human—to talk about generative AI, neurodivergence, the future of work, and why the hell we’re all so obsessed with social media.

If you’re someone who feels like you don’t quite fit into the neatly labeled boxes society tries to shove you into, this one’s for you. Let’s get into it.

The Anti-Professional Ethos: Why Being “Bad” is Actually Good

One of the things Leo and I bonded over immediately is our shared disdain for best practices. You know, those rigid, soul-sucking rules that tell you exactly how to behave, how to work, and how to exist in the world. Spoiler alert: they’re bullshit.

Leo put it perfectly: “I do things incredibly badly and proudly.” And honestly? Same.

For years, both of us spent way too much energy masking—trying to fit into the mold of what a “professional” is supposed to look like. For Leo, that meant hiding his ADHD and autism in corporate environments where productivity was measured in hours spent at a desk, not actual output. For me, it meant trying to contort myself into roles that didn’t align with my weird, creative brain.

But here’s the thing: life’s too short to spend it pretending to be someone you’re not. The moment we stopped worrying about what people thought and started embracing our messy, imperfect selves, everything changed.

Generative AI: The Future is Weird (and That’s a Good Thing)

Let’s talk about AI for a second. Specifically, generative AI like ChatGPT. It’s everywhere right now, and it’s changing the game in ways we’re only beginning to understand.

Leo and I geeked out over the potential of AI to level the playing field for creators and entrepreneurs. Imagine a world where you don’t need a team of engineers or a massive marketing budget to build something incredible. With AI, the barriers to entry are lower than ever.

But here’s the kicker: AI isn’t just a tool for efficiency. It’s a tool for creativity. It’s about breaking the rules, experimenting, and seeing what happens when you let your imagination run wild.

For example, Leo’s latest project, Chooser Algorithm, is all about giving users control over their data and how it’s used. Instead of relying on big tech algorithms that prioritize profit over people, Leo’s building a system that puts power back in the hands of creators. It’s a small but mighty step toward a more decentralized, human-centric internet.

Neurodivergence: The Superpower You Didn’t Know You Had

As two proudly neurodivergent humans, Leo and I spent a good chunk of the episode talking about the challenges—and joys—of living with ADHD and autism.

For Leo, the pandemic was a turning point. Working from home allowed him to drop the mask and embrace his true self for the first time. The result? A surge in energy, creativity, and productivity.

It’s a reminder that neurodivergence isn’t a flaw—it’s a superpower. Sure, it comes with its own set of challenges (hello, executive dysfunction), but it also gives us the ability to see the world in ways that others can’t.

If you’re neurodivergent and struggling to fit into a world that wasn’t built for you, here’s my advice: stop trying to fit in. Lean into your weirdness. Build the life and career that works for you, not the one society says you should want.

The Future of Work: Why the 9-to-5 is Dead

Let’s be real: the traditional 9-to-5 is a relic of the past. It’s a system designed for a world that no longer exists—a world where productivity was measured in widgets produced, not ideas generated.

Leo and I both agree: the future of work is about freedom. It’s about creating ecosystems where people can work as much—or as little—as they want, on projects that actually matter to them.

Imagine a world where you don’t have to choose between paying the bills and pursuing your passion. Where you can build a business, create art, or just live your life without being chained to a desk.

It’s not a pipe dream. With the rise of AI, decentralized systems, and the gig economy, we’re closer than ever to making this vision a reality.

Social Media: The Double-Edged Sword

Ah, social media. The great equalizer and the ultimate time-suck.

Leo and I talked about the role of social media in our lives—both the good and the bad. On one hand, it’s an incredible tool for connection and creativity. On the other, it’s a breeding ground for comparison, perfectionism, and burnout.

The key, as always, is balance. Use social media as a tool to express yourself and connect with like-minded weirdos, but don’t let it dictate your worth. And for the love of all that is holy, stop trying to go viral. Trust me, it’s not worth it.

Final Thoughts: Just Post It

If there’s one takeaway from this episode, it’s this: just post it.

Whether you’re building a business, creating art, or just trying to figure out your place in the world, the most important thing is to start. Don’t wait for permission. Don’t worry about being perfect. Just put yourself out there and see what happens.

As Leo said, “Most people will ignore it, and that’s okay. By the time they start paying attention, you’ll already be light-years ahead.”

So go forth, my fellow anti-professionals. Embrace your weirdness. Break the rules. And remember: the future belongs to those who are brave enough to create it.

Catch the full episode of the Anti-Professional Podcast with Leo Guinan here. And if you’re a bold business looking to make some noise on the internet, check out my creative agency at identitypending.com. Let’s ruffle some feathers together.

Until next time, stay weird.

— Chuck Copenspire