I didn’t grow up surrounded by technology. Life wasn’t like that back then. I grew up in a small Minnesota town, where the most exotic thing was a thunderstorm rolling in across the prairie. As I grew, I became curious about people, places, how the world worked, and of course, technology. That curiosity led me across the country on family road trips, and eventually across the globe: from hiking in New Zealand to sushi in Tokyo to late-night cafés in Portugal.
You know what I learned along the way? It wasn’t just geography I was exploring. It was perspective. What makes people tick? What drives cultures to change or stay the same? What stories help us make sense of it all?
Then one night in 2008, after years of wandering, a truly bizarre dream hit me: a family of dung beetles dancing and singing about their love for poop. (Yes, really.) When I shared it with my nieces and nephews, they couldn’t stop laughing and asking questions. That moment sparked a realization:
We remember what makes us laugh. We learn when we’re entertained. We grow through stories.
So I started my journey to becoming an author, self-publishing my first book, The Dingleberrys. This fun-filled adventure was a labor of love, but more writing was coming my way…
The World Is Changing Fast. I’ll Help You Keep Up with Clarity, Humor, and Purpose.
In 2016, while researching personal development and the future of work, I stumbled across an idea that wouldn’t let go: artificial intelligence was about to reshape everything.
I dove in headfirst—studying supercomputing, Moore’s Law, ethics, algorithms, and automation. And soon I realized: most people weren’t ready for what was coming. They were overwhelmed. Distracted. Disconnected from what mattered most.
So I started writing again.
Not code. Stories.
Because the best way to understand intelligent machines is to understand ourselves first.
I’m Not Here to Sell You Hype. I’m Here to Help You Lead.
Whether you’re a parent, a professional, or a leader navigating uncertain times, Turning On Machines is your field guide.
I wrote it to help you:
Retain what matters in a world drowning in noise
Take action on ideas instead of just absorbing information
Build habits that last long after the tech headlines fade
See clearly how the past shapes our future with AI
Why Listen to Me?
Certified Chief AI Officer, trusted by leaders at Apple, Sanctuary AI, and Fortune 500s
15+ years guiding teams through transformation with heart and strategy
Author of Turning On Machines and the blog Machines Learning
Ethics & Responsibility Advocate: Championing augmentation, not replacement
Still a curious kid at heart who believes the weirdest stories can teach us the most
If you’re ready to stop reacting to AI and start navigating it with purpose, you’re in the right place.
Download the Dingleberrys from the ibooks store or get a hard copy on blurb.
Visit Zac's LinkedIn page for more on his career background.
Follow Zac on Twitter for A.I. posts & other random thoughts.