This episode was originally intended for Antonio’s podcast, but Dr. Farris and Antonio forgot how much they liked each other and decided to start a podcast together. Here is the first time they ever recorded together.Follow Dr. Farris here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-farris-ph-d-csm-cspo-50b9a958/https://www.facebook.com/joshua.r.farrishttps://www.facebook.com/groups/378640331838790https://spirituallydrivenleadership.comhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Joshua%20R.%20Farris/author/B088KV4X2HFollow Antonio Here:https://www.facebook.com/theatsjrhttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Antonio-T.-Smith-Jr/author/B00M3MPVJ8https://www.linkedin.com/in/antoniotsmithjrhttps://antoniotsmithjr.comhttps://www.instagram.com/theatsjrPersonal Relationship and ImpressionInitial Impression and Academic Connection:Antonio met Dr. Ferris during his college years but cannot recall if it was during his undergraduate or graduate studies. Dr. Ferris clarified it was during grad school.Antonio had an immediate connection with Dr. Ferris and continues to refer to him affectionately as "Dr. Ferris."Dr. Ferris appeared young and unassuming, but his teaching quickly dispelled any reservations, impressing Antonio with his hard but fair approach and innovative integration of quantum mechanics with theology.Mutual Academic Interests:Dr. Ferris supported Antonio's unconventional academic pursuits, such as merging quantum physics with theology.He introduced Antonio to authors who aligned with his interests, broadening his academic perspective.Professional Dynamics and DevelopmentProfessional and Social Dynamics:Dr. Ferris considers Antonio both a friend and a boss, highlighting a unique dual relationship.Despite the casual norms in American business culture, they both prefer to maintain a formal address (Mr. Smith for Antonio, Dr. Ferris for him) to preserve the historical and warm nature of their relationship.Influence and Mentorship:Dr. Ferris played a significant role in Antonio's decision to pursue a PhD. He highlighted the intellectual challenge and the broadening of Antonio's professional credentials.He believes in Antonio's capability to contribute meaningfully to academic and business discussions, particularly with his diverse interests.Shared Values and Educational ImpactApproach to Education:Dr. Ferris aims to provide alternative perspectives and tools in his teaching to enhance students' education comprehensively.He appreciated Antonio's wide-ranging interests during their course, which resonated with his teaching style and academic goals.Future Orientations and Goals:Antonio and Dr. Ferris are looking forward to future collaborations and projects that blend their interests in theology, business, and education.Dr. Ferris sees potential in Antonio's ability to influence both the academic and business worlds, particularly through social media and other modern platforms.Cultural and Theological InsightsBiblical Interpretation and Social Impact:Antonio and Dr. Ferris discussed the potential social and cultural influence of modern "prophets" or thought leaders, particularly through platforms like social media, where they can shape cultural narratives significantly.Dr. Ferris acknowledged the role of traditional figures like pastors but emphasized the growing impact of business leaders and scholars in shaping contemporary culture.Understanding and Leveraging Cultural TrendsInsights from Personal Experience:At age 32 or 34, Antonio recognized his oldest son, then five, had a better grasp of emerging trends through platforms like YouTube.Antonio leverages this understanding by staying involved with his children and the trends they follow.Strategic Integration of Skills and LeadershipCombining Expertise:Antonio advocates for the importance of combining deep expertise, like Dr. Ferris's academic chops, with savvy media skills akin to those of Grant Cardone.He sees a unique advantage in being adept in both academia and media influence, especially within religious and ethical contexts.Corporate Ethics and Future VisionLaunching a Cultural and Ethical Initiative:Antonio discussed starting an initiative within his company, Density 6, focusing on AI ethics and theology.He believes it’s more strategic for him to support this initiative by enabling others, like Dr. Ferris, to lead and make pivotal decisions.Role and Responsibilities:Dr. Ferris serves as the Vice President of Ethical Engagement at Density 6.His role involves navigating the broad and complex ethical considerations of business and technology.Impact of Technology and Ethical ConsiderationsHistorical and Future Impact of Technology:Discusses the profound transformations caused by the internet and other technologies on societal norms and personal behaviors.Emphasizes the need for a thoughtful and critical approach to new technologies, particularly from an ethical standpoint.Theological Perspectives on Current Trends:Antonio and Dr. Ferris explore how theological insights can inform...
