What happens when we stop trying to master technology and start learning with it? In this episode of The Alignment Show , I sit down with Joshua Hale — a self-taught “holistic tech wizard” who helps creators and entrepreneurs build businesses that serve life instead of consuming it. Joshua’s journey runs from the intensity of restaurant kitchens to the freedom of leading his own AI-driven strategy practice. Along the way, he’s learned that the most valuable skill in a changing world isn’t technical expertise — it’s curiosity. We talk about his “teach-by-doing” approach, the mindset of an autodidact, and how authenticity becomes an asset in an era when anyone can access unlimited information. Joshua also shares his 10-80-10 Method — 10 percent human idea, 80 percent AI execution, 10 percent human refinement — and why seeing AI as a creative co-pilot, not a competitor, can expand both your freedom and your impact. If you’ve ever wondered how to use AI without losing yourself in the process, or how to build a business around learning, purpose, and humanity, you’ll find this conversation both practical and deeply encouraging. About Joshua Hale Joshua Hale is a holistic tech strategist and AI mentor who helps creators and entrepreneurs build life-first businesses—ventures that align purpose, technology, and personal well-being. A self-taught innovator, he blends systems thinking, marketing strategy, and real-world experimentation to make complex technology accessible and empowering. Through his company and community work, Joshua equips people to use AI as a tool for clarity, creativity, and connection rather than complexity or control. Resources & Links Connect with Joshua Hale 🌐 JoshuaHale.io 🔗 Joshua's resources for you 💼 Joshua Hale on LinkedIn Mentioned in This Episode * The 10-80-10 Method : Joshua’s framework for balancing human creativity and AI efficiency. * Ikigai : The Japanese concept of finding alignment between what you love, what you’re good at, and what the world will pay for. * Joanna Penn : Writer and podcaster who inspires creators to integrate AI ethically and creatively. Connect with Donn King ✉️ Subscribe to The Alignment Show newsletter at TheAlignmentshow.com . 🌎 Learn more about my books at DonnKing.com/Books . Take a look at Creating While Caring , my latest book. You can get links to video or audio versions of this episode at DonnKing.com/98 . Or (if you’re seeing this in email), just click on the headline to listen via your Substack app, which is probably the best way to watch/listen to either format. You can catch the video on YouTube or audio versions of all episodes later at Apple Podcasts , Spotify , Amazon podcasts , and (always) Substack . If you get value from the show, consider supporting us through Buy Me a Coffee . You can make a one-time contribution or sign up for regular support. Your support helps me continue helping you and others, and thank you in advance! You can also subscribe on Substack for free OR upgrade to a paid subscription to receive the following bonus material for each episode: * The “Big Takeaway” * A bulleted summary of the episode * Practical tips from the episode * A quote to ponder * Prefer text? We turn each podcast into an article. Plus, Founding Members receive ebook copies of all my books as well as a sponsorship message on the podcast at least once a month. That’s our way for saying “thanks for the support!” Note: if you accidentally subscribe on ConfidenceCultivators.com (which used to host the show), I will comp you the equivalent subscription on King’s Chronicles, the new home of The Alignment Show. Get full access to The Confidence Cultivator at confidencecultivator.substack.com/subscribe
