Five Tech and Mindset Shifts Fueling HastingsNow’s Evolution (And What They Mean for Us) | Ep.09
Image Photo Credit: HastingsNow.com/ashley
Style: Mixed-Media Collage
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Why It’s Hot: TikTok transitions mimic scrapbook jump-cuts; AI fakes the layers.
One-Line GPT-4o Prompt Template*: “Surreal travel collage: vintage postcards, torn newsprint, watercolor splashes, high-res mixed-media.”
In the fast-paced world of digital media, staying ahead isn’t just about adopting a new app or software – it’s about adopting new mindsets. The team behind HastingsNow.com has been embracing fresh skills, technologies, and ways of thinking to keep the community storytelling vibrant. Here are five key tech and mindset shifts they’ve adopted lately, and how each is transforming their work (and maybe can transform yours too):
Cultivating a Growth Mindset for Continuous Learning – Mindset Shift.
One of the most important changes at HastingsNow is an internal one: the belief that there’s always more to learn. Co-founder Ashley exemplifies this when she says, “I’m always excited when the software we are using makes new upgrades that help us tell better stories.” Instead of resisting change, she leans into it – updating skills with every software upgrade, seeing each as an opportunity rather than a nuisance. This attitude is what psychologists call a growth mindset, the idea that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning online.hbs.eduonline.hbs.edu. Studies show a growth mindset leads to more persistence in the face of challenges and a greater appetite for feedback online.hbs.edu. For HastingsNow, this means the team doesn’t shy away from new features on a platform or shifts in digital trends; they actively seek them out and experiment. The benefit for the Hastings community is content that continually improves in quality and creativity. It also sets an example for other local businesses – showing that staying curious and adaptable is key to thriving in today’s tech-driven world. In practical terms, you might see HastingsNow rolling out a new interactive map of local events because they tinkered with a software update that enabled mapping, or improving video quality on their interviews after learning a new editing trick. Takeaway for readers: Embrace the mindset that you can learn any new tech tool with a bit of effort. As Harvard’s entrepreneurship experts put it, viewing challenges as learning opportunities turns every hurdle into a step forward online.hbs.edu.
Choosing Collaborators by “Vibe” – People & Culture.
Technology aside, Peter highlights a more human skill the team adopted: “being more intentional about the people we work with, [people] that share a similar vibe and are curious about technology.” In a world where remote and gig work is prevalent, HastingsNow learned that who you work with can be as important as the work itself. They now seek out collaborators – whether freelance writers, photographers, or partner businesses – who resonate with their innovative, tech-curious culture. This approach has roots in business philosophy; Jim Collins, in Good to Great, talked about getting “the right people on the bus” first and foremost. By aligning with like-minded, forward-looking individuals, HastingsNow ensures smoother cooperation and more creative synergy. For example, a local videographer who is also excited about experimenting with AI will gel well with the team, share knowledge, and co-create novel content (like drone footage mixed with AI-generated imagery, perhaps). For Hastings residents, this means the content you consume is crafted by a passionate network, not just isolated professionals. The vibe is consistent – upbeat, experimental, community-loving. Takeaway for readers: Whether you’re a business owner or organizing a volunteer group, consider the “vibe” of your team. Bringing in people who share your values and enthusiasm can supercharge your mission. Skills can be taught, but passion and curiosity are contagious – and HastingsNow.com is leveraging that truth.
Mastering “Vibe Coding” and Rapid Prototyping – Tech Skill.
The term “vibe coding” might sound whimsical, but for HastingsNow it’s a serious methodology. Peter describes it as a breakthrough: the realization that “basically anything is possible [with] a couple hacks.” In practice, vibe coding means quickly piecing together tech solutions that feel right for the moment, rather than over-engineering or over-planning. It’s akin to a jazz musician jamming – following intuition, testing a riff, and seeing if it resonates. In coding, this might involve using open-source code snippets, low-code platforms, or even AI code assistants to spin up a feature rapidly. For instance, when developing the Local Pigeon app, instead of building everything from scratch, they likely stitched together existing services (like using Twilio for phone verification, a template for the user interface, etc.) to get a working prototype in users’ hands quickly. The advantage of this skill is speed. HastingsNow.com can try out ideas (a chatbot for local Q&A, a new website feature, a mini-game about Hastings history) in days or weeks, gather feedback, and refine – whereas a traditional approach might take months before testing with real users. This rapid prototyping is huge in tech circles (think “fail fast, learn fast”), and now it’s happening in Hastings. Takeaway for readers: You don’t have to be a coder to apply “vibe coding” principles. The essence is experimentation. If you have a creative idea – say, a new menu item at your cafe or a different layout in your shop – try a quick version of it, see how people respond, iterate. Use the tools at your disposal without overthinking. HastingsNow.com’s example shows that a rough prototype today can beat a perfect plan tomorrow.
Adopting the Latest AI Tools – Technology Adoption.
Perhaps unsurprisingly for a media startup deeply involved in tech, HastingsNow’s crew has eagerly adopted the latest AI models and tools. Peter quips, “My favorite tech seems to be the latest AI model that comes out.” This speaks to a culture of early adoption. When OpenAI releases a new GPT version or when a novel image generator emerges, the team jumps in to test it for content creation potential. We’ve already seen them use AI for generating marketing images and brainstorming with ChatGPT. By staying on the cutting edge, they keep their content fresh and their process efficient. For example, they might use an AI transcription service to instantly convert audio interviews into text (making article writing faster), or an AI video enhancer to improve low-light footage from a local event. Importantly, they’re not adopting tech for tech’s sake, but to serve storytelling. This habit also future-proofs their skills. In an era where the half-life of tech skills is less than five years (and as short as 2.5 years in some fields) bcg.com, continuously learning new AI tools is crucial. By the time one trend becomes mainstream, HastingsNow.com is already adept at it and moving to the next – meaning Hastings gets the benefit of cutting-edge methods early. Takeaway for readers: Don’t be afraid of new technology; approach it with curiosity. You don’t have to be an expert overnight, but trying out that new app or tool can give you a surprising edge. Many AI tools are becoming user-friendly (from Canva’s AI design suggestions to Grammarly’s advanced writing feedback). As HastingsNow.com demonstrates, the early adopters often reap outsized rewards – whether that’s saving time, cutting costs, or creating content that wows the audience.
Storytelling-First Mindset with Tech Upgrades – Integration of Tech and Purpose.
Despite all this talk of tech, what grounds HastingsNow is a storytelling-first mindset. Ashley’s excitement about software upgrades isn’t just tech lust; it’s because those upgrades “help us tell better stories.” Every new skill or tool is evaluated for how it enhances their core mission: documenting and amplifying local brands and voices. This mindset ensures technology remains a means, not an end. For the team, it means they might skip a trendy platform if it doesn’t suit local content (for example, they might pass on a flashy VR experience if few in Hastings have VR gear, but they’ll enthusiastically adopt a podcast format since many locals enjoy audio stories during their commute). It also manifests in how they design their services. The forthcoming app, for instance, isn’t tech for tech’s sake – it’s built to make it easier for residents and businesses to share Soundbites and stories, removing friction and enhancing authenticity. By keeping the focus on storytelling, they ensure that all these new skills, whether vibe coding or AI, actually deliver value to the community. This mindset is a skill in itself – the ability to align technology with purpose. Takeaway for readers: When you adopt a new technology or skill, tie it to your core goals. If you run a business, ask “How will this tool help my customers or improve my product?” If you’re learning a new skill, ask “How can I apply this meaningfully?” HastingsNow.com’s restraint in only using upgrades that serve their narrative goals is something we can all emulate. It prevents distraction and tech burnout, and channels energy where it counts.
In summary, HastingsNow.com’s crew has evolved by embracing a growth mindset, curating a like-minded team culture, mastering rapid prototyping, staying on the cutting edge of AI, and always centering purposeful storytelling. These shifts not only keep HastingsNow.com ahead of the curve, but they also enrich the media we all enjoy in Hastings – making it more innovative, engaging, and reflective of a community that’s stepping confidently into the future. For those of us cheering on the sidelines (or eager to jump in ourselves), their journey offers a blueprint: stay curious, pick your partners well, experiment boldly, leverage new tech, and never lose sight of why you started. That’s a recipe not just for surviving change, but for thriving in it online.hbs.edubcg.com.
Sources: HastingsNow Co-founders Interview; HBS on Growth Mindset online.hbs.eduonline.hbs.edu; Dweck study on learning from mistakes online.hbs.edu; BCG/HBR on half-life of skills bcg.com.
When Ashley didn’t have her camera on hand, she quickly remembered she could use her phone. She used the wide lens to take broader pictures, covering more of the mural. Artist: Kada. Image credit: HastingsNow.com/ashley.
