In this episode of Disruption/Interruption, KJ sits down with Alan Paulin, co-creator of Mavis, to explore how AI is fundamentally transforming the way we write and work. Alan shares his journey from building Cash App to creating a startup that eliminates "copy-paste purgatory" between AI tools and traditional word processors. The conversation dives into why the current AI workflow is broken, how Mavis enables true human-AI collaboration, and why the education system needs to evolve for an AI-native generation. This is essential listening for anyone frustrated with bouncing between ChatGPT and Google Docs—and a glimpse into the future of iterative, intelligent document creation.

Four Key Takeaways:

1. [0:18] AI tools today force a "one-shot" workflow that doesn't match how humans actually work - Most people work iteratively, meandering through drafts, massaging thoughts, and editing as they go. Current AI interfaces require big prompts and deliver static documents that force you into copy-paste hell, abandoning you once you leave the chat interface.
2. [18:09] The real value of AI isn't just saving time, it's increasing happiness -
   Professionals didn't choose their fields to spend all day writing—they chose them to solve problems. By compressing the time spent on tedious documentation, AI tools like Mavis don't just create efficiency; they give people more time to do meaningful work they actually love.
3. [13:34] Big tech companies are too slow to innovate in the AI-writing space -
   Google Docs and Microsoft Word haven't fundamentally changed in decades. Their massive user bases make rapid innovation nearly impossible—they're steering the Titanic. Startups have a unique advantage to tackle niches and experiment with workflows that giants simply can't.
4. [34:29] The future belongs to "AI-native" thinkers who use AI as an extension of themselves -
   Industry is actively seeking people who seamlessly integrate AI into their workflow and thinking. The education system must evolve beyond testing what calculators and AI can do—and start focusing on critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving instead.

Quote of the Show (17:52):
"Most of these people didn't choose that field to spend all of their time writing. They chose it to solve problems." - Alan Paulin 

Join our Anti-PR newsletter where we’re keeping a watchful and clever eye on PR trends, PR fails, and interesting news in tech so you don't have to. You're welcome. 

Want PR that actually matters? Get 30 minutes of expert advice in a fast-paced, zero-nonsense session from Karla Jo Helms, a veteran Crisis PR and Anti-PR Strategist who knows how to tell your story in the best possible light and get the exposure you need to disrupt your industry. Click here to book your call: https://info.jotopr.com/free-anti-pr-eval 

Ways to connect with Alan Paulin:

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/alanpaulin
Company Website: https://mavislabs.ai

How to get more Disruption/Interruption: 

Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/eccda84d-4d5b-4c52-ba54-7fd8af3cbe87/disruption-interruption

Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/disruption-interruption/id1581985755

Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/6yGSwcSp8J354awJkCmJlD