Why AI is Actually Artificial Creativity with Brian Alvey, CTO of WordPress VIP

In this episode of Modern CTO, host Joel Beasley interviews Brian Alvey, CTO of WordPress VIP, about his provocative perspective on AI not as artificial intelligence but as 'artificial creativity.' Alvey argues that AI has disrupted the creative domain—writing, comedy, decision-making—far more than expected, replacing human roles in areas once thought immune to automation. He uses vivid analogies, like the evolution of sandwich-making through technological shortcuts, to illustrate how AI is just another layer of efficiency in human progress. Alvey shares personal experiences, including using AI agents to test comedy jokes across age groups and leveraging LLMs to rebuild complex software in days instead of years. He envisions a future of stacked agents, sub-agents, and AI-driven decision-making teams, while cautioning that the real threat isn't job loss but the erosion of human context and creativity. Despite concerns from younger generations about AI's impact on art and ethics, Alvey advocates for embracing AI as a tool, not a foe. He also reflects on the changing role of the modern CTO, now able to achieve more with smaller teams due to AI acceleration, and discusses the ethical and practical implications of brain-computer implants with a critical eye toward brand trust and long-term consequences.