Embracing the Power of Authentic Connection: A New BOOK
Dear Genius Creators,
As I sit down to write this, I’m somewhere over the Atlantic (or maybe not), chasing the horizon with nothing but a backpack and a heart full of gratitude. It’s been a wild ride since my last letter—new countries, new faces, and a deeper understanding of what it means to truly connect in a world that’s louder and more distracted than ever.
This month, I want to talk about authenticity. Not the buzzword kind that gets thrown around in corporate boardrooms or social media captions, but the raw, unfiltered kind that makes you feel alive. The kind that happens when you stop performing and start being. I’ve spent years speaking to audiences across the globe—royal families, inmates, billionaires, and dreamers—and the one thing that binds them all is the hunger for real connection. Not the polished, curated version of it, but the messy, human kind.
Recently, I was in a small village in Latvia, sharing a meal with locals who didn’t speak a word of English. We laughed, gestured wildly, and somehow understood each other perfectly. No pretense, no agenda—just presence. It reminded me of why I started Genius Creators: to build a world where we empower each other to live fully in the moment, to create boldly, and to connect deeply.
What’s New with Genius Creators
We’re on the cusp of something big. Our third book, Connected: 366 Degrees, is in its final stages, and I can’t wait to share it with you. It’s a love letter to the power of human connection, packed with stories and tools to help you forge meaningful relationships in your life and work. Stay tuned for a release date—it’s coming soon!
We’ve also expanded our mastermind experiences. This month, we hosted an intimate retreat in the Alps, where creators from five continents came together to dream, strategize, and grow. The energy was electric—imagine a room full of people unafraid to be vulnerable, sharing their biggest ideas and fears. If you’re curious about joining our next one, hit reply or shoot me an email at GordonBufton@Proton.me . We’re selective, but if you’re a visionary building the future, we want to hear from you.
A Personal Reflection
I’ve been clean and sober since April 22, 2010, and I’ll never stop celebrating that. But sobriety isn’t just about saying no to substances—it’s about saying yes to life. Recently, I’ve been diving deeper into mindfulness practices, from meditation to plant medicine ceremonies with shamans. These experiences have taught me that true freedom comes from facing yourself head-on, no distractions, no excuses. It’s scary, sure, but it’s also where the magic happens.
I’ve also been reflecting on the idea of “enough.” In a world obsessed with more—more money, more followers, more everything—it’s radical to say, “I am enough.” Try it. Say it out loud right now. Feels good, doesn’t it? That’s the energy I’m carrying into this next chapter, and I invite you to join me.
Let’s Connect
I’m heading to Tokyo next, then who knows where. If you’re in Japan or have a connection there, let me know—I love meeting creators in person. And if you’re struggling, dreaming, or just need a nudge to take that next step, my inbox is always open. No matter where you are in your journey, you’re not alone.
Here’s to building a connected universe, one authentic moment at a time.
With love and gratitude, Gordon Founder, Genius Creators August 30, 2025
P.S. If you’re curious about our work with charity: water or want to join our mission to create Genius Creator Centers worldwide, reply to this letter. Let’s make waves together.