Reimagining AI: Jesh de Rox on Human Connection and Growth

In this episode of Corporate Unplugged, Vesna goes into deep dialogue with Jesh de Rox, cultural anthropologist and founder of hOURS, to explore the transformative potential of AI in enhancing human connection and creativity. Jesh shares his journey from a renowned photographer to a visionary leader in social technology, emphasizing the importance of nurturing environments that foster human growth.

Jesh discusses his shift from seeing himself as a healer to a gardener. 

“As long as you are a healer, you will always be a part of the war”

He realized that being a healer kept him tied to the wounds he sought to mend. Instead, he embraced the role of a gardener, cultivating the right conditions for growth and transformation.

Understanding Human Growth

Jesh is passionate about understanding what elements are necessary for humans to grow. He believes society should be designed to optimize human potential, but often suppresses it instead. “I’m obsessed with how humans grow,” he says, emphasizing the importance of creating environments that allow individuals to experience epiphanies and personal development.

His work at Superfeel is centered around building scalable systems that promote these transformative experiences. By focusing on the nutrients and environments necessary for growth, Jesh aims to unlock human potential on a global scale.

The Power of Imagination

Jesh highlights the power of imagination as an essential part of human growth. He describes imagination as “early stage reality,” where beliefs and perspectives are formed. This imaginative space is crucial for creating culture and fostering innovation.

He shares a personal experience in Mykonos, where he realized that love and emotions are internally generated. 

“I realized my love for these people did not have to disappear because they did.” 

He understood that true freedom comes from within.

Building HOURS 

HOURS is Jesh’s ambitious project aimed at scaling social systems that foster human growth. The company uses technology to create environments optimized for hyper-connectivity, hyper-expression, and growth. 

Jesh sees ‘epiphanies’ as the key to unlocking this process of growth, which he likens to a seed becoming a tree; the pivotal moment of personal growth and transformation, where an individual is able to access and actualize their highest human potential. 

hOURS aims to facilitate and scale these transformative moments for people, storing the resulting “subconscious intellectual property” in a personalized “data garden.”

This innovative approach involves creating a private data bank account for each user, storing their insights and allowing them to contribute to a collective intelligence network. Jesh envisions this as an “internet of minds,” where individual brilliance is harnessed for collective growth.

Redefining AI with Collective Intelligence

Jesh critiques current AI systems for being built on limited data that often lacks depth. He advocates for a new approach centered on individual data ownership and ethical development. “Our way of building a collective intelligence is just entirely different,” he states, emphasizing the need for aligned incentives.

By focusing on collective intelligence rather than artificial intelligence, Jesh aims to create a system where everyone’s input is valued and rewarded. This approach not only respects individual contributions but also enhances the overall quality of data used in AI development.

The Role of Trust and Purpose

Trust is a core element in Jesh’s vision for hOURS. He believes trust is essential for accessing the highest levels of human expression and creativity. “Trust is among the highest of them and the most difficult,” he notes, highlighting its importance in encouraging participation.

Jesh calls for leaders to embrace authenticity and boldness in shaping a future aligned with human-centric values. By prioritizing meaningful contributions over profit alone, businesses can play a pivotal role in creating environments that nurture growth and connection.

A Call to Action for Leaders

Jesh challenges leaders to go beyond perceived limitations and embrace their roles in this critical juncture in human history. “We have to go big,” he urges, stressing the importance of aligning business models with human incentives.

He sees hope when leaders focus on nurturing employees and customers alike, creating systems that respect individuality. By doing so, businesses can drive meaningful change and lead society toward a new renaissance.

Embracing Joy and Laughter

The biggest thing the world needs now, says Jesh, is more laughter and joy. He emphasizes that laughter can be incredibly beneficial, as it helps people connect and reduces negativity. Jesh believes that if our efforts and learning do not lead to an increase in joy and a sense of aliveness, then they may not be fulfilling their true purpose.

“If the higher learning doesn’t ultimately lead to an increase of joy, then what’s even the point?” 

Jesh encourages businesses to cultivate environments where joy can flourish, ensuring their contributions lead to lasting positive impact on both individuals and society as a whole. Joy, for him, is a compass indicating whether we are on the right path or not. 

If this discussion resonates with you, check out the episode from Nichol Bradford.