Reflecting on my journey and the moments that have truly lit me up, I've come to realize a fundamental truth about myself: I have an innate passion for connecting people. But not just any people. I'm drawn to those who are standing on the edge of something groundbreaking, those who inhabit what Justin Mares likes to call "Edge City".
It's a metaphorical place, yes, but it's more about a state of being – living at the forefront of technology, science, or culture, often feeling isolated in their pursuits because they are so ‘early’.
I find immense joy and fulfillment in introducing these trailblazers to one another, especially when they share a similar mission. It's like helping them find their tribe, their community. Whether it was back in 2015, connecting enthusiasts of tropical house music, or in 2021, being a Schelling point for regen web3 enthusiasts, or more recently, planning events for those in the burgeoning field of decentralized AI, the thrill of fostering these connections has been a consistent thread in my life.
I love doing whatever it takes to draw like-minded individuals together to engage, connect, and eventually collaborate on epic creations. This is not traditional networking; it's about scene-building. It's about creating spaces where collective intelligence and creativity can flourish. It’s about creating a sense of communitas.
"Communitas" is a term used in the social sciences, particularly anthropology and sociology, to describe an intense community spirit, the feeling of great social equality, solidarity, and togetherness. It often refers to the sense of camaraderie and the deep connection that develops among people who experience a shared journey, struggle, or ritual together, particularly in moments that transcend everyday norms and social structures.The concept of communitas was popularized by anthropologist Victor Turner, who used it to describe the sense of bonding and unity experienced by members of a community during rites of passage or rituals, which he saw as distinct from the structured social arrangements or hierarchies of day-to-day life. Turner emphasized that during these moments of communitas, social distinctions, such as class and rank, are momentarily diminished or dissolved, creating a sense of social equality and shared humanity.
Today, I'm channeling this passion for scene-building towards new frontiers I believe are essential to a brighter future for humanity. For example, I'm excited about the prospects of bringing together visionaries in fields like city-building in Africa or the development of holistic, health-focused urban environments. There's so much potential in these areas, and the key to unlocking it lies in these brilliant minds finding each other and co-creating a scene.
Looking back, my addiction to connecting people has always been about more than just the act itself. It's been about the bigger picture – facilitating the creation of solutions, innovations, and movements that propel human flourishing forward.
I see myself as a catalyst, helping to accelerate the birth of communities of beautiful minds, so they can collectively work towards building a better world. And I could not be more excited to play this role.