I've been giving a lot of thought to how I ended up where I am today, fervently committed to making a substantial impact with my life. Now in my early thirties, I see around me a stark reality: so many people lose their spark of idealism and curiosity about what the future could hold, what impact they could make, and how brilliant our collective future could be.
This loss often starts early. The path laid out for most of us is narrow and unyielding. We grind through school, aiming for a prestigious college. Then, in college, the focus shifts to landing a lucrative job to tackle the mountain of student debt. And once in the workforce, the race is on for promotions and accolades. The suggested career tracks? Banking, software engineering in big tech, consulting - the usual high-status, high-stress routes.
Many of my most intelligent friends have found themselves in these roles, contributing to the profit margins of companies like McKinsey or Meta. These aren't inherently negative career choices, but I can't shake the feeling that these paths rarely lead to the highest leverage work for humanity.
What allowed me to diverge from this well-trodden path? A mix of luck and a certain entrepreneurial zeal, I suppose. Even in my big tech stint, I was restlessly curious. I dove deep into learning about politics, democracy, and reforms, which spurred me to co-found Civics Unplugged. My journey has since meandered through web3 and other ventures, each step driven by a desire to maximize my impact.
Now, I ponder the fate of those brilliant minds shackled by golden handcuffs to conventional careers. The most creative and impactful ideas often don't germinate in the rigid confines of a corporate office. They need free, unbridled environments - 'playgrounds,' if you will - where unconventional thoughts and collaborations thrive. These are the spaces where true potential can be unlocked, where one can explore how to be the most beneficial to humanity.
"It is never too late to be what you might have been." – George Eliot
Wall Street might not need another genius mathematician optimizing algorithms for trading. What if these minds were redirected to real, tangible impact? There's a dire need for environments that foster this shift, especially for those in their 30s, who are often too entrenched in their careers to easily pivot. Traditional education and corporate pathways are becoming increasingly outdated in this rapidly evolving world. We need dynamic, edge-of-the-frontier learning environments that inspire and equip individuals to re-engage with their deepest passions and talents.
My ambition is to create these transformative spaces. I envision sanctuaries where authenticity is celebrated, and each individual is encouraged to find their unique place where they can contribute most significantly to humanity. It's about more than just finding a niche; it's about discovering your "You-shaped hole" in the world - that perfect convergence of your skills, passions, and the world's needs.
My journey so far has been one of relentless exploration and adaptation, always seeking those opportunities for the greatest impact. My goal now is to help others embark on similar journeys, to find their paths to maximum impact for humanity.
Because what could be more fulfilling than knowing you're exactly where you're meant to be, doing what only you can do best?