In a world increasingly dominated by AI, how do we ensure that technology amplifies our humanity rather than eroding it? In this episode of Life From Within, I talk with Ryan Martens, a serial entrepreneur in software services, SaaS, and AI, as well as Pledge 1%. He was the founder of Rally Software, which became the first public B-Corp in 2013.

Ryan has spent his career at the leading edge of technology, and today he is exploring how to amplify humans using AI.

We talk about why AI requires us to be more human, not less, and how to navigate the shift from a "complicated" world of answers to a "complex" world of patterns.

• The AI Bell Curve: Ryan explains why AI defaults to the "middle of the normal distribution curve."
• From Calculating to Sensing: In a complicated system (like a car engine), there is a right answer. In a complex system (like AI, climate, or leadership), there are only patterns. Ryan discusses the shift from being a "human calculator" to a "senser" who experiments and listens.
• Human-Centered Tech: A look at Ryan’s current work with MNFST AI. Instead of building tools that replace the person, he is focused on tools that require "human-in-the-loop" engagement, fostering collaboration between human intuition and machine processing.
• The Importance of Grounding: Why engaging with AI requires you to be first grounded in your own body and thoughts. Ryan shares how practices like morning pages are essential for maintaining human agency in a digital age.
• Citizen Engineers & Ethical Tech: Reflecting on his journey with Rally Software and Pledge 1%, Ryan discusses the responsibility of creators to build technology that serves the flourishing of the whole system.

Chapters

00:00 | Introduction

01:49 | The Science Behind Regenerative Practices

06:21 | Understanding Complexity vs. Complication

10:07 | Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira

12:07 | Shifting Perspectives on Certainty

14:58 | Personal Growth and Intuition

18:43 | Expanding Your Sensibilities and Awareness

19:53 | Amplifying Humanity with AI

21:54 | Grounding Before AI Engagement

23:38 | Amplifying Human Intelligence with AI

26:02 | Community and Collaboration in AI

28:02 | The Role of Belonging in AI Interactions

30:24 | Safety and Vulnerability in Group Dynamics

31:46 | Women in AI: Insights and Experiences

37:00 | Innovative Approaches to Raising Capital

41:19 | Emergence and Agency in AI Interactions

44:56 | Building a Human-Centric AI

Guest Info & Resources Mentioned

Ryan Martens is an entrepreneur in software services, SaaS, and AI, as well as Pledge1%. He was the founder of Rally Software, which was the first public B-Corp in 2013, and used 1/1/1 funds to drive impact by working to create Citizen Engineers with partners at Code for America and Engineers without Borders.

He is currently growing an AI business and raising regenerative, organic beef on private and public lands, using virtual fences.

Website: https://mnfst.ai/

Substack: https://manifest.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanmartens

Pledge 1%: https://www.pledge1percent.org/

Incorruptible by Eric Ries: https://www.incorruptible.co/

Hospicing Modernity by Vanessa Machado de Oliveira: https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/hospicing-modernity/

Host

Kelly Dwyer is an executive coach, facilitator, and host of Life from Within, a podcast exploring the inner work of leadership, growth, and career transition. She works with thoughtful leaders, founders, and seasoned professionals who are navigating complexity, change, and meaningful inflection points in their work. Through her coaching, facilitation, and podcast conversations, Kelly helps people find clarity, strengthen self-trust, and move forward with greater intention and grounded conviction.

https://kellydwyer.co

IG – @kd_lifefromwithin

LinkedIn – /in/kellydwyer