Of Bots and Tots and Civic Plots
your Saturday roundup
Professionally, I focus on creating social benefit startups. In my Saturday morning emails I share what I’m learning and thinking. Topics range from better living and parenting to business and philosophy.
Super Managers or Irrelevant? Are we headed toward a future where each of us is empowered by an army of eager digital workers (like a dozen interns), requiring us to become better managers and more disciplined about writing things down? Or are we instead facing a gradual disempowerment, as incremental improvements in AI capabilities begin to erode human influence over the large-scale systems that underpin our economy, culture, and nation-states? Perhaps we need a Scientist AI that focuses on understanding rather than action.
Civic + Fun. This year, at the Yale Innovation Civic Pitch Competition, we explored ways to build more civically engaged cities. Years ago, as part of The Group With No Name, I helped organize events that were about turning residents into citizens through fun. Our signature event was the annual scavenger hunt Cluefest that took hundreds of people all over the city, often to places they’d never explored. It ran annually for about a decade and was a joy to be part of. We also hosted more and less explicitly civic-minded events always with that same spirit of engagement through experience. I’ve been feeling the pull to do something similar. I’m exploring models and brainstorming with friends. On the zany end of the continuum, Warm Cookies of the Revolution is one example I love. Boston’s Office of Civic Organizing has also caught my eye with its support for grassroots gatherings. I'd love to connect with others working on similar projects or those interested in collaboration.
Coral Care. It’s inspiring to see Purpose Built-backed Coral Care continue to grow. When I first met founder Jen Wirt, her personal story and passion for making pediatric therapy more accessible stood out immediately. After facing her own struggles securing care for her children, Jen set out to build a better way. Coral Care now helps kids talk, move, play, and grow with expert in-home therapy covered by insurance. The company operates in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Texas, and is expanding soon to more states, Coral Care’s platform connects families with trusted providers quickly and conveniently. The result is a win-win: better access for families, and a sustainable path for therapists to build their practices. Please check it out.
Until next time,
Miles