Humanity First: Innovations Begins With People

Let’s get real for a second. In our turbo-charged, always-online world, it’s way too easy to applaud the latest tech advances – artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, automation – as if they’re miraculous gifts from the gods of progress. But here’s a question not enough people are asking: who is all this innovation actually for?

At my enterprise, Mindvalley, the answer is pretty straightforward: technology should exist to serve people, not the other way around. It’s a subtle but crucial difference. Technology’s purpose isn’t to make machines more impressive; it’s to make our lives better, richer, and more meaningful.

Now, consider a reality check from the World Economic Forum: automation is projected to displace around 85 million jobs by 2025. That’s not a dystopian sci-fi film; it’s real life. While it’s stunning to witness the power of robotics and AI, it also stirs up a primal fear – are we going to be left behind in our own world? People start questioning if their skills will remain relevant, or if they’ll be “optimized” out of their roles. This isn’t just a job issue; it’s a mental health issue. That anxiety doesn’t live in isolation; it ripples through communities, creating a very real impact on well-being.

Yet, here’s the thing: anxiety doesn’t have to be the price of progress. Innovation can empower, not displace, if it’s aligned with human needs. It’s not a question of what tech can do; it’s a question of how we choose to use it. Automation, for instance, doesn’t have to mean layoffs. It can mean liberation – freeing people from mind-numbing tasks, and giving them space to focus on their strengths, like creativity, connection, and strategic thinking.

Unfortunately, much of today’s innovation race is driven by efficiency, profits, and novelty. When techfirst thinking drives decisions, people get sidelined. Take a look at a recent Deloitte study: companies that prioritize employee engagement over pure efficiency outperform their competitors by a whopping 147 percent in earnings per share. They also report better retention rates and are bursting with more innovative energy. Why? Because when technology supports and enhances human effort, both the people and the bottom-line win. It’s a formula that’s as simple as it is powerful.

And let’s not ignore the elephant in the room: the global mental health crisis. The World Health Organization has data showing that depression and anxiety cost the global economy US$1 trillion every year in lost productivity. There are countless apps claiming to support mental health, but the reality is that apps alone aren’t enough. Real solutions have to address root causes: stress, isolation, a lack of purpose. This isn’t something technology can just “fix.” But when tech is designed to truly support human well-being and foster connection, we begin to make real strides toward healing.

So, how do we create technology that actually serves humanity? It all starts with a simple guiding question: how will this make people’s lives better? Technology isn’t the final destination; it’s a bridge to solving real, human issues. Whether we’re talking healthcare, education, or business, innovation thrives when it starts with people’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs.

Take healthcare as an example. When technology is created with empathy, it doesn’t just streamline processes – it allows doctors and nurses to focus on personalized patient care instead of drowning in administrative tasks. The result? Better patient outcomes, happier healthcare workers, and a system that serves everyone more effectively.

At Mindvalley, we are passionate about creating environments where human potential fuels innovation. When people are empowered, they create technologies that truly serve society, leading to solutions that are impactful, sustainable, and deeply aligned with our values.

Here’s what it all boils down to: the most remarkable innovation on this planet is still the human mind. Technology reflects the vision, values, and priorities of its creators. When we place humanity at the heart of our approach to innovation, we make sure that progress doesn’t just advance for its own sake but benefits us all. Together, we can shape a future where technology and humanity evolve in harmony.

Because, in the end, if people aren’t at the center, progress loses its purpose.

About the Author

Vishen Lakhiani is the founder and CEO of Mindvalley, the world’s premier transformation platform.

This article first appeared in the November issue of Inc. Arabia magazine. To read the full issue online, click here.