His first business-class experience with Singapore Airlines
The dramatic difference between economy and premium travel
An unexpected journey from engineer to consultant
Early interest in understanding the bigger picture and cross-functional issues
Transitioning from pharmacy (a path influenced by family) to pursuing his true passions
The spiritual catalyst that led him to leave pharmacy after 12 years
Learning through failure and navigating crises, including launching a stock market and managing a bank run
Emphasizing “inner work” over external achievements
• Guided by his entrepreneurial father and father-in-law
• Early fascination with technology inspired by Star Wars
Barnet is an award winning filmmaker and an author.
His latest book is titled How to Be a Friend in an Unfriendly World.
Ari Smith is an accomplished technology leader and AI expert with a foundation in math and computer science from the MIT ecosystem, where he also co-founded and successfully exited a software startup acquired by a major technology company.
He has served in senior technical and strategic roles—including as a Solutions Architect at Microsoft and as CTO of an elite AI engineering firm—while developing patented technologies and advising global organizations.
He is a strategic global leader with over three decades of experience in leadership development and executive engagement.
He is a facilitator and curator of high-impact learning experiences for senior executives and global communities.
Ken is an experienced venture builder, investor, and advisor with over 25 years creating more than $1B in enterprise value across finance, technology, and emerging markets.
He is a leader in Web3, generative AI, and digital asset innovation, serving as Cofounder and Managing Partner of a venture studio focused on next-generation infrastructure.
Childhood challenges and personal adversity fueled his intellectual drive.
He embarked on both physical and academic quests to prove himself.
