We all breathe the same air, walk the same earth, drink the same water, and bleed the same colour.
Paolo Nardi | Founder of Sumbios AI
1. Tell us about you.
I am a bit of a cosmopolitan. I have lived in Mexico, Spain, U.S., and Sweden.
I spent ten years of my life living without a Social Security Number and being completely outside of the system: six years in the U.S. illegally from the age of 14 to 20, and in Sweden for five years, living here as an EU citizen but without a Social Security Number due to falling into a structural hole.
These experiences shaped how I view the world and helped me understand systemic blockers and ideologies that prevent true connection and collaboration.
I have made it my life mission to ensure that we are connected by what matters the most and that we may realise that we are just one species. We all breathe the same air, walk the same earth, drink the same water, and bleed the same colour.
To tackle the challenges of our modern world, we must first understand the interdependence of our modern world. We must let go of outdated models and create new systems and structures that promote collective human flourishing, i.e., symbiosis.
I have a Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering, have been working with AI for the past ten years, and attained a Master’s in Leadership for Sustainability, where I wrote my thesis in AI for sustainability.
I am deeply passionate about how technology can help us reconnect with ourselves, each other, and the world. I believe that we are at a tipping point. The decisions that we make today will affect the next 200 years ahead. It’s time to bring wisdom back into the conversation and realise that at the heart of life lies one thing: connection.
I have been meditating, working with my emotions, doing yoga and self-developemnt for the past ten years. For me spirituality is the number 1 pillar of my llfe.
I truly believe that to be happy we must (1) first find alignment: connect with ourselves and each other, (2) contribute: use our creative skills for the benefits of others, and (3) evolve and transform: the beauty of life is that it’s always evolving and so are we. To remember this is a sacred responsibility.
2. How does the cover photo capture who you are?
It caught me in a moment of talking with my best friend while creating, connecting, and evolving.
My close connections make me extremely happy, and I love to talk and learn from others.
3. In one sentence, what are you trying to change?
The creation of a symbiotic society: one where we realise the ultimate wisdom that we are all one, and that creation and cultivation of life is our ultimate responsibility.
4. What did you notice was broken that made you start writing?
EVERYTHING.
5. If you could manifest a brighter tomorrow, what would be different by 2030?
- Tech for good
- Collective intelligence
- Steward-led organisations
- Regenerative practices
- A core understanding of the core human values we want to remain and cultivate
6. How would your closest friends describe you?
From Max, best friend and “brother”:
Paolo is a deep thinker and collector of knowledge and wisdom.
They say the more you know, the unhappier you are. In Paolo’s case, this couldn’t be further away from the truth. Mostly because he applies his wisdom with a unshaked conviction to use his wisdom to bring about genuine connection and regenerative change into this world.
People describe him as visionary with a bias for action.
The way he is looking at bridging technology with human values and impacting the larger environment is truly inspiring, and I couldn’t imagine a better “brother” to build this vision together with.
7. What’s a challenge that changed how you see the world?
My upbringing was quite challenging. My parents were divorced before I was born. My childhood was unpredictable and filled with multiple cultures.
Living in the States illegally at a key development stage of my life helped me view that “liberty and justice for all” was more of an idea rather than a reality. But most importantly, no matter where I went people were always kind, loving, and wanted the same thing: To be listened to, understood, validated, and free to express themselves.
Yet our systems seek control, greed, and propagate fear. This must be changed as I believe at the core we all want the same.
Power has been used without wisdom, and it’s our task to ensure we can come back to a better relationship with life.
8. What are you most proud of right now?
The team I get to create with at Sumbios. And having created a vision, mission, and product that people want to get behind. I LOVE IT!
9. On hard days, what kind of signal from your readers keeps you going?
The knowing that my voice is reaching them.
10. For people who haven’t seen your work yet, what article would you want them to read first and why?
The Next Operating System → This describes the work of my life and what I am here to do.
Out of Sight / Out of Love: Part 1 → This describes the why
