Martin Strom

Martin Strom

Australia/Sweden

Martin is a multi-faceted individual who wears many hats. He’s the CEO of Interconnected, a company that merges tech with mental wellness through meditation apps. With master’s degrees in both Computer Science and Psychology, Martin is not just a tech guru but also a licensed psychologist. He’s advised giants like Microsoft and IKEA on mindful leadership and has co-authored books on mental clarity and kindness.

A public speaker for over a decade, Martin is also a meditation teacher and sits on the board of three non-profits aimed at bringing contemplative practices like meditation into society at large. But his LinkedIn title sums it all up simply as “Fellow human being,” underscoring his mission to make the world a better place for all of us.

 

1. What does “Mindful AI” mean to you?

Mindful AI means creating AI systems that genuinely serve humanity’s well-being and minimize harm, grounded in ethical discernment and wise action. It’s about developing technology that reflects our highest aspirations, not just our capabilities.

2. Which AI-related challenge resonates with you the most?

Preventing AI from amplifying our worst instincts—such as bias, misinformation, and division—is critical. Our goal should be to design AI that curbs these tendencies and instead reinforces our capacity for empathy, understanding, and collaboration.

3. Which of our initiatives do you feel most connected to?

I feel most connected to initiatives that raise awareness about the dual potential of AI—its capacity for immense benefit or profound harm. Equipping people with a nuanced understanding helps ensure that as AI advances, it does so under vigilant, ethical stewardship.

4. Why do you believe the Mindful AI movement is important?

The Mindful AI movement is essential because, when developers and stakeholders engage with AI through a lens of mindfulness and ethics, we lay the groundwork for technology that enhances human life in responsible ways. This awareness could be the difference between AI that uplifts society and AI that exacerbates existing issues.

5. What final message would you like to share?

Don’t underestimate the power of your own mindful presence—by shifting our own perspectives, we can profoundly influence the direction of technology and, ultimately, the world. Every mindful choice contributes to a larger shift toward a more thoughtful and ethical AI landscape.