#61 Jeff Burningham: What It Really Means to Be Human in the Age of AI

AI isn’t the enemy — it’s a mirror. And what it reflects back is forcing us to ask the deeper question: What does it really mean to be human?

Jeff Burningham is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, former Utah governor candidate, and now the author of The Last Book Written by a Human: Becoming Wise in the Age of AI. Having built billion-dollar companies and taught thousands of students, Jeff has spent the last few years reflecting on what matters most: moving from human doing to human being.

In this episode, Jeff shares why AI isn’t just a technological shift — it’s a transformation point for humanity. From disruption and reflection to transformation and evolution, Jeff lays out the hero’s journey we’re all being called into. He argues that business must return to its original purpose — serving human flourishing — and why slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and embracing presence are the most radical choices leaders can make in the age of intelligent machines.

We talk about:
🔹 Why AI is a cosmic mirror reflecting our humanity back to us
🔹 The shift from the “old game” (chasing money and speed) to the “new game” (purpose and awareness)
🔹 The 4-part cycle: disruption → reflection → transformation → evolution
🔹 How fear of AI can paralyze leaders — and what to choose instead
🔹 Why institutions like business, religion, and education must evolve for human connection
🔹 How to guide the next generation through uncertainty and change
🔹 Why slowing down is essential in a world that’s speeding up
🔹 What freedom means in the age of AI

Quotes from the Episode:
💬 "AI is a cosmic mirror. It reflects who we are — and who we’re becoming."
💬 "The old game of chasing money and speed is over. The new game is purpose."
💬 "As machines become more intelligent, it’s on us to become more wise."
💬 "The purpose of business is to serve humanity — not just profit."

Actionable Takeaways:
✅ Don’t resist AI — learn to see it as a mirror for your own growth
✅ Reframe business decisions through the lens of human flourishing
✅ Create space in your life for reflection: meditation, nature, stillness
✅ Recognize that disruption can be the doorway to transformation
✅ Step into your own heroic journey — and help others do the same

Resources from this episode:
→ Learn more about Jeff: https://www.jeffburningham.com/
→ Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-burningham-15a01a7b/
→ Get the book The Last Book Written by a Human: https://www.amazon.com/Last-Book-Written-Human-Becoming/dp/1637634560

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🎧 For more conversations on leadership, AI, and building companies that last, visit www.jeanmoncrieff.com