In this engaging conversation, Steve Schlafman, a former VC and founder of @downshift, shares his innovative approach to personal growth using AI. He reveals how he leverages ChatGPT for dream analysis, pulling out archetypes and emotions for deeper self-understanding. Steve emphasizes the importance of integrating feelings and imagination with rational thought. He also discusses the transformative power of voice interfaces and personal narratives in enhancing self-awareness and navigating emotional patterns. Perfect for those curious about AI's role in emotional exploration!
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Startup as Container for Emergence
Viewing a startup as a container for emergence fosters organic growth and adaptability.
This approach emphasizes discovery over rigid planning, unlocking new capabilities over time.
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Authenticity Drives Business Success
Authentic self-expression as a founder leads to more unique and successful businesses.
Trying to fit a pre-established mold often creates rigidity and dissatisfaction.
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Dream Work with ChatGPT
Steve records his dreams every morning using voice and has ChatGPT analyze them as a Jungian dream analyst.
This helps uncover archetypes and emotions he was previously unaware of, deepening personal insight.
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Steve Schlafman is using a $20 ChatGPT subscription to expand his consciousness.
He’s doing this through:
Advanced dream work—Steve records himself talking about his dreams every morning, uploads the transcript to ChatGPT, and prompts the LLM to analyze it like a Jungian dream analyst would. The model pulls out archetypes and hidden emotions that he would’ve been oblivious to.
Creating living records of meaningful experiences—Instead of losing key insights from therapy or coaching, Steve uses the LLM to highlight emotional patterns, pick out recurring symbols, and build a personal growth timeline.
Leaning into voice interfaces—Diagnosed with ADD as a child, Steve often lost track of ideas because his brain processed information faster than he could type or write it out. AI voice interfaces free him to process information in a way that’s more natural to him.
Steve is a former VC-turned-executive coach and the founder of @downshift, the “decelerator” for founders and executives. If you think this episode is too “woo” for your liking, Steve argues that you might be over-indexing on just one way of experiencing the world.
We see the world through four windows: thinking, sensing, feeling, and imagining—and according to him, the last two are often ignored. So if your rational mind has always run the show, Steve invites you to let your feelings and imagination take the lead.
This is a must watch for anyone interested in using AI to understand themselves better—and grow.
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