
Emergence Now
Step into Emergence Now, hosted by Dhiren Harchandani and Nikos Acuña, an odyssey exploring the fusion of inner growth and global transformation.
We delve into resilience, self-mastery, and the sparks of human evolution. Whether you're an innovator amid change or a leader carving a sustainable path in a tech-driven world, our insights provide a roadmap.
Our podcast ignites fresh possibilities when life and career challenges intersect. Perfect for CEOs and curious learners alike.
Join us, embrace change, and emerge anew.
Latest episodes

Sep 17, 2023 • 36min
You're Getting Played
In this episode, Dhiren and Nikos unravel the long-term effects of technology on our lives and how it shapes our perception and psychology through echo chambers and social media bubbles.
Echo Chambers and Social Media Bubbles
Dive into the consequences of echo chambers and filter bubbles created by technology. Explore how they impact our perception and the broader implications for society.
The Digital Data Landscape
Analyze the journey of our digital data - where it goes, who has access to it, and how hashtags play a role in shaping the digital landscape.
Data Ownership and Control
Discover the importance of data ownership and how users can regain control over their data. Explore strategies to protect your digital footprint.
Breaking the Echo Chambers
Learn practical methods to overcome echo chambers and filter bubbles, fostering a more open and diverse online experience.
As the episode concludes, we summarize the key insights. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the digital world we inhabit and how to navigate it in a mindful way.
Stay informed and engaged as we explore the evolving landscape of technology and its impact on our lives.
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Sep 4, 2023 • 27min
The Best and Worst Time to Launch a Startup is Now
In this episode of Emergence Now, we dive into the intricacies of launching startups. Join hosts Dhiren and Nikos as they provide insights into entrepreneurship's rationale, key success factors, macro influences, and the reality of startup life.
Rationale Behind Startup Launch
Discover the driving forces compelling individuals to embark on the entrepreneurial journey. Uncover unique opportunities that exist in today's business landscape.
Key Factors for Success
Explore vital elements critical for startup success, from strategic planning to adaptability. Learn how these factors shape the foundation of a thriving venture.
Macro Influences on Entrepreneurship
Navigate the broader economic and technological landscape affecting startups. Understand how to leverage these trends to your advantage.
Reality of Entrepreneurship
Not everyone is cut out for startup life. Explore the traits and mindset necessary for success and gain insights into alternative paths for those who may not fit the mold.
As the episode concludes, Dhiren and Nikos summarize the key takeaways. Tune in for valuable insights into when to launch a startup and equip yourself to navigate the entrepreneurial journey effectively.
Stay connected and explore more enriching discussions on innovation, transformation, and personal growth with us.
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Aug 26, 2023 • 34min
A Masterclass in Failure
In this episode, we unravel the intricate tapestry of failure, goals, and the psychology behind achievement. Join us, hosts Dhiren and Nikos delve into the philosophy of failure, the nuances of goal-setting, and the transformative power of an empowered mindset.
Setting the Stage for a Masterclass in Failure
Discover why failure is a stepping stone to success. Explore the philosophical roots of goal attainment and the dynamics of success and failure.
Defining Success from Within: The Inner Game
Shift from external factors to internal motivation. Learn how true success reflects inner purpose and fulfillment.
The Subconscious Dance of Goals and Beliefs
Uncover the impact of subconscious beliefs on goal achievement. Align goals with values and overcome subconscious barriers.
The Mamba Mindset: Embracing Failure for Growth
Draw inspiration from Kobe Bryant's Mamba Mentality. Embrace failure as a path to success through an empowered inner mindset.
The Power of Persistence: Journey Over Outcome
Explore the value of persistence in goal pursuit. Differentiate between not achieving a goal and not pursuing the journey.
Transcending Goals: Aligning with Purpose
Align with personal purpose and values for holistic success. Tap into your unique mission for transformative growth.
Key Takeaways for Transformative SuccessDiscover essential components for achieving goals and fostering personal growth. Embrace internal motivation, aligned values, and persistent effort.
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening exploration of failure, goals, and the philosophy that underlies achievement. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking discussions as we continue our journey through the intersections of consciousness, technology, and personal development.
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Aug 4, 2023 • 48min
Neuroleadership
In this episode of Emergence Now, Dhiren and Nikos embark on a transformative journey into the realm of neuroleadership, where the principles of leadership intersect with the fascinating world of neuroscience. They delve deep into the nexus of self-leadership, neuroscience, and personal growth.
Introduction to Leadership and Transition to Neuroscience
We begin by unraveling the concept of leadership, guided by Dhiren's insights. Dhiren lays the foundation by exploring self-leadership and how it becomes a conduit to understanding the intricate world of neuroscience.
Understanding Neuroscience: From Creativity to Self-Leadership
Nikos shares his personal odyssey from creativity research to neuroscience. Discover the importance of understanding neuroscience as a gateway to self-leadership and explore Nikos' unique perspective grounded in first principles.
Exploring NeuroLeadership: Unleashing Human Potential
Dive into the heart of neuroleadership, a captivating fusion of neuroscience and leadership principles. Explore how this dynamic approach enables us to tap into our innate potential and enhance our ability to influence and inspire.
Neuroplasticity: Sculpting the Brain for Growth
Uncover the wonders of neuroplasticity and its role in personal growth and transformation. Delve into the ways understanding neuroplasticity empowers us to reshape our thoughts, behaviors, and experiences.
Emotional Intelligence: Navigating Human Interaction
Explore the applications and benefits of emotional intelligence, a cornerstone of effective leadership. Learn how this essential skill enhances our ability to navigate relationships and cultivate a harmonious and thriving environment.
Self Leadership and Core Thought: Guiding Principles
Delve into the concept of self-leadership and core thought. Understand how aligning our core beliefs with neuroscientific principles can steer us towards impactful leadership and personal fulfillment.
Discovering Neuroleaders: Dhiren and Nikos' Leadership Styles
Gain unique insights into Dhiren and Nikos' leadership styles and how they integrate neuroscience into their approaches. Learn how their neuroleadership philosophies influence their interactions and decisions.
Conclusion/Summary: Navigating the Landscape of Neuroleadership
As we conclude this enriching episode, we summarize the transformative insights we've uncovered on our neuroleadership journey. Reflect on the power of self-leadership, the dynamic interplay between neuroscience and leadership, and the potential it holds for personal and collective growth.
Thank you for joining us on this enlightening exploration of neuroleadership. Stay tuned for more thought-provoking episodes as we continue to traverse the realms of consciousness, technology, and personal evolution.
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Jul 28, 2023 • 58min
Accelerating Change: Why AI is Eating the World
In this episode of Emergence Now, Dhiren and Nikos explore the concept of accelerating change and its profound implications for the future, particularly with the rise of artificial intelligence. Join hosts Dhiren and Nikos as they navigate the complex landscape of technological progress and its impact on humanity.
Dhiren Level Sets: The Latest in AI Advancements
To begin, Dhiren updates us on the most recent happenings in the world of AI from the past week. Stay informed on the latest breakthroughs, developments, and how AI continues to shape our world.
Understanding Accelerating Change: The Singularity Unveiled
Nikos takes the stage with a brief overview of the concept of accelerating change, delving into the idea of the Singularity. We explore the importance of understanding the exponential growth of technology and its implications for the future.
Ray Kurzweil's Version of Moore's Law
Diving into the realm of technological progress, we unravel Ray Kurzweil's interpretation and expansion of Moore's Law. Understand the Law of Accelerating Returns, and witness the exponential growth of technology in various fields.
Transition to the Singularity: Exploring Technological Convergence
Embark on a journey into Ray Kurzweil's book "The Singularity is Near" as we explore the definition and significance of the technological singularity. Discover the convergence of exponential technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Nanotechnology, Biotechnology, Robotics, and Augmented and Virtual Reality (AR/VR).
Peter Diamandis and the Power of Exponential Thinking
Introducing the work of Peter Diamandis, we delve into the concept of exponential thinking and its profound impact on innovation. Explore case studies highlighting the power of exponential thinking through the XPRIZE Foundation and the abundance mindset in tackling global challenges.
Implications of AI on Accelerating Change: Shaping Humanity's Future
In this segment, we discuss the rise of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its potential benefits for business and society. However, ethical considerations and challenges surrounding AI are explored, as well as the implications of job displacement in an AI-driven world.
Future of Business in the Age of Acceleration
Anticipate the transformation of industries and business models as we explore opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs, startups, and established businesses. Learn about adaptation strategies and the importance of embracing collaboration and innovation ecosystems.
Discussion / Outro: Thriving in an Accelerated World
As we near the end of our journey, we discuss the future of humanity and how technology can enhance our capabilities. Addressing ethical considerations and potential risks, we strive to create a sustainable and inclusive future for all.
Conclusion: Embrace the Opportunities Ahead
In the conclusion, we recap the key points discussed and stress the importance of staying informed and adaptable in the face of accelerating change. Encouraging listeners to embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead, we set our sights on a future where humanity thrives in an accelerated world.
Thank you for joining us on this thought-provoking episode of Emergence Now.
Don't forget to stay tuned for more insightful discussions as we continue to explore the intersections of consciousness, technology, and personal growth.
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Graph of Compounding Capacity to Compute
ChatGPT: ChatGPT is an AI-powered language model developed by OpenAI, capable of generating human-like text based on context and past conversations.
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Jul 21, 2023 • 1h 4min
Mind of the Machine: How ChatGPT Learns and Creates
In this episode of Emergence Now, hosts Dhiren and Nikos delve into the captivating world of artificial intelligence once again. Join us as we explore the inner workings of ChatGPT, a revolutionary generative AI, and how it learns and creates.
Recap of AI and Its Impact
We start with a brief recap of the previous episode on artificial intelligence. Refresh your memory on the different types of AI, the power of machine learning, and the pros and cons of this groundbreaking technology.
Deep Learning: Unraveling the Complexity
Step into the realm of deep learning, the backbone of modern AI systems. Discover how neural networks and their layers enable machines like ChatGPT to analyze vast amounts of data and make decisions.
Generative AI: Unleashing Creativity
Explore the realm of generative AI and its incredible ability to create new content, from text to images and even music. We showcase fascinating examples of generative AI in action and discuss its potential applications across various industries.
ChatGPT: Conversations with an AI
Meet ChatGPT, a powerful language model developed by OpenAI. Learn how ChatGPT works, how it processes language, and how it generates responses that mimic human conversation.
How to Adapt and Thrive with AI
As AI continues to shape the world, we discuss how individuals, businesses, and society can adapt to this transformative technology. From upskilling to ethical considerations, we explore the ways to thrive in an AI-powered era.
Summary and Key Takeaways
We wrap up the episode with a summary of our journey through the mind of the machine. Reflect on the significance of generative AI, the potential of ChatGPT, and the importance of embracing AI's role in our lives.
Thank you for joining us on this exploration of AI and generative technology. Don't forget to subscribe to Emergence Now to stay informed about our future episodes, where we continue to unravel the mysteries of consciousness, technology, and personal growth.
Links & Resources:
Threads: Threads is a new app, built by the Instagram team, for sharing text updates and joining public conversations.
Her: A movie that questions the future of digital tools and humans' dependence on them, and while the ending of the heartfelt sci-fi movie does not offer any decisive moral lessons in technology use, it nudges viewers to consider the impact technology might have on human relationships.
Alpha Go: A Documentary Film that is about a journey from the halls of Cambridge to Seoul, where a legendary Go master faces an unproven AI challenger.
The Social Dilemma: The documentary examines how social media's design nurtures addiction to maximize profit, and its ability to manipulate people's views, emotions, and behavior and spread conspiracy theories and disinformation.
ChatGPT: ChatGPT is an AI-powered language model developed by OpenAI, capable of generating human-like text based on context and past conversations.
Bard: Bard is basically an AI Chatbot developed by Google. It is based on Google's Large language model (LLM), LaMDA, similar to how ChatGPT is based on GPT. These are types of neural networks that mimic the underlying architecture of the brain in the form of a computer.
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Jul 14, 2023 • 46min
Demystifying AI
On this episode of Emergence Now, hosts Dhiren and Nikos dive into the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI). Join us as we unravel the mysteries surrounding AI and explore its profound impact on our lives and society.
What is AI and Why is it Generating Buzz?
We begin by demystifying AI and discussing its origins and fundamental concepts. What exactly is AI, and why is it capturing the world's attention? We explore the potential and limitations of this transformative technology.
Different Types of AI
Discover the various types of AI and their applications. From narrow AI to general AI, we explore the spectrum of AI capabilities and how they are revolutionizing industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation.
Machine Learning and Algorithms: The Powerhouse of AI
Delve into the inner workings of AI systems and uncover the critical role of machine learning. We discuss how algorithms drive AI decision-making and the implications of this technology on our daily lives.
Our Devices: The New Extensions of Ourselves
Explore the profound impact of AI on our personal lives as our devices become extensions of ourselves. We examine how our smartphones and smart devices track and collect data, shaping our behaviors and experiences.
Pros and Cons of AI
We take a balanced approach and discuss the advantages and disadvantages of AI. From increased efficiency and automation to ethical concerns and job displacement, we explore the complex landscape of AI's impact on society.
AI: A Sentient Being?
Engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the nature of AI consciousness. Is AI capable of sentience, or is it limited to its programmed algorithms? We explore the philosophical and ethical implications of AI's potential evolution.
Summary and Key Takeaways
We wrap up the episode with a summary of our discussions on AI. We highlight key insights, perspectives, and practical implications for listeners as they navigate the ever-evolving landscape of AI technology.
Don't forget to check out the links and resources mentioned in this episode, including the Coggle app, and be sure to subscribe to Emergence Now to stay updated on our future episodes.
Links & Resources:
Coggle App : Discover the Coggle app, a powerful tool for visual thinking and collaborative brainstorming. We explore how this innovative platform can enhance creativity and problem-solving in the age of AI.
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Jul 7, 2023 • 47min
Leading Millennials with Empathy
On this episode, hosts Dhiren and Nikos delve into the heart of millennial culture, unpacking their digital fluency, value-centric focus, and the essential role empathy plays in leading this dynamic generation.
Who are the Millennials?
Gain a deeper understanding of millennials, their unique attributes, and their unmistakable technological fluency. How does this digital native generation stand out?
The Psyche of the Millennial
We delve into the millennial mindset, exploring their digital nativity and the impacts this has on their perspectives, behaviours, and expectations.
Value-Centric Millennials
Why are millennials more value-centric than other generations? We discuss their profound emphasis on authenticity, transparency, and purpose.
Empathy and the Emergent Mindset
Discover the crucial role of empathy in the Emergent Mindset and how it enhances communication and understanding with millennials, fostering deeper, more meaningful connections.
Millennials in the Workplace
Learn effective and empathetic communication strategies for navigating millennials in the workplace. How can leaders tap into their strengths, engage their passions, and motivate them towards success?
Creating a Value-Driven Environment
Explore the importance of creating a work environment where individuals feel valued and appreciated. How can leaders foster such an environment, and why is it particularly important for millennials?
Conclusion: Embracing Millennial Leadership
We wrap up with some key takeaways on empathetically leading millennials and the exciting potential this digital generation holds for the future.
Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to traverse the intersection of neuroscience, self-help, AI, and culture.
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Jun 30, 2023 • 43min
Biohacking your Mind and Body
In this episode, Dhiren and Nikos demystify the fascinating world of biohacking. Whether you're a seasoned biohacker or just curious about optimizing your wellbeing, this episode will empower you with the knowledge and tools to transform your mind and body.
Decoding Biohacking
What is biohacking? Dive into the fundamentals of this scientific approach to self-improvement, and how it seeks to optimize your physical and mental health.
Key Principles of Biohacking
Learn about the cornerstones of biohacking—everything from sleep, stress management, and exercise, to mindfulness, supplementation, and tracking health metrics.
The Role of Exercise, Movement, and Sleep in Biohacking
Understand the critical roles that physical exercise, movement, and sleep play in biohacking. Discover how these fundamental activities can drastically improve your overall well being.
Crafting Your Biohacking Routine
Get valuable insights into creating a biohacking routine that's tailored to your unique needs. Learn practical tips and tricks to seamlessly integrate biohacking into your everyday life.
Natural Stimulants for Enhanced Focus
Unearth natural stimulants that can boost your focus and productivity. We talk about everything from caffeine, to lesser-known but powerful options like “Shilajit”.
Meditation: The Ultimate Biohack
Discover why meditation is considered the ultimate biohack. Understand its immense potential to transform your mind and body, and how you can incorporate it into your biohacking routine.
Conclusion: Embarking on Your Biohacking Journey
We wrap up the episode with a recap of key points and some final thoughts on starting your personal biohacking journey.
Stay tuned for our next episode where we continue to explore the intersection of neuroscience, self-help, AI, and culture.
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Jun 23, 2023 • 49min
Self development in the Age of AI
In this episode, Dhiren and Nikos are taking a critical look at the shifting landscape of self-development in the age of AI. Join us as we explore AI-powered apps, their potential pitfalls, and the promise of AI on personalized growth.
San Francisco's Changing Landscape
We discuss the changing dynamics in San Francisco, still the center of the world in tech innovation but has recently been called Gotham City. What does this shift mean for the tech industry and the people that live there?
The Rise of AI in Self-Development
Unpacking the concept of self-development in the age of AI. How has the proliferation of technology changed the face of self-help?
Spotlight on an AI Coaching App
We explore the functions and implications of a new AI app that provides personalized coaching solutions, and discuss how it’s revolutionizing the self-help industry.
The Automation of Self-Help
Delving into the opportunities and challenges posed by the automation of self-help. How can AI provide personalized, comprehensive, and effective solutions for self-development?
The Pressure on Traditional Coaching Providers
As AI makes its mark in the self-help industry, what does this mean for traditional coaching providers? How are they responding to the increased competition and demand for evidence-based effectiveness?
The Role of Meditation in Self-Development
We emphasize the importance of a steady meditation practice, even in this digital age, and how it complements AI-driven personal growth.
The Future of AI and Self-Development
We discuss the advent of artificial general intelligence, and what it might mean for the future of personalized self-development solutions.
Conclusion: Adapting to Change
We conclude with a poignant quote from Charles Darwin, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the face of rapid technological evolution.
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