Introduction: A Stronger Role for Humans
“Setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means.” —Albert Einstein
“The greatest danger for most of us is not that our aim is too high and we miss it but that it is too low and we reach it.” —Michelangelo
This book begins with Eli Potter’s personal journey—from a child in Bulgaria, dreaming beyond the Iron Curtain, to a student in California learning English from The Beatles and wisdom from Dale Carnegie. That journey revealed a truth: people don’t rise alone; they rise together, inspired by role models.
The central motto is clear:
“When they subtract or divide, we add and multiply.”
In a world of AI-driven disruption, the author argues that what we need most are intentional role models—at the human, organizational, and product levels. Stories from technology and investment leaders reinforce the idea that stewardship, kindness, and example-setting can catalyze not only personal growth but also product innovation and mergers.
Peter Drucker once said the twentieth century’s greatest contribution was the fifty-fold increase in manufacturing productivity; the twenty-first century’s greatest contribution must be to raise the productivity of knowledge workers. Yet in an AI age where knowledge is ubiquitous, the author contends the higher calling is nurturing human role models—bar-raisers who anchor productivity in values and inspire others to become multipliers of impact.
As Jensen Huang (NVIDIA) and Arthur Mensch (Mistral) note, “The global race for AI dominance is no longer just about companies; it’s about nations. AI isn’t just computing infrastructure; it’s cultural infrastructure, economic strategy, and national security all rolled into one.”
Role models influence not by words alone but by living with purpose—through stewardship, fellowship, mentorship, leadership, and sponsorship. As the author explains:
“AI can’t be what it can’t see.”
To influence AI, humans must model what matters: ethics, diverse data, feedback loops, and human-centered values.
Becoming a role model is not about discovering Platform 9¾;
“It’s about inspiring others to build the next Hogwarts Express in space.”
Across decades of work with more than 150 companies—from startups to enterprises—the author has seen a pattern: special humans, organizations, and products consistently demonstrate both ethical values and economic value. These role models inspire others, reshape industries, and create a flywheel of growth and prosperity.
Ultimately, Role Modelship is a human force multiplier. It’s how individuals, organizations, and products can show up differently, raise standards, and influence AI while creating lasting impact.
The question this book poses is simple but profound:
“What am I role modeling today?”