#MentalNote Archives

THE HIDDEN TRUTHS MANIFESTO

6 days ago By cumeadi

20 Unspoken Insights Shaping the Next Era of Humanity, Technology, and Consciousness

Introduction: The Power of the In-Between

In a world saturated with information, what’s rare is wisdom from the seams—those truths not yet obvious, not yet profitable, or still inconvenient to say aloud. This manifesto captures 20 emerging insights—drawn not from consensus, but from patterns, contradictions, and quiet signals across culture, technology, psychology, and philosophy. They are not predictions. They are invitations.

We are entering a liminal age. The edges matter now more than ever.

I. The Ontological Shifts

1. Hyperconnectivity is eroding the boundary between signal and simulation. Our nervous systems are recalibrating to synthetic coherence. The real threat is not misinformation—but mis-feeling.

2. Consciousness isn’t a state—it’s a rhythm. Being is not binary. It pulses. The truest intelligence may emerge from resonance, not computation.

3. The soul of a civilization is stored in what it forgets. Our archives are filled with noise. Our ghosts hold the signal. Watch what cultures erase.

4. Laughter is the last truly encrypted signal. Authenticity will be harder to simulate. Laughter, like grief, might remain a final frontier.

5. The planet may already be sentient—just not in a way we know how to listen to. We frame Earth as object, not interlocutor. New science will rediscover old animisms.

II. Technology & Time

6. AI will break the concept of “talent.” When mimicry becomes trivial, differentiation will shift to curation, friction, timing, and soul.

7. Economies will compete on resonance, not just resources. Coherence is currency. Cities and nations with vibrational alignment will outperform those with raw capital but no story.

8. The next colonialism is sensory. Attention was phase one. Emotion, impulse, and identity are next. Sensory sovereignty will emerge as a human right.

9. Most of the world’s best ideas have already been had—but weren’t scalable in their time. The archive is an oracle. Indigenous methods, ancient city-planning, spiritual ecologies—they’re not outdated, just awaiting infrastructure.

10. The most powerful act in the next 50 years might be a radical slowdown. Stillness isn’t escape. It’s rebellion. In an economy of speed, slowness is the ultimate edge.

III. Society & Meaning

11. Childhood is being outsourced to algorithms. Emotional scaffolding is no longer built at home. Identity is now a platform-level construct.

12. The future belongs to those who can sit with paradox. Complexity won’t be solved, only harmonized. Paradox fluency will be the master skill.

13. We’re underestimating the psychic cost of persistent partial presence. Anxiety isn’t pathology—it’s evolutionary resistance to ambient fragmentation.

14. Death may no longer anchor meaning. Lifespan extension, data immortality, and identity diffusion will unravel the narrative spine of civilization.

15. Global South ingenuity is constrained more by narrative friction than capital. The main barrier isn’t money. It’s the inherited epistemologies that limit what people believe they’re allowed to build.

IV. Cultural & Philosophical Reframes

16. The next great export from Africa isn’t oil or music—it’s metaphor. Ancestral logic, oral cosmology, and multi-dimensional storytelling offer new operating systems for post-singularity life.

17. Language is about to fracture in slow motion. Algorithmic dialects, meme languages, and subcultural codes will replace global lingua francas. The internet is not unifying—it’s atomizing semantics.

18. Innovation will look more like excavation than invention. The future is buried. True progress may require humility, not hubris.

19. The most radical tech shift is not generative AI—it’s the return of intentional community. We are rebuilding the village with APIs and group chats. Belonging is the new infrastructure.

20. Taste will matter more than intelligence. In a world where anyone can access brilliance, it’s how you filter, align, and sense-make that sets you apart.

Investment & Tech Hype: A Realignment Ahead

These 20 insights point to an inevitable shift in capital flows and startup psychology. Investment will slowly move from:

Efficiency to Coherence
Disruption to Resonance
Extractive platforms to Restorative ecosystems
Utility-first tech to Meaning-infused tech
B2B/SaaS monocultures to culture-native, place-rooted infrastructure

We are exiting the API-for-X era and entering the ritual-for-X era—where software must plug into felt realities, not just business logic. Tech hype will pivot from AI acceleration to AI attunement. The winners will not be those who automate everything, but those who re-enchant it.

VCs will need to develop spiritual imagination. Founders will need paradox fluency. And builders? Builders will need to listen as much as they invent.

The question is no longer: What can we build? The question is: What wants to be built through us?

Let this be your prompt. Your prayer. Your playbook. The future is listening.

#MentalNote

37 at 37: Lessons from a Year That Humbled Me, Grew Me, and Set Me Free

3 weeks ago By cumeadi

I turned 37 today. A strange number — not quite a milestone in the eyes of the world, but for me, it feels like one.

In the last 12 months, I’ve been broken open and put back together more times than I can count. Leaving Google stripped away the illusion of security. A divorce ended something I thought was forever. And a handful of other moments forced me to sit with myself in ways I hadn’t dared to before.

But through all that, I didn’t just survive. I lived. And maybe for the first time, I lived in a way I’m proud of. Not because everything was polished or perfect, but because it was honest.

Here are 37 lessons I’ve learned. They are not commandments. They’re reminders — from one soul in progress to another.

1. Grief and gratitude can coexist.

Some days I cried for what I lost. Other days I was overwhelmed with awe at the life I still get to live. I used to think you had to “get over” pain before you could feel thankful. But the truth is, some of the deepest gratitude I’ve ever felt came while my heart was still cracked wide open.

2. You’re allowed to start over, even in the middle of your life.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve already built something. If it’s no longer right for you, you can walk away. You’re not obligated to keep living a life that doesn’t fit just because it took you a long time to build.

3. Money is important, but time, peace, and purpose are richer currencies.

After the layoff, I realized I’d been using income as a proxy for success. But what I really wanted was freedom — to think, to heal, to create without fear. Money buys comfort, yes. But peace? That’s earned through alignment.

4. Therapy is not optional. It’s maintenance for your soul.

I don’t know how I would’ve made it through this year without therapy. It gave me language for what I was feeling and space to feel it. Your car needs a mechanic. Your spirit needs a witness.

5. A broken heart is proof you were brave enough to love.

I used to be ashamed of my heartbreak. But now I see it differently. A broken heart doesn’t mean you failed — it means you were courageous enough to open it in the first place.

6. Forgiveness doesn’t mean reconciliation.

I learned to release people in love — to let them go without needing to bring them back. Some closures are silent. Some peace happens without a reunion.

7. Walk. Often. Alone. Without a destination.

Walking became sacred to me this year. It was a space where I could listen to my thoughts without distraction. I started noticing trees, the shape of clouds, the feel of my breath — and I started noticing myself again.

8. Your job is not your identity.

When I left Google, I felt like I lost part of myself. But over time, I realized that identity should be rooted in essence, not employment. You’re more than your LinkedIn bio.

9. Some friendships expire. That’s not betrayal. That’s seasons.

People change. You change. Some bonds strengthen with time, others fade. That’s not failure. That’s nature. Not everyone is meant to walk the whole road with you.

10. Joy is a muscle — the more you use it, the stronger it gets.

At first, joy felt like a luxury I couldn’t afford. But when I made space for small joys — music, dancing in the kitchen, laughing with friends — they began to stitch me back together.

11. Your body remembers everything your mind tries to forget.

I held so much stress in my shoulders, my gut, my chest. Our bodies are storytellers, even when our mouths are quiet. I had to learn to listen to it, care for it, and stop ignoring its whispers.

12. You don’t have to prove your worth to anyone.

Not through productivity. Not through perfection. Not through hustle. You were worthy the day you were born. Everything else is just performance.

13. Be kind to younger you. They were surviving with the tools they had.

I used to cringe at past versions of myself. Now, I try to hold them in compassion. That person did the best they could. You’re here because they didn’t quit.

14. You can be both healing and high-functioning.

I didn’t fall apart every day. I still showed up. But inside, I was healing — slowly, awkwardly, sometimes painfully. That duality is real. Let’s stop pretending it’s either/or.

15. Love is not a transaction.

It’s not something you earn by being perfect or doing things right. Real love is given, not bartered. And when it’s real, it doesn’t keep score.

16. Boundaries aren’t walls. They’re doors with locks you control.

Boundaries taught me who deserved access and who didn’t. Saying no protected the yeses that matter most.

17. Ask for help. No one makes it out of this thing alone.

I used to think independence was strength. But vulnerability — saying “I need you” — is actually braver. Let people in. Let them show up.

18. Rest is productive.

Some of my best ideas came after naps. Some of my deepest healing came from staying in bed. We are not machines. We are soil — we need stillness to regenerate.

19. When in doubt, go outside.

The world inside your head is sometimes a trap. The world outside — the sky, the trees, the wind — it reminds you that life keeps going, and you can too.

20. You’re not behind. You’re on your own damn timeline.

Comparison is poison. Everyone’s journey is customized. The sooner you stop measuring your life against others, the freer you become.

21. Create something that doesn’t need to go viral.

Not everything has to be seen. Some things are worth doing just because they make you feel alive. Paint. Write. Build. Make.

22. Talk to your parents like people.

They carry regrets too. They have stories. Seeing them as full, flawed humans changed everything for me.

23. Not everything broken needs to be fixed.

Some things are meant to fall apart. Some endings are mercies. Let them be.

24. Drink more water. Seriously.

It sounds dumb. But when I was sad, tired, foggy — water helped. Sometimes what feels like an existential crisis is just dehydration.

25. Love people while they’re here.

Call them. Visit them. Tell them the truth. Don’t wait for the eulogy to write your love letter.

26. Solitude isn’t loneliness.

I learned to enjoy my own company. To make meals for myself. To be enough, without needing to be surrounded.

27. You can be proud of surviving and still be sad it happened.

I made it through things I wouldn’t wish on anyone. I don’t romanticize the pain — but I honor the endurance.

28. Say “I don’t know” more often.

We don’t always need answers. We need curiosity, humility, and the courage to keep asking better questions.

29. You don’t always need a plan. Just a step.

Some of my best moves weren’t mapped out. I just took the next step, then the next one. Direction reveals itself.

30. Silence is an answer.

So is distance. So is inconsistency. Believe what people show you, not just what they say.

31. Fall in love with your morning.

I started waking up early not out of discipline, but desire. Mornings became sacred — a place to hear myself before the world got loud.

32. Nobody knows what they’re doing.

We’re all winging it. The ones who look like they have it together are just rehearsing their own script. You’re doing better than you think.

33. Success feels different at 37 than it did at 27.

I don’t chase clout anymore. I chase calm. I want meaningful work, not just impressive titles.

34. Your worth doesn’t decrease when your relationship status changes.

Being single isn’t a deficiency. It’s just another way to be whole.

35. Hold space for joy — even in the mess.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Find joy in the cracks. It belongs there too.

36. Tell people you love them. Even if your voice shakes.

Don’t assume they know. Say it. Say it often. Say it out loud.

37. You’re still becoming.

I thought I’d be “figured out” by now. But I’m still unfolding, evolving, softening, growing. And honestly? That’s the best part.

If you’re reading this, thank you for being here.

Here’s to being 37 — not perfect, not finished, but fully alive.

#MentalNote · Big Ideas · communication · Education

The Convocation Speech That Didn’t Make It

4 months ago By cumeadi

I’m thrilled to share that I’ll be delivering the convocation speech at my alma mater, the University of Illinois School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, on December 21st, 2024! It’s an honor to address the winter graduating class of 2024, and I’ve been putting a lot of thought into what I want to say.

I’ve gone through many drafts of my speech and am excited about the message I’ll share. I even collaborated with a professional speechwriter on one version, but ultimately decided it wasn’t right. Although well-written, it felt more like a lecture than the inspiring message I wanted to leave to the graduates.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on the speech I didn’t use.

Convocation Speech: The Canvas of Purpose: Dreams and Diligence

University of Illinois Winter Convocation, December 21, 2024

Good evening, esteemed faculty, devoted parents, and, most importantly, the inspiring graduates of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the bright torchbearers of our future.

It is a profound honor to stand before you today and celebrate this incredible milestone. We gather today not just to celebrate your years of hard work but to honor the resilience and determination that brought you to this moment. Every late-night study session, every challenge you faced, and every triumph, big or small has led to this defining achievement.

While today is a celebration of your accomplishments, I also want to share a powerful lesson that I have found is integral not just to my personal life but also to my work which has made it possible to stand before you today, and that is the power of dreaming and diligent work. In product management, success often hinges on striking a delicate balance between being a dreamer and a doer. The most successful product managers dare to envision what seems impossible, they dream of innovation, imagine transformative solutions, and see opportunities where others see obstacles.

A life of purpose always starts with being a Dreamer. Dreams are the seeds of every great achievement. Dreams are the sparks that ignite revolutions, the blueprints for breakthroughs, and the foundation of every meaningful life. They demand our courage, energy, and willingness to navigate uncharted territory. As Lawrence of Arabia once said: “All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake up to find it was vanity, but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dreams with open eyes, to make it possible.” Graduates I challenge you, to be the dangerous men and women who act on their dreams with open eyes.

However, we must acknowledge that dreaming with open eyes isn’t passive. It is active, requiring you to be behind the wheel, steering your vision toward reality. This is where diligence comes in, transforming visions into reality, Dreams are the seeds but they flourish only with diligence. Diligence is a word that has enthralled me, In Latin, the word diligentia means “carefulness” or “attentiveness.” It comes from the verb diligere, meaning “to love” or “to value highly.” In Greek, the concept of diligence is often tied to the word spoudé, which conveys the idea of earnestness, zeal, and urgency. Looking at these spectacular roots of the word diligent, diligent work therefore means you must Love and value your dream highly enough to pursue it with attentiveness, zeal, and urgency.

I learned this lesson first-hand from my parents. They came to the United States with a simple dream to create a future for their children and they worked tirelessly, sacrificing comforts to build something greater than themselves. And ultimately their sacrifice and diligence are the reason I stand here today. That is the transformative power of dreams, they ripple outward, touching lives beyond yourself.

But, to truly pursue your dreams with attentiveness, zeal, and urgency, you must first ensure they are YOUR dreams. As Dave Chappelle once said, “You have to be wise enough to know when you are living in your dream, and you have to be humble enough to accept when you are in someone else’s dream.”

You stand today as living testaments to the dreams of those who came before you, your parents, professors, and ancestors. Who sacrificed, guided, and believed in your potential. Now it’s your turn to carry the torch and define your dreams.

Ask yourself:

What is the dream I’m willing to fight for?
What impact do I want to make in the world?

There has never been a time more primed for powerful dreamers and diligent workers. As you step into the world beyond these walls, you step into a world filled with challenges. Knowing that should excite you, Bruce Lee said it best “Do not pray for an easy life, pray for the strength to endure a difficult one, for it is in hardship that we find our greatest purpose.” The Challenges of our day demand dreamers to surmount them and I am confident you are that dreamer.

No matter what route your dream takes you on, remember: your path is your unique canvas, your dreams are the paint, and diligent work is the brushstroke that brings your masterpiece to life. Every act of effort, persistence, and care adds depth and meaning to your highly valued vision. Without action, the canvas remains blank, but with diligence, your dreams become a work of art that inspires and impacts the world.

Today I charge you Be the teacher who inspires generations to dream bigger. Be the writer who changes hearts and shapes narratives. Be the social worker who brings hope to the underserved. Be the human rights advocate who challenges injustice. Be the artist who stirs souls and redefines beauty. Be whoever you want to be.

To the parents: this moment is a testament to your sacrifices, love, and unwavering belief in your children. You’ve given them not just an education but the courage to dream bigger and the foundation to succeed. To the professors and administrators: thank you for shaping minds, inspiring growth, and nurturing leaders. Your commitment to their growth is a true reflection of the University’s motto of Learning and Labor.

Graduates, as you leave this ceremony and step into the next chapter of your lives, let your dreams be bold, your work be diligent, and your purpose be unwavering. Be fearless in the face of challenges. Be thoughtful in your actions. And above all, be true to yourself, remembering your unique path is your unique canvas.

Class of 2024, the world awaits your brilliance. Dare to dream boldly, work with unwavering diligence, and leave a legacy that inspires generations. Congratulations

#MentalNote

34

3 years ago By cumeadi

I wrote a Twitter thread I thought I’d capture on my blog. To read in its original form, here you go.

Yesterday was my birthday. 34 – A lot of great things happened in the last year across the board. I’m grateful for the continued success and evolution.

First off have to thank my tribe – my family, friends, and professional colleagues that have been in the trenches. Someone in a board meeting I was at mentioned a quote that stuck with me; “Many hands make light work.” I disagree.

It’s more like – Quality people with a noble purpose can overcome just about anything. Reminds me of the Margret Meed quote – “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

Looking back at what I’ve done to get to where I am now at a point where brute force just won’t work anymore. Just by sheer hours committed, I’ve put more time into my areas of interest and reaped the rewards. But that’s not going to get me to the next level.

1. My body doesn’t respond like it use to – I need my sleep more than ever…lol… 2. TBH – I’ve traded off my wellness over professional execution for such a long time…. I’ve got some health and lifestyle debt to pay off.

3. With more responsibilities and even more audacious opportunities, it will become less about what I can do and more about who / what institutions I can build to accomplish the things I want to do – I’m excited about focusing more on building people than anything else.

4. Focus now is more important now than ever. At 34 – I hope to be ruthless in my focus. A lot of balls will drop for sure – but I think the most important – most impactful opportunities will rise to the top and I’ll shepherd them to the finish line.

5 . I’ve believed in doing work / operating in silence > making noise and not doing much. But for my star wars fans… Only the Sith deal in absolutes. There’s a middle ground where sharing and leading the conversation in areas you’re interested in benefits your work product.

My life’s been amazing so far – I’m so excited because I think we’re just getting started. 🙂

#MentalNote

Less Is More

3 years ago By cumeadi

I had an amazing 2021. There’s so much that’s happened to radically transform my life in 365 days. I’m super grateful but success begets new problems.

I’m constantly overwhelmed and feel like I don’t have time to get basic things done. I feel like weeks go by faster and faster but I have less time to do the things that are important to me.

I’ve tried to be more deliberate about my time toward the end of the year. I’ve started playing basketball again, taken time to jump into photography, and I took my ps4 back from my brother. (GTA 5 online)… Things that give me daily joy.

For 2022, I’m going to optimize for minimalism. Professionally, personally, and spiritually. I need more energy to focus on high-impact initiatives and relationships. What does this look like in practice? Here are some ideas:

Selling some of my companies or hiring people to run full time.
Getting rid of clothing
Selling / consolidating my tech (apps/ hardware)
Hiring people to deal with my complexity 🙂
Elevating simplicity as a key factor for my decision making
Decreasing social media footprint.

I’m going to reflect more on this as the year winds down. To be continued.