Can AI empower people instead of replacing them?
In this episode, Mahdi Shariff — Co-founder of Humble AI and Forbes 30 Under 30 honouree — joins Kasa Connect to discuss how artificial intelligence can be made accessible, ethical, and truly human-centred. Mahdi shares his journey from corporate consulting to launching a startup that helps anyone — even without technical skills — build their own AI tools.
He opens up about:
Real examples of AI transforming education and business
Lessons from launching startups across Asia and Europe
The ethics and environmental impact of AI
Why rest, empathy, and generosity matter as much as code
Whether you’re a student, founder, or future innovator — this episode will reshape how you see AI’s role in creativity and collaboration.
(00:00) Introduction to AI Beyond ChatGPT
(00:37) Meet Mahdi Shariff: Founder of Humble AI
(01:00) Explaining Humble AI Using Lego
(01:27) Case Study: AI in Education
(02:12) AI in Venture Capital and Business
(02:32) Mahdi’s Journey into AI
(03:31) Startup Challenges and Market Timing
(04:26) Mahdi’s Daily AI Tools
(04:42) The Ethics of AI Misuse
(06:10) When AI Replaces Real Human Interaction
(07:22) Using AI as a Creative Medium
(08:28) Teaching AI at University
(09:09) How Mahdi Got Involved in Education
(10:10) Can AI Hurt Critical Thinking?
(10:44) Learning AI and Understanding Its Limits
(12:22) Common AI Myths
(14:00) Advice for Founders Using AI
(15:32) The Meaning Behind “Humble AI”
(17:43) Lessons from a Failed Startup
(19:01) Why the Market Wasn’t Ready
(20:31) Book & Podcast Recommendations
(22:02) Obsessive Work Habits and Growth
(23:13) Exciting New Projects at Humble AI
(24:30) The Process of Building AI Tools
(27:25) Reducing AI’s Environmental Impact
(29:46) Advice for Students and Professionals
(32:26) Tools for Learning AI
(33:00) Democratising AI Knowledge
(33:42) The Power of Connection and Giving Back
(35:54) How to Connect with Mahdi
(36:39) Coffee or Juice? Mahdi’s Preferences
(37:11) The Best Advice Mahdi Ignored
(38:41) Episode Wrap-Up