What started as a student project — sparked by a shared box of Chinese takeout — evolved into a five-year journey through Dutch regulation, system design, and safety compliance, all in service of a simple but radical question:

Can we make cities less dependent on cars?

We talk about:
- Their evolution from ambitious students who found "study itself a bit boring" to mobility pioneers
- How car culture shapes urban design (and why it's so hard to challenge)
- Why designing an approved e-scooter turned out to be more ambitious than launching a new mobility platform
- Their vision of cities where "there is no need for personal vehicles" and how e-mobility fits into that future
- What it takes to bring hardware into a heavily regulated European market

If you know Max and Chingiskhan even a little, you know how **relentless** they are. Few people bring the same level of fanatic energy to solving a problem — or to navigating Dutch regulation for five years straight.

It was a pleasure to sit down with them at the campfire for Impact Innovators at the Fireside, and to take their new, fully certified e-scooter for a spin through the forest. It rides well — sturdy, road-legal, and clearly designed with intention.

E-scooters, of course, aren’t new. But their approach is different: long-term, regulation-first, and deeply systems-aware.

What I’m still curious about is this:
- Will it be enough to move the needle on how cities move?
- Can this kind of focused persistence — paired with smart tech — really reshape the way we think about personal mobility?

I don’t have the answers. But I do think their story is worth listening to.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts:

🎧 Listen on Spotify:

Other platforms: www.impactinnovators.com

Then I recommend reading his book "Moral Ambition."

Having read the Dutch version after his previous "Humankind" (which felt like comfortable reassurance), I was struck by how this book confronts us with a refreshingly uncomfortable question: what are we doing with our talents? As Bregman himself admits to Stewart, "If my previous book was like a warm hug, then this is a cold shower, a refreshing cold shower."

The Talent Misdirection Problem

Bregman defines it with compelling clarity: "Moral Ambition is the combination of two things. It's the idealism of an activist on the one hand, and the ambition of an entrepreneur." He describes it as "the desire to stand on the right side of history before it is fashionable, and to really devote your career, your precious time on this Earth, to make this world a much better place."

Bregman pinpoints what he calls "the Bermuda Triangle of talent" – consultancy, corporate law, and finance – which he describes as "this gaping black hole that sucks up so many talented people who should actually work on these big problems."

And perhaps the most cringe-worthy category of all – that would be me in my previous life – are those Silicon Valley tech-optimists building addictive apps while claiming to 'make the world a better place' (and coincidentally making fortunes).

Bregman's dismissal of corporate social responsibility theater resonates strongly. When Stewart asks about ESG investing, Bregman doesn't hesitate: "It's nonsense... a thin layer of corporate responsibility over a corrupt, broken business model."

As someone working in impact investing, this challenges me to ensure my work creates genuine value rather than merely soothing conscience.

Moral Ambition in Practice

Since transitioning from the tech world to impact investing and forest management, I find these questions regularly circling in my mind: Is my current work meaningful enough? Have I lost my entrepreneurial drive? Or am I simply becoming more comfortable with age?

Participating in a Moral Ambition circle with neighboring entrepreneurs has helped me explore these tensions. Our discussions emphasize that meaningful impact doesn't require dramatic gestures, but rather thoughtful application of our skills and networks.

While working in my forest, observing biodiversity challenges firsthand, I'm constantly reminded of Bregman's most practical insight: "Especially people who have some privilege, whether it's talent, wealth, or your network, use it. People on the left often say, 'check your privilege.' Yes, check it. And then use it."

Why This Book Matters Now

The value of "Moral Ambition" lies in its practical framework for redirecting our professional capabilities toward genuine impact. Unlike typical self-help or sustainability literature, Bregman offers:

1. A clear articulation of how systems change through individual talent shifts

2. Evidence-based arguments for why talent redistribution is as important as wealth redistribution

3. Practical pathways for professionals questioning their impact

4. A refreshing antidote to corporate social responsibility theater

From Reflection to Action

My participation in Bregman's School of Moral Ambition has provided a framework for addressing my questions about tech, ambition and impact. These conversations inspired my podcast series, where I explore these tensions with others navigating similar questions.

Three steps I recommend for anyone intrigued by this approach:

1. Watch Bregman's conversation with Jon Stewart

2. Read "Moral Ambition" to understand the framework

3. Visit www.moralambition.org to explore practical opportunities

Are you among the 25% who consider their work socially meaningless? Is redirecting talent as crucial as redistributing wealth? And how do you balance ambition with contentment in your own work?

Around our campfire, we explore how these innovators persevered through shifting regulations, financial challenges, and multiple moments of near-defeat to transform urban transportation. They reveal how their vision extends beyond just selling e-scooters – they're building a future where shared, sustainable vehicles replace car dependency in cities worldwide.

The conversation dives into critical questions about safety concerns, battery recycling, and how to measure real environmental impact. We also discuss their bold vision for cities in 2040 – spaces with zero traffic deaths, autonomous transport, and vibrant, car-free public areas.

Join us for an authentic look at the intersection of environmental impact, regulatory innovation, and the resilient entrepreneurial spirit driving meaningful change in how we move through our cities.

• (00:00) - Disrupting Car Culture with Selana and the Bondi Boys

• (02:33) - Early Days

• (03:40) - Birth of the Mobility Idea

• (06:00) - Downsides of Car Ownership, Pollution

• (07:33) - Launching from The Netherlands

• (11:37) - Market Research and Competition

• (13:12) - From Bike Sharing to Estep Sharing

• (14:12) - Learning from the Competition

• (16:22) - Future Plans and Expansion

• (17:50) - Demo ride

• (19:09) - Product Tech

• (21:36) - Taking cars off the road

• (25:56) - Longevity and Sustainability

• (26:54) - Battery Replacement and Recycling

• (28:38) - Impact on Urban Mobility

• (29:48) - Oh Shit Moments

• (31:52) - Team Dynamics and Growth

• (33:39) - Production and Quality Control

• (34:15) - "That's What Makes us Keep Working"

Relevant Links

• 🛴 SELANA Creating road-legal e-scooters and sustainable mobility solutions

Featured Guests

• 🔗 LinkedIn: Chinghiskhan Kazakhstan

• 🔗 LinkedIn: Max Schalow

• 🔗 LinkedIn: Arjé Cahn

Connect With Us

• 🔥 Podcast Website

Note: This episode was recorded in late 2024. Regulations and market conditions discussed may have evolved since recording.

Production credits and thanks yous:
Music by Allerd van den Bremen

I remember feeling furious. That wasn’t why I was drawn to AI. I wanted to understand how the human brain worked, to model it with neural networks, to capture something of human intelligence in an algorithmic form. I was just incredibly curious.

Fast forward to 2025, and AI has progressed in ways I never could have imagined. Large language models now apply reasoning, self-improve through reinforcement learning, and automate knowledge work at an unprecedented scale. The question my aunt asked me nearly 30 years ago—about AI replacing jobs—is now one of the most urgent debates in society.

Lately, I find myself on the other side of the conversation. My oldest child, now 16, is selecting a university bachelor. She’s drawn to philosophy, and some people assume I’d prefer she study AI, programming, or something more “technical.” But I don’t.

In fact, I think philosophy makes more sense than ever.

As AI agents increasingly take over tasks, what we need most is human sanity—people who can think critically, have deep conversations, and understand what it means to be human. AI can write code, optimize algorithms, and even generate creative work, but it doesn’t replace human judgment, ethics, and the ability to reflect on meaning.

So when people ask me what they should tell their kids about the future of work, I say: Don’t just focus on learning to code. Focus on understanding people. Motivation, purpose, and the structures that guide human behavior will be just as—if not more—important than pure technical skills.

We’re at a point where AI will not just change jobs but redefine what jobs are. The question isn’t whether AI will replace us; it’s how we make sure humans remain at the center of the decisions that shape our world.

Curious to hear your thoughts.

From developing facial recognition for seals to detect ecosystem health, to exposing industrial polluters through AI-powered monitoring, Buster's engineers are proving that technology can be a powerful force for good. But this isn't just another tech success story – it's about a fundamental shift in how we approach artificial intelligence and its role in society.

Recorded by the warmth of a wood stove in our forest cabin, this thoughtful discussion explores:

• How AI is being used to protect endangered species and monitor environmental violations

• The power of challenge-based learning in developing real-world AI solutions

• Why Buster believes we need 1 million AI engineers by 2030 to "change the course of humanity"

• The journey from non-profit to sustainable business model while maintaining impact

Whether you're an engineer looking to make a difference or simply curious about technology's potential to solve global challenges, this episode offers both inspiration and practical insights into how we can harness AI for the greater good.

Location: Recorded in a forest setting in The Netherlands

Chapters

🤝 Fruitpunch Community - Join 4,500+ AI engineers making an impact: https://www.fruitpunch.ai/

🤖 For Tech Leaders & CTO - Partner with Fruitpunch for impact-driven AI training: https://www.fruitpunch.ai/partners

🎯 Fruitpunch AI Challenges - Join upcoming challenges: https://app.fruitpunch.ai/challenges
🎓 UN Sustainable Development Goals - Learn about the goals driving their mission: sdgs.un.org/goals

📱 Follow Buster Franken on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/buster-franken/

📱 Follow Arjé Cahn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjecahn/

Note: This episode was recorded in late 2024. Regulations and market conditions discussed may have evolved since recording.

Production credits and thanks yous:
Music by Allerd van den Bremen
Production by Peter van Dijk, podcastvoorbedrijven.nl

Disclosure: Through Shamrock Ventures, the host has invested in some of the companies featured on this podcast, including Fruitpunch.ai.

Rather than advocating for digital abstinence, Caroline shares Unpluq's innovative approach: using physical technology to help us make more intentional choices about our screen time. The results speak for themselves - users save an average of 82 minutes daily for offline activities, with lasting behavioral change that extends far beyond the typical app retention rates.
We explore the fascinating evolution of our attention crisis, from the rise of 24/7 news to today's algorithmic content feeds. Caroline offers unique insights into why traditional digital wellness solutions fail and how adding physical friction to our phone use might be the key to reclaiming our attention.

Whether you're a tech professional questioning your relationship with technology, a parent concerned about screen time, or simply someone who's ever fallen into a two-hour social media vortex after checking the time, this episode offers practical wisdom for breaking free from digital distraction while staying connected to technology's benefits.

Key Topics:

• The psychology behind digital distraction

• Why adding friction to technology can lead to better habits

• How the attention economy shapes our behavior

• Practical solutions for maintaining digital wellness

• The future of human-technology interaction

Chapters:

• (00:00) - Introduction: The Social Media Vortex

• (00:18) - Meet Caroline Cadwell: The Tech Pioneer

• (01:22) - The Problem of Digital Distraction

• (03:02) - Caroline's Journey to Unpluq

• (05:56) - How Unpluq Works

• (12:21) - The Evolution of Media Consumption

• (23:11) - The Future of Digital Wellness

• (31:01) - Unpluq's Mission and Fundraising

🎧 Subscribe to Impact Innovators at the Fireside: https://impactinnovators.transistor.fm/

🔄 Break free from distraction with Unpluq: https://unpluq.com
💰 Join Unpluq's investment round: https://wefunder.com/unpluq
🎯 Follow Caroline Cadwell https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinecadwell/
🧠 Center for Humane Technology - Understanding the attention economy: https://www.humanetech.com
📱 Follow Arjé Cahn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjecahn/

**Production credits and thanks yous:**
Music by Allerd van den Bremen

Key Discussion Points:

• The real mathematics behind carbon sequestration

• The critical difference between carbon removal and avoidance credits

• The current state of the voluntary carbon market and its transparency issues

• How intermediaries can take up to 80-85% of carbon credit value, leaving little for actual climate projects

• Cawa's mission to bring transparency and efficiency to carbon credit transactions

• The growing importance of ESG reporting and the EU's Green Claims Directive

• The challenge of greenwashing and how regulatory frameworks are evolving

• The founder's "oh shit moment" when confronted with the reality of carbon credit trading

Location: Recorded in a forest setting in The Netherlands

Chapters
👤 Follow Kees van Santen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kees-van-santen-606a22b2/
🌿 Learn more about Cawa: https://www.cawa.tech/
🔍 EU Green Claims Directive: https://environment.ec.europa.eu/topics/circular-economy/green-claims_en
🌳 Gold Standard for Carbon Credits: https://www.goldstandard.org/
✅ Verra Carbon Standard: https://verra.org/

📱 Follow Arjé Cahn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arjecahn/

Referenced in Episode:

• EU ETS (Emissions Trading System): https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/eu-emissions-trading-system-eu-ets_en

• CSRD (Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive): https://finance.ec.europa.eu/capital-markets-union-and-financial-markets/company-reporting-and-auditing/company-reporting/corporate-sustainability-reporting_en

Note: This episode was recorded in late 2024. Regulations and market conditions discussed may have evolved since recording.
 
Production credits and thanks yous:
Music by Allerd van den Bremen
Production by Peter van Dijk, podcastvoorbedrijven.nl

Disclosure: Through Shamrock Ventures, the host has invested in some of the companies featured on this podcast, including Cawa.

Subscribe now