From Presence to Contribution: The Four Codes to Becoming More
What does it mean to be human in an AI-first world?
That’s the question Rick Dzavik and I explore in this episode of Business at the Speed of AI.
Listen now:
Speed of AI Podcast Episode Description
Where We Begin
Rick Dzavik:
In The MORE Effect, you discuss the difference between what humans can bring to the table and what AI brings. You summarized it as, “Humans bring context, ethics, and judgment.” And AI brings the patterns analysis and the ability to deal with massive volumes of data.
Tell me, what does it mean for you to “be human?”
Jeremy Victor:
I think the one word response I would share to your question is, “Ingenuity.”
Remember, artificial intelligence would not exist today if it wasn’t for the humans who invented it.
Ingenuity, like innovation is invention.
And throughout history, not only American history, I am literally talking about the history of the human species on earth, every advancement has been through a new human idea that’s led to the next evolution.
What We Talk About
The MORE Effect was very much born from my need to personally journal and work through what it means to be a human-centric leader while leading a massive AI-driven business transformation at Noom. The book became MORE. It developed into a field guide for how we modernize work and leadership without losing what makes us uniquely human in the process. It’s built around four simple, timeless codes that form the backbone of human leadership:
- Presence – Be fully where you are. Attention builds trust.
- Possibility – Believe there’s a way forward. Optimism fuels momentum.
- Connection – Lead with kindness. Relationships are the real infrastructure.
- Contribution – Execute with integrity. Ideas matter only when they become real.
In this conversation, Rick Dzavik and I dive into how each code shows up in real life and leadership:
- How “presence” in a distracted world rebuilds focus and trust.
- Why optimism is a discipline, not a mood.
- How connection compounding—small acts of kindness and curiosity—creates opportunity.
- Why contribution is the truest measure of effectiveness.
We also unpack the idea of:
Conqueror mindset: the belief that every obstacle is survivable, and every challenge is a chance to evolve.
Why It Matters Now
AI gives us speed and scale.
But speed without direction is chaos.
The Four Codes are about direction—the human calibration that ensures technology serves meaning, not the other way around.
If The MORE Effect is a framework for thriving in the age of AI, then this conversation is a reminder that becoming more isn’t about adding—it’s about aligning.
Key Quote
“If AI brings patterns and scale, humans bring context, ethics, and judgment.”
— From the episode, “From Presence to Contribution: The Four Codes to Becoming More”
Discover The MORE Effect
A field guide for leading and living with courage, hope, and optimism in the AI-first, always-on world.
About Jeremy
Jeremy Victor is a humble, hard working and the author of The MORE Effect. It is the culmination of his life’s work. With one decade as a kid, and three decades in Corporate America, capable of writing, designing, building, and caring, he’s driven to help others become more. No matter the role, no matter the moment, service to others, achieving desired outcomes, and being a good person matter most to him.
He’s the voice behind the Business at the Speed of AI podcast and newsletter, where he explores the intersection of leadership, modernization, and the AI-first always-on economy. His work is guided by a simple belief: that operational excellence and human connection aren’t trade-offs—they’re the future.
His mission: help people—and the systems they work in—Become More.
Join Jeremy online: Website – www.jeremyvictor.com | Newsletter: Business @ the Speed of AI Facebook | Instagram | TikTok OneMORE Minute |
