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Devin: What is your superpower?

Darren: I think I think it's a recipe. There are different parts to the recipe because I think it's one part fearlessness—I don't know if it's fearlessness or stupidity—and one part persistence and sprinklings of resilience and sensitivity and compassion.

We live in an era of unprecedented digital connection, yet loneliness and isolation continue to rise. Darren Mark, Founder and CEO of hūmNET, has set out to change that. His innovative platform is designed to foster real, meaningful connections through shared moments of focus and empathy. Rather than scrolling endlessly through divisive social media feeds, hūmNET users can create and participate in "hums"—synchronized moments of contemplation, prayer, or reflection—with others across the globe.

Darren describes hūmNET as "the worldwide web of empathy," an alternative to traditional social media platforms that often prioritize engagement over well-being. "We've all got these devices in our pockets that promise connection," Darren said. "And yet, with the loneliness epidemic and isolation, we feel less connected than ever. hūmNET is really looking to solve the problem of how we help people feel connected more deeply."

At the heart of hūmNET is a simple but powerful experience. Users can create a hum—a designated time when they and others focus their thoughts on a common theme. Participants see glowing beacons on a map, visualizing who is joining them in that moment. A gentle vibration increases as more people join, reinforcing the sense of collective presence.

"Imagine my daughter, standing outside in the cold during a climate protest, wondering if anyone else cares. Now, she can open hūmNET and see that 87,000 others are thinking about climate change with her," Darren explained. "That’s super empowering."

hūmNET is raising capital through regulation crowdfunding on Funding Hope, a platform aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This strategic choice reflects the company’s mission-driven approach, allowing its users to participate not just in the platform but in its growth and success. "There’s something so organically intrinsic about what hūmNET is and raising money from the crowd," Darren noted. "It aligns perfectly with our mission."

In a world craving genuine connection, hūmNET offers a hopeful vision for the future—one where technology enhances empathy rather than eroding it. Darren’s passion for building a more connected, compassionate world is evident, and with the support of a like-minded community, hūmNET has the potential to transform the way we engage with one another online.

tl;dr:

* hūmNET, founded by Darren Mark, is an innovative platform designed to foster real, meaningful connections through shared moments of focus and empathy.

* Darren shared how his past experiences in tech, marketing, and empathy-building shaped hūmNET's unique approach to digital connection.

* The company is raising capital via regulation crowdfunding on Funding Hope to align with its mission-driven approach.

* Darren discussed his superpower of fearless initiative, highlighting bold actions that have led to pivotal opportunities.

* The episode concluded with practical advice on cultivating courage, persistence, and human connection to drive positive change.

How to Develop Audacity to Act As a Superpower

Darren describes his superpower as a combination of fearlessness, persistence, resilience, sensitivity, and compassion. At its core, however, his defining strength is courage—the audacity to take bold actions others might hesitate to attempt.

"I don’t know if it’s fearlessness or stupidity, but I’ve always just rolled up my sleeves and figured things out," Darren shared. His approach to challenges involves diving in headfirst, fueled by a belief in his mission and an unshakable determination to make an impact.

One story exemplifies this superpower: While running a Kickstarter campaign for a previous startup, Darren realized he wasn’t gaining enough traction. Determined to change that, he took a leap of faith—literally. Spotting billionaire investor Mark Cuban on the streets of Brooklyn Heights, Darren seized the moment. He grabbed his product, ran up to Cuban, and attempted to engage him. While Cuban didn’t personally respond, Darren's effort wasn’t wasted. His flyer landed in the hands of Cuban’s limo driver, which eventually led to an invitation to pitch on Shark Tank.

Darren’s experience provides key lessons for developing fearlessness as a personal strength:

* Act Quickly on Opportunities – When an opportunity presents itself, hesitation can mean missing out. Darren’s success often stems from his willingness to seize the moment.

* Embrace Rejection as a Stepping Stone – Facing rejection is part of the process. Darren has learned that persistence often turns initial failures into eventual victories.

* Believe in Your Mission – Conviction in one’s purpose fuels the courage to take risks, even when the outcome is uncertain.

* Be Willing to Learn and Adapt – Every experience, whether successful or not, provides valuable insights that can be applied in the future.

* Leverage Human Connection – People appreciate sincerity and determination. Approaching others with respect and authenticity makes bold actions more likely to succeed.

By following Darren’s example and advice, you can make fearlessness a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.

Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!

Guest Profile

Darren Mark (he/him):

Founder & CEO, hūmNET

About hūmNET: Loneliness is a staggering issue affecting millions. Amid our rapid technological advancements, individuals are more isolated than ever. Enter hūmNET—a beacon of human connection. This platform isn't just an app, it's a movement to convert emotional isolation into collective power.THE PROBLEM:In the US alone, the cost of loneliness is a staggering $106 Billion annually. Yet pervasive loneliness remains unaddressed. How is it that in one of the wealthiest nations on Earth, we still find ourselves disconnected and yearning for genuine connection? It's time to confront this empathy deficit head-on.THE SOLUTION:hūmNET offers hope by transforming solitude into solidarity. Our easy-to-use platform bridges gaps through real-time, purpose-driven gatherings—humns—that become glowing beacons of connection. Whether you're seeking support or offering your presence, hūmNET empowers users to weave a worldwide web of empathy.

Website: humnet.live/funding-hope

X/Twitter Handle: @humnet9

Company Facebook Page: fb.com/humnet.live

Instagram Handle:@humnet.live/

Other URL: invest.fundinghope.com/offering/humnet

Biographical Information: Darren is a purpose-driven entrepreneur with a proven track record of leadership, having successfully guided conscious brands to success. Passionate about the intersection of technology, empathy, and creative innovation, Darren is dedicated to revolutionizing human connection and mental well-being through hūmNET. His vision for the platform is to create shared micro-gatherings where people can come together in meaningful ways, from grief to gratitude, while fostering global impact and raising awareness for critical social issues.Before founding hūmNET, Darren served as VP & Creative Director for Tree-Free Greetings, where he built the best-selling sustainable greeting card line in Whole Foods, as well as creating an "empathy database"—a collection of thousands of personal stories about how people wish to be acknowledged. This work inspired the creation of hūmNET, a platform designed to address the challenges of human connection.

X/Twitter Handle: @darrenwmark

Personal Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/darren.mark.338/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenmark/