Why Tech Needs a Soul ? The Compass Every Founder Needs | Vivi Lin | TEDxCSTU
What if the most important innovation in tech isn’t faster code or smarter AI—but restoring our humanity?
In a world racing to build faster, smarter technology, we must pause and ask: What makes it truly human? From AI to Web3, we’ve designed systems that optimize for efficiency—but too often at the cost of empathy, purpose, and genuine human connection.
In this talk, award-winning journalist and tech storyteller Vivi Lin introduces the Soul Compass—a golden triangle of Empathy, Purpose, and Connection—as a guide for founders, innovators, and creators navigating the age of AI.
You’ll discover:
Why human connection is our greatest technologyHow the Soul Compass can align innovation with human well-beingPractical ways to design tech that serves people, not just marketsThis is a call to reimagine technology as a tool to strengthen the human spirit—because the future doesn’t just need artificial intelligence. It needs aligned intelligence.
Vivi Lin is a former Reuters TV journalist turned tech storyteller, bridging innovation with humanity. She is the founder of VIVI Media Group and creator of the award-winning video show Vivi in the Valley (Tech with Soul Series), where she explores the intersection of AI, Web3, and purposeful design. Her mission is to champion mindful innovation—tech that serves the human spirit, not just the market.
Vivi advises startups, builds platforms, and speaks globally on aligning emerging technologies with empathy, purpose, and connection—especially in times of disruption.Event: TEDxCSTU
Date: May 18th, 2025
Location: California Science & Technology University (CSTU)
Website: https://www.cstu.edu/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=tedx2025&utm_term=viviSpeaker: Vivi Lin
Learn more about the speaker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivi-lin-1862276/
https://vivi.media/en/press/
Speaker’s channel: https://www.youtube.com/@viviinthevalleyOrganizer: Leni Jin, Organizer of TEDxCSTU
Behind the scenes of TEDxCSTU:
Stories & notes: https://lenijin.com/tedx
More about the organizer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lenijin/
Organizer's channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Leni_JinTimestamps (Chapters)
0:00 – Introduction: Why Tech Needs a Soul
0:58 – The loneliness epidemic in a hyper-connected world
2:30 – How technology measures engagement but not intimacy
4:05 – What real connection means (and why it matters)
5:50 – Examples of tech fostering belonging
7:20 – The Golden Triangle: Empathy, Purpose, Connection
9:10 – How founders can design with soul
10:45 – The Soul Compass: Questions to guide innovation
12:05 – A call to build tech for humans, not just systemsPlease note: This talk was recorded at TEDxCSTU, an independently organized TEDx event hosted at California Science and Technology University under a license from TED. The views and opinions expressed are solely those of the speaker and do not necessarily represent those of TEDxCSTU, the university, or TED.#TEDxCSTU2025 #TechWithSoul #SoulCompass #AIForHumanity #HumanCenteredTech #InnovationWithPurpose #EmpathyInAction #MindfulTech #PurposeDrivenLife #FutureOfHumanity #DigitalWellbeing #ViviLin
Vivi Lin is a former Reuters TV journalist turned tech storyteller, bridging innovation with humanity. She is the founder of VIVI Media Group and creator of Vivi in the Valley (Tech with Soul Series), where she explores the intersection of AI, Web3, and purposeful design. Her mission is to champion mindful innovation—tech that serves the human spirit, not just the market. Vivi advises startups, builds platforms, and speaks globally on aligning emerging technologies with empathy, purpose, and connection—especially in times of disruption. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
More from TED
- 15:08Invisible Differences: Understanding and Empathy | David Jiang | TEDxShahe StreetWhat makes invisible differences so hard to see? Diversity isn't just about visible traits—it's ab out the unseen differences that shape who we are. David Jiang explores how society shapes what we recognize and what we overlook, and why acknowledging unseen identities is essential for true connection and empathy. Youth Researcher on Social Identity and Cultural Expression Writer Exploring Human Differences This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 13:48Between Ink and Colour, I Found Myself | Lalita Goenka | TEDxSPIPS IndoreFor years, Lalita Goenka’s life was defined by responsibilities—family, work, and the endless to-do lists that left little space for her own dreams. But a quiet rediscovery of writing and singing reignited her creative spirit, leading her back to painting, poetry, and music. In this heartfelt talk, Lalita shares how identifying our true strengths can illuminate dreams we didn’t even realize we were building. She tells the remarkable story of the home she lives in today—a home she unknowingly painted years before it existed—reminding us that our art often knows our dreams before we do. Through her journey as a writer, lyricist, poet, and artist, Lalita invites us to listen to the creative whispers within and trust them to guide us toward the life we were meant to live. Lalita Goenka is a versatile and celebrated creative—an accomplished writer, lyricist, poetess, and visual artist whose work seamlessly integrates musical narrative, poetic depth, and artistic expression. Her contributions span ghazals, qawwalis, bhajans, and visual media, each imbued with emotional clarity and spiritual resonance. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 8:54The Rise of An imperfectly perfect Drama Queen | Suchitra Krishnamoorthi | TEDxSPIPS IndoreFor years, actress, author, and multi-hyphenate artist Suchitra Krishnamoorthi was labeled—too much woman, inconvenient woman, difficult woman. Her early fame, glamorous marriage, and creative success came with an unspoken rulebook: smile more, speak less, fit in. But life’s upheaval—led her to reclaim her voice through art, writing, and unapologetic self-expression. In this candid, fiery, and often funny talk, Suchitra dismantles the stereotypes that silence women, exposes the double standards in how society frames men’s and women’s passion, and offers a rallying cry for “good drama”—the courage to speak up, walk away, and live on your own terms. This is a manifesto for every woman who refuses to shrink, and for everyone ready to rewrite their own story before someone else does it for them. Suchitra Krishnamoorthi is one of India’s most versatile creative voices—an acclaimed actress, singer, author, painter, and theatre artist. Known for her iconic debut in Kabhi Haan Kabhi Naa, she has since built a diverse career spanning film, music, literature, and stage. A pioneer of Indian pop in the 1990s with chart-topping albums like Dole Dole and Dum Tara, she is also a bestselling author of Drama Queen and other works exploring modern womanhood. Her bold one-woman show Drama Queen: The Musical and recent success with The Odd Couple (2022) showcase her fearless storytelling and reinvention. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 7:01Beyond the Red Carpet: Skills That Build Stars and Stories | Roshni Sehgal | TEDxSPIPS IndoreWhen we think of the red carpet, we picture stars, flashes, and fame—but rarely the army of skilled creators who make the magic happen. In this empowering talk, Roshni Sehgal, Head of Business Development and International Alliances at the Media & Entertainment Skills Council, reveals the hidden world behind the big screens and global stages. From cinematographers and costume designers to editors and musicians, she highlights the critical role of skill development in shaping India’s creative economy. With real stories of talent from small towns reaching global platforms, Roshni challenges us to rethink success—not as a degree, but as the craft, dedication, and creativity that turn dreams into careers. Roshni Sehgal is the Head of Business Development and International Alliances at the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), driving global partnerships and growth in India’s media sector. With over 8 years of experience, she has built strong alliances with government bodies, international film associations, and leading media houses. Known for her insights on cross-cultural collaboration and skills development, Roshni actively shares mentorship and industry perspectives through digital platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Her strategic vision has been instrumental in expanding India’s media footprint globally, including key collaborations in Southeast Asia. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 12:57What is your hidden card? | Cindy Siyao Wang | TEDxShahe StreetBehind every entrepreneur's title lies a hidden story—their "Hidden Card". It's the belief, responsibility, or dream that keeps them going through failures and challenges. In this talk, Cindy Wang shares inspiring stories of resilience and invites you to discover the hidden card within yourself. 《第二张名片》项目发起人 新生代探索者 This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
- 18:29Start Early, Shine Bright: The SPARKLE Playbook for Young Entrepreneurs | Pranjal Sinha | TEDxNUALSWhat does it really take to start a business before the age of 21? In this inspiring TEDx talk, Pranjal Sinha-founder of Sama and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree-breaks the illusion of overnight success and shares the raw truth about building something meaningful at a young age. From dealing with uncertainty and failure to finding mentors and grounding yourself spiritually, he introduces a powerful 7-point playbook called SPARKLE-a practical, personal, and deeply reflective guide for anyone looking to start early and stay in the game.Whether you're dreaming of building the next big startup or simply want to grow into your best self, this talk is your spark. Pranjal Sinha, the CEO and co-founder of Sama (formerly ODRways), is revolutionizing dispute resolution through technology and mediation. An alumnus of NUJS Kolkata and the youngest Weinstein JAMS International Fellow, Pranjal's platform is recognized by the Ministry of Law and Justice. His leadership in the "Indian Mediation Week" campaign champions the shift from adversarial litigation to collaborative mediation, marking him as a pivotal figure in reshaping India's justice landscape. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx
