In this episode of Austin Tech Connect, host Thom Singer welcomes back Brett Hurt, one of Austin's most recognized serial entrepreneurs. Brett first appeared on the show in December 2022, and now returns following the recent sale of his company, Data.World, to ServiceNow. Known for his lifelong dedication to technology and community, Brett shares candid insights into the journey that brought him here and the bold vision that is now guiding his next chapter.

Brett reflects on the timing of the acquisition, ServiceNow's ambitions in enterprise AI, and why Data.World's knowledge graph and 82 patents made it an ideal partner for a company accelerating toward the future of artificial intelligence. He takes listeners inside the rapid evolution of AI over the past two years, explaining how Data.World was uniquely positioned to ride the wave of change spurred by ChatGPT's explosive adoption and the broader race for generative and enterprise AI.

But the conversation quickly moves beyond business headlines. Brett opens up about his decision not to join ServiceNow and instead launch a new holding company, Love Conquers Fear. This initiative spans a podcast, a forthcoming book, targeted investments through Hurt Family Investments, and future entrepreneurial ventures. Each effort centers on a single mission: helping humanity navigate the coming decade and reach what Brett calls "the Age of Abundance for All."

Listeners will hear Brett discuss why he sees love, not fear, as the driving force humanity needs to embrace in order to use AI, quantum computing, robotics, and other exponential technologies for good. He shares stories that shaped his optimism, including a moving encounter with an Uber driver from Chad that reinforced his belief in abundance as a universal goal, not just a privilege of the wealthy.

The episode also revisits Brett's widely praised presentation at MIT, where he explored the hard problem of consciousness, the spiritual implications of advanced technology, and why he believes humanity is facing what he calls "God's final exam." With characteristic energy, he argues that while the risks are real, our core nature is good, collaborative, and capable of choosing a future of prosperity and connection.

Finally, Brett and Thom turn their attention back to Austin. From Tesla's rapid growth to breakthroughs in health tech, robotics, and consumer products, Brett outlines why Austin's ecosystem is stronger and more diverse than ever—even as he warns about the importance of inclusivity and forward-thinking policies.

This is a wide-ranging, thought-provoking conversation that blends entrepreneurship, technology, and vision with an unmistakably human touch.