Artificial intelligence continues to reshape the world, but its future belongs in the hands of entrepreneurs, not just academics or corporate professionals. In a recent episode of the Mind Matters podcast, host Robert J. Marks welcomed AI entrepreneur David Copps, a leader in AI-driven innovation and CEO of Worlds, which brings AI to industrial companies. With over two decades of experience in AI and emerging technologies, Copps shared insights into his personal journey, his outlook on life and work, and the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels his success.

But he also shares something else.

“It’s not about me.”

Before Marks and Copps dove into AI and business, the conversation took an unfamiliar turn into neuroscience. Copps had suffered seizures since childhood; he had his first grand mal seizure at the age of four. By the time he reached college, his seizures worsened and he decided to undergo split-brain surgery (corpus callosotomy) in 1987.

As neurosurgeon Michael Egnor explains, in that last-ditch procedure, the surgeon cuts the “entire fibre bundle” that joins the two halves of the brain. If the two halves cannot communicate, the seizure won’t likely become brainwide. Many people are surprised to learn that, post-surgery, most patients behave normally despite having their brains split in half. That fact has prompted much neuroscience research.

Performed by Dr. Bruce Mickey in Dallas, the surgery had a profound impact on Copps’ outlook. He noted that “everybody has something you can look back on and reflect on your life where things really changed for you.” In his case, the experience reinforced his belief that life has a greater purpose.

Perhaps most remarkably, Copps briefly flatlined during the surgery — for 18 seconds. “I heard the flatline,” he recalled. Though he didn’t experience a near-death vision, the moment left a lasting impression. He keeps an MRI scan of his brain in his closet as a daily reminder of his second chance.

This transformative event led him to a profound realization: “It’s not about me.”  “[It’s] about who I am for other people.” Inspired by this epiphany, he made it his mission to inspire greatness in those he meets, believing that every person has untapped potential.

His approach to his company is grounded in anthropology

We might expect that Copps’ background would be rooted in technology, he actually studied anthropology at the University of North Texas. Initially a business major, he became fascinated by industrial anthropology and corporate culture. His studies taught him that companies are not defined by their technology or products but by the people who build them. This insight became a guiding principle in his entrepreneurial ventures.

A concept that strongly influences his leadership style is Ubuntu, a Swahili term meaning I am who I am because of who we are together. Copps applies this philosophy to his companies, ensuring that employees uplift one another rather than compete. His workplaces embrace an anti-diva policy, rejecting arrogance in favor of mutual support.

One memorable instance of this culture in action involved a new hire— a company controller—who quit on his first day after witnessing the team sing the Viking Birthday Song. The incident underscored that culture isn’t just about words on a wall; it’s something employees experience.