"The one human quality technology should never replace is empathy. Empathy is the thread that weaves understanding into connection — it’s what allows us to see not just what someone does, but why they do it. AI can recognize emotion, but it can’t feel it. It can predict behavior, but it can’t truly care. In a world driven by data and automation, empathy is what keeps technology anchored to purpose. It reminds us that innovation isn’t about efficiency; it’s about elevation — helping people live, lead, and relate more meaningfully. The day we let machines replace empathy is the day we lose the essence of progress itself. Because no matter how intelligent our systems become, it’s our capacity to understand and uplift one another that will always define what it means to be human."
"I see a future world where leaders will have a "digital mirror"—a dynamic reflection of their personality, strengths, and blind spots—powered by data and interpreted through humanity. I believe that when used ethically, AI technology will enhance, not replace, human judgment. The technology will also help organizations build teams with greater emotional intelligence, trust, and cohesion more effectively and without human bias."
What if understanding personality became as fundamental to business as reading a balance sheet? That is the bold idea shared by Roman Kikta, CEO of Phenometrix and longtime venture capitalist, in his conversation with Eli Portnoy on The Customer Obsession Podcast. Roman explains how anthropology shaped his investment lens, why founder psychology can predict startup outcomes better than pitch decks, and how cultural fluency will define the next wave of AI adoption. His perspective connects anthropology, venture capital, and AI into one clear thesis: the future of business will be built on human understanding.
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Roman Kikta is an entrepreneur, author, anthropologist, and venture investor with over 30 years' experience shaping the landscape of breakthrough technology startups and leading multi-billion dollar corporate divisions at Nokia, Panasonic, LG and as the founder and managing partner of Mobility Ventures and Genesis Campus Funds. With a passion for innovation, Roman continues to push boundaries as the founder and driving force behind Phenometrix, a cutting-edge company that decodes humans identifying core personality traits and mindset and predicts behavior patterns based on a person’s image, the words they use and their communication patterns.
Throughout his career, Roman has consistently demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate the ever-evolving world of technology. His entrepreneurial journey has been marked by a series of triumphs and an unwavering commitment to driving transformative change. Armed with a keen understanding of human behavior and an insatiable curiosity, Roman has immersed himself in the field of behavioral anthropology, exploring how technology intersects with the human experience.
Roman's success spans both startups and corporate ventures. His astute business acumen has guided him in funding and scaling over 2 dozen pioneering technology startups. Additionally, his strategic leadership has propelled corporate divisions to achieve remarkable growth and profitability. Phenometrix, Roman's current venture, stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, leveraging Human Decoding technology to unlock the potential of human behavior. This groundbreaking innovation offers unparalleled insights into human psychology, empowering organizations to optimize their strategies and enhance their decision-making processes. Under Roman's leadership, Phenometrix is poised to revolutionize industries and shape the future of behavioral sciences and human understanding.
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Roman is an accomplished author of 5 books published by McGraw Hill and numerous articles, where he has shared his knowledge and expertise, providing invaluable insights into the realms of technology, innovation, and human behavior. His writings, speeches and lectures have captivated audiences worldwide, challenging conventional thinking and inspiring others to push the boundaries of what is possible.
With a drive for excellence and an innate ability to anticipate industry trends, Roman continues to shape the future of technology. His relentless pursuit of innovation, combined with his deep understanding of human psychology, sets him apart as a transformative force in the entrepreneurial landscape. As he blazes new trails and decodes the complexities of human behavior through technology, Roman is poised to reshape industries and leave an indelible mark on the world.