What happens when competitive gaming, early crypto, and conscious leadership collide? Hedge-fund founder Hershey Mirpuri joins W1SE Talks to break down values-driven business, intelligent fundraising, and how gamification (achievements → progression → recognition) can supercharge community and client loyalty.

From Dubai, Hershey Mirpuri shares the real story behind an influence-led, values-driven fund—why he chose Dubai’s regulatory climate and speed, how ethics and culture design sit at the center of performance, and where leaders must practice the art of saying no. We map a pragmatic fundraising arc (research → plan → validation → proof-of-concept → partner selection) with alternate routes like alumni/launch-pad programs, plus what LPs actually want to see at each stage. On operations, Hershey treats AI as table stakes—use it, but keep human judgment in the loop—and details culture levers that matter: clarity of incentives, fair competition, and care for people. Then we dive into gamification for the attention economy: achievement systems, visible progression, social recognition, and light-weight rewards that create habit and belonging (without manipulative junk). The throughline is conscious business—run on ethics, feedback loops, and long-term trust—so growth compounds without burning out your team or your customers.

*Key Takeaways* Conscious business = ethics + culture design + “say no” discipline Fundraising arc: research → plan → validation → PoC → partners Use AI as leverage, not a crutch—keep human thinking central Gamification that works: achievements → progression → recognition Choose environments (Dubai or elsewhere) that reduce friction ethically

*Chapters* 00:00 — Intro & intention 00:03:20 — From competitive gaming & early crypto to fund building 00:12:15 — Why Dubai: speed, lower barriers, and choosing your arena 00:20:40 — Conscious business: ethics, culture design, “say no” 00:31:10 — Fundraising flow: research → plan → validation → PoC → partners 00:42:35 — Alumni/launch-pad pathways & partner selection 00:51:00 — AI as table stakes (without outsourcing your thinking) 00:58:45 — Gamification: achievements, progression, recognition 01:08:10 — People-first performance: incentives, fairness, care 01:16:20 — “Level up daily” — closing reflections

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_Disclaimer: Educational content only. This episode is not financial advice._

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