Complexity is the Enemy of Impact: A Conversation with John Salzinger
How to cut through the AI noise, building with a soul, impact millions of life's and why kindness is the ultimate 2026 hiring metric.
In an era where boardrooms are obsessed with “AI-driven efficiency” and the “Metaverse,” it’s easy to lose sight of the ground beneath our feet. At Voice of Experts, we recently sat down with John Salzinger, a climate-tech inventor and founder of Haven Lantern, who is proving that the most sophisticated technology isn’t always the most complex—it’s the most useful.
John isn’t interested in tech for tech’s sake. With 27 patents under his belt and a career dedicated to the “triple bottom line,” he builds solutions for fundamental human needs. His latest venture, Haven, is a testament to the power of simplicity in a noisy world.
The Product: A “Hero” for the Off-Grid World
John demonstrated the Haven 10,000, a solar lantern that doubles as a high-capacity power bank. While the tech inside—firmware, hardware, and high-efficiency solar cells—is advanced, the user experience is intentionally minimalist.
Integrated Design: A solar panel, a high-lumen flashlight, and an expandable lantern orb in one unit.
Human-Centric Materials: Soft-touch silicone and TPE handles designed for durability and comfort.
Dual Utility: Capable of charging a smartphone twice or a tablet once, with ample power left for light.
Durability: Built to last over a decade, a direct challenge to the “single-use plastic” culture often found in cheap solar alternatives.
Why Simplicity Wins in 2026
Bruno and John discussed a common pitfall for modern startups: the “digital elevator pitch.” In a world flooded with dopamine-inducing short-form content, Salzinger argues that authenticity is the only filter that matters.
“People are busy. They don’t have time. Whether it’s a street corner or a digital platform, you have to be authentic. After a while, people get tired of gimmicks. They start looking for purpose.”
John treats digital platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram not as playgrounds for AI automation, but as “digital elevators.” His secret? Content is king. By sharing organic, positive, and verifiable stories of impact—like their work in Jamaica and Mongolia—the brand cuts through the noise of bots and paid ads.
AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement for Soul
When asked about the role of AI in his workflow, John offered a grounded perspective that many “AI-first” evangelists might find refreshing.
AI is for Organization, Not Creation: John uses AI to scrub data, conduct market research, and organize information.
The Imagination Gap: “AI doesn’t have an imagination,” John noted. It can synthesize 100,000 data points, but it cannot conceive of a new solution based on human morality or spirituality.
The Risk of “Efficiency”: John warned against using AI to replace humans solely for the bottom line, calling it a “fast road to moral and environmental disaster.”
The Business Model: Scaling with Soul
Haven operates on a hybrid model designed to maximize impact:
Retail as an Engine: Higher-margin retail sales (targeting campers and outdoor enthusiasts) fund localized pricing for humanitarian efforts.
Strategic Partnerships: Working with organizations like the World Food Program, Shelter Box, and Catholic Charities to get light and power to disaster zones and refugee camps.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Partnering with large corporations (like MetLife) to help them meet their social impact goals through tangible product donations.
Closing Thought: Choosing a Future
As we navigate the complexities of 2026, John’s parting words served as a powerful reminder of why we build things in the first place. When asked to choose between a perfectly optimized business with no soul or an inefficient one that matters, his choice was clear:
“How can you look any child on the street in the eye when you’re destroying their future? I would choose to do what has a soul.”
To learn more about John’s work and the Haven 10,000, visit havenlantern.com.
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/haven.lantern/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/havenlantern/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/havenlantern.com
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@haven_lantern
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@HAVENLantern
Personal LinkedIn profiles for Business or Impact Partnerships:
John Salzinger - https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsalzinger
Seungah Jeong - https://www.linkedin.com/in/seungahjeong