Collective Intelligence and the Rise of Cognitive Offloading with Jesse Freese and Marcus Sawyerr
In the future of work, professional success won’t hinge on how much you can personally remember or manage — it will depend on how well you curate knowledge and tap into trusted networks. Communities, AI, and digital tools are becoming an extension of our thinking and an essential daily resource — a living system of peers and tools that makes problem-solving faster, decisions more informed, and work less isolating.
This discussion explores how successful leaders are leveraging collective intelligence to build a daily operating system based on cognitive offloading and trusted peer networks. When practiced effectively, it elevates productivity by moving beyond storing knowledge to curating it, grounding it in shared context, and applying it with clarity and confidence.
Founder, StartupExperts
Senior Business Consultant, Sequoia Consulting Group
Jesse Freese is the founder of StartupExperts, an invite-only community for HR, Finance, and Operations leaders who know that while they may often be “teams of one,” they don’t have to solve challenges alone. Through StartupExperts, Jesse has built a trusted peer network where leaders share insights, support one another, and tackle the toughest business problems collectively.
In his role as a Senior Business Consultant at Sequoia Consulting Group, Jesse helps companies modernize their compensation and benefits strategies to attract and retain top talent in an increasingly competitive global market. With a career dedicated to strengthening both organizations and the communities that power them, Jesse brings a rare blend of strategic expertise and deep commitment to the people side of business.
Founder & CEO, EQ App
Marcus Sawyerr is the founder and CEO of EQ app, a company using AI to change how businesses connect with networks and information for growth in sales, marketing, and recruiting. With over 15 years of experience in HR tech and recruiting, Marcus has established himself as a forward-thinking innovator in the industry. His previous experience includes roles such as Global Head of Digital Partnerships at The Adecco Group and CEO of YOSS.
Beyond running EQ app, Marcus is an Advisor at SemperVirens Venture Capital, focusing on early-stage investments in technologies that are shaping the future of work, healthcare, and financial wellness.