Doug Hohulin: Working to Save 1 Billion Lives with AI

Doug Hohulin is an engineer, a strategist, and a problem-solver committed to using AI for real human benefit. From smart cities to hospital rooms, Doug’s work focuses on the spaces where technology and care intersect. His vision is both deeply personal and intentional, with ethics in AI at the forefront—especially when it comes to healthcare, caregiving, and preserving human dignity.

Doug grew up in South Bend, Indiana, moved to Chicago after college, and spent most of his career at Motorola and Nokia. He worked across telecom and smart transportation in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, including time in Spain, Austria, England, and Japan. Over time, his focus shifted toward healthcare and immersive learning. He collaborated with the University of Kansas School of Nursing to explore how AI and VR can better prepare nurses through simulated clinical training—with the goal of reducing errors, saving lives, and empowering caregivers.

In speaking about his current project, Doug said: “This year, 63 million people will die, according to the United Nations. And the question is: how do we avoid avoidable deaths?” He is focused on global health impact at a systems level. The number is striking and reframes AI as a life-saving tool, not just an efficiency tool.

That same logic applies to his personal life. Doug helps coordinate care for his 88-year-old mother, who has memory loss. He sees firsthand the challenges families face and believes AI can help—not by replacing care, but by supporting it. “We want to make sure that we do not lose our humanity when we use AI tools,” he said. Real relationships matter, especially when people are vulnerable.

His leadership philosophy centers on truth, service, and generosity. He brings a global perspective to all of this. Reflecting on cultural differences, he shared a story about offering a front seat to a client from China, believing it to be the seat of honor. “Here I am trying to be kind and give him what I think is the better place… and he’s like, no, you're giving me the worst position.” In China, he explained, the honored seat is in the back. Understanding these nuances—and giving each other grace—helps build stronger relationships.

To Doug, kindness must be both informed and intentional. He also invests in companies focused on lowering healthcare costs and improving access to life-saving treatments. For the past two years, he has also been involved with a foundation that provides housing for single mothers. His current work includes public speaking, thought leadership, and AI strategy, all under the guiding principle that technology should serve humanity—not the other way around.

“Kindness needs to be real, not superficial.”

Doug Hohulin is a founder, strategist, and advisor using AI to improve lives while keeping humanity at the center. Keep an eye out for more interviews.