Founding Story

Justin

I studied military history at Berkeley and noticed a pattern: high performers never operate alone. Soldiers have support units. Athletes have teams behind them. Breadwinners had spouses running the home.

The difference between those who thrive and those who struggle isn't talent. It's access to support.

When I was fifteen, my mother passed away from cancer. The core family support structure collapsed. I spiraled. But I was lucky - I had a village that caught me. My grandparents stepped in to help my dad and brothers. My rowing coach, Boy Scout leaders, teachers who saw something worth investing in. They kept me from going down a path I was closer to than I'd like to admit.

I've seen support systems save me. I've also seen institutions punish me for needing them. After my mom passed, I was diagnosed with anxiety - a diagnosis that follows me today and blocked me from getting life insurance. Something I wanted to protect my family after I'm gone.

Life happens. Institutions should help us rebuild, not reject us for changing with it.

Adelae

I've experienced firsthand how devices I can't function without have amplified my own anxiety and neurodivergence. I worry we've become unwilling beta testers for products that harvest our data, capitalize on comparison, and deliver algorithmic outcomes we never consented to. During the pandemic I watched someone I love fall deeper into depression, perpetually behind a screen, eventually taking his own life. I don't blame technology alone but I can't unsee the role it played as I watch depression, anxiety and isolation continue to rise.

I was fortunate to have my yoga practice during that time, the consistency and community grounded me when I needed it most. That experience taught me something: we need support systems that center human wellbeing, not extract from it. I'm disappointed by where technology has taken us, but I'm not defeated. I believe technology can be part of the solution - if we're intentional about it.

Justin

I met Adelae at Apple while working on a worldwide initiative where execution mattered. During late nights, we bonded over what we were seeing; that technology exists to solve these problems but what's missing is someone to architect how it all fits together - in a way that protects future generations instead of dividing them. That's our skillset. That's why we started Honestum Labs.

My mom taught us there is good in everyone, and it's our job to help bring it out. She believed meeting people where they are can change a life. She was right. It changed mine.

Now we're building the technology to prove it at scale.

Justin Murphy Ex-Apple. Berkeley history. Retired elite athlete. Eagle Scout. Builder. Big family. Citizen.

Adelae Esposito Ex-Apple. Ex-Deloitte. Roanoke business. Outdoor Enthusiast. Arts. Yoga teacher. Citizen.