A Greed for Good: Advancing Technology Without Leaving People Behind
We stand at the threshold of another great technological shift, one that promises to reshape industries, redefine work, and challenge our systems of collaboration, inclusion, and public good. This moment echoes past disruptions—the rise of the internet, the explosion of social media, and now the accelerating influence of artificial intelligence (AI). History shows that with each wave of innovation, there have been winners and losers, but adaptation has always been key. The question before us now is not just how we adapt, but how we ensure that this adaptation fosters equity, dignity, and humanity for all.
The Perfect Storm: Talent Shortages and Workforce Burnout
As AI and automation continue to transform industries, talent shortages have created a crisis of inefficiency and burnout. Businesses struggle to find skilled workers, employees are stretched thin, and entire industries face uncertainty. The fear of being left behind is real, particularly when job displacement occurs without a corresponding investment in reskilling and workforce development. Understanding how daunting it feels to navigate these new systems is essential. Change management is difficult, and without thoughtful, inclusive strategies, the potential for harm outweighs the promise of progress.
Cautious Optimism: The Dual Nature of Technological Advancement
While AI and automation can increase efficiency, they also raise significant concerns:
The rewriting and revision of recorded history to serve curated narratives rather than authentic truth.
The ethical dilemmas surrounding AI-generated imagery, deepfakes, and data privacy.
The impact on job markets, where workers are displaced without sufficient opportunities to reskill and remain competitive.
Yet, there is also promise. AI can alleviate mundane tasks, allowing human workers to focus on complex problem-solving and innovation. Small businesses, particularly those run by historically underserved communities, can leverage AI-driven tools to enhance competitiveness. According to the National Women’s Business Council, Black women are the most educated demographic in the U.S. and the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs. The Brookings Institution notes that minority-owned businesses often struggle with access to capital and operational support—areas where AI-driven efficiencies can make a transformative difference. The challenge is ensuring these tools are accessible and equitably distributed.
The Question Before Us: Adapting Without Gentrifying
As we adapt to another technological revolution, we must ask ourselves: How do we integrate these changes without gentrifying the workforce, education systems, or public institutions? AI and automation cannot be allowed to reinforce existing inequities. We must resist a future where technological progress benefits only a privileged few while displacing and disenfranchising others. Instead, we must create a framework where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand.
A Timeline of Technological Disruption
The Internet (1990s): The internet reshaped communication, marketing, and commerce. Initial fears of job loss were mitigated as businesses built websites, embraced e-commerce, and used email for customer engagement. Entirely new industries—digital marketing, web development—emerged, creating opportunities that had never existed before.
Social Media (2000s): Initially viewed as a disruptor to traditional marketing, social media became an essential tool for brand building, customer engagement, and storytelling. Companies adapted, developing content strategies and hiring social media managers, prioritizing relationship-building and data-driven decision-making.
Artificial Intelligence (2020s): AI is now automating repetitive tasks—data entry, scheduling, and customer service. However, rather than just replacing people, AI is capable of shifting job functions, demanding higher-order skills such as critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Organizations that embrace this shift by reskilling their workforce will be the ones that thrive.
The Call to Action: A Greed for Good
As we stand at this crossroads, we must recognize that while technology will continue to evolve, the fundamental struggles of poverty, discrimination, systemic bias, and structural inequalities will persist. I am under no illusion that these issues will disappear in the short term. However, our drive to push forward and achieve more does not have to be reduced to profit and power alone. Can we be greedy for good? Can we hunger for a future where technology serves humanity rather than exploits it?
The opportunity before us is not just to advance in our development of AI and automation, but to advance in our affirmation of human dignity, identity, and diversity. A more diverse world is a matter of fact—one that cannot be reversed through policy manipulation, violence, neglect, or indifference. Instead, we must move forward with a commitment to innovation that reflects our highest ideals. Let us not merely build smarter machines; let us build a smarter, more just, and more inclusive society.