You’ve had a unique vantage point to the ebbs and flows of the tech economy—from the “tech bubble” to the rising “tech backlash.” What do you think the next chapter of this story will be, particularly as we look toward the future of work?
We're early in the next chapter, which is a backlash against the perception of an imbalance in power between the large technology companies and their customers and the externalities they've caused in economic systems around the world. Legislation like [the General Data Protection Regulation] in the EU is just the start. I expect antitrust actions and a standoff between China and the US over data and privacy policies as well. The next era is all about the social architecture of data flows!
JFF launched JFFLabs at SHIFT Forum back in February. What excites you about our new endeavor?
My post last February pretty much says it all. This is an innovation-focused effort to apply JFF’s 35 years of leadership and national scale to bridge new economy partners to traditional systems. One of the more intriguing things about JFFLabs is that it doesn’t assume Silicon Valley has all the answers. Instead, it builds a bridge between the crucial American systems that have received tens of billions of dollars of federal and state investment in the last decade—which JFF directly influences—and the innovators that can improve and build upon those systems. In the past, JFF has guided organizations like YearUp and the Center for Employment Opportunities in their formative and growth phases. Now, JFF is focusing more squarely on scalable technology-focused entrepreneurs that will accelerate outcomes and incubate new solutions. The guiding truth around [your] work is that it’s now on us — business and public sector alike — to create economic advancement at scale.
What will you be talking about at Horizons?
I'm moderating a panel on the future of work and learning with great minds in technology, AI, and robotics. We hope to pave the way for effective conversations on how to strengthen the nation’s talent supply while ensuring advancement for all in this rapidly changing economy.
What do you hope to get out of your time at Horizons?
Honestly, networking with like-minded people is my goal. I'm looking forward to learning from the leaders gathering at the event!