Tech Confidential: Building Human-Centered Responsible Tech

The Tech We Want
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  • TECHNOLOGY

Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. The Tech We Want is working to unite, resource, and grow the power of an emergent tech ecosystem that is redefining what technology can and should be—responsible, sustainable, accountable, and mutualistic. Join us in shaping a tech landscape that benefits creators, consumers, workers, communities, and the planet! Learn more at thetechwewant.com and on socials @thetechwewant.

Episodes

  1. Building Multicultural Institutions

    02/28/2025

    Building Multicultural Institutions

    The Tech We Want is on a mission to create a transformative tech ecosystem by uniting, empowering and amplifying marginalized leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Our mission is to collectively foster a future where everyone can thrive by collaboratively experimenting with and funding innovative cultural and economic infrastructures. Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. *Episode 6: Building Multicultural Institutions: Insights from Inclusive Leadership and Community Organizing* Jocelyn Macdougall hosts a panel discussion with Aniyia Williams, Xiaowei Wang, Karina Cabrera Bell, and Deldelp Medina on multicultural institution building. The panel explores key aspects such as inclusion, resilience, power dynamics, and leadership accountability within organizations. They share personal experiences, organizational insights, and tactical strategies for fostering inclusive cultures, addressing DEI fatigue, and ensuring shared responsibility. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating existing systems versus building new ones and emphasizes the importance of embedding equitable practices at the core of institutional frameworks. --- Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Panelist Introductions 00:46 Defining Multicultural Institution Building 01:07 Personal Experiences with Multiculturalism 04:08 Challenges and Tensions in Multicultural Workplaces 06:50 Revisiting the Concept of Multiculturalism 11:20 Building Inclusive Institutions 16:57 Leadership and Institutional Change 20:18 Worker Organizing and Solidarity 22:18 Navigating Institutional Failures and Building New Models 36:02 Consumer Influence and Brand Inclusivity 37:53 On Commitment to Lifelong Learning 39:17 The Necessity of Multicultural Institutions 40:03 Challenges in DEI Advocacy 43:46 Resilience in DEI Work 52:10 Accountability and Shared Responsibility

    56 min
  2. The Art and Science of Building Community

    02/28/2025

    The Art and Science of Building Community

    The Tech We Want is on a mission to create a transformative tech ecosystem by uniting, empowering and amplifying marginalized leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Our mission is to collectively foster a future where everyone can thrive by collaboratively experimenting with and funding innovative cultural and economic infrastructures. Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. *Episode 5: The Art and Science of Building Community* Aniyia Williams, lead of The Tech We Want, initiates a rich conversation with key community facilitators Maxine Yeo, Heather Mason, Chloe Jackman, and Prodpran Wangcherdchuwong on the importance of in-person gatherings. They delve into the science and human connection benefits of these face-to-face interactions, the challenges and intentionality in planning them, and the meticulous considerations required to build trust and foster impactful dialogues. The discussion also touches on the broader implications of creating inclusive spaces, the intricacies of relationship management, and the continuous evolution of their community-building techniques. --- Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Team Introductions 02:36 The Importance of In-Person Gatherings 08:35 Challenges and Trust in Building Communities 13:14 Lessons from Public Consultation and Engagement 17:43 Intentionality in Event Planning 23:28 The Role of Relationship Management 25:54 The Invitation to Join Us 26:18 The Beauty of Collective Growth 27:24 Creating Reciprocal Relationships 28:50 Challenges in Public Events 30:51 Navigating Power Dynamics 32:28 Facilitation and Vulnerability 37:46 The Role of Professional Facilitators 39:11 Building Inclusive Spaces 49:34 The Impact of Event Staff 51:22 Reflections and Future Goals

    52 min
  3. Driving Responsible Innovation for a New Economy

    02/28/2025

    Driving Responsible Innovation for a New Economy

    The Tech We Want is on a mission to create a transformative tech ecosystem by uniting, empowering and amplifying marginalized leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Our mission is to collectively foster a future where everyone can thrive by collaboratively experimenting with and funding innovative cultural and economic infrastructures. Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. *Episode 4: Driving Responsible Innovation for a New Economy* Aniyia Williams, lead of The Tech We Want, hosts a panel with four influential tech leaders—Susan Mac Cormac, Coraline Ada Ehmke, Christie Pitts, and Shu Dar Yao—to discuss creating tools for a new, inclusive economy and their roles in it. The conversation dives into the challenges of current financial frameworks, the need for diversity in venture capital and tech, and innovative solutions such as Public Benefit Corporations and ethical licensing. The panel emphasizes the importance of reshaping the capital market, fostering accountability in tech, and the pivotal role of diverse perspectives in driving sustainable progress. --- Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Panelist Introductions 02:46 Defining the Problem Space 03:19 Challenges in the Funding Environment 04:37 Understanding Venture Capital Dynamics 09:48 The Role of Open Source in Tech 12:35 Fiduciary Duty and Broader Implications 18:00 Alternative Models and Solutions 33:18 Introduction to Ethical Technology 33:38 The Role of Open Source in Business 34:26 Hippocratic License: Ensuring Ethical Use 35:46 Licensing Models and Mission Lock 37:42 Perpetual Purpose Trust and Public Charities 39:55 Challenges in Venture Capital and Governance 41:15 Reimagining Capitalism and Funding Mechanisms 47:02 The Impact of Venture Capital on Labor Rights 51:38 Leveraging Industry Leaders for Change 55:51 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    58 min
  4. Building Alternative Tech Ecosystems

    02/28/2025

    Building Alternative Tech Ecosystems

    The Tech We Want is on a mission to create a transformative tech ecosystem by uniting, empowering and amplifying marginalized leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Our mission is to collectively foster a future where everyone can thrive by collaboratively experimenting with and funding innovative cultural and economic infrastructures. Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. *Episode 3: Building Alternative Tech Ecosystems* In this insightful panel discussion led by Aniyia Williams, leaders in technology and responsible innovation come together to explore the complexities of building alternative tech ecosystems centered on power sharing and accountability. The conversation features Anamitra Deb of Omidyar Network, Deldelp Medina of Black & Brown Founders, Coraline Ada Ehmke of the Organization for Ethical Source, and Sherelle Dorsey, author and entrepreneur. Key topics include defining ecosystem work, the role of philanthropy, equity in tech, and the need for a human-centric approach to innovation with an emphasis on shared agency. The panelists discuss challenges such as ineffective programs, the overemphasis on funding rather than revenue, burnout among key players, and the lack of preparation for future jobs. They also explore actionable steps towards creating more inclusive and resilient ecosystems, emphasizing the importance of relational trust, community support, and the willingness to imagine and build hopeful futures. --- Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Panelist Introductions 01:07 Defining Ecosystems and Ecosystem Builders 02:50 Challenges and Realities of Ecosystem Building 04:57 The Role of Programs and Funding in Ecosystem Building 06:17 Open Source and Ecosystem Perspectives 08:12 Philanthropy and Ecosystem Support 10:33 Critiques and Future Directions for Ecosystem Work 11:55 Lifelong Learning and Educational Gaps 26:41 Intergenerational Leadership and Industry Challenges 32:12 Challenging Traditional Career Paths 34:13 Technology's Impact on Society 42:09 Trust-Based Philanthropy 44:00 The Role of Philanthropy in Social Change 56:47 Hope and Stories for a Better Future

    1h 5m
  5. Building Cultural Infrastructure & Governance for Equitable Tech Movements

    02/28/2025

    Building Cultural Infrastructure & Governance for Equitable Tech Movements

    The Tech We Want is on a mission to create a transformative tech ecosystem by uniting, empowering and amplifying marginalized leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Our mission is to collectively foster a future where everyone can thrive by collaboratively experimenting with and funding innovative cultural and economic infrastructures. Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. *Episode 2: Building Cultural Infrastructure & Governance for Equitable Tech Movements* In this episode, Jocelyn Macdougall, lead facilitator of The Tech We Want, discusses with panelists Coraline Ada Ehmke, Marco Rogers, and Aniyia Williams the essential cultural infrastructure and governance practices needed for building equitable tech communities and institutions. They delve into their personal experiences, conflicts, and the importance of establishing relational trust and collective accountability. The panelists share insights on open source communities, the role of values and governance, and the challenges of co-creating cultural infrastructure. This episode provides a deep dive into the work of making tech spaces more inclusive and just. --- Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to The Tech We Want 00:50 Meet the Panelists 02:40 Defining Cultural Infrastructure 03:55 Open Source and Cultural Infrastructure 10:05 Personal Stories of Cultural Infrastructure 14:15 Challenges in Implementing Cultural Infrastructure 24:17 The Role of Employee Resource Groups 28:45 Facing Disappointment and Conflict in the Workplace 30:21 Navigating Corporate Values and Realities 32:01 Legal Ramifications and Corporate Culture 36:07 The Role of Governance and Accountability 41:19 Building Trust and Relationships in Tech Communities 55:12 Challenges of Co-Governance and Community Expansion 57:09 Conclusion and Future Directions

    56 min
  6. Cultivating Ethical Leadership in Technology

    02/28/2025

    Cultivating Ethical Leadership in Technology

    The Tech We Want is on a mission to create a transformative tech ecosystem by uniting, empowering and amplifying marginalized leaders, advocates, and entrepreneurs in the tech industry. Our mission is to collectively foster a future where everyone can thrive by collaboratively experimenting with and funding innovative cultural and economic infrastructures. Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. *Episode 1: Cultivating Ethical Leadership in Technology* In this episode, Jocelyn Macdougall, a lead facilitator with The Tech We Want, hosts a profound discussion on nurturing the next generation of ethical leaders in the tech industry. The panel features creators and leaders Coraline Ada Ehmke, Jasmine Sun, Ariam Mogos, Marco Rogers, and Julia Solano. They explore the importance of responsible innovation, the current state of technology leadership, and the role of mentorship and community. The conversation delves into the potential of universal ethical codes in tech, the challenges of implementing such frameworks within entrenched organizations, and the significance of centering marginalized communities. They reflect on their experiences working with The Tech We Want and share insights on fostering inclusive and values-driven tech environments. Highlights: 00:00 Introduction and Panel Overview 00:53 Panelist Introductions 06:19 State of Leadership in Tech 08:04 Intergenerational Leadership and Mentorship 09:56 Redefining Success in Tech 15:36 Ethical Tech Education 23:14 Universal Code of Ethics in Tech 31:04 The Apprenticeship Model and Capitalism's Incentives 31:56 Accountability in Engineering vs. Software 33:47 Ethics and Professional Organizations in Tech 35:23 Prototyping with Ethical Implications 37:51 Peer Communities and Mentorship 43:07 Centering the Margins in Tech 46:44 Challenges of Diversity and Inclusion in Hierarchical Organizations 50:06 Building a Multicultural Institution 55:54 Reflections on Ethical Leadership 58:37 Conclusion and Future Conversations

    1 hr
  • 6 Episodes

About

Tech Confidential is a panel series that brings together tech founders, investors, operators and organizers to discuss the work of building visionary alternatives that center human thriving and responsible innovation. Drawing on three years of work of building The Tech We Want, the series examines the emergent questions and challenges of building a new economy. The Tech We Want is working to unite, resource, and grow the power of an emergent tech ecosystem that is redefining what technology can and should be—responsible, sustainable, accountable, and mutualistic. Join us in shaping a tech landscape that benefits creators, consumers, workers, communities, and the planet! Learn more at thetechwewant.com and on socials @thetechwewant.

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