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