"Where's Waldo?" - A Snapshot of Tomorrow's Tech Elite and the Urgent Need for Diversity

Beyond 'Where's Waldo?': Confronting the Reality of Tech's Diversity Gap

Dear Readers,

I recently came across a tweet by Greg Brockman, President of OpenAI, showcasing about 50 of their employees, a vibrant group leading the charge in AI. Yet, amidst this sea of innovation, a stark reality was evident – only one black face in the crowd. My response, "Where’s Waldo?" might seem light-hearted, but it underscores a deep and enduring issue in the tech industry.

This isn't just a photograph. It's a glimpse into the future of technology, a future where these individuals are likely to become the next millionaires and billionaires, shaping industries, policies, and societal norms. But here's the catch – if the picture remains this monochromatic, it means that, like in Web 1.0 and Web 2.0, a significant portion of our society is not included in creating this future.

Historical data paints a similar picture for FAANG companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, Google). Their formative years mirrored this lack of diversity, an oversight we're still grappling with. One direct consequence is the scarcity of diverse fund managers with operational experience, and a dearth of investment in black and brown talent. The ripple effects are extensive, from biased AI algorithms to non-inclusive workplace cultures.

If we don't address this in year one of organizations like OpenAI, we risk perpetuating a cycle that sidelines entire communities, depriving the tech world of diverse perspectives and innovative ideas.

OpenAI, and others at the forefront of technological advancement, have a golden opportunity – to be the catalysts for the change we urgently need. This isn't about ticking boxes in a diversity checklist; it's about fundamentally rethinking how we build teams, foster talent, and shape the future of technology.

We must actively work towards a future where asking "Where's Waldo?" in a tech company's group photo becomes a question of the past. Let's not just witness change; let's be the force driving it.

Together, we can break the cycle.

Yours in creating a more inclusive future,

Sterling Smith
@SterlingSmith