Fortune’s Brainstorm Tech Tech editor, VC, and founder go bobsledding

Fortune's Brainstorm Tech Tech editor, VC, and founder go bobsledding

The Changing Rules of Business Leadership: Insights from Brainstorm Tech Conference

Leadership Next

Listen to the episode here or read the full transcript below.


Introduction: Exploring the Changing Rules of Business Leadership

The Brainstorm Tech conference took place in Park City, Utah, last week, bringing together CEOs, investors, founders, and thinkers from the tech industry to discuss the changing rules of business leadership. From green tech to the rise of new tech hubs, privacy concerns, and the future of AI, the conference covered a wide range of topics that are reshaping the business landscape.

Green Tech and the Sustainability Revolution

One of the esteemed guests at the conference was Vice President Al Gore, a passionate advocate for climate solutions and a founding partner of Generation Investment Management. He highlighted the emergence of a sustainability revolution driven by improvements in technology, particularly information technology. He discussed the potential of new sustainable approaches that are cheaper, cleaner, and better in every way.

Tech Hubs: From Silicon Slopes to Miami

The conference also shed light on the shifting landscape of tech hubs. Utah, known as “Silicon Slopes,” has become the 9th most tech-centered workforce in the country. With a variety of startups and established companies, the state has built a strong community of entrepreneurs through bootstrapping and self-reliance. However, the panel on Utah’s tech industry also highlighted some challenges, such as issues of inclusivity and the need for infrastructure that supports a more diverse community.

Another tech hub in the spotlight was Miami. The mayor of Miami, Francis Suarez, and investor Keith Rabois discussed the city’s attractiveness as a tech hub and the potential impact of political factors on its growth. The conversation delved into the governor’s views and how they may influence people’s decisions to move to Florida. The discussion sparked debates about the relationship between politics and tech industry growth.

Lessons from WeWork and the Future of AI

The Brainstorm Tech conference also delved into lessons from the rise and fall of WeWork. Adam Neumann, the founder of WeWork, discussed his new business venture, Flow, and reflected on the importance of surrounding oneself with people who are willing to speak their mind. The session emphasized the significance of learnings from past experiences and the importance of building sustainable organizations.

The conference also explored the future of AI and its potential risks. Dario Amodei, the CEO of Anthropic, discussed the short-, medium-, and long-term risks of AI and the need for responsible development. Dr. Arati Prabhakar, the director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, discussed the government’s role in regulating AI to ensure safety and effectiveness. The conversation highlighted the importance of trust in AI and the need for responsible practices in data collection and privacy protection.

Data Privacy and Surveillance Society

Concerns about data privacy were another key topic at the conference. Meredith Whittaker, president of Signal, emphasized the collective nature of privacy issues and the need to address surveillance as a business model. The discussion touched upon the challenges of balancing privacy and security, as well as the role of encryption in protecting individuals’ rights. The conversation highlighted the need for responsible data practices and transparency in technology companies.

Climate Initiatives: Opportunities and Challenges

The conference wrapped up with a discussion on climate initiatives and the role of businesses and government in addressing climate change. Vice President Al Gore praised the climate initiatives in President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, which is the largest federal investment dedicated to fighting climate change. However, he also raised concerns about extravagant subsidies for carbon capture and sequestration and the need to shift away from fossil fuels.

The conversation focused on the potential impact of climate initiatives on reducing extreme weather events, slowing sea-level rise, and creating a more sustainable future. It emphasized the importance of committing to a net-zero approach and reducing human-caused emissions.

Conclusion: Shaping the Future of Business Leadership

The Brainstorm Tech conference provided a platform for in-depth discussions on a wide range of topics shaping the future of business leadership. From sustainability and tech hubs to AI and data privacy, the conference highlighted the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. The conversations underscored the importance of innovation, responsible practices, and collaboration in navigating the changing rules of business leadership.


Leadership Next is powered by the folks at Deloitte, who, like me, are exploring the changing rules of business leadership and how CEOs are navigating this change.