If there’s one constant in my life, it’s the belief in the transformative power of learning and technology. From my early entrepreneurial adventures at the age of five in South Africa to the realms of Silicon Valley, my journey has been shaped by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and the desire to shape the world positively through technology.
Born into a world of poverty, violence, and adversity, I grew up as an outsider within my own community. However, these challenges became the crucible that forged my resilience and ignited my passion for technology as a great equalizer. With technology, one’s class or race does not determine one’s potential; instead, it opens doors to endless possibilities.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is on the brink of reshaping our world. With limitless possibilities and opportunities, AI promises a new era of technological advancements and profound societal changes. Just as industrial revolutions of the past redefined our ways of living and working, AI stands at the precipice of sparking the next transformative shift. However, for this revolution to be truly impactful, it must be equitable and inclusive, addressing rather than exacerbating existing disparities.
From my impoverished childhood in South Africa to becoming a Silicon Valley investor, I’ve experienced firsthand the equalizing potential of technology. Technology, and AI particularly, does not discriminate based on class, race, or geography. It’s a learner, a pattern observer, and a class- and privilege-agnostic, holding the potential to bring about the next industrial revolution, reshaping our world and leveling the playing field for everyone, including minority business owners and diverse entrepreneurs.
Despite being labelled “unemployable” after a career aptitude test, I carved my own path. The limitations set by others became stepping stones towards my destiny. Like the AI systems I have come to admire and champion, I observed patterns, learned continuously, and discovered that ego was merely an obstacle to progress. I began to see my struggles not as barriers, but as unique elements of my journey that equipped me to contribute to society in ways others couldn’t.
In entrepreneurship, AI can unlock unseen business opportunities, create efficiencies, and generate novel solutions to long-standing problems. Diverse business owners can leverage AI to compete with larger corporations. By amplifying the voices of marginalized communities through AI-powered platforms, we foster greater inclusivity and representation. And I want you to understand that this power of AI is available to you, as a tool for fostering inclusivity, representation, and competitiveness in today’s marketplace.
However, we must be mindful of the challenges that AI poses. It learns from data, which can inadvertently reflect and perpetuate societal biases. This is why it’s crucial that the data we use to train AI is diverse and representative, ensuring the output is equitable.
In addition, there’s the question of accessibility. Despite the democratizing potential of AI, a digital divide still persists. Access to technology and digital literacy remain challenges for many, especially in marginalized communities. As we continue to advance AI, it’s essential that we address these issues to prevent the further exacerbation of digital inequality.
Furthermore, with the increasing integration of AI into our lives, privacy concerns and the risk of misuse become more prevalent. It’s important for regulations and ethics to keep pace with advancements, ensuring the protection of individual rights and civil liberties.
As a society, we must strive to make AI a force for good, a tool that empowers rather than alienates, and one that builds rather than breaks. This requires a collective effort from all stakeholders—government, private sector, academia, and civil society. We need to actively invest in unbiased AI, foster digital literacy, and push for responsible AI policies.
I am passionately committed to this. I believe in the power of every individual, every minority business owner, and every marginalized voice to make a significant impact on the world. It’s my mission to help ensure that AI serves as a powerful tool in your hands, enabling you to overcome barriers and achieve success.
As we navigate the AI revolution, remember: the AI-powered future we are moving towards will be as equitable and inclusive as we make it. This isn’t just about advancing technology; it’s about advancing the world. We must guide its development, ensuring that AI is used as a tool for empowerment, equality, and social justice.
I urge you, as entrepreneurs and thought leaders, to harness the power of AI and use it to shape a more equitable future. We all have untapped superpowers within us. We all can turn “I can’t” into “I can.” I did it, you can do it. It’s a journey of self-discovery and resilience, just like mine. Through technology, we can build a future where everyone—regardless of their background or circumstances—has an equal opportunity to succeed. Let’s embrace AI, let’s harness our superpowers, and let’s shape a better world together.
