Let’s Change The World Together
Let’s talk about changing the world. The phrase, while lauded and embroidered on countless tote bags and Twitter bios, demands a level of ambition, execution, and, most importantly, humility, that few truly grasp. Changing the world isn’t a solo mission; it’s a colossal, collaborative effort that spans cultures, disciplines, and ideologies. It’s about recognizing that the status quo, for many, is a siren call to mediocrity or, worse, a barrier to survival. We’re in an era of unprecedented connectivity and technological prowess, yet we face existential threats that could render such advancements moot. Climate change, inequality, misinformation — pick your poison. They all share a root in our collective action, or inaction, and they all require our immediate and undivided attention.
The first step? Acknowledge the scope. This isn’t about launching an app that slightly improves middle-class convenience or tweaking algorithms to bump up user engagement by fractions of a percent. We’re talking systemic change that uplifts billions, not just optimizing the lives of those already on the winning side of the digital divide. The tech industry, my home turf, has been particularly guilty of myopic vision — chasing unicorns when we should be fostering workhorses. Enterprises that prioritize real problems, like hunger, access to clean water, and basic healthcare, are where our focus, and funding, need to shift.
But here’s the kicker: Changing the world requires more than just good intentions and venture capital. It’s about leadership and accountability. We’re living in an era where the phrase “CEO activism” has entered the lexicon, yet too often, it’s performative, a branding exercise rather than a commitment to tangible change. The leaders of today, and tomorrow, need to be willing to make the hard calls, to prioritize societal advancement over shareholder returns when the two are at odds. And yes, they will be at odds. The pursuit of profit has often been at the expense of the planet and its people. Reversing that trend is possible, but it’s going to take guts.
Moreover, let’s talk about collaboration. Real, meaningful change is a patchwork of efforts, a coalition of the willing that spans governments, private sector, academia, and civil society. Siloed efforts, no matter how well-intentioned, are doomed to partial successes at best. It’s the interlocking of ideas, resources, and passions that fuels revolutions. And this is where you come in.
Yes, you. Changing the world isn’t reserved for billionaires and elected officials. It’s the realm of the teacher inspiring her students to think critically about environmental science; it’s the coder developing open-source tools for transparent governance; it’s the entrepreneur building businesses that value workers as much as they do profits. It’s about leveraging your unique skills, resources, and platforms to make a dent in the universe.
So, when we talk about changing the world together, it’s not a platitude. It’s a call to arms, a plea for everyone to bring their best selves to the table, not just in the service of personal gain but for the collective good. The challenges we face are daunting, but they’re not insurmountable — not with the right mindset, not with the right people on board.
Let’s not be seduced by the allure of easy wins or discouraged by the magnitude of the task at hand. The history of humanity is a tapestry of people doing the impossible, time and time again. It’s your turn. We have the tools, we have the knowledge, and most critically, we have each other.
Let’s get to work.
Brian Fink is the author of Talk Tech To Me. He takes on the stress and strain of complex technology concepts and simplifies them for the modern recruiter. Fink’s impassioned wit and humor tackle the highs and lows of technical recruiting with a unique perspective — a perspective intended to help you find, engage, and partner with professionals.
