Dr. Katy Cook_E10: A Positive Values-Shift in Tech [7/20/2020]
Dr. Katy Cook, Author of THE PSYCHOLOGY OF SILICON VALLEY, HQ in SoCal [7/20/2020]
Note: References with links are listed at the end of the show notes.
INTRO:
1:30 Discuss the overview of the book and inspiration; mention Tim Berners-Lee’s ‘internet is broken’ reference.
2:30 Idea that tech ethics has come to the forefront after 2016. Shares interest surrounding people and culture, and how it ties into Emotional Intelligence (EQ) in the tech industry.
SECTION1: Diversity in Silicon Valley
4:20 Discuss Intellectual Diversity, and mentions Ep1 with Taj Eldridge. Problem capacity of group is discussed, added to by diverse backgrounds cultural, family, educational, groups, etc. She sees a growing respect and inclusivity in tech.
7:30 Shares how she interviewed over 250 people from different backgrounds about inclusion, and sensitive topics like Psychological Safety. Shares how connecting with people is important to build a stronger inclusive culture.
9:30 Mentions example of UBER where lawsuits were involved, as their values may have shifted as power was gained. Being purposeful about keeping original values aligned is explored between us as a Value Drift — including both purpose and intentionality.
11:30 Talks about our shared discussion on damaged company culture as Values Drift, and her focus on a Values Shift aims build a more positive environment. Discusses how it is more complicated than a simple list of improvements. Talks about blind spots and time involved in purposeful efforts with her own work in organizations. Asks question of “who do you want to be?”
16:00 Shares passion for Social Progress, and discusses tech ethics as a movement, including the work of Jaron Lanier, on tech ethics. Discusses advertising-based models, and conflicts stemming from Cambridge Analytica and 2016 election debacle.
SECTION2: Tech Ethics
18:00 Discuss Ethical Investing history stemming back from 1500s.
21:00 We break into talking about complexity of less obvious software and gaming ventures. Talks about how Emotional Intelligence is an ethical act, in her opinion. We talk about about diversity of thinking as a problem set.
“For the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house.” Audre Lorde [@kathrynjcook #posi2ive]
25:00 Talks about need for trust and respect in inclusive behaviors. Talks about ego-strength required to have collaboration in the workplace, focused on inclusion.
SECTION3: EQ Facets
26:00 We review the Empathy > Respect > Trust poll ran this month (See @Zecca_Lehn) for more. And we discuss the aspiration and changes in the tech arena.
31:00 Unpacks the elements of Emotional Intelligence, and how everyone is good in one or more areas. Uses example of building out Self Awareness, that can lift the other aspect. Positive reinforced suite of skills.
33:45 We discuss access to mental health services and why apps may be appealing to some individuals. She also explores the Gen Z mindset being strongly geared toward ethics in products, and sees this trend continuing. Challenges the listeners to reconstruct businesses with ethics at the core, and improving our human social skills.
SOURCES:
-Dr. Katy Cook (Website): https://katycook.net/
-Dr. Cook (Twitter): https://twitter.com/kathrynjcook
- The Psychology of Silicon Valley (Print Version):
-The Psychology of Silicon Valley (Open Access Version)::
https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007%2F978-3-030-27364-4
Tim Berners-Lee: https://www.w3.org/People/Berners-Lee/
-Four examples of Intellectual Diversity (2007): https://simplicable.com/new/intellectual-diversity
-HBR Psychological Safety (2017): https://hbr.org/2017/08/high-performing-teams-need-psychological-safety-heres-how-to-create-it
-Diversity and Inclusion @McKinsey [“Belonging” > “Openness” > “Equality”]: https://www.mckinsey.com/~/media/mckinsey/featured%20insights/diversity%20and%20inclusion/diversity%20wins%20how%20inclusion%20matters/diversity-wins-how-inclusion-matters-vf.ashx
-The Importance of Empathy (Lifehacker): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzPMMSKfKZQ
-Social Progress Index (2016 Skoll, w/ Harvard): https://www.isc.hbs.edu/research-areas/pages/social-progress-index.aspx
- The ‘science of progress’ raises crucial questions that go beyond standard economic measures: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-the-science-of-progress-raises-crucial-questions-that-go-beyond/
-Jaron Lanier on Tech Ethics: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaron_Lanier
-2016 Cambridge Analytica debacle: https://www.npr.org/2018/03/20/595338116/what-did-cambridge-analytica-do-during-the-2016-election
-2013 on Ethical Investing history (Subset of Sustainable Investing w/outperformance):
- Innate Empathy vs. Cognitive Empathy: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/tech-support/201701/6-things-you-need-know-about-empathy
-Self Awareness (What is it? HBR): https://hbr.org/2018/01/what-self-awareness-really-is-and-how-to-cultivate-it
-Self Awareness, w/ 5 attributes: https://www.verywellmind.com/components-of-emotional-intelligence-2795438
Ethical Fading: The Role of Self-Deception in Unethical Behavior (2004): https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.501.3975&rep=rep1&type=pdf
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Song Credit: The Croft — By Joakim Karud
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