Can Big Tech Companies—and their Founders—Actually Make the World Better?
Lately, I’ve been thinking about Elon Musk and a wave of tech CEOs stepping into the political spotlight—shaping policy, engaging with government, and moving beyond the traditional role of building products and companies.
At the same time, the world feels increasingly off-kilter. Markets are shaky, trade distorted, alliances frayed. The legal and legislative landscape is increasingly dysfunctional. Top-tier defense and intelligence professionals are being sidelined by incompetents more focused on loyalty than leadership. We’ve turned our backs on Ukraine while warming to authoritarian regimes. The early damage of this presidential term—loss of global trust, weakened institutions, inflation anxiety—raises a tough question: should tech leaders really be playing a role in government or acting as a government executive?
The Promise—and Limits—of Tech
Technology has changed our lives in profound ways. From AI-driven medical breakthroughs to the smartphone in our pocket, it’s made the world more connected, efficient, and accessible. But while its benefits are vast, they aren’t evenly shared—and the downsides, though often unintended, can be serious.
Tech isn’t inherently good or bad. What matters is how it’s built and used. And that responsibility rests with people—engineers, founders, investors—who make critical decisions every day.
Leadership Beyond the Code
There’s no such thing as a “neutral” tech product. Every algorithm reflects priorities. Every business model creates incentives. Increasingly, those in tech are waking up to the weight of their choices.
Some in Silicon Valley believe that startup success translates to political wisdom—that if you can disrupt an industry, then you have the acumen to fix a country. But building software or advanced technology and governing a democracy are two very different skill sets. Technology companies usually are run in a “Command and Control” manner, not democracy. Public policy requires humility, compromise, and a deep understanding of society’s complexities. The roles and jobs could not be more different.
The Real Path to Impact
Tech leaders can—and should—care deeply about the world. And, their skill sets and achievements should be respected. As should their voice. But no more than any other citizen. Realchange doesn’t require a run for office or oversee a government agency. It requires principled innovation: thoughtful product design, inclusive hiring, ethical data use, and a long-term view of impact.
The best way for tech to make the world better isn’t through politics. It’s by building tools that empower people, protect freedoms, and reinforce—not replace—democratic values.
That’s the kind of leadership we need now.