With success comes significant responsibility. Whether it’s the success of technologies like artificial intelligence, the financial success of companies and investors, or the success of athletes and celebrities, each must embrace its significant influence and how they need to model behavior for broader society.
From my time in Davos for the World Economic Forum annual meeting to being in Las Vegas for Super Bowl 58, the last few months have reinforced my commitment to our “Worth beyond Wealth” mantra, focusing on how business, finance, and innovation can be leveraged to accelerate social and economic progress.
While the conversations for the past few years in Davos have focused on climate change, the attention has shifted to artificial intelligence this year. From the ethical and responsible use of AI to the impact on jobs and the economy, executives discussed embracing AI as a tool to improve business and society. Worth convened a group of chief marketing officers who debated artificial intelligence’s impact on jobs. While some argued that AI would create new opportunities, others felt hiring would slow or worsen. They all agreed that responsible AI relied on humans building systems that embodied proper values and wouldn’t perpetuate unwanted bias. As Silicon Valley has historically operated with a “move fast and break things” attitude, everyone also agreed that technology companies and their executives would need to be more thoughtful in the applications of the technologies they have created.
Celebrities Giving Back
A couple of weeks later, with “Sin City” as a backdrop for the big game, I had the opportunity to sit with celebrities, athletes, and other successful individuals to discuss how they used their platforms to impact society positively.
Legendary sports agent Leigh Steinberg, also known as the inspiration for Tom Cruise’s Jerry McGuire character, talked to me about the importance of integrity and values in not only how he operates but the players he has represented over the past four decades. They include Troy Aikman, Steve Young, and Patrick Mahomes, among others. Admittedly, he even has turned down clients who he felt were solely focused on maximizing the amount of money that they made. He has also turned his attention to brain health as he has seen many players impacted by the sport they love, even adding “The Brain Health Summit” to the famous Super Bowl party he has hosted for 37 years (and that Worth was the media partner of).
Many people I spoke with found their “why,” giving their success and lives even more meaning and purpose. Marine turned comedian Rob Riggle is supporting veterans, and NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens has turned his attention to Alzheimer’s, which his grandmother suffered from.
Just before the game, we enjoyed tailgating with a group of celebrity chefs concerned with food waste and food insecurity. As chefs and restaurateurs, they discussed their responsibility to their communities. Chef and Food Network star Bobby Flay told me about his feelings on food deserts and the lack of fresh ingredients available to many families. At the same time, chef Michael Symon commented about kids pointing to gas stations as the places they shop for food. The tailgate itself donated all of the leftover items to the Food Recovery Network, whose mission it is to fight food waste and hunger by recovering perishable food that would otherwise go to waste.
Senior executives to athletes and celebrities, I am excited to see how they leverage their success to improve the world. I look forward to continuing these conversations and encourage you to reach out with ideas or people who should be part of our journey.
