Shifting Tides in Tech, Finance, and Success

The world of technology, finance, and success is undergoing significant changes. From the legacy of Reverend Jesse Jackson's push for diversity in Silicon Valley to the growing concern of AI's impact on critical thinking skills, it's clear that the landscape is shifting. In this article, we'll explore the intersection of these topics and what they mean for the future.

Reverend Jesse Jackson's passing on February 17, 2026, marked the end of an era for civil rights activism. However, his legacy extends far beyond his work in the church and voting booths. In the world of technology, Jackson played a crucial role in holding big tech firms accountable for their lack of diversity. He understood that the architects of the future of society needed to reflect the diversity of the world they were shaping. As a result, he pushed for tech companies to prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) long before it became a corporate buzzword.

Fast forward to today, and it's clear that Jackson's efforts have had a lasting impact. While there is still much work to be done, the tech industry has made significant strides in increasing diversity and inclusion. However, new challenges have arisen, particularly with the growing use of artificial intelligence (AI). As AI becomes more prevalent in the workplace, there is a growing concern that it may be eroding critical thinking skills.

Mark Cuban, entrepreneur and investor, recently revealed that he believes the most important trait for success is not grit, drive, or intelligence, but rather critical thinking. He emphasizes that in today's fast-paced business world, the ability to think critically is essential for making informed decisions. However, with AI doing more of the heavy lifting, there is a risk that critical thinking skills will decline.

According to a report by Fast Company, AI-supported work may look polished, but when teams are asked to defend their decisions, the room often goes quiet. The output may be there, but the reasoning behind it is not owned. This is a concern that is echoed by David, the COO of a midsize financial services firm, who notes that during quarterly planning, multiple teams presented the same compelling statistic about regulatory timelines, but when asked to defend their decisions, they struggled.

Meanwhile, in the world of finance, there is growing concern about the increasing 'shadow default' rate in the $3 trillion private credit market. According to an analysis by Lincoln International, the quality of debt issued by companies in this market has declined, despite the total value of companies increasing. This is a worrying trend, particularly given the recent decision by Blue Owl Capital to ban retail investors from cashing out of one of its private debt funds.

So, what does this mean for the future? As we move forward, it's clear that we need to prioritize critical thinking skills, particularly in the age of AI. We need to ensure that while AI is doing the heavy lifting, we are not losing sight of the reasoning behind the output. We also need to continue to push for diversity and inclusion in the tech industry, recognizing the importance of reflecting the diversity of the world we are shaping.

In conclusion, the world of technology, finance, and success is undergoing significant changes. From Reverend Jesse Jackson's legacy in pushing for diversity in tech to the growing concern of AI's impact on critical thinking skills, it's clear that we need to be aware of the shifting tides. By prioritizing critical thinking skills and continuing to push for diversity and inclusion, we can ensure a brighter future for all.