AI ethics and empathy: DC tech leaders reflect and predict for 2024

Sure, the DC metro area might not share Silicon Valley’s reputation for tech trend leadership. If anything, its never-ending association with partisan squabbling and gigantic federal bureaucracies makes it seem like the antithesis of innovation.

But that assumption overlooks just how important all those dynamics are to today’s tech landscape. From the Biden administration’s executive order on responsible artificial intelligence to the local companies still depending on massive government contracts, the past year underscored the power the nation’s capital and its surrounding counties bear in shaping tech’s future. No wonder why it frequently nets top marks on national tech rankings.

Given the region’s authority in all of the industry’s moving parts, we posed a series of questions related to leadership and the future to our 2023 RealLIST Engineers. Here’s what two of them — Terry Bazemore Jr., cofounder and COO of Prince George’s County-based Ey3 Technologies; and Michael Akinwumi, chief responsible AI officer for the White House-adjacent National Fair Housing Alliance — had to say.

What technical trends do you see coming in 2024?

Terry Bazemore

In 2024, I anticipate a pivotal trend in the wider adoption and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in daily life and the workforce. This year is expected to be a milestone in AI development, marked by significant advancements that promise immense potential across various sectors. As AI becomes more integrated into our everyday activities, from personalized technology solutions to automation in the workplace, its impact on efficiency and productivity will be profound.

Moreover, the ethical and societal implications of AI will be at the forefront of discussions. It’s crucial that as we embrace these technological advancements, we also address the challenges they bring, including data privacy, employment shifts and ensuring AI is used responsibly and without bias. The focus will be on creating AI that not only enhances our capabilities but also aligns with our values and societal norms.

Ultimately, 2024 will not just be about the technological leaps in AI, but also about shaping a future where AI is integrated into society in a way that is beneficial, ethical and sustainable.

Michael Akinwumi

In 2024, I anticipate significant advancements in the scalability of data frameworks, architectural designs, and training methodologies for AI models, particularly as we progress into the domain of multimodal foundation models. Concurrently, there is an expected surge in the development of open-source tools designed for rigorous stress-testing of AI applications. These tools will align with the principles set forth in the White House Executive Order, emphasizing the safe, secure and trustworthy evolution of artificial intelligence technologies.

What’s an essential leadership lesson you’ve learned during your career?

Terry Bazemore

Throughout my career, one essential leadership lesson that has profoundly influenced my approach is the principle of ‘Seek first to understand, then to be understood.’ This has been a cornerstone in shaping how I interact with people from family to career-based relationships.

• Listening — This principle has taught me the value of active and empathetic listening. By prioritizing understanding, I ensure that I fully grasp the perspectives and concerns of my team members before offering my input or decisions. This approach fosters an environment where everyone feels heard and valued.
• Conflict resolution — In conflict situations, this lesson has been invaluable. By seeking to understand the viewpoints and emotions of all parties involved first, I can navigate disagreements more effectively, finding solutions that are considerate and balanced.
• Communication — It has also refined my communication skills. Understanding the needs and perspectives of others before expressing my thoughts leads to more meaningful and effective interactions. This approach helps in conveying my messages in a way that resonates with the team.
• Empathy — Embracing this principle has enhanced my ability to empathize. It involves putting myself in others’ shoes, understanding their challenges and motivations, which is crucial for building strong, trusting relationships within the team.
• Motivation — Lastly, this lesson has been fundamental in how I motivate my team. Understanding their aspirations, strengths, and areas for growth allows me to tailor my encouragement and support, thereby boosting morale and productivity.

Michael Akinwumi

Throughout my career, I’ve discovered the profound impact of adopting a minimalist approach to leadership — one that emphasizes simplicity and clarity to foster an environment where creativity can flourish. This style has consistently enabled team members to explore and realize their passions, sometimes leading them to pursue new paths or, quite remarkably, to resolve complex challenges swiftly and innovatively.

What professional and community resolutions are you setting for 2024?

Terry Bazemore

For 2024, our professional and community resolutions at Ey3 are centered on expanding our workforce development initiatives. After our successful entry into this sector in 2023, we aim to not only continue but also enhance our offering of diverse training programs such as Scrum, Drone Certification, Customer Service, and CMMC. These programs are designed to open up new career opportunities and educational pathways for various community members including youth, seniors, returning citizens, upskillers and reskillers.

A key focus for this year is to ensure that our training programs translate into tangible career outcomes. We are dedicated to establishing robust pipelines that not only train individuals but also actively assist them in securing positions in their chosen fields. Our goal is to significantly increase the impact of our community efforts, transforming our training programs into real-world career opportunities.

Through state and federal funding, we are committed to making these opportunities accessible at no cost, thereby removing financial barriers and enabling a wider segment of our community to benefit. Our resolution is to empower individuals with the skills and knowledge they need, fostering career growth and contributing to the overall development of our community.

Michael Akinwumi

For 2024, my professional and community resolution is centered around championing the concept of red teaming. I aim to promote it beyond its traditional role in security, advocating for its crucial role in ensuring the responsible development and application of AI within the housing sector. This practice, I believe, is key to advancing AI technologies in a manner that is not only secure but also ethically sound and beneficial for the community.

What technical trends do you see coming in 2024? What’s an essential leadership lesson you’ve learned during your career? What professional and community resolutions are you setting for 2024? Email dc@technical.ly to share your own thoughts and predictions.