Keynote: 5 Rules for Building the Future

by Aniyia Williams

In her closing keynote at RubyConf 2020, Aniyia Williams discusses '5 Rules for Building the Future,' drawing on her extensive experience as a creator, inventor, and tech changemaker dedicated to supporting Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. The talk highlights the urgent need to reshape societal structures amid crises such as income inequality, climate change, and the current pandemic. Williams presents the following key points:

Rule 1: Understand the Status Quo

Williams emphasizes the disconnection between the American narrative of prosperity and the reality of widespread inequality, with alarming statistics on unemployment, health crises, and climate impacts. She invites the audience to confront uncomfortable truths to initiate change.
Rule 2: Reshape the Role of Markets

The speaker critiques traditional market dynamics, which have perpetuated historical injustices such as slavery and economic oppression. She stresses that markets need to align with the needs of society, rather than solely with profit, advocating for accessible resources and opportunities for all.
Rule 3: Design with Human Nature in Mind

Recognizing human imperfection, Williams argues for systems that support community accountability and personal development while challenging the notions that define success and wealth in our society.
Rule 4: Seek to Minimize Harm

Emphasizing moral responsibility, she discusses the importance of addressing collective challenges and shifting perceptions of value from material wealth to contributions toward the common good.
Rule 5: Define Your Role

Williams concludes by encouraging personal accountability and community engagement; highlighting the significance of understanding one’s purpose and finding ways to contribute positively to local issues.

Williams encapsulates these rules as essential in creating societies that prioritize human flourishing and ethical decision-making. The presentation concludes with a call for active participation in generating social change, urging individuals to reflect on how their roles could contribute to a more equitable future.

00:00:06 Hello everyone, welcome to our closing keynote. I am honored to introduce our next speaker, Aniyia Williams.

00:00:12 Aniyia Williams is a principal on the Responsible Technology team at Omidyar Network, which works to help the tech world live up to its promise of changing lives for the better. She previously founded Black & Brown Founders, a non-profit that assists Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in launching tech businesses.

00:00:25 Aniyia is also a co-founder of Zebras Unite, a convener of the Black Innovation Alliance, co-founder of the Firefly Alliance, and founder of Tinsel, the fashion tech company that invented the world’s first audio necklace. Additionally, she is a trained opera singer and has delivered her own baby.

00:00:51 Welcome, Aniyia Williams!

00:01:08 Thank you for having me. It is my honor to be the closing keynote speaker at RubyConf this year. As Alison mentioned, I do a bit of this and a bit of that, working on responsible technology and helping Black and Latinx individuals start tech businesses.

00:01:19 I aim to create alternatives within the community, culture, and capital of the startup ecosystem, among other things. Today's closing keynote will be discussing my five rules for building the future.

00:01:32 We're going to talk about some of the insights I’ve gathered throughout my journey regarding systems design, building communities oriented toward change, and generally being a creator and an inventor. I feel that this path has led me to understand a lot about the world around us—in particular, why people do what they do.

00:01:57 So, let’s dive in. Rule number one: the status quo. By many indicators, America is in a really tough spot right now. Income inequality is at its highest level in 50 years, and the national birth rate has fallen to a historic low.

00:02:10 The U.S. is the richest and most powerful country in the world, yet life expectancy has consistently declined in the last six years due to drug overdoses, suicides, obesity, and alcohol-related illnesses. Today, four out of ten Americans don’t know where their next meal is coming from.

00:02:34 Thirty-six million adults in the U.S. lack the basic literacy skills needed to sustain employment, and at least 63 million Americans have been exposed to unsafe drinking water in the last decade. Climate change has become a clear and present crisis; in the U.S. alone, the cost of climate-related disasters has topped $525 billion in the last five years.

00:02:59 And, in case you missed it, we are currently living through a global pandemic that has resulted in millions of people becoming ill with a disease for which there is no cure and has killed 250,000 people so far.

00:03:10 As of today, we are truly experiencing a reckoning, and something has to give. I want to share an image—a political cartoon by Benjamin Franklin from the late 1700s—which has become iconic and symbolizes the revolutionary war.

00:03:32 Today, it evokes feelings of radical American patriotism. However, if you dig into the pages of history, the truth isn't quite what it seems.

00:03:44 The greatest revolution this country has ever seen was ultimately not just a war for freedom; it was a war for wealth, essentially a revolt led by wealthy white men.

00:04:02 Let me be clear, I love being an American and I cherish living in this land, which is why I will fight every day to make it better. The best place to start is from a position of truth. The truth is that during colonial times, we imported autocracy, transformed it into oligarchy, and branded it as democracy.

00:04:17 We live in the land of the free, yet it has yet to fulfill its promise, which was insincere from the very beginning. Many of our struggles related to class, race, and gender directly point to business as a source.

00:04:29 Comfort can easily creep in and make us overlook the problems around us. Change is inevitable and happens with or without us, and the more we resist change, the more pain we experience. Having the ability to grow and change, especially ourselves, is crucial. You can choose today what role you'll play in the future. Will you be a leader of change, or at the very least, will you keep up?

00:05:02 Rule number two: we must reshape the role that markets play in our lives. When I mention markets, I'm referring to how we buy and sell things. I previously noted that many class, race, and gender struggles point to business as a central issue because, throughout history, we've fabricated reasons to justify the immoral behaviors of businesses.

00:05:30 Examples include slavery, genocide, health crises, and senseless gun violence, to name a few. Almost all of these issues can be traced back to a small group of individuals motivated by profit in a world where nearly everything is for sale. Money begets power, and power corrupts, often deciding life and death for those without means.

00:06:07 Before COVID-19, we had record-low unemployment rates, yet wages could not keep up with essential living costs. Today, 21.1 million Americans are receiving unemployment aid, with about 12 million expected to lose these necessary benefits the day after Christmas this year. Eventually, these issues will create problems for the wealthy as well.

00:06:41 Wealth can insulate the affluent from instability for only so long, and ignoring inequality is costlier than addressing it. Inequality leads to social and economic dysfunction; history shows this pattern. When systems stop fulfilling their promises, people stop adhering to the rules that uphold them.

00:07:05 The antidote to inequality is mobility. To lift people up the income ladder and cultivate healthy economies, we must ensure that basic needs are met. Everyone deserves access to good healthcare, a safe living environment, clean air, clean water, healthy food, quality education, a livable wage, and the right to vote.

00:07:44 We must ask ourselves: should money dictate the world? What should our relationship with money be? The way we buy and sell, and what we deem acceptable to sell, shapes behaviors and cultural norms.

00:08:12 Markets are not neutral, just as technology is not neutral. They are shaped by the people who create and use them and often crowd out alternatives that don’t generate substantial profit. Markets have allowed money to suffocate things we should cherish, like healthcare, education, and a living wage.

00:08:38 Moreover, markets are built on the false assumption of infinite growth. Consider the stock exchange, which is expected to only rise, where significant drops are catastrophic. This expectation of infinite growth is not sustainable.

00:09:10 The tension between growth and sustainability is apparent today. There is a tyranny in a system that allows only upward mobility, which causes suffering for those at the bottom and an unending rat race for those at the top.

00:09:32 This expectation of constant growth is passed down generations and leads to enormous pressure and anxiety. Thus, we need systems that can adapt to the natural ups and downs of life. If basic needs are met, people can lead happier lives.

00:10:05 The quality of life is best measured by the quality of relationships. Notably, the esteemed therapist Esther Perel highlights that our connections provide more meaning and happiness than wealth or status.

00:10:31 Therefore, rule number three is to design with human nature in mind. Humans are inherently corruptible, connecting back to our instinct for survival. We all have the potential for both good and bad, which has enabled us to thrive through natural selection.

00:11:02 Our relationship with money often intertwines with our survival instincts, influencing our decisions daily. While self-interest is natural, we must also choose the greater good. Recognizing our limitations is crucial, as is establishing purpose and accountability.

00:11:38 Although I strive to embody altruism, I acknowledge my own flaws and self-interests. My connections to others and to my community provide accountability, which reinforces my values and goals. Building a supportive community is essential.

00:12:06 This accountability within trusted circles is vital for our growth. I believe we can redefine how our world operates and utilize our collective power to challenge existing systems that no longer serve us. As political philosopher Michael Sandel states, people should be able to rise based on their efforts and talents.

00:12:43 We must design our systems with human nature in mind to establish a thoughtful society. This includes building agile systems capable of adapting to rapidly changing environments. It is crucial that we try concepts likely to fail or succeed equally, maintaining a realistic response for either outcome.

00:13:12 We must cultivate processes allowing experimentation and iteration over time, similar to product development cycles. We need to understand our limits as humans, taking a pragmatic approach to ensure equitable distribution of power and resources, maximizing satisfaction while minimizing suffering.

00:13:39 Moving into rule number four: seek to minimize harm. Humans possess an innate moral compass that guides our understanding of right and wrong. However, what is considered right or wrong can evolve as our culture changes.

00:14:08 Therefore, it is essential to define our goals and discuss pressing issues within our communities. We cannot address problems we do not acknowledge, and admitting a problem is the first step. When striving for a sustainable future, community needs must sometimes take precedence over individual desires.

00:14:38 We should shift our valuation of people away from material wealth and toward contributions to the common good. This alignment of market incentives is vital in reducing harm to others, both locally and globally. We own the repercussions of our actions, and when our innovations create problems, we must be held accountable.

00:15:06 Understanding that it is challenging for us to extend our consideration to those outside our immediate circles is crucial. We are all interconnected, and addressing the future requires a broader vision. My vision includes people dedicated to personal growth and improving the lives of those in need.

00:15:50 I envision a world where goodwill is preserved in public spaces and where individuals are satisfied with enough rather than seeking to take from others. In this scenario, everyone’s needs would be met, ensuring equal safety and comfort. This vision calls for businesses and societies to be constructed in a moral and socially accountable manner.

00:16:29 Turning to rule number five: figure out what role you will play. Consider changing the world as changing your own world. Solve problems for communities you can access meaningfully or support those already doing the work.

00:16:59 Start by addressing localized issues close to home. When problems feel overwhelming, focus on what you can manage; master that, and then grow. Commit to lifelong learning—be curious, open, and flexible. Admit when you're wrong, and when you don’t know something.

00:17:26 Find a community aligned with your values. Respect and be useful to that community, and protect what makes it valuable. Build a foundation of mutualism and collaboration, tackling problems you believe you can solve.

00:17:45 We are the saviors we have all been waiting for. Here are a few tips to help you on your journey: First, define your why. As Simon Sinek says, our why does not change, but how and what may evolve.

00:18:06 Identify who you are, what guides and motivates you, and what legacy you wish to leave. In addition, develop skills to listen and acknowledge others while communicating. Remember that conflict is inevitable, as everyone has their own reality.

00:18:29 Avoid extending your reality onto others and don’t place the responsibility for your feelings on them. Use the process of listening, mirroring, and validating to establish a shared reality with those holding different perspectives.

00:18:50 Recognize that believing is free—trust in the moment and verify later. Creating safe spaces for authentic discussions is essential, as is your own work to engage with awareness and the context necessary for meaningful dialogue.

00:19:19 Additionally, make space for others’ voices, experiences, and truths within your community. Recognize that this isn't the default experience for many, particularly for women and people of color. If interacting with different people makes you nervous, consider that it might be a sign to expand your worldview.

00:19:55 By engaging with diverse individuals, like breaking bread with those who differ from you, and following various voices online, you can challenge your own perspectives. Statistically, 75% of white people only know other white people, highlighting an opportunity for change.

00:20:11 Observe and listen to others’ experiences to inform your perspective. Lastly, establish systems of accountability; many issues stem from a lack of it. Our current struggles will persist until those in power are held accountable.

00:20:33 More importantly, white individuals must learn to hold other white individuals accountable. The rules can't apply selectively, protecting some while failing to safeguard others. This is not about punishment; it’s about establishing reasonable consequences for actions.

00:21:00 Consequences should be logical and respectful. It is essential to collaboratively determine acceptable behaviors and the repercussions for violations. To succeed, one must respond effectively to inevitable conflicts rather than avoiding them.

00:21:29 Conflict will arise; it’s crucial to navigate these hard situations. I often reflect on my own relationships, acknowledging that conflicts are part of being human. If I trust someone completely, I still recognize that disagreements will occur.

00:21:46 Navigating these challenges is what shapes growth, and stepping outside of our comfort zones fosters development. To summarize, our five rules for building the future are: create conscious societies rooted in the understanding of our human nature.

00:22:20 As sophisticated animals, we must acknowledge our physical and mental constraints while not exploiting our worst tendencies for wealth and power.

00:22:39 To generate positive change, we need to restructure our relationship with money and society, ensuring our survival does not depend on systems that divide us. If we do not, we will continue suffering.

00:23:05 As you contemplate your place in this situation, I have a task for you: download the presentation from my website—aniyia.com/rubyconf. You will find articles and resources to help broaden your understanding.

00:23:40 I encourage questions; my team and I will now transition into a Q&A session. Thank you for joining me today.

00:24:04 Feel free to submit your questions in the Q&A area. We've already received several queries, so let's begin.

00:24:17 The first question comes from Bill, who contributed a few times. Where can people get your necklace?

00:24:27 Great question! I custom made this necklace, but I'm hoping to make it available widely. If you visit my website and subscribe, I’ll let that group know when they become available.

00:24:38 Now the next question is, will capitalism allow for evolution? That’s a thought-provoking question.

00:24:53 Some comments mentioned the term 'considerate capitalism' as jarring. I’ve gone through an evolution myself regarding this and, candidly, I’ve come to dislike that term as well. I'm uncertain about where we're heading; is it capitalism or socialism?

00:25:26 What we seek may not have existed before in human history. In its current form, I’m uncertain if capitalism can evolve, as I see it built on exploitation—some taking more than they contribute. Until that imbalance is resolved, we will continually experience this tension.

00:26:00 Next, someone asked how to get white individuals to acknowledge the need for holding one another accountable. Approaching this question as a non-white person, I find it interesting to observe how people push for accountability with others.

00:26:47 The common theme is lifting up leaders who exemplify the behavior we aspire to. By modeling accountability, we offer inspiration that can compel others to follow suit.

00:27:01 Understanding oneself and one’s purpose is critical. You can’t have a complete picture of yourself unless you gather feedback from others you trust – a diverse group can amplify your perspectives. This adjustment provides a higher fidelity understanding of reality.

00:27:27 It’s worth examining systemic structures like white supremacy, which often present a narrow view of the world, promoting control. Alternatively, if we empower individuals with diverse experiences, we can reshape our collective understanding.

00:27:54 Regarding preparing for unintended consequences of significant social changes, I believe the decision-making process should involve broad participation from a diverse group. Admittedly, there may not be a straightforward answer to every question.

00:28:16 We must try certain strategies and be prepared for potential failures. The reality is that arbitrary commitments often persist, despite missteps, because they align poorly against current societal values. It is vital to recognize harmful practices and adjust promptly.

00:28:38 To ensure equitable futures, developers and designers influence culture with their work, which in turn affects policy over time. The culture we create can make significant impressions on institutions, pushing them to adapt.

00:29:02 As creators, our contributions shape users’ experiences, whether or not we acknowledge it. The vital benefits of culture have significant implications for the evolution of policy.

00:29:32 We have power as a community and a shared vision can shift our trajectory. By mobilizing toward shared objectives, we redefine what our society should reflect. The act of rallying around a cause enables us to unify our strengths and tackle challenges.

00:30:04 As you think through resilience in activism and confronting systemic issues, I encourage acknowledging that resilience develops from hardship and tension. This muscle is strengthened by challenges and growth.

00:30:38 The silver lining amidst turmoil is the opportunity to reshape our systems and rebuild them in a way that benefits all. Small adjustments yield marginal results, but drastic circumstances compel us to begin anew.

00:31:16 Crises reveal underlying flaws and provide avenues to chart a better course forward. Therefore, embrace the opportunities that arise through breakdowns.

00:31:55 I greatly appreciate the opportunity to share insights today and would love to continue discussions about these themes in the RubyConf Slack channel.

00:32:12 Thank you again for your attention! We’ll take a quick break before transitioning to the next segment.

00:32:29 Make sure to drink some water and stretch. I look forward to our next conversation!

00:32:50 Thank you all, and I'll see you on Slack.