Jeff Weiner credits his career success to an essay he read in WIRED magazine back in 1994, which sparked his interest in the potential of the internet to transform society. He was part of a consulting project where he was exposed to the early stages of the internet and became fascinated by its implications. This led him to join the corporate development group at Warner Brothers, where he continued to explore the opportunities presented by the digital future. After reading a book review in WIRED about Nicholas Negroponte’s vision for the digital world, Weiner realized that everything that was an atom could be converted into a bit, leading him to volunteer to write the online business plan for Warner Brothers, which ultimately shaped his career path.
Weiner believes that the key idea of the last 25 years, as coined by Negroponte, is that everything that is an atom will become a bit. However, he feels that today, the focus should shift from technology to the implications of technology on society. He emphasizes the importance of asking difficult and challenging questions about the potential unintended consequences of technology and understanding its implications for society. Weiner observes that while technology has the potential to bring people together, it is also accelerating and reinforcing tribalism, which hinders progress in solving societal challenges. He stresses the need for a proactive approach to understanding the impact of technology and creating value while bringing people together.
In today’s rapidly changing technological landscape, Weiner believes that it is crucial for founders and CEOs to have the best intentions when innovating and creating breakthroughs for their companies. However, he acknowledges that there are often unintended consequences of technology that can lead to negative outcomes. Weiner highlights the need for individuals in the tech industry to be aware of these consequences and strive to mitigate them. He points out that technology alone did not create tribalism, as it is a part of human nature, but it is exacerbating tribalism at a time when societal unity is more important than ever in addressing global challenges.
As the CEO of LinkedIn, Weiner has a unique perspective on the future of work and the role of technology in shaping it. He recognizes that technology has the potential to transform industries and create new opportunities for collaboration and innovation. However, he stresses the importance of understanding how these advancements will impact society and working towards creating positive change. Weiner urges those in the tech industry to be mindful of the implications of their work and strive to bring people together to address the complex challenges facing society.
Reflecting on his own career journey that was shaped by WIRED magazine, Weiner acknowledges the impact of media in shaping our perceptions and understanding of the world. He credits WIRED with sparking his interest in technology and innovation, which ultimately led to his career in the tech industry. Weiner’s story serves as a reminder of the power of media to influence and inspire individuals to explore new ideas and possibilities. As we celebrate WIRED’s 25th Anniversary festival, it is a testament to the lasting impact of the magazine in shaping the future of technology and innovation.