What does values-driven leadership look like in the world of artificial intelligence (AI)? And what responsibilities do AI consumers have? 

At the Resnick Aspen Action Forum, changemakers at the intersection of AI innovation and leadership development explored these questions, which resonate deeply with the founding purpose of the Aspen Institute in the wake of World War II — a conflict that demonstrated how failed leadership and technological advancements can lead to devastating impacts.

Turning to James O’Toole’s Executive’s Compass framework, this conversation examines how AI creates both risks and opportunities that put core values like liberty, equality, community, and efficiency in tension. Who decides the future of AI’s evolution and implementation? And who chooses these decision-makers? Without a clear AI governance structure, panelists discussed the importance of individual agency as we render collective solutions such as digital rights and new systems for stakeholder engagement and oversight.

About the Speakers: 

Moderator: 

Chris Varelas: Founding Partner of Riverwood Capital; Co-Founder, Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship; Aspen Institute Trustee

Chris Varelas is a founding partner of Riverwood Capital, a private equity firm focused on scaling high growth technology and technology-related companies globally. Previously, Chris worked at Salomon Brothers/Citi in a range of leadership positions. He is the Co-Founder of the Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship, and a Trustee of the Aspen Institute. Chris is the author of How Money Became Dangerous: The Inside Account of Our Turbulent Relationship with Modern Finance.

Panelists:

Amy Benziger: Founding Strategic Advisor, Technology Leaders Fellowship*

Amy Benziger is a Founding Strategic Advisor of the Aspen Technology Leaders Fellowship. Previously, she was Vice President at Breakwater Strategy, a strategy and insights firm operating at the intersection of public policy, public conversation, and the capital markets. A certified design thinking instructor, she has worked across academia, philanthropy, media, technology, and communications, helping organizations prepare for the future of their respective work.

Jen Zhu Scott: Founding Partner, IN. Capital; Aspen Institute China Fellow

Jen Zhu Scott is the Founding Partner of IN. Capital, where she invests in AI and institutionally-ready Web3 solutions. Previously, she was the Executive Chairman of The Commons Project, a non-profit public trust established to build health data interoperability. Jen is also a Fellow of the third class of the China Fellowship Program and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.

*Currently in a discovery phase, the Technology Leaders fellowship is a values-driven leadership initiative created by the Aspen Institute’s Aspen Global Leadership Network for leaders in the field of technology and AI.