Michael Smith Jr.: Embracing Generalism, Parenting in the Age of AI and Technology Duality (Good vs. Bad Faith Actors) - E291

“The world is going to be more generalist. It’s tough to pick one thing. I find that I can let myself off the hook by not picking one thing and doing lots of things and learning. Fortunately, in tech careers, that can work. A lot of papers call it deep generalism. People that you think are specialists have a background in being more of a generalist until they found something they loved and excelled at.” - Michael Smith Jr. 

“​I don't think the Southeast Asia ecosystem is bad. We’re seeing the first true downturn. This is the most layoffs we have ever seen in big tech in our own backyard. I'm fortunate that I'm okay, but I know people that are not and I totally get that, but I don't think you can put a stamp on the whole thing and say it is messed up.” - Michael Smith Jr. 

“This idea of unfettered access to a supercomputer for an 11-year-old is not a good thing. I'm glad I didn't experience that, but I do think computers are a part of our life and AI is real. I'm in the camp that says this is going to be like a superpower that will allow us to do more things, but there will always be people that are bad actors. I do think it will help more often than not. It's an interesting time because it's moving faster at a speed that we're not used to and there's still a lot of figuring out to do.” - Michael Smith Jr. 

During the discussion between Jeremy Au and Michael Smith Jr., APAC GM of Microsoft for Startups, several key insights were shared. Firstly, Michael emphasized the value of being a generalist in the startup ecosystem, having experience as an investor, builder, and potentially exploring new avenues in the future. He highlighted the importance of adaptability and learning from diverse experiences.

Secondly, Michael discussed his parenting philosophy, sharing how he raised his children differently by limiting their exposure to smartphones and social media. He emphasized the importance of fostering independence and creativity in children, allowing them to have a childhood free from excessive technology use.

Lastly, the conversation delved into the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on startups. Michael expressed his belief that AI can be a powerful tool for startups to enhance productivity and reach broader markets. However, he also cautioned against blindly investing in pure AI ventures, noting the need for further development and infrastructure before such investments become more viable.

Overall, the discussion showcased Michael's experiences as a generalist, his thoughtful approach to parenting, and his insights on the role of AI in the startup ecosystem.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at www.bravesea.com/blog/michael-smith-jr

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