In this episode of The New Rules podcast show, host Alan Pentz welcomes Tonya Berenson, a thought leader in technology and culture. Together, they dive into a range of compelling topics that explore the intersection of technology, politics, and societal change.

They kick off the conversation by discussing the recent tech takeover of government, reflecting on how the most dynamic industries shape political landscapes throughout history. Alan draws parallels between the influence of tech giants today and the automotive industry’s past dominance.
The duo examines the evolution of industry power, noting how the shift from manufacturing to tech has led to a new class of wealthy and influential individuals who are now shaping policy and governance.
They also highlight the inevitability of tech's integration into government, suggesting that as technology continues to advance, it will become increasingly intertwined with public policy, for better or worse.
Alan and Tonya consider the potential benefits and challenges of this tech-government synthesis, discussing how it could lead to significant advancements in areas like AI while also raising concerns about regulation and ethical implications.
The conversation takes a turn as they reflect on the historical context of societal change, comparing the current technological revolution to past transformative periods, such as the Industrial Revolution and the advent of the printing press.
They delve into the demographic challenges facing societies today, particularly in Europe and Asia, and ponder the implications of declining birth rates and aging populations on future economic stability.
Finally, they explore the cultural attitudes towards technology and growth, with Alan expressing a strong belief in the potential of human innovation to overcome challenges, while Tonya raises concerns about the societal impacts of rapid technological change.

This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how technology shapes our world, the historical patterns that inform our current reality, and the future we are collectively building. Tune in to gain insights into the complex relationship between tech, politics, and society!

Episode Highlights:
0:00 - Intro
2:10 - Tech Takeover of Government
6:20 - The Shift from Finance to Tech

12:03 - Inevitability of Tech Integration

19:59 - Historical Context of Change

30:41 - Demographic Challenges Ahead

40:32 - Cultural Attitudes Towards Technology

Episode Resources:
Alan Pentz on LinkedIn
Tonya Berenson on LinkedIn
The New Rules with Alan Pentz on LinkedIn

The Small Business Black Holes Podcast is handcrafted by our friends over at fame.so

Check out our three most downloaded episodes:

090 - Learning How To Learn