Industry Leaders Unite: Investing in Education Key to Driving Economic Growth

During the discussions, Stacey Abrams, author, entrepreneur, and political leader, emphasized the importance of investing in education and workforce development to drive economic growth. "We need to prioritize education and training programs that equip workers with the skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing job market," Abrams said. Bill Anderson, chief executive of Bayer, added that companies must also take a proactive approach to addressing the environmental and social impacts of their operations. "As business leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that our actions are sustainable and equitable," Anderson noted. The Groundbreakers also discussed the role of technology in shaping the future of work and society. Mark Barrocas, chief executive of SharkNinja, highlighted the potential of artificial intelligence and automation to drive innovation and productivity. However, he also cautioned that these technologies must be developed and deployed in a way that benefits all members of society. "We need to ensure that the benefits of technological progress are shared equitably and that we address the challenges of job displacement and income inequality," Barrocas said. The DealBook Summit brought together a range of high-profile guests, including Halle Berry, founder of Respin, filmmaker, and activist; Mario Carbone, chef and co-founder of Major Food Group and Carbone Fine Food; James Carville, Democratic strategist; Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and chairman and chief executive of Revolution; Ron Chernow, author and historian; Ezekiel Emanuel, M.D., Ph.D., vice provost of global initiatives at the University of Pennsylvania; Amanda Gorman, presidential inaugural poet, activist, and UNICEF supporter; Michael J. Nyenhuis, president and chief executive of UNICEF USA; Lucy Guo, founder and chief executive of Passes; Karine Jean-Pierre, author and former White House press secretary to President Biden; Ashley Judd, actor, author, and humanitarian; and Garry Kasparov, chairman of the Renew Democracy Initiative. The event provided a platform for the Groundbreakers to engage in open and candid discussions on a range of critical issues, from the future of work and education to the role of technology and the impact of climate change. The conversations highlighted the need for collaboration and cooperation across sectors to address the complex challenges facing society. The DealBook Summit is an annual event that brings together industry leaders and experts to discuss key issues and share insights on the future of business and society. The event is organized by The New York Times and features a range of high-profile guests and speakers.