Taylor Ho

Learn the benefits of introducing cultural and thought diversity into an organization, along with core concepts that can lead to positive contributions in the tech space.

Diversity, in both small and large tech companies, is now understood as a critical component to innovation. In the same way individual generalists are able to make connections across disciplines, members of a diverse team contribute perspectives that would have otherwise been unknown. This is perhaps what Steve Jobs was referencing to when he eloquently recited “Think Different”. This talk uses my experiences as a Native Hawaiian programmer and designer working at Twitch as a launching point to discuss the benefits of introducing cultural and thought diversity into an organization.

This talk will also discuss core concepts I’ve learned from a Hawaiian upbringing that I believe can lead to positive contributions in the tech space, such as the benefits of being kolohe(having a rebellious nature), encouraging ‘imi ‘ike(the pursuit of knowledge), the complementary forces of a‘o aku and a‘o mai(to learn and to teach), committing to aloha(in part the generous spirit of giving without expecting), favoring laulima(group cooperation) over personal gain, the practice aloha ‘aina(the love of one’s environment) and more.