WSJ’s Future of Everything Conference Recap
Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to attend WSJ’s Future of Everything Conference, which focused on technological innovation across industries like aviation, finance, healthcare, culture, and infrastructure. While broad in scope, the core themes discussed throughout the conference centered on accessibility and democratization—largely driven by the productivity gains expected from generative AI. This technology is advancing at an unprecedented pace, with implications for both the near and long term—faster than any previous technological revolution.
The first and most AI-focused topic was enterprise infrastructure. The conference featured a co-founder of Groq and the COO of OpenAI, both optimistic about the opportunities ahead. Groq develops inference chips using a tensor streaming processor that delivers ultra-low latency and deterministic inference performance. OpenAI, in contrast, is focused on offering best-in-class LLMs through API layers that support a wide variety of use cases. While their approaches differ, both speakers predicted major implications for the labor market. Groq’s founder highlighted three key outcomes: people will become more productive, more businesses will emerge due to increased accessibility, and goods may become cheaper as production costs decline. In theory, this could even allow people to retire earlier. Predictions aside, one thing is clear: the workforce is on the brink of significant change. Increased productivity and broader access to information will empower more people to pursue new business ideas without needing initial investment.
Beyond infrastructure, healthcare was the most prominently featured industry at the conference. It’s a natural fit for AI applications focused on improving efficiency, accuracy, and outcomes—particularly in drug discovery and access to care. Innovations in clinical trials aim to make them safer and more effective. Scientists have spent decades working on treatments for diseases like cancer and other currently incurable conditions. AI has the potential to accelerate that progress, enabling more personalized care, better R&D insights, and more accurate predictions.
A final recurring theme across sessions was the democratization of technology—how platforms, transportation, and education are empowering people to do more with fewer resources. In aviation, modernization and sustainable fuels promise to make flying more accessible and climate-conscious. In fintech and cybersecurity, automation and AI are expected to drive new efficiencies. Digital platforms are also evolving toward more community-driven experiences, shaped by both content creators and active users. This shift brings new models of crowdsourced trust, content moderation, and participation. From reducing the paradox of choice on dating apps to rethinking how online opinions are verified and rewarded, companies are leaning into transparency, experimentation, and culture-first innovation.
A quote that captures the moment well:
“Progress is exponential: we tend to overestimate the short term and underestimate the long term.”
One thing is certain—change is inevitable in today’s technological and social environment. We’re only beginning to tap into AI’s potential, and there’s much more to learn about how it will reshape society, culture, and the workplace. AI will soon be embedded into nearly every aspect of technology. Embracing this shift and educating ourselves is the first step toward understanding its full impact.
Something I heard recently helped frame this rapid evolution of AI and the commoditization of knowledge: while knowledge and technology may become commoditized, agency—the human capacity to choose and act—will remain our defining trait.