In my journey, I find myself straddling two distinct realms: the world of art and the intertwined domains of Business, Science, and Technology. These two worlds often remain segregated, rarely influencing one another. I find myself navigating this space, unsure if I am a catalyst for change or merely an observer.

In recent times, we've witnessed an alarming increase in the loss of our loved ones. Yet, many in our community continue to struggle, facing challenges of health, underpayment, and invisibility. From my vantage point over the past five years, I believe I grasp the underlying reasons for these issues.

I recognize that there are pivotal thinkers and creators at strategic points in our shared journey—from design to delivery—who make critical choices that affect us all. These individuals continually make numerous, often insignificant choices that shape essential systems, products, and consumer goods, leading to complex patterns that multiply over time.

My focus is the contemporary design of business and the role of consultants who craft products, protocols, and systems across various sectors, including government, healthcare, and law enforcement. These designers often rely on personal biases and limited experiences, coupled with vast amounts of data, to inform their decisions, which can have profound implications.

Every day, global teams make choices that impact our lives, often dismissing those they label as "edge cases." Yet, as I observe, these edge cases represent a significant portion of the population—around one-third—highlighting the need for a more inclusive approach to design.

The professionals I refer to possess transferable skills, designing for diverse industries—from entertainment to healthcare, manufacturing to retail. They are responsible for decisions regarding public health, access to medicine, and the environmental quality of our living spaces. Yet, too often, their choices are made without consideration for those who are marginalized or overlooked.

Empathy, in this context, can serve as both a tool and a weapon. Some decisions made in the past by these consultants continue to shape our current reality, often leading to ongoing challenges rooted in the initial ideas that have been replicated over time. Digitization excels at duplicating these ideas, often devaluing both the original and its reproductions.

Currently, there seems to be a trend toward viewing AI and robotics as potential replacements for human labor. The question arises: could an AI manager be more effective than a human counterpart? I jest, of course, but the implications of such a reality are worth considering.

For those in the consulting and design sectors, the expectations are high. You are expected to be part of the right circles, engage in wellness practices, contribute to community projects, and maintain an upbeat demeanor. Yet, beneath this facade, you may be aware of the detrimental choices made by your team, often justified by a collective agreement. Discrimination and exclusion can be subtly normalized if profit margins are maintained.

If you believe you are in a position to effect change, I'm open to discussing how you can do so while retaining your role. Otherwise, it may be easier to continue making compromises, enjoying the comforts of a well-curated lifestyle while overlooking the impacts of your decisions on those you may never meet.

The relentless pursuit of profit has left many, including our planet, in dire straits. Business practices that prioritize growth over sustainability contribute to a legacy of debt and disease. However, there is a glimmer of hope with new policies aimed at reducing pollution, as highlighted by recent actions from the Biden administration.

Environmental advocates have praised these efforts, recognizing their potential to save lives, while industry groups express concerns over possible job losses. The tension between economic growth and public health continues to be a contentious issue.

To reverse the damage of the past, we must attend to the intricate details of our decisions. A significant portion of the population is affected by the side effects of these choices. To foster a healthier future, we need to persuade those in power to invest in systems that allow everyone to pursue happiness, as enshrined in our constitution.

The stark reality is that industrial pollution is responsible for millions of premature deaths each year, alongside countless individuals suffering from its effects. This toxicity extends beyond the battlefield and is often passed down through generations, underscoring the need for systemic change.

The pollution crisis erodes our cognitive abilities, hindering our capacity for happiness. As we grapple with these challenges, it becomes clear that we need a clean environment to make sound decisions. We should advocate for better designs and materials that do not compromise our health or the planet.

Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful. I am returning to Brooklyn, seeking a space where I can breathe clean air, create art, and nurture my relationships. This journey is about finding a place where I can thrive and contribute to a world I envision—one that prioritizes health, happiness, and sustainability.

Can we create such a world? I believe we can, and I look forward to the journey ahead.

A shout out to the Society of the Mysterious Hand.