Recent developments surrounding DeepSeek on Monday felt like Nov 30, 2022, all over again—when ChatGPT broke into the mainstream in a big way. This time, however, it’s a Chinese AI startup that has grabbed the spotlight with far more compute-efficient AI models. 💡 The impact on the tech and financial sectors has been massive, largely because “DeepSeek just blew up the AI industry’s narrative that it needs more money and power” to dominate the space.
📉 Corporate World Reaction: One bad day in the stock market doesn’t signal the apocalypse, but it certainly turned heads. For the broader corporate world, this could be great news—it shows that state-of-the-art AI can be developed with far less money and resources. U.S. tech giants are now scrambling their engineers to learn lessons from DeepSeek’s success that they can apply to their own initiatives.
⚡ Efficiency Over Power & Superior Compute: DeepSeek’s breakthrough demonstrates that maximizing software-driven resource optimization can work as an alternative to relying on the most powerful (and expensive) hardware/GPUs. This is not only more cost-effective but also a welcome shift for the environment. 🌱
🌍 A Global Opportunity: DeepSeek’s success could spark a more competitive AI landscape, fostering the development of technologies that are impactful for the rest of the world. It’s an exciting moment that challenges assumptions and opens new doors for innovation. 🚀
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For those just catching up on the news, here are the key headlines:
📉 Market Disruption: The launch of DeepSeek’s AI assistant led to a substantial sell-off in tech stocks, with the Nasdaq Composite dropping 3.1%. Nvidia’s shares fell 17%, resulting in a loss of nearly $600 billion in market value.
⚡ Efficient AI Model: DeepSeek’s latest R1 model, released on Jan. 20, was built with just $6 million in raw computing power and inferior AI chips, a fraction of the money and resources spent by firms like OpenAI and Alphabet Inc.’s Google.
🚀 Industry Reactions: OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, acknowledged DeepSeek’s advancements and announced plans to accelerate product releases to maintain competitiveness.
🌍 Global Impact: The emergence of DeepSeek has prompted discussions about the global AI landscape, with some experts viewing it as a “Sputnik moment” that could redefine international competition in artificial intelligence.
It was a privilege to speak at the Samar College symposium in my hometown of Catbalogan, Philippines, where I shared insights from my journey, perspectives on the future of work, and reflections on leadership in an era of rapid technological change. As someone who proudly traces my roots to Samar College, where I began my early education, this opportunity to give back to the community that shaped me was deeply meaningful. Below is a summary of my talk, which I hope will inspire those who dream of breaking barriers and leaving their mark on the world.
Breaking Barriers: My Journey from Samar to Leading Global Technology Transformations
Growing up in Samar taught me resilience, adaptability, and the value of community. Helping at my parents’ store instilled hard work, humility, malasakit (genuine care), and perseverance—principles that shaped my leadership style and aspirations.
My career path to becoming a global CIO was anything but straightforward. An unexpected turn led me to technology, proving that sometimes careers choose you—and those paths often bring the most fulfillment. Early in my journey, I learned the value of embracing change and stepping out of my comfort zone, whether it meant moving to a new city, taking on unfamiliar roles, or navigating uncharted technological landscapes. These steps, though challenging, defined my career.
I highlighted key moments, such as transitioning from leading local teams to managing global operations. Beyond technical expertise, success required connecting with people from diverse backgrounds—a skill rooted in the relationship-building and empathy I developed in Samar.
I emphasized that careers are not ladders but lattices. Growth isn’t just about climbing upward but also about lateral moves that broaden perspectives and skills. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial in technology, where careers rarely follow a linear path.
The Future of Work: AI, Automation, and Human Potential
I explored the exciting and sometimes daunting future of work, drawing on Gartner Maverick research. I invited the audience to envision 2045—a world shaped by Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and groundbreaking innovations. We discussed the rise of generative AI and its transformative impact, bringing AI to the mainstream.
The future will see remarkable advancements in biotechnology, renewable energy, and space exploration, alongside workforce changes. Routine jobs will be automated, and entirely new roles will emerge, such as “cyber-physical systems architects” and “AI ethicists.” By 2045, collaboration with AI agents, humanoid robots, and digital humans may be commonplace.
Thriving in this future requires adaptability, creativity, and emotional intelligence. While technical skills remain essential, uniquely human qualities—empathy, collaboration, and critical thinking—will set individuals apart. I encouraged students to embrace digital literacy and see AI as a partner to augment human potential, solving complex problems and amplifying their impact.
Leadership in the Age of AI: Balancing Technology and Human-Centered Leadership
Leadership in the AI era demands balancing technological innovation with a people-first approach. Effective leaders today require empathy, ethics, and a commitment to building trust. Technology should empower people, not replace them. For example, in my role as a global CIO, AI has streamlined processes and uncovered insights, enabling teams to focus on creative, higher-value work.
Humble: Embracing feedback and acknowledging others’ expertise.
Adaptable: Accepting change as constant and adjusting based on new information.
Visionary: Inspiring others with a clear, forward-thinking vision while anticipating future opportunities and challenges..
Engaged: Staying curious and actively interacting with stakeholders and trends.
Purpose-driven leadership is increasingly vital as employees and stakeholders expect leaders to prioritize social impact, diversity, and sustainability. Inspired by frameworks like Simon Sinek’s Golden Circle and the Japanese concept of Ikigai, I shared a purpose reflection framework and urged students to discover their “why.” Leaders who understand their purpose inspire trust and create meaningful impact.
Key Takeaways and Reflections
I concluded my talk with the following key messages:
AI will revolutionize industries and redefine work and the human experience.
Your roots make you unique, grounding you in who you are and who you’re meant to be.
Purpose is the foundation of a meaningful life and career.
Thriving in the AI era requires a balance of smart and heart, blending technical expertise with human-centered values.
Discover your “why”, as understanding and leading with purpose inspires yourself and others.
Returning to Samar was a full-circle moment, reminding me that success isn’t just about individual achievements but also about giving back and inspiring others. I encouraged students to uplift their communities, no matter where their journeys take them.
Bright Future Ahead
During the Q&A, the audience’s focus on AI reflected its significance as a symbol of progress and optimism. Samar College, under the leadership of President Rhett Piczon, is well-positioned for growth, and I’m inspired by its transformation.
I hope my story encourages others to believe in their potential. The world is waiting for your ideas, talents, and leadership. As you step forward, remember: the values you learned in Samar will guide you, no matter how far you go. Thank you, Samar College, for the opportunity to connect with the next generation of leaders. Together, we can create a brighter future for our community and the world.
As I sit at the airport, waiting for my flight back home to Texas, I find myself reflecting on the past two weeks spent in the Philippines. This trip was more than just a vacation—it was a deliberate decision to focus on what truly matters: family, and most especially, my Mama and Papa.
I planned this journey with a single goal in mind: to immerse myself in their daily lives, to walk alongside them, and to experience their world. From countless breakfasts shared over home-cooked meals to helping out at our Glenuel store, visiting my mother’s hometown in Tarangnan, and joining them on their twenty-hour drive from Samar to Manila, every moment felt meaningful. It was such a pleasure to have them seated in the front row at the Tech Symposium at Samar College. Watching a PBA game, accompanying them through Divisoria, and countless give-back opportunities were more than just activities—they were glimpses into the rhythm and beauty of their everyday lives. Being present in these seemingly ordinary moments felt grounding, as I knew they carried extraordinary significance.
As they grow older, so do I, and this time together served as a reminder of how fleeting these opportunities can be. Life often moves so quickly that we forget to pause and truly connect. But on this trip, I made a conscious choice to slow down, to deeply appreciate my parents, and to honor the love and sacrifices that have shaped my life.
This trip will always remind me of the importance of making time for those we love, especially our parents. It’s a reminder that life’s greatest treasures are found in the simple acts of being present, cherishing shared moments, and creating memories that will live in our hearts forever.
Until this upcoming spring break—let’s do it again, Mama and Papa, this time in the US!
#Perspectives 