In a recent episode of the podcast The Unbroken Place with Eddy Paul Thomas, Christian Ortiz, the developer of Justice AI, shared his journey of integrating empathy and justice into artificial intelligence (AI). His vision is aimed at tackling the biases deeply embedded in society and reflected in AI systems, offering business leaders powerful insights on creating more inclusive and equitable organizations.
Christian Ortiz’s lived experiences as a neurodivergent Afro-Latino individual were the driving force behind the creation of Justice AI. Having encountered various forms of discrimination, Ortiz recognized the need for a tool that could bridge the empathy gap often present in existing AI systems. "Empathy is at the core of Justice AI," he explained during the podcast.
"It’s about understanding perspectives that are different from our own and creating a space where people can reflect on how their words and actions affect others."
This emphasis on empathy is supported by research from Zaki (2019) in The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World. Zaki’s work suggests that empathy is a skill that can be cultivated and significantly improves social cohesion, making it crucial for organizations aiming to build inclusive cultures. For business leaders, integrating empathy into AI highlights the importance of fostering a more inclusive organizational culture, reducing conflicts, and creating safer environments for open dialogue.
Ortiz also addressed the pervasive issue of bias in AI, which often mirrors systemic biases present in society. Justice AI is designed to detect and deconstruct these biases by providing comprehensive analyses that include historical and cultural contexts. This approach aligns with findings from Noble’s (2018) Algorithms of Oppression, which demonstrates how algorithms can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, particularly those against marginalized communities. Noble’s work emphasizes the need for AI systems that are explicitly designed to counteract these biases rather than reinforce them.
For companies, addressing such biases is not just an ethical imperative but also a strategic one. Organizations that ignore these issues risk legal challenges, losing talent, and damaging their reputation. Tools like Justice AI enable businesses to proactively identify and correct biases, ensuring that their practices are fair and inclusive. This is underscored by research published by McKinsey & Company (2020) in their report Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters, which demonstrates that companies with more diverse executive teams are 36% more likely to outperform their peers on profitability. The report highlights how inclusive practices are linked to better business performance, underscoring the need for strategies like those offered by Justice AI.
Transparency and accountability are critical elements of Justice AI, setting it apart from traditional AI systems. The tool allows users to trace the sources of information and understand the rationale behind its responses, ensuring that AI does not function as a black box. For businesses developing or using AI, maintaining transparency and accountability is essential to building trust with consumers and stakeholders. By implementing ethical frameworks, like the decolonial intelligence algorithmic framework Ortiz developed, companies can ensure their AI systems promote fairness and justice rather than perpetuate harmful biases.
A recurring theme in the conversation was the strategic integration of empathy into business practices. Ortiz shared a case study where Justice AI helped an individual reflect on and correct a biased interaction, leading to a positive resolution. This example illustrates how empathy can transform workplace dynamics, turning potential conflicts into opportunities for understanding and growth. Business leaders can promote empathy by creating safe spaces for employees to express themselves, encouraging self-reflection, and utilizing tools like Justice AI to understand diverse perspectives. These actions lead to more inclusive and collaborative environments, where all employees feel valued and heard.
Christian Ortiz’s work with Justice AI represents a paradigm shift in how businesses can approach AI, DEIB, and global communication. By addressing biases head-on, promoting empathy, and ensuring transparency, Justice AI offers a practical tool for organizations to navigate the complexities of today’s diverse and interconnected world. Ortiz’s insights provide a roadmap for business leaders to not only improve their DEIB efforts but also enhance their overall organizational culture. Leaders who prioritize these values can drive long-term success by fostering trust, respect, and collaboration across all levels of their organization. As Ortiz aptly puts it, “Empathy is the core function of Justice AI, and it is something we are lacking as a society as a whole.” It is time for businesses to lead the way in changing that narrative.
Christian Ortiz’s conversation on The Unbroken Place offers valuable lessons for business leaders seeking to build more inclusive, empathetic, and equitable organizations. Justice AI exemplifies how technology can be used to address systemic biases and promote better communication across diverse contexts. By integrating tools that prioritize empathy, transparency, and accountability, businesses can create environments where everyone’s voice is heard and valued. Leaders are encouraged to embrace these insights, viewing DEIB not as a checkbox but as a strategic advantage that enhances culture, boosts productivity, and drives sustainable success.
Sources:
Zaki, J. (2019). The War for Kindness: Building Empathy in a Fractured World. Crown Publishing.
Noble, S. U. (2018). Algorithms of Oppression: How Search Engines Reinforce Racism. New York University Press.
McKinsey & Company. (2020). Diversity Wins: How Inclusion Matters. McKinsey & Company.
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