SAN FRANCISCO, USA–The first time I heard the term “Tech Trek” was over the summer, as the Washington University in St. Louis Center for Career Engagement and the Olin Business School Technology Club began planning this unique, two-word invitation to explore the tech world up close. For many aspiring to build a career in tech, the trek offered a rare opportunity to glimpse the inner workings of some of the world’s most influential technology companies. For me, it was an exhilarating continuation of my work in digital diplomacy and global digital policy, particularly in shaping the Global Digital Compact.
At WashU, the Tech Trek—also known as Bear Trek—was an annual tradition until the COVID-19 pandemic forced a prolonged pause. After nearly two years, however, the trek returned with renewed vigor, with San Francisco—the epicenter of tech innovation—as its first post-COVID destination. This year’s journey brought us face-to-face with executives from companies like Google, Visa, ZS, and Wells Fargo, as well as WashU alumni making their mark on the industry.
The journey was more than just a tour; it was an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and gain insights from those at the forefront of technology. Alongside 15 fellow MBA students and our coaches from the career center, each stop on the Tech Trek’s “Silicon path” offered key takeaways—milestones—that resonated deeply on both personal and industry levels, and they continue to shape my thinking even a week after the trek concluded.
- Evolve, Adapt, and Change—A Lesson from Google’s Stan the Dinosaur
At the sprawling Googleplex, we encountered the iconic statue of Stan—a replica T-Rex skeleton that has become one of the company’s most recognizable symbols (yes, an echo of that familiar 2D dinosaur on Chrome’s “no internet connection” screen). WashU alumni at Google, George Dong and Michael Nordlund, explained that Stan serves as a stark reminder to Googlers: failure to adapt leads to extinction. In the fast-moving world of technology, survival depends on a company’s—and an individual’s—ability to evolve and remain agile. This message resonated with me, not only in the context of tech and innovation but also in diplomacy and global affairs, where rapid shifts demand a similar commitment to adaptability. Just as in tech, thriving in the global arena requires the ability to pivot, innovate, and embrace change as the landscape transforms around us.
Stan was a powerful reminder to stay agile in the face of challenges, whether those challenges come from technological disruptions or, in the context of business, shifts in consumer needs. Companies that rest on their laurels, no matter how large or initially successful, risk obsolescence if they fail to innovate and ride the waves of change. Stan’s warning underscored the importance of relentlessly pursuing growth, being willing to pivot, and continually seeking ways to stay ahead. For anyone aspiring to work in tech, it’s not enough to simply embrace change; we must also play an active role in shaping and influencing it.
- Culture and Connections Matter—Insights from ZS Associates
At ZS Associates, we had the opportunity to meet executives who underscored the importance of surrounding oneself with “smart, hardworking, and nice people”. It’s a simple yet profound insight: culture and people are everything. Unlike the common adage of “bloom where you are planted,” the takeaway here was that plants thrive when they are nurtured in rich soil with a healthy ecosystem. In a workplace context, that “ecosystem” is the company’s culture, and the “soil” is the people with whom you collaborate.
The caliber of people at ZS and the company’s commitment to fostering a positive culture highlighted the profound impact that the right environment can have on one’s performance and career trajectory. When individuals are surrounded by a supportive, challenging environment, their potential is unleashed. This experience underscored for me the importance of seeking out companies that not only prioritize integrity, kindness, and mutual respect but also value the significance of a strong cultural fit. When you join a company, you’re not just bringing your unique skills—you’re becoming part of a team, contributing to a collective purpose and shared goals.
- Innovate Responsibly—A Key Takeaway from Visa
Our visit to Visa highlighted the delicate balance of innovation and responsibility. As a global leader in financial technology, Visa has built its reputation on trust and security, underscoring the need for innovation that respects privacy and protects user data. Our conversation with WashU alumni in Visa focused on how the company is navigating the rise of digital payments in a way that ensures accessibility and security for all users, regardless of location or financial background.
This takeaway was a reminder that innovation should not come at the cost of responsibility. With new tech products comes a duty to protect user interests and promote ethical standards. Visa’s approach illustrated that for innovation to have lasting value, it must be grounded in principles that support the needs and rights of the people it serves. As someone interested in the intersection of technology and social impact, this reaffirmed my belief that successful tech companies are those that put people at the heart of what they do.
- Think Big but Stay Grounded—Lessons from Wells Fargo
On our final day in the Bay Area, we visited Wells Fargo and delved into the company’s work to simplify how businesses interact with the bank by leveraging digital innovation. Wells Fargo is transforming its services to streamline the customer experience while embracing a “think global, act local” approach. By focusing on local needs within a global framework, Wells Fargo demonstrates that meaningful impact comes from understanding and addressing community-specific challenges.
This visit underscored the importance of balancing ambitious, wide-reaching goals with a commitment to local relevance. Rather than deploying technology solely for tech’s sake, Wells Fargo’s approach shows that successful innovation aligns with the unique needs of each community it serves. This “glocal” mindset—thinking big but acting with a local focus—highlighted the value of creating technology that doesn’t just scale but resonates on a personal level, fostering authentic connections and sustainable growth.
The People-Centered Future of Tech
A common theme that connected each visit: technology is most powerful when it serves people. Each company we visited, from the cutting-edge innovations at Google to the locally-rooted focus of Wells Fargo, underscored that the true value of tech lies in its ability to enhance human lives. This insight gave me a hopeful outlook on the future, as I saw firsthand how the companies shaping tomorrow are increasingly prioritizing the welfare and needs of individuals.
The Tech Trek was more than just a tour of Silicon Valley’s giants—it was a chance to reflect on the true purpose of technological innovation. As aspiring leaders in business and technology, we must never lose sight of our responsibility to ensure that the foundations of innovation are grounded in empathy, ethics, and a commitment to the greater good. Technology is a powerful force for positive change, but it can only fulfill its potential if its guiding principle prioritizes human well-being above all else.
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Author’s email: thedumalady@gmail.com
