I-House had the pleasure of hosting Steven Rattner as part of its distinguished series of speakers a few nights ago. The talk provided excellent insight into what a highly creative, impactful and agency-oriented career looks like, especially considering that Steven’s career occurred at a time when the economy was much less flexible.
Takeaways from Steven
- Yes, times are tough now, but there are incredible opportunities out there and it is a great time to be an American. There is a systemic shortage of talent right now, and it is up to individuals to be creative to make the most of that fact.
- In general, the economy is becoming more flexible over time. Depsite the labor shortage, people are able to change career tracks now more than ever before.
- AI will not reduce the role of bankers and white-collar workers. Instead, it will amplify their productivity and make their services more prominent. For example, services that were previously high-touch and required highly skilled bankers will now be extended to smaller firms in the market. If anything, we may see a proliferation in the number of bankers out there.
- On Gamestop: retail investors need to learn their lesson. We should not regulate craziness out of markets.
- Skills that translated well out of journalism: writing skill, asking good questions (and having a BS detector), and building trust with strangers quickly.
Overall, Steven had a very fascinating, wide-ranging career and it was great to hear his perspective on global markets and America.