Tech Reckoning with Sarah Federman

How can organizations confront their histories of harm before being forced to reckon with them? In this episode, Kate O’Neill is joined by Sarah Federman as they explore the crucial difference between deferred and acknowledged harm, and what real accountability can look like—especially amid today’s AI boom. Topics covered: Reckoning work vs. apologies, CSR, and ESG Corporate accountability for historical harm Inaction versus action in organizational ethics Power asymmetry in AI data center expansion Community impact and responsible leadership The pattern of corporate reckoning across eras Acceleration of accountability in the digital age Building an ethical frame within organizations First moves toward genuine corporate reckoning Maintaining hope while working in harm and accountability Connect with Sarah FedermanWebsiteLinkedInInstagramSarah’s new book: Corporate Reckoning: How Businesses Can Address Historical Wrongs Episode Chapters: 00:04 Introduction and Host Welcome00:35 Guest Introduction: Sarah Federman01:47 Defining Reckoning Work03:00 The Interval Between Harm and Reckoning04:15 The Personal Connection to Reckoning05:27 Deferred Harm and Corporate Inaction06:57 Action, Inaction, and Neutrality08:20 AI Data Centers, Power Asymmetry, and Community Impact10:45 Protest, Creativity, and Avoiding Lazy Solutions12:18 Patterns of Reckoning Across Industries13:03 Ethical Acceleration and Real-Time Accountability15:13 Emergent Accountability Mechanisms16:05 Practical Steps for Responsible Tech Leadership18:22 Institutional Change vs. Performing Change21:11 History, Hope, and The Long Arc of Accountability22:54 Book Details and Where to Connect23:59 Closing and Credits