Tech for Good: Jonah Goodhart on Making a Positive Impact
Tech for Good: 20 Inspiring Examples
Sunday Series, May 4th, Jonah Goodhart, Co-Founder Montauk Labs.
I had an opportunity to record, live, with Jonah at my favorite independent NYC bookstore, P&T Knitware on NYC’s lower east side back in 2023. If you haven’t been, go check it out. It has the city’ s only free podcast recording studio.
I met Jonah back when I was a client at his old company, MOAT, and we’ve kept in touch ever since. Like some of my past guests, he’s a serial entrepreneur and operator whose heart and mind are in sync.
The $5 an Hour Start: Jonah and his brother were in college, working at the Cornell University computer center for $5 an hour. They saw e-commerce companies giving away products and thought, "We can work with this."
Context: This illustrates their humble beginnings and their ability to spot an opportunity even when deeply immersed in their own struggles.
Implication: Even in seemingly mundane situations, there are opportunities for those with a creative eye and entrepreneurial spirit.
Application: Pay close attention to your current circumstances. How can you leverage your existing skills or resources to create something new, even if it starts small?
20 🔑 takeaways from my podcast conversation with Jonah—for anyone building and scaling businesses with community impact:
Find Meaning Beyond Success: It's not just about professional wins, but who you are. Are you living your core values? Implication: Dig deep to define your values; let them guide your actions daily.
Values are Your Compass: People should be able to spot your values in everything you do. Application: Be consistent. If you say you value integrity, show it, even when it's tough.
The Internet is an Evolution, Not a Design: The internet is constantly changing, so we need to adapt. Implication: Stay flexible and embrace change. Don't get too attached to one way of doing things online.
Seize Opportunity: Jonah and his brother saw e-commerce companies giving away products and thought, "We can work with this." Application: Keep your eyes peeled for emerging trends. Where others see chaos, find opportunity.
From Hobby to Business: Their email list started as a fun project, then a company offered to pay them. Implication: What you're doing for fun could be your next big thing. Don't dismiss your passions.
The Power of Digital Assets: Early on, they recognized the value of things like email lists. Application: In today's world, think about your digital assets – your skills, your network, your content. They have value.
Evolving with the Internet: The internet changes, and so should your business. Implication: Never stop learning. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow, so stay agile.
The Messy Middle: Building anything worthwhile is rarely a straight line. Application: Embrace the chaos. Scott Belsky's "Messy Middle" is a great concept – it's okay to not have it all figured out.
Build Something That Inspires You: Jonah emphasizes the importance of feeling good about what you do. Implication: Don't settle for work that doesn't light you up. Life's too short.
"You know, for us, it's about the people that we get to work with and is about waking up and having that feeling of, yes, I want to go do something that inspires me and that feels good. And that feels like I'm making a positive difference in. in other people's lives." - Jonah Goodhart, Co-Founder, Montauk Labs
Technology for Good: Actively seek to use tech to make a positive impact. Application: Think about the ethical implications of your work. How can you contribute to a better world?
Sustainable Business + Clear Vision = Impact: A solid business model and a strong mission are key. Application: It's not just about making money; it's about how you make it and what good it does.
Healthcare is Ripe for Innovation: Jonah points out the challenges in the US healthcare system, but also its strengths. Implication: Huge problems often mean huge opportunities for those who want to solve them.
Data-Driven Improvement: Using data and analytics to improve health outcomes. Application: Think about how you can use data to make better decisions and improve processes in your field.
Helping Those in Need: Their work with Medicaid patients shows the power of targeted support. Application: Consider how your skills can be used to uplift others, especially the vulnerable.
Tech for Good in Healthcare: Using technology to get more people covered is "pretty cool." Implication: Technology isn't just for Silicon Valley; it can make a real difference in people's lives.
Measurement Matters: Jonah highlights that measurement is critical across all industries. Application: Define clear metrics for success in your own work. What gets measured, gets improved.
AI and Predictive Analytics for Good: Exploring how these technologies can be used in positive ways. Application: Stay informed about emerging technologies and think about their potential for social good.
Solve for Yourself First: Jonah's advice about focusing on your own well-being. Implication: You can't pour from an empty cup. Take care of your mental and emotional health.
Happiness Enables Impact: Being happy and healthy yourself is crucial to positively impacting others. Application: Make your own well-being a priority, not a luxury.
Do Good, Be Good: The ultimate goal is to live a life where you're both doing good and being good. Application: Strive for integrity and purpose in all that you do. Let that be your guiding principle.