Rapid Response: The promise and peril of engineering biology, w/Ginkgo Bioworks Reshma Shetty

Ethical Balance

Reshma Shetty, co-founder and COO of Ginkgo Bioworks, explains the concept of unstable equilibrium and its importance in balancing ambition with ethical responsibility. She describes how Ginkgo strives to be both rigorous in their science and visionary in their goals, avoiding the pitfalls of either being too cautious or overly ambitious without substance 1. Shetty emphasizes the need to consider the implications of their technology and ensure it is used for constructive purposes, highlighting the complexity of these decisions 2.

We need to think about the implications of what's going to happen and how to ensure these technologies are used overwhelmingly for constructive purposes.

--- Reshma Shetty

This approach allows Ginkgo to capture people's imaginations while maintaining a high level of care in their work.

   

Workplace Culture

Shetty addresses how Ginkgo handles workplace discussions on controversial topics like politics and social justice while maintaining focus on their mission. She acknowledges the challenge of balancing free speech with the need to stay mission-focused, noting that completely avoiding these discussions is naive 3. Instead, Ginkgo aims to create an environment where employees can bring their full selves to work and discuss issues that affect their lives and work.

The idea that companies can somehow remain completely divorced from the political issues or the social justice issues that are surrounding them, I think, is, candidly a little bit naive.

--- Reshma Shetty

This balance helps Ginkgo foster a thoughtful and inclusive workplace culture.