James Czerniawski is a long time participant in the Young Voices network, with his commentary being featured in programs like the FOX 5 DC, the Global Lane, and more. In July, he joined the Consumer Choice Center full time as their Head of Emerging Technology Policy.
James Czerniawski’s Success Story Interview:
You have been a consistent participant in Young Voices programming for several years now. How has your commentary through Young Voices impacted your career in policy?
A: Participating in the Young Voices programming over the years has been an easy choice for me, as I have found consistent value in leveraging the program. I think participating in Young Voices has been instrumental for my career. It gave me the necessary skills to advance in a career in public policy by taking my work, which had been more research oriented to that point, and boiling it down into a concise and consumable message that could resonate with a broader audience.
What topic do you think is the least talked about within mainstream media or opinion journalism that deserves more attention?
A: For me, I think it’s the benefits of technology. Within mainstream media and journalism, lots of ink and airwaves are dedicated to highlighting the purported harms and downsides of technology. While there are some talented voices that are doing this, they are not getting the necessary reach and elevation of their work that is showing the society enhancing benefits of tech. I understand there are perverse incentives for why that may be the case, but I wish that mainstream media and journalism would still elevate that positive work more often on a consistent basis.
How has working with Young Voices helped you find your voice as a tech commentator?
A: I think Young Voices helped me identify how best to put my voice out into the ecosystem more broadly speaking. They were always willing to edit a piece and provide helpful feedback and to pitch me out to media more broadly. Those increased reps, both in writing op-eds and engaging with media more broadly speaking, helped hone and strengthen my voice as a tech commentator. They were also willing to test things out with me, which I appreciated as someone willing to try anything out.
Which media placement that the Young Voices content team helped you place are you most proud of?
A: It’s hard to pick one over the years of working with Young Voices to be most proud of. Young Voices did an incredible job of identifying opportunities in the media landscape and getting me out there. I think what I am most proud of with the media placements is the success rate associated with it. In my most recent role, I had done over 150 media hits between talk radio, TV and podcast. Young Voices was responsible for booking me on a large portion of those hits. I had gotten to a point where I didn’t even need to write op-eds (though you still should when you can!), they could just pitch me as a talent and I could get booked onto TV, radio or podcast. When it comes to Young Voices, I always tell people they will get out of it what they put in, and I think my experience with the content team encapsulates that mantra perfectly.
You recently started a new role at the Consumer Choice Center as the Head of Emerging Technology Policy. What do you think is the most exciting prospect in the tech and innovation world right now?
A: It is hard to ignore the exciting promise of artificial intelligence and its ability to improve the world in a variety of ways. From improving worker productivity to enhancing our ability to learn to assisting with research that can ultimately save lives. What also excites me about AI is watching how this particular technology, which has loads of its own policy questions to address, is simultaneously forcing the country to revisit conversations around energy and healthcare that may have been stuck in the dirt for ages. I would also be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to regulatory sandboxes here. I have been working on that wonky and niche subject for years, and to watch it go from an idea I wrote a policy brief on to getting broader adoption in the states to now active consideration in federal policy proposals is beyond incredible to me. It truly is a pinch me type of moment.
With you now working at the Consumer Choice Center, and with a background in various nonprofit policy roles, what advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to build a career in public policy?
A: As a young-ish voice, the advice I give to any young professional is to be unapologetically driven for whatever outcome they are aiming to manifest. While your role might come with certain expectations and responsibilities, and you should strive for excellence in achieving those expectations, constantly be looking for growth opportunities for yourself. Whether it is doing the Young Voices program or any of the litany of other programming out there to develop young talent, do it and give it your all. I have increasingly utilized the phrase of “choose your own adventure” when describing how I have approached my career in public policy and encourage others to do the same. Also, especially if you are in the Young Voices program, look for opportunities to collaborate with one another. You are the voices of tomorrow! Some of the most fun I’ve had has been when I’ve worked with a fellow contributor because we both nerded out on a subject and wanted to write about it together. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask questions. You are not alone in this journey. Your fellow contributors are resources, but so are YV alumni as they have been in your shoes before. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out if you ever need anything.
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