Reflections
I have known Chris Traub for twenty-eight years.
Our paths first crossed when Chris, then CEO of an executive search firm, was asked by Morris Chang, the founder of TSMC, to help find a Corporate Controller.
That search unexpectedly became the beginning of a friendship that would profoundly shape my life. Soon afterward, I joined TSMC, where I spent the next twenty-seven years until my retirement.
Looking back, I realize that Chris has been much more than a friend. He has been a mentor, an encourager, and a trusted companion throughout my journey.
Whenever I faced difficult decisions, moments of self-doubt, or challenges that seemed overwhelming, Chris was often the first person I turned to. He has an extraordinary ability to see possibilities where others see obstacles. Time and again, he helped me rediscover my strengths, overcome my fears, and find the courage to move forward.
Chris is unlike anyone I have ever met. He possesses a remarkably free spirit and the curiosity of a child. He is unconstrained by conventional thinking, fearless in exploring new ideas, and endlessly passionate about life and people. His friendships span the globe, and he seems to be constantly traveling, connecting with extraordinary individuals and bringing together diverse worlds.
Yet what I admire most is his unwavering commitment to helping others discover their own potential. He loves nature and often takes friends, both old and new, to a hidden stream and waterfall near his home, one of his favorite sanctuaries. At other times, he will invite you on unexpected journeys of self-discovery, introducing you to fascinating people and experiences that challenge assumptions and expand horizons.
His way of life may seem unconventional, but one thing is certain: Chris is someone you can trust. If you are willing to step beyond your comfort zone, he will gladly invite you on adventures that may appear a little crazy at first — but often prove to be deeply meaningful and transformative.
Chris witnessed my growth throughout my years at TSMC, and he never stopped encouraging me to stretch beyond what I thought was possible. His thinking has always been ahead of its time.
Today, as artificial intelligence reshapes the way we work, learn, and live, many people are asking what it means to remain truly human. Technology can augment our intelligence, but it cannot replace wisdom, purpose, compassion, or the deep human capacity to inspire and serve others. In times of rapid change, these qualities become even more important.
This book reflects Chris’s deep concern for humanity as we navigate an age of unprecedented transformation. It is not merely a book about AI. Rather, it is an invitation to remember who we are, to remain grounded amid uncertainty, and to live with coherence between our values, our leadership, and our daily lives.
At its heart, this book reminds us that progress without purpose is empty, and that in a world increasingly shaped by machines, our humanity matters more, not less.
The future will not belong solely to those with the most advanced technologies, but to those who possess the wisdom, courage, humility, and generosity to use them in service of others. As his friend, I could not be prouder. It has been a privilege to witness his journey, just as he has witnessed mine.
My hope is that the wisdom and insights contained in these pages will inspire many others, helping them not only navigate the waves of change, but also flourish with greater authenticity, purpose, and hope.
For nearly three decades, Chris has inspired me to become a better leader and, more importantly, a better human being. I believe this book will do the same for many others.
Lora Ho
Former Senior Vice President, TSMC
