Ben has influenced the lives of millions of people seeking careers that effectively tackle the world’s most pressing problems. He says of himself that he writes about career strategy, doing good, and using research to have a nice life. But there is much more to it.
He is the founder of 80,000 hours, a non-profit that has helped 1000+ people switch to more impactful careers. Over five million people have read his online advice and those who have taken it to heart and gone on to make a difference include pioneers researching into AI alignment, the founders of a non-profit to prevent catastrophic pandemics, the founders of a think tank improving Chinese-western coordination on AI, and philanthropists pledging billions of dollars to high-impact charities.
As CEO for 80,000 hours’ first ten years, Ben established the non-profit with over 25 staff, led strategy, fundraising, and senior management, raised over $30m in funding, was one of the first non-profits to go through Y Combinator, the world’s top startup accelerator and received coverage in the FT, Economist, Guardian, and BBC.
He is the author of the 80,000 Hours Career Guide, Key Ideas series and countless articles, and has given a TED talk that’s been viewed over five million times.
Ben also helped to start the effective altruism movement in Oxford in 2011 and through 80,000 Hours has been one of the biggest drivers of its growth.