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Are we heading for the next ChatGPT moment? Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei, has sparked debate about the growth of AI and its acceleration into a risky new phase. But is it real danger or Silicon Valley hype? Danny Fortson and Katie Prescott are joined by Barney Hussey-Yeo, CEO of UK fintech Cleo, on what it's actually like building with AI right now and whether society is ready for the next turning point. Plus, the backlash over tech CEOs cozying up to US President Donald Trump amid anger over his immigration crackdown.Image: Cleo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 1947: Mike Smerklo breaks down the frenzy of tech investing in Silicon Valley, warning against the dangers of FOMO-fueled decision-making. While celebrating innovation's exciting momentum, he urges entrepreneurs, investors, and executives to balance ambition with realism, especially as inflated valuations hint at another bursting bubble. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.mikesmerklo.com/a-new-startup-called-fomoshould-i-invest-in-it/ Quotes to ponder: "FOMO stands for Fear Of Missing Out, a mindset that can be just as dangerous as a forest fire on a dry summer day." "Be greedy when others are fearful. Be fearful when others are being greedy." "Failing to recognize the risk is just as dangerous for investors as it is for those who start the startups and those who go to work for them." Episode references: The Third Wave by Steve Case (referenced conceptually, no direct article link): https://www.amazon.com/Third-Wave-Entrepreneurship-Vision-Future/dp/150113258X Mark Cuban Blog on Bubble Talk: https://blogmaverick.com/2015/03/04/why-this-tech-bubble-is-worse-than-the-tech-bubble-of-2000 Welcome to the Unicorn Club: https://techcrunch.com/2013/11/02/welcome-to-the-unicorn-club
Miranda hosts solo while Meghan is out on maternity leave, joined by Ben Ferguson and Christine Rosen for a wide-ranging and intense breakdown of one of the most chaotic political weeks yet. The panel dives into the fallout from violent incidents involving ICE and Border Patrol in Minnesota, the leadership scramble inside DHS, Stephen Miller and Kristi Noem pointing fingers, and why Republican trust in ICE just dropped eight points in two weeks. They debate whether this is a messaging failure, a tactics failure, or both, and what it means for the administration moving forward. The conversation then turns to rising political violence after Rep. Ilhan Omar was sprayed at a town hall and other recent attacks on public officials. The group discusses security failures, online radicalization, social media outrage culture, and why politicians across parties are becoming increasingly vulnerable targets. Finally, they shift to the looming Big Tech trial, where Meta and other platforms face lawsuits over alleged harm to children. Miranda, Ben, and Christine unpack what the case could mean for social media regulation, parental responsibility, algorithm design, and whether Silicon Valley can actually be held accountable. It's a raw, unscripted conversation about institutional trust, digital addiction, political extremism, and the growing consequences of a hyper-online culture. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
At a time when some may feel divisiveness and isolation is pervasive, this year's Silicon Valley Reads theme explores the concept of belonging in unique ways. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with featured authors Keeonna Harris (Mainline Mama: A Memoir), Annie Harnett (Unlikely Animals: A Novel), and John Powell (The Power of Bridging: How to Build a World Where We All Belong). Hear more about how people find and build community in different ways. In-person attendees are encouraged to visit the Euphrat Museum of Art to enjoy the show A Sense of Belonging. Hosted with Santa Clara County Library District, Santa Clara County Office of Education, San José Public Library, and DeAnza College This program contains EXPLICIT language. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Simulation Theory, Consciousness, UFOs, and the Future of Humanity with Riz Virk✨ Podcast Highlight Bullets• Why simulation theory is no longer science fiction but a serious scientific and spiritual conversation • How consciousness may be the operating system of reality itself• What UFOs, AI, and the metaverse reveal about who we are and where we're headed• How to “play the game” of life with awareness, purpose, and powerGet your tickets for L.A. Conscious Life Expo to hear the amazing presenters, including Riz and Debbi, Feb 20-23, 2026: https://debbiDachinger.com/cleWhat if your life isn't just happening to you but is being played, leveled, and upgraded like a cosmic game? Rizwan “Riz” Virk joins us to reveal why simulation theory, the metaverse, and consciousness itself may hold the keys to navigating reality, accelerating awakening, and understanding what's coming next for humanity. He is a multifaceted technologist and thinker: an entrepreneur, video game industry pioneer, investor, indie film producer, bestselling author, futurist, and academic. Riz operates where MIT, Stanford, Cambridge, Silicon Valley, and the biggest questions about reality quietly converge. He is here to take us inside the frontier where technology meets consciousness and to explore what simulation theory, AI, and virtual worlds reveal about who we are, where we're headed, and how reality itself may work. https://www.zenentrepreneur.com/Enter a world of channeling, ET's, metaphysics & multidimensional truth. Dare to Dream reveals what most shows won't touch — and what your soul's been asking for.Free Starseed Report: debbidachinger.com/starseedIG: @daretodreampodcast @debbidachingerHosted by Debbi Dachinger, award-winning broadcaster, shamanic healer, & book launch mentor for authors ready to rise. #debbidachinger #daretodreampodcast #podcast #simulationtheory #metaverse #consciousness #FutureOfReality #quantummind #UFOs #aiandhumanity #virtualworlds #awakening #techandspirituality #RealityHacks #RizVirk #videogames #djinn #mandelaeffects #quantummechanicsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/dare-to-dream-with-debbi-dachinger--1980925/support.
In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we sit down with John-Clark Levin — researcher, author, and thought leader at the cutting edge of artificial intelligence — to explore the hopes and hazards of the technological era we now inhabit.As research lead for Kurzweil Technologies under futurist Ray Kurzweil, Levin conducts long-term AI foresight and has spoken widely about artificial superintelligence and its implications for society, policy, and human flourishing. We begin by tracing his journey from growing up in Ojai, the book that changed everything for him (Kurzweil's "The Rise of Spiritual Machines" to some of the world's most consequential debates about AI. Along the way, Levin shares how his early interests evolved into a professional focus on the future of intelligence and human-machine symbiosis.A major thread of our discussion centers on Levin's work engaging the Vatican on artificial intelligence — part of a broader effort to ensure that leading global institutions take seriously the ethical, spiritual, and existential questions posed by AI's rapid advance. He describes organizing experts and advocates around what some have dubbed the “AI Avengers,” working to bring the possibility and risks of artificial general intelligence (AGI) into high-level ecclesiastical consideration and eventual guidance. From there we delve into pressing contemporary concerns: the rise of misinformation and disinformation in public life, the risk landscape sometimes referred to as the coming “Slop-acolypse,” and how societies might more effectively marshal truth and trust as AI reshapes information ecosystems.Alongside these serious themes, we trade stories about less expected moments — including Levin's Jeopardy! experience, and the intersecting paths of competition, curiosity, and narrative in his life. The host also reflects on his own Jeopardy! memories in light of Levin's appearance, sparking a candid exchange about learning, memory, and what it means to think like a human — or like a machine designed to mimic human cognition.We did not talk about Japanese names for salt, Simon Bolivar or Greenland annexation.This episode is an engaging, thought-provoking journey through the contours of our strange, accelerating age — from Silicon Valley to the Vatican and from the personal to the planetary. Whether you're deeply invested in AI futures or just curious about the forces reshaping our world, this discussion with John-Clark Levin offers rare insight from one of the field's most provocative voices.You can check out John-Clark's twitter account at https://x.com/JohnClarkLevin, on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/johnclarklevin/
Carlos Diaz, c'est l'histoire d'un entrepreneur français qui a compris très tôt que le jeu n'était pas le même selon le terrain. Tout commence à Limoges en 1997, quand il crée avec son frère Manuel une agence digitale totalement improbable, à une époque où Internet n'était encore qu'un bricolage pour initiés. Ils travaillent depuis la province, mais leurs clients sont déjà à Paris et l'un des plus importants leur confie même toute sa stratégie digitale, en France comme à l'international. Très vite, Carlos plonge dans la première vague tech : le web dynamique, le SaaS, le cloud et même un réseau social d'entreprise avant que Slack n'existe ! Mais en France, personne ne comprend. Les usages sont figés, l'ambition dérange, la prise de risque fait peur. Alors en 2010, Carlos traverse l'Atlantique pour les États-Unis avec femme et enfant. Ce qui devait être une parenthèse de 2 ans devient une immersion totale. Quinze ans plus tard, il vit toujours là-bas. Pendant toutes ces années, Carlos a décortiqué l'Amérique de l'intérieur : sa culture du dépassement, son obsession du business, son rapport décomplexé à l'argent. Cette mentalité du « All-in » permanent où tout peut exploser ou s'effondrer. Entrepreneur, il devient aussi VC, investit dans 57 startups et observe de près ceux qui tiennent le choc et ceux qui repartent, brisés par le choc culturel. Il voit les États-Unis aspirer les talents, les ambitions, les financements. Et il comprend que la réussite ici n'est pas qu'une question d'idée, mais de système, d'énergie, de brutalité aussi. Aujourd'hui, avec son podcast Silicon Carne, il construit un média devenu un vrai business, suivi par une audience ultra qualifiée de décideurs français. Un échange fascinant, brut, lucide avec un entrepreneur passionnant et passionné. Bonne écoute !===========================
Ellen Huet (Empire of Orgasm: Sex, Power, and the Downfall of a Wellness Cult) is a journalist, startup founder, and author. Ellen joins the Armchair Expert to discuss must-haves versus most-haves in terms of cult sexuality requirements, her hot tips for avoiding cults that are too extractive, and her dealings with Silicon Valley and venture capitalists. Ellen and Dax talk about when she began covering orgasmic meditation startup OneTaste, the OM course to cult pipeline, and the intricacies and systems of manipulation concocted by OneTaste's leader. Ellen explains unpacking potential power dynamics of sexual abuse, how much status games weigh into human behavior, and why she believes there's no one invulnerable to indoctrination.Follow Armchair Expert on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Watch new content on YouTube or listen to Armchair Expert early and ad-free by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify. Start your free trial by visiting wondery.com/links/armchair-expert-with-dax-shepard/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Join Downtown Josh Brown and Michael Batnick for another episode of What Are Your Thoughts and see what they have to say about the growing fear coming out of Silicon Valley about mass job losses and the idea that this is the last chance to build generational wealth, market sentiment, MAG 7 earnings to watch, Tesla's latest numbers and outlook, and what early earnings season data is actually saying. This episode is sponsored by Public. Find out more at https://public.com/WAYT Sign up for The Compound Newsletter and never miss out! Instagram: https://instagram.com/thecompoundnews Twitter: https://twitter.com/thecompoundnews LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-compound-media/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecompoundnews Public Disclosure: Paid endorsement. Brokerage services provided by Open to the Public Investing Inc, member FINRA & SIPC. Investing involves risk. Not investment advice. Generated Assets is an interactive analysis tool by Public Advisors. Output is for informational purposes only and is not an investment recommendation or advice. See disclosures at http://public.com/disclosures/ga. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and investment values may rise or fall. See terms of match program at https://public.com/disclosures/matchprogram. Matched funds must remain in your account for at least 5 years. Match rate and other terms are subject to change at any time. Investing involves the risk of loss. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be or regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions. Michael Batnick and Josh Brown are employees of Ritholtz Wealth Management and may maintain positions in the securities discussed in this video. All opinions expressed by them are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Ritholtz Wealth Management. The Compound Media, Incorporated, an affiliate of Ritholtz Wealth Management, receives payment from various entities for advertisements in affiliated podcasts, blogs and emails. Inclusion of such advertisements does not constitute or imply endorsement, sponsorship or recommendation thereof, or any affiliation therewith, by the Content Creator or by Ritholtz Wealth Management or any of its employees. For additional advertisement disclaimers see here https://ritholtzwealth.com/advertising-disclaimers. Investments in securities involve the risk of loss. Any mention of a particular security and related performance data is not a recommendation to buy or sell that security. The information provided on this website (including any information that may be accessed through this website) is not directed at any investor or category of investors and is provided solely as general information. Obviously nothing on this channel should be considered as personalized financial advice or a solicitation to buy or sell any securities. See our disclosures here: https://ritholtzwealth.com/podcast-youtube-disclosures/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
What does it cost to care deeply—and what happens when the work that defines you nearly breaks you?In this episode of Remarkable People, Guy Kawasaki sits down with Jane Chen, the co-founder of Embrace and author of the raw, unforgettable memoir Like a Wave We Break. Jane shares her journey from a childhood shaped by fear and expectation to building a life-saving global health organization—and then confronting the burnout, identity loss, and reckoning that followed.This conversation goes far beyond entrepreneurship. Jane opens up about immigration, trauma, ambition, healing, surfing, failure, and what sustainable leadership really requires. It's a candid exploration of success, self-worth, and why impact without self-compassion comes at a high price.---Guy Kawasaki is on a mission to make you remarkable. His Remarkable People podcast features interviews with remarkable people such as Jane Goodall, Marc Benioff, Woz, Kristi Yamaguchi, and Bob Cialdini. Every episode will make you more remarkable.With his decades of experience in Silicon Valley as a Venture Capitalist and advisor to the top entrepreneurs in the world, Guy's questions come from a place of curiosity and passion for technology, start-ups, entrepreneurship, and marketing. If you love society and culture, documentaries, and business podcasts, take a second to follow Remarkable People.Listeners of the Remarkable People podcast will learn from some of the most successful people in the world with practical tips and inspiring stories that will help you be more remarkable.Episodes of Remarkable People organized by topic: https://bit.ly/rptopologyListen to Remarkable People here: **https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/guy-kawasakis-remarkable-people/id1483081827**Like this show? Please leave us a review -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter handle so we can thank you personally!Thank you for your support; it helps the show!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Our 232st episode with a summary and discussion of last week's big AI news!Recorded on 01/23/2026Hosted by Andrey Kurenkov and Jeremie HarrisFeel free to email us your questions and feedback at contact@lastweekinai.com and/or hello@gladstone.aiRead out our text newsletter and comment on the podcast at https://lastweekin.ai/In this episode:OpenAI announces testing of ads in ChatGPT and introduces child age prediction to enhance safety features, amidst ongoing ethical debates and funding expansions in AI integration with educational tools and business models.China's AI landscape sees significant progress with AI firm Jpu training advanced models on domestic hardware, and strong competitive moves by data centers, highlighting the intense demand in AI manufacturing and infrastructure.Silicon Valley tensions rise as startup Thinking Machines experiences high-profile departures back to OpenAI, reflecting broader industry struggles and rapid shifts in organizational dynamics.AI legislation and safety measures advance with the US Senate's Defiance Act addressing explicit content, and Anthropic updating Claude's constitution to guide ethical AI interactions, while cultural pushbacks from artists signal ongoing debates in intellectual property and AI-generated content.Timestamps:(00:00:10) Intro / Banter(00:02:08) News Preview(00:02:26) Response to listener commentsTools & Apps(00:11:55) OpenAI to test ads in ChatGPT as it burns through billions - Ars Technica(00:18:05) OpenAI is launching age prediction for ChatGPT accounts(00:23:37) Google now offers free SAT practice exams, powered by Gemini | TechCrunch(00:24:57) Baidu's AI Assistant Reaches Milestone of 200 Million Monthly Active Users - WSJApplications & Business(00:26:53) The Drama at Thinking Machines, a New A.I. Start-Up, Is Riveting Silicon Valley - The New York Times(00:31:44) Zhipu AI breaks US chip reliance with first major model trained on Huawei stack | South China Morning Post(00:36:31) Elon Musk's xAI launches world's first Gigawatt AI supercluster to rival OpenAI and Anthropic(00:41:25) Sequoia to invest in Anthropic, breaking VC taboo on backing rivals: FT(00:45:18) Humans&, a 'human-centric' AI startup founded by Anthropic, xAI, Google alums, raised $480M seed round | TechCrunchProjects & Open Source(00:48:51) Black Forest Labs Releases FLUX.2 [klein]: Compact Flow Models for Interactive Visual Intelligence - MarkTechPost(00:50:35) [2601.10611] Molmo2: Open Weights and Data for Vision-Language Models with Video Understanding and Grounding(00:52:53) [2601.10547] HeartMuLa: A Family of Open Sourced Music Foundation Models(00:54:46) [2601.11044] AgencyBench: Benchmarking the Frontiers of Autonomous Agents in 1M-Token Real-World ContextsResearch & Advancements(00:57:05) STEM: Scaling Transformers with Embedding Modules(01:06:22) Reasoning Models Generate Societies of Thought(01:14:21) Why LLMs Aren't Scientists Yet: Lessons from Four Autonomous Research AttemptsPolicy & Safety(01:19:41) Senate passes bill letting victims sue over Grok AI explicit images(01:22:03) Building Production-Ready Probes For Gemini(01:27:32) Anthropic Publishes Claude AI's New Constitution | TIMESynthetic Media & Art(01:34:13) Artists Launch Stealing Isn't Innovation Campaign To Protest Big TechSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Is AI truly transforming the way businesses operate, or is it mostly hype? In this episode of The Valley Current®, Jack Russo and Joe Cucchiara dig into the widening gap between AI adoption and how little it's actually used day to day inside organizations. They explore why employees often resist new tools, how AI enthusiasm may be masking a looming bubble, and what history (from the 1929 market crash) can teach us about today's tech-fueled optimism. Joe and Jack also analyze interest rates, tight inventory in Silicon Valley, rising foreclosures, and why a market correction may be coming. It's a no-nonsense conversation that asks the uncomfortable question few are willing to confront: are we building the future, or repeating the mistakes that led to past market collapses as the next economic shift quietly takes shape?
Pay attention to this interview. Because, you see, attention is seriously expensive — the Silicon Valley industry being worth $17 trillion, at least according to the Princeton historian D. Graham Burnett, co-editor of a new manifesto entitled Attensity. For Burnett and his friends in the Attention Liberation Movement, the attention industry is "fracking" the human out of us. Liberating ourselves from its exploitative grasp, then, is an existential challenge. "If we take our attention away," he warns, "it collapses into sand." And so will we. So paying attention involves more than simply putting down our phones. It means joining the Attensity movement and challenging the central attention economy principles of 21st century capitalism.Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe
Artificial intelligence companies raised enormous amounts of money in 2025, and made major investments in development and infrastructure. What's next? To understand more about the role AI could play in our futures, “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal and “Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carino visited an AI company and an AI data center in Silicon Valley. In this episode, the next phase of AI innovation won't come without obstacles.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
Last October, Bari Weiss—best-known as a contrarian opinion writer who launched the right-leaning Free Press—was appointed the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. Donald Trump has called her new regime “the greatest thing that's happened in a long time to a free and open and good press.” The New Yorker staff writer Clare Malone wrote about Weiss's hostile takeover of CBS for the January 26, 2026, issue of the magazine. In a conversation with David Remnick, Malone discusses her reporting on Weiss: how resigning from the New York Times launched Weiss to prominence as a crusader against what she has characterized as woke groupthink; how Weiss gained the support of Silicon Valley titans who had their own political grievances; and the headlines about Weiss's rocky beginning as head of a news network, including the on-air travails of her new anchor, Tony Dokoupil.New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians.
Artificial intelligence companies raised enormous amounts of money in 2025, and made major investments in development and infrastructure. What's next? To understand more about the role AI could play in our futures, “Marketplace” host Kai Ryssdal and “Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carino visited an AI company and an AI data center in Silicon Valley. In this episode, the next phase of AI innovation won't come without obstacles.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.
"You're awakening a dragon. Public anger is stirring." A warning from Rutger Bregman to Silicon Valley. The historian is sounding the alarm over the existential risks posed by unrestrained technology and artificial intelligence in his final BBC Reith Lecture. He calls on those in power to assume responsibility, and help shape a future worthy of hope. Bregman envisions 'moral revolutions' as the path forward and urges us all to come together to take on this task. "Small groups of committed citizens have bent the arc of history towards justice. And whatever the outcome, there is beauty in trying, beauty in every act of courage, in every spark of truth."
How do you protect the IP of a rapidly growing technology company in the dynamic AI sector without slowing engineers or missing what really matters?That question is at the center of this episode of Clause 8, where host Eli Mazour sat down with Subroto Bose, Head of IP at Astera Labs, at the VIA Licensing Alliance's 2025 Bridge Summit.Prior to Astera, Subroto held IP leadership roles at global semiconductor companies and standards-driven licensing environments. That breadth of experience informs a central theme of the conversation: effective IP strategy is ultimately about predicting the future. Patents filed today must remain relevant not only at issuance, but across multiple generations of products and shifting market realities.Astera Labs operates at the intersection of AI and semiconductors, a highly competitive space where multiple companies are advancing the technology in parallel and IP strategy must complement active—and sometimes unpredictable—product development. Subroto brings a rare perspective to that challenge, shaped by earlier experiences growing semiconductor patent portfolios and dealing with non-practicing entities at Altera and Marvell, as well as buying patent portfolios and participating in patent pools at Dolby Laboratories, before taking on the task of building an IP program from scratch at Astera.During the discussion, Eli and Subroto explore how early-stage companies should prioritize patent filings under budget constraints, why patent quality matters far more than volume, and how IP leaders can embed patent thinking directly into engineering culture rather than treating it as a separate legal function.Subroto explains why, in a competitive environment, some IP decisions cannot be deferred without consequences—and how that reality shapes what he chooses to protect and when. He also reflects on what years spent reviewing patents as a buyer taught him about identifying real value, and how that buyer's lens now influences his current role.He also shares why he decided to sit at a desk inside the engineering area when he joined Astera Labs, and the impact that had on how he learned about new technology and engaged engineers.The episode also takes a clear-eyed look at the limits of trade secrets, particularly in industries where disclosure to customers and partners is unavoidable and parallel invention is a real risk. Subroto explains why deciding what belongs in a patent versus what can safely remain confidential is rarely straightforward—and why relying on secrecy alone can leave companies exposed.Finally, Subroto offers advice for those aspiring to become Heads of IP at high-growth Silicon Valley technology companies, reflecting on his own non-linear path into IP leadership, including early litigation work alongside Kathi Vidal before she became USPTO Director.The conversation offers practical insight for anyone interested in how to design and implement an IP program built for long-term success in fast-moving technology markets.Watch the full episode or listen on your favorite podcast app—and subscribe to the new Clause 8 YouTube channel for bonus content.Presented by Tradespace – where ideas take flight.Disclaimer This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.voiceofip.com
Guest: Randy Wootton, a coach at CEO Coaching International. Randy is a seasoned executive, board member, and advisor with more than two decades of experience leading companies through strategic inflection points, turnarounds, and technology shifts. Randy served 8 years in the Navy before taking senior leadership roles at companies including Microsoft and Salesforce, and working as the CEO of public and private equity-backed companies including Rocket Fuel. Quick Background: No one pauses your climb up the corporate ladder to teach you how to be a great CEO. And yet, once you do earn the BIG job, every decision carries weight, and every mistake gets more expensive. CEOs who accelerate through leadership growing pains often lean on experienced mentors, coaches, and peer groups for expertise that helps them avoid common mistakes and Make BIG Happen. On today's show, Randy Wootton shares the hard-earned secrets of success he's gathered over a career that took him from the cockpit of a Navy jet to the boardrooms of Silicon Valley.
(0:00) Intro(1:36) About the podcast sponsor: The American College of Governance Counsel(2:22) Start of interview(3:21) Jennifer's origin story(8:06) Journey to Treasury starting with Sara Lee Corporation, to Cisco and eBay (20-year career in Treasury)(15:05) From Box to CFO roles at Coupons.com and Smartsheet (took it public as CFO)(20:50) Building a Board Career: True Search, Auth0 (acq by Okta), Nerd Wallet, Wyze, Riskified and Klaviyo.(23:40) Private vs. Public Boards(27:47) On founder-led companies(30:01) The Role of Audit Committees(30:50) Navigating AI in the board(36:37) On increased politicization and geopolitics in the boardroom(38:44) CEO-CFO strategy and talking about the hard stuff(40:22) Qualities of a Great Board Member: "The best board members ask the right questions at the right time in the right tone" (from Anita Sands). "They're willing to help in however the company wants them to help."(44:05) Effective Board Meetings(45:59) Books that have greatly influenced her life:Gifts Differing by Isabel Briggs Myers (1980)Discover your Strengths by Donald O. Clifton and Marcus Buckingham (2001)Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (1980)(48:36) Her mentors (50:09) Quotes that she thinks of often or lives her life by "Don't take no for an answer and don't give up" (51:09) An unusual habit or an absurd thing that she loves: Family Search(53:40) The living person she most admires: Taylor SwiftJennifer Ceran is a seasoned finance executive and board member whose career spans treasury leadership, the CFO role, and public and private company board service. Jennifer currently serves on the boards of NerdWallet, Wyze, Riskified, Klaviyo, Flock Safety, and Mesh Payments. You can follow Evan on social media at:X: @evanepsteinLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/epsteinevan/ Substack: https://evanepstein.substack.com/__To support this podcast you can join as a subscriber of the Boardroom Governance Newsletter at https://evanepstein.substack.com/__Music/Soundtrack (found via Free Music Archive): Seeing The Future by Dexter Britain is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License
The launch of China's DeepSeek AI tool a year ago sent shockwaves through US markets and Silicon Valley. But now Chinese AI tech is being used by more and more US companies. Our North America Technology Correspondent, Lily Jamali, tells us about it.Also this week: shoppers in Denmark are using mobile phone apps to boycott some goods from overseas. And we road-test an exoskeleton taking the physical effort out of long outdoor walks.Presenter: Shiona McCallum Producer: Tom Quinn(Image: An image of a mobile phone displaying the DeepSeek name and logo on the screen. In the background are flags of China and the United States of America. Credit: Reuters.)
A CMO Confidential Interview with Rob Ward, co-founder and General Partner of Meritech Capital, a top Silicon Valley venture firm. Rob shares his take on what he calls a "super terrifying and exciting time" and provides perspective on AI receiving the most capital of any technology in history, the "durability of revenue" and how quickly start-ups are now reaching $100 million in revenue. Key topics include: why VC's focus on growth vs. profitability; the risks associated with massive long-term capital investment; why marketers should pick a "trusted advisor" as their AI partner; and why your data strategy needs "context. Tune in to hear how Astronomer handled the "Coldplay Concert Incident" which immediately became a PR classic and the "VC Foie Gras Effect."What happens when a top venture capitalist pulls back the curtain on AI, valuations, hype cycles, and what's actually working?In this episode of CMO Confidential, host Mike Linton sits down with Rob Ward, Co-Founder and General Partner at Metech Capital, to unpack the realities behind the AI boom. Rob has spent more than 26 years investing in category-defining companies like Facebook (Meta), Snowflake, NetSuite, Zipcar, and Cloudera — and he brings a rare, grounded perspective to today's AI frenzy.Together, they explore: • Why AI adoption is still early — despite explosive growth • The real risks behind inflated valuations and “AI-washing” • How VC decision-making changes during platform shifts • What marketers and executives should actually look for when choosing AI partners • Why data strategy, change management, and trust matter more than tools • What layoffs, productivity, and the future of work really look like beneath the headlines • A masterclass in crisis communications, featuring Ryan Reynolds, Gwyneth Paltrow, and ColdplayIf you're a CMO, CEO, board member, founder, or agency leader trying to make sense of AI without getting swept up in the hype — this is a must-listen conversation.New episodes of CMO Confidential drop every Tuesday.Subscribe for insider perspectives on the most misunderstood role in the C-suite.⸻Chapter Markers00:00 – Welcome to CMO Confidential00:19 – Introducing Rob Ward and today's AI conversation01:13 – Where we really are in AI adoption02:26 – Explosive AI growth: what's real vs hype03:35 – Why enterprise AI adoption is still a slog04:37 – Vendor spend, hyperscalers, and the trillion-dollar buildout06:12 – Is this an AI bubble? Public vs private market realities07:20 – Accelerating investment rounds and lack of diligence08:12 – AI-washing and durability of AI businesses09:46 – Proof-of-concepts, switching costs, and fragile loyalty10:55 – Big Tech vs startups: why this cycle is different11:40 – Why VCs chase platform shifts despite the risks13:05 – How AI is changing profitability and headcount math16:11 – “FOGRA” investing and capital distortion17:00 – Circular investing and data-center risk18:23 – Data centers, GPUs, and betting on the wrong future19:38 – Credit default swaps and financial warning signs21:45 – How executives should choose AI vendors22:58 – Change management and why culture matters most24:09 – Why data strategy is the real AI strategy26:36 – “Frequently wrong, never in doubt” and AI hallucinations27:01 – Practical AI use cases for marketers30:00 – Layoffs, productivity, and what's really happening to jobs33:05 – The best questions to spot real AI fluency35:00 – AI safety, geopolitics, and long-term risks36:38 – Crisis management masterclass: Astronomer, Coldplay & Ryan Reynolds39:58 – Final advice and closing thoughts⸻Comma-Separated TagsCMO Confidential, AI strategy, artificial intelligence, venture capital, Rob Ward, Metech Capital, AI adoption, AI hype, AI bubble, enterprise AI, generative AI, AI in marketing, CMO leadership, marketing leadership, venture investing, AI vendors, data strategy, change management, AI readiness, tech valuations, AI infrastructure, data centers, future of work, AI layoffs, crisis communications, brand crisis management, Ryan Reynolds marketing, Gwyneth Paltrow Astronomer, Coldplay controversy, Silicon Valley, marketing podcast, C-suite leadershipSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The Information's Editor-in-Chief Jessica Lessin talks with TITV Host Akash Pasricha about the erupting political debate in Silicon Valley, Sam Altman's internal warnings about ICE, and Anthropic CEO's AI Essay. We also talk with David Levy of Porch Capital about Nvidia's deepening ties to CoreWeave and the future of edge inference, Erin Woo about the massive legal trials facing social media giants, and we get into Pinterest's major layoffs and AI shift with a previous clip of Pinterest CEO Bill Ready.Articles discussed on this episode: https://www.theinformation.com/newsletters/the-briefing/social-medias-reckoninghttps://www.theinformation.com/briefings/pinterest-cut-15-staff-part-ai-shifthttps://www.theinformation.com/briefings/openai-ceo-says-ice-going-far-internal-memoSubscribe: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theinformation The Information: https://www.theinformation.com/subscribe_hSign up for the AI Agenda newsletter: https://www.theinformation.com/features/ai-agendaTITV airs weekdays on YouTube, X and LinkedIn at 10AM PT / 1PM ET. Or check us out wherever you get your podcasts.Follow us:X: https://x.com/theinformationIG: https://www.instagram.com/theinformation/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@titv.theinformationLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theinformation/
If we don't build it, China will.That's the rallying cry of the tech companies and governments racing to develop artificial intelligence as fast as humanly possible. The argument is that whoever reaches AGI first won't just be dominant technologically, or economically – they'll be the world's next super power. But, if I'm being honest, I don't know if that framing holds up. And part of the reason for that is that we don't really understand China.Enter Keyu Jin. Jin is a Harvard trained economist who splits her time between London and Beijing, and her book, The New China Playbook, is her attempt to “read China in the original” – to provide a firsthand look at the forces that shaped the country's unprecedented rise. China's success is a puzzle. How did one of the poorest nations on the planet become the second richest in less than a century? How did an economy without free markets birth a tech sector that rivals – and in some ways surpasses – Silicon Valley?The answers to these questions aren't academic. China became a global power without capitalism and without democracy, which means its success has profound implications for both.And as Canada sets out to find its footing in a rapidly changing world order, one thing is abundantly clear: we need to start reckoning with the Chinese playbook. Mentions:The New China Playbook, by Keyu Jin Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
For years, we've heard about AI transforming software development. But what if that same level of agentic, AI-driven collaboration could be applied not just to writing code, but to writing your entire go-to-market playbook? Agility requires that your go-to-market teams operate at the speed of insight, not at the speed of manual data entry and fragmented workflows. This means empowering them with tools that don't just provide data, but automate action based on strategic intent. Today, we're going to talk about the concept of an 'agentic' go-to-market platform, where AI doesn't just assist, but actively collaborates with sales and marketing teams to automate entire workflows, from strategy to execution. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome, Marcio Arnecke, Chief Marketing Officer at Apollo.io. About Marcio Arnecke As Apollo.io's Chief Marketing Officer, Marcio Arnecke brings a visionary approach to scaling high-growth B2B SaaS marketing in the AI-driven sales landscape. With over two decades of experience driving revenue acceleration across global markets, he has consistently transformed early-stage technology companies into market-defining brands. Hisexpertise in AI-powered go-to-market strategies uniquely positions him to accelerate Apollo's mission of empowering sales teams through intelligent data and automation. Previously, he played a pivotal role in scaling marketing functions at SaaS giants like Intercom and Zendesk, where he drove remarkable growth from $40M to $1.7B, culminating in a successful IPO that raised $100 million in 2014. Leveraging his comprehensive background in demand generation, product marketing, and strategic storytelling, Marcio is focused on positioning Apollo as the go-to AI sales platform for SMB and mid-market teams. His approach combines data-driven insights with targeted narrative strategies, translating Apollo's technological capabilities into practical business value. Drawing from his global experience across Silicon Valley and international markets, Marcio aims to expand Apollo's brand and demonstrate how AI can meaningfully improve sales engagement for growing businesses. Marcio holds advanced degrees from Stanford University's Graduate School of Business and Golden Gate University, complemented by a BS in Business Administration from Universidade Feevale in Brazil. Marcio Arnecke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcioarnecke/ Resources Apollo.io: https://www.apollo.io Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code AGILE at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/agile The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Drive your customers to new horizons at the premier retail event of the year for Retail and Brand marketers. Learn more at CRMC 2026, June 1-3. https://www.thecrmc.com/ Enjoyed the show? Tell us more at and give us a rating so others can find the show at: https://ratethispodcast.com/agile Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstrom Don't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.show Check out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company
Last October, Bari Weiss—best-known as a contrarian opinion writer who launched the right-leaning Free Press—was appointed the new editor-in-chief of CBS News. Donald Trump has called her new regime “the greatest thing that's happened in a long time to a free and open and good press.” The New Yorker staff writer Clare Malone wrote about Weiss's hostile takeover of CBS for the January 26, 2026, issue of the magazine. In a conversation with David Remnick, Malone discusses her reporting on Weiss: how resigning from the New York Times launched Weiss to prominence as a crusader against what she has characterized as woke groupthink; how Weiss gained the support of Silicon Valley titans who had their own political grievances; and the headlines about Weiss's rocky beginning as head of a news network, including the on-air travails of her new anchor, Tony Dokoupil. The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week. Tune in wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
¿Te gustaría saber exactamente cómo acceden a oportunidades únicas los emprendedores más exitosos?¿Te gustaría dejar de apostar por contactos que no tienes… y empezar a aplicar un sistema que funciona sin depender de ellos?En este episodio analizamos La Tercera Puerta (The Third Door, 2018) de Alex Banayan, un libro revolucionario que revela cómo un estudiante universitario sin dinero ni conexiones logró entrevistarse con más de 100 de las personas más exitosas del planeta.Alex Banayan no es alguien con privilegios. No iba a una universidad de élite. Sus padres no trabajaban en Silicon Valley. No tenía referencias que abrieran puertas. Pero tenía algo más valioso: un sistema.Un método que funciona una y otra vez, independientemente de dónde empieces. Un patrón que desafía la idea de que necesitas dinero, conexiones o pedigrí para acceder a lo que quieres.Lo más importante: Mientras todos perseguimos las dos puertas que conocemos (la puerta principal oficial y la puerta trasera de los contactos), existe una tercera puerta que la mayoría ni siquiera sabe que existe. Y está disponible para ti.A lo largo del episodio descubrirás:✅ La mentalidad de las tres puertas — Por qué la mayoría solo ve dos, y cómo cambiar tu perspectiva abre posibilidades infinitas✅ El sistema completo paso a paso — Cómo hacer un primer contacto memorable, cómo pasar de solicitante a contribuidor, y cómo progresar sin saltos imposibles✅ El obstáculo invisible — Por qué aunque sepas que la tercera puerta existe, la parálisis mental te detiene... y cómo superarla✅ El poder de la investigación inteligente — Cómo convertirte en un estudiante serio de la persona que quieres contactar, sin parecer obsesivo✅ El cambio de identidad — Por qué "contribuidor" es infinitamente más poderoso que "solicitante", y cómo cambiar esa mentalidad en cada interacción✅ El poder del rechazo — Por qué cada "no" es información, no veredicto final, y cómo diagnosticar qué tipo de rechazo es✅ La estrategia de escalada — Cómo progresar de personas accesibles a personas grandes sin saltos imposibles
Jim coaches product management in startups, growth-stage companies, and Fortune 100s. He's a Silicon Valley founder with over two decades of experience, including an IPO and a buyout. These days, he coaches product leaders and teams to find product-market fit and accelerate growth across a variety of industries and business models. Jim graduated from Stanford University with a BS in Computer Science and currently lectures at both Stanford and University of California, Berkeley in product management.In today's episode of Smashing the Plateau, you will learn how to navigate the AI era in product development and build a sustainable coaching practice around your unique expertise.Jim and I discuss:Jim's career journey from building products to coaching [01:36]The importance of curiosity and ambition in product management [06:11]The benefit of having a dedicated product management coach [09:34]How AI tools are reducing friction in finding the right product [11:55]The exciting opportunities for companies that adopt AI tools effectively [14:32]Why internal transformation is the key competitive advantage [17:27]Advice for professionals building a consulting business [21:13]How peer relationships enhance transformation [24:51]Helping people navigate the turmoil of adopting new AI technologies [26:03]Learn more about Jim at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmorrisstanford/ and https://productdiscoverygroup.com__________________________________________________________About Smashing the PlateauSmashing the Plateau shares stories and strategies from corporate refugees: mid-career professionals who've left corporate life to build something of their own.Each episode features a candid conversation with someone who has walked this path or supports those who do. Guests offer real strategies to help you build a sustainable, fulfilling business on your terms, with practical insights on positioning, growth, marketing, decision-making, and mindset.Woven throughout are powerful reminders of how community can accelerate your success.__________________________________________________________Take the Next Step• Experience the power of community.Join a live guest session and connect with peers who understand the journey:https://smashingtheplateau.com/guest• Not ready to join live yet? Stay connected.Get practical strategies, stories, and invitations delivered to your inbox:https://smashingtheplateau.com/news
¿Te gustaría saber exactamente cómo acceden a oportunidades únicas los emprendedores más exitosos?¿Te gustaría dejar de apostar por contactos que no tienes… y empezar a aplicar un sistema que funciona sin depender de ellos?En este episodio analizamos La Tercera Puerta (The Third Door, 2018) de Alex Banayan, un libro revolucionario que revela cómo un estudiante universitario sin dinero ni conexiones logró entrevistarse con más de 100 de las personas más exitosas del planeta.Alex Banayan no es alguien con privilegios. No iba a una universidad de élite. Sus padres no trabajaban en Silicon Valley. No tenía referencias que abrieran puertas. Pero tenía algo más valioso: un sistema.Un método que funciona una y otra vez, independientemente de dónde empieces. Un patrón que desafía la idea de que necesitas dinero, conexiones o pedigrí para acceder a lo que quieres.Lo más importante: Mientras todos perseguimos las dos puertas que conocemos (la puerta principal oficial y la puerta trasera de los contactos), existe una tercera puerta que la mayoría ni siquiera sabe que existe. Y está disponible para ti.A lo largo del episodio descubrirás:✅ La mentalidad de las tres puertas — Por qué la mayoría solo ve dos, y cómo cambiar tu perspectiva abre posibilidades infinitas✅ El sistema completo paso a paso — Cómo hacer un primer contacto memorable, cómo pasar de solicitante a contribuidor, y cómo progresar sin saltos imposibles✅ El obstáculo invisible — Por qué aunque sepas que la tercera puerta existe, la parálisis mental te detiene... y cómo superarla✅ El poder de la investigación inteligente — Cómo convertirte en un estudiante serio de la persona que quieres contactar, sin parecer obsesivo✅ El cambio de identidad — Por qué "contribuidor" es infinitamente más poderoso que "solicitante", y cómo cambiar esa mentalidad en cada interacción✅ El poder del rechazo — Por qué cada "no" es información, no veredicto final, y cómo diagnosticar qué tipo de rechazo es✅ La estrategia de escalada — Cómo progresar de personas accesibles a personas grandes sin saltos imposibles
Gary and Shannon break down the high-stakes Super Bowl ad wars and the "996" work culture creeping into Silicon Valley. From the $8 million price tag for a 30-second spot to the viral "Be Curious" philosophy of Ted Lasso, the team covers the hustle, the hype, and the perfect host gift for a Super Bowl party. #WhatsHappening: President Trump and Governor Walz talk solutions for the Minneapolis ICE crisis, plus a look at the "ice-pocalypse" storm recovery. The $8 Million Commercial: A deep dive into the soaring costs of Super Bowl ads. Are brands getting their money's worth, or has the "Big Game" become a big bubble? #MotivationalMonday: Gary plays the classic Ted Lasso darts scene, but the "Be Curious, Not Judgmental" mantra wins out. The 996 Takeover: What is the "9-9-6" schedule and why is Silicon Valley ditching work-life balance for the 72-hour workweek? We unpack the hive mindset of the modern tech world. Party Protocol: Listeners weigh in on the ultimate Super Bowl host gift. What should Shannon bring to Gary’s house to ensure a "delightful” Super Bowl Sunday? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
We're continuing our series called Stop Striving, Start Surrendering! This week, Pastor John shares how we can find our confidence in faith and God and through a clear conscience.GET CONNECTED + PRAYERNew to EDEN? We'd love to pray for you, too! Let us know at https://eden.church/connectLEARN ABOUT EDEN CHURCHEDEN is a startup church in Silicon Valley. Learn more at https://eden.churchFIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIAFB:https://www.facebook.com/edenthechurchIG:https://www.instagram.com/edenthechurch/GIVE TODAYhttps://eden.church/give
She skateboards to work, has a skydiving license, and was the world's youngest self-made female billionaire. Journalist Zing Tsjeng and BBC Business Editor Simon Jack tell the story of Lucy Guo and trace her trajectory to becoming one of the tech titans. From dropping out of college to join Peter Thiel's Fellowship, to couch-surfing as a millionaire, they follow Lucy Guo's journey to found Scale AI, a company that trains artificial intelligence for giants like OpenAI's ChatGPT, Google, and Microsoft.Good Bad Billionaire is the podcast that explores the lives of the super-rich and famous, tracking their wealth, philanthropy, business ethics, and success. There are leaders who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and in high street fashion. From iconic celebrities and CEOs to titans of technology, the podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, economics, ambition and moral responsibility. Simon and Zing put their subjects to the test with a playful, totally unscientific scorecard — then hand the verdict over to you: are they good, bad, or simply billionaires?Here's how to contact the team: email goodbadbillionaire@bbc.com or send a text or WhatsApp to +1 (917) 686-1176. Find out more about the show and read our privacy notice at www.bbcworldservice.com/goodbadbillionaire
In this episode of The Digital Executive, Brian Thomas sits down with Christina Snyder to explore how outsourcing has evolved from a cost-saving tactic into a strategic growth engine. Christina shares how global talent access, remote work, and flexible engagement models are helping companies scale faster, improve customer experience, and access specialized skills worldwide. The conversation dives into how leaders should measure outsourcing success, align talent strategies with business KPIs, and prepare for the future as AI and automation reshape global workforces. A must-listen for executives rethinking how and where work gets done.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
For media moguls, we are living, to borrow from Dickens, in the best and worst of times. As Nicholas Thompson confessed to me at DLD, The Atlantic CEO is simultaneously “excited” and “terrified” by the power of AI to revolutionize his media industry. On the one hand, Thompson explains, AI represents the best tool journalism has ever had for locating needles in haystacks. On the other hand, AI has the potential to obliterate traditional media's entire business model. So what's it to be: extinction or renaissance? For Thompson, a lot depends on the fate of copyright. If our Silicon Valley leviathans pay for the original content that powers their intelligence, then media companies can prosper in the age of AI. If not, then it really will turn out to be the worst of times for high quality, curated publications like The Atlantic. Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe
In this episode of The Digital Executive, host Brian Thomas sits down with Sheldon Arora, CEO of StaffDNA and LiquidAgents Healthcare, to explore how technology is transforming healthcare staffing. With more than two decades of experience in healthcare and workforce innovation, Sheldon breaks down why traditional staffing models have failed to evolve—and how marketplace platforms are changing the game.Sheldon explains how StaffDNA's real-time, transparent marketplace removes friction for both clinicians and employers, enabling faster, smarter hiring at scale. The conversation dives into automation versus human judgment, the role of AI in improving job-candidate matching, and how data-driven insights can help clinicians find work they truly love.Looking ahead, Sheldon shares his vision for just-in-time healthcare staffing, where AI enables hospitals to match talent on demand—reducing costs while improving outcomes. This episode offers a compelling look at the future of healthcare hiring through the lens of innovation, efficiency, and human-centered design.If you liked what you heard today, please leave us a review - Apple or Spotify. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Nine out of ten startups fail, yet Europe keeps funding them the same way.Governments replace judgment with bureaucracy, capital replaces experience, and failure is misunderstood instead of learned from.This conversation exposes why venture capital is a profession, not a policy tool — and why getting this wrong quietly kills innovation.In this episode, Jim Pulcrano, Adjunct Professor at IMD and longtime venture investor, explains why most venture capital systems fail before capital is even deployed.Drawing on four decades across Silicon Valley, Europe, and academia, Jim dismantles the myth that VC success comes from spreadsheets, credentials, or government programs. Instead, he shows why pattern recognition, lived experience, and exposure to failure are the real differentiators.As Jim puts it:(01:13:27) “Silicon Valley is the world's capital of failure — and also the capital of learning.”That mindset difference explains why Europe struggles to scale founders, why governments unintentionally create zombie companies, and why operators consistently outperform theorists when backing the next generation of companies.This is not a motivational episode. It's a structural diagnosis of how innovation ecosystems actually work — and where Europe still gets in its own way.
In this episode, Luke Rockenbach, Chief Financial Officer for Sutter Health's Silicon Valley Division, discusses strategies to balance growth, operational efficiency, and value-based care while navigating complex healthcare economics. He shares how optimizing space, expanding clinician capacity, and leveraging technology are shaping priorities and opportunities for 2026.
He's mysterious and aspirational, but is he even real? Or is he just a reflection of all of our society?The ‘finance bro' has become a pretty ubiquitous figure in the American zeitgeist. From American Psycho and Mad Men to the tech bros of Silicon Valley, he's taken many forms. And these days he has flipped genders in the hit HBO series Industry. But what makes the finance bro mythology so compelling? And why do we sign up to watch him again and again?To find out, Brittany is joined by chief correspondent at Business Insider and host of Channels, Peter Kafka and Roxana Hadadi, TV critic for Vulture and New York Magazine.Support Public Media. Join NPR Plus.Follow Brittany Luse on Instagram: @bmluseFor handpicked podcast recommendations every week, subscribe to NPR's Pod Club newsletter at npr.org/podclub.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
You’re meeting us at a ‘very Chinese time in our lives’ and today’s episode is no exception — it’s all about China. First, Oz explains China’s attempt to claw a Singaporean AI company, Manus, back from Meta. And why Chinese customs are rejecting NVIDIA H200 chips. Is China fighting back? Then, Karah fills us in on why everyone on TikTok is saying they are Chinese. Finally, humans fold laundry for hours while humanoid robots just watch, TikTok launches a new app for microdramas and Silicon Valley is hiring ‘cracked’ engineers. Additional Reading: China Is Investigating Meta’s Acquisition of the AI Start-Up Manus | The New York Times China blocks Nvidia H200 AI chips that US government cleared for export | The Guardian TikTok Shows Americans In Their ‘Chinese Era’ of Health Habits | Bloomberg In Chinese data factories, workers teach humanoid robots boring tasks | Rest Of World TikTok quietly launches a microdrama app called 'PineDrama' | TechCrunch Forget Vibe Coders: ‘Cracked Engineers’ Are All the Rage in Tech | The Information See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Sean and Andy are joined by Connor Mulhern, lead researcher at the Reactionary International Research Consortium, and Henry Wallace, head honcho at the New International Magazine and Franco-American raconteur, to discuss the networks of power and influence behind the rise of right populist movements across the globe. How might this reactionary global influence network compare to the unsuccessful 20th century attempt to create a fascist international or the relative successes of the Mount Pelerin Society later on? Where does an increasingly reactionary Silicon Valley fit in? What is the connection between Trumpism and the burgeoning European post-fascist movement? And how might they be confronted and defeated without the working class allying itself with the avatars of a dying liberal order like Keir Starmer and Kaja Kallas?https://reactionary.international/cases/ https://www.newintermag.com/washington-is-no-ally/https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/11/opinion/national-security-strategy-us-europe.htmlTo listen to the full episode and all our wonderful bonus content become a supporter of our show at http://patreon.com/thiswreckageSong: JPEG Mafia - Vulgar Display of Power
World leaders in Davos are talking about 'tech sovereignty', but can Europe or the UK really achieve digital autonomy when so much of the AI and cloud infrastructure is controlled by a handful of US firms? Danny and Katie talk to Hany Farid about the geopolitics of tech, and the fear of an 'AI kill switch' - is this scaremongering or a real concern?Guest: Hany Farid, UC Berkeley professor and Co‑Founder & Chief Science Officer at GetReal Security.Image: Getty Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
John Corcoran is a recovering attorney, an author, and a former White House writer and speechwriter to the Governor of California. Throughout his career, John has worked in Hollywood, the heart of Silicon Valley, and run his boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area, catering to small business owners and entrepreneurs. Since 2012, John has been the host of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast, where he has interviewed hundreds of CEOs, founders, authors, and entrepreneurs, including Peter Diamandis, Adam Grant, Gary Vaynerchuk, and Marie Forleo. John is also the Co-founder of Rise25, a company that connects B2B businesses with their ideal clients, referral partners, and strategic partners. They help their clients generate ROI through their done-for-you podcast service. In this episode… It's easy to get stuck obsessing over downloads, promotion tactics, and growth hacks before you ever hit publish. But what if the real key to podcast success has less to do with flashy marketing and more to do with how you show up and who you serve? How should podcasters actually think about promotion if they want results that matter? For John Corcoran, the key lies in not overcomplicating promotion before the podcast even exists. He explains that many people fall into analysis paralysis, worrying about promotion instead of launching, having real conversations, and letting the show evolve. His perspective reframes podcasting as a long-term relationship and partnership strategy, not a vanity numbers game, which ultimately leads to more meaningful growth and business impact Tune in to this episode of the Smart Business Revolution Podcast as Chad Franzen of Rise25 interviews John Corcoran about smart podcast promotion strategies. They discuss why launching matters more than over-optimizing, how guest-driven growth really works, and why staying within the same medium boosts results. John also delves into partnerships, positioning, and why downloads shouldn't be your main focus.
If you're not familiar with "X years to escape the permanent underclass", see the New Yorker here, or the Laine, Bear, and Trammell/Dwarkesh articles that inspired it. The "permanent underclass" meme isn't being spread by poor people - who are already part of the underclass, and generally not worrying too much about its permanence. It's preying on neurotic well-off people in Silicon Valley, who fret about how they're just bourgeois well-off rather than future oligarch well-off, and that only the true oligarchs will have a good time after the Singularity. Between the vast ocean of total annihilation and the vast continent of infinite post-scarcity, there is, I admit, a tiny shoreline of possibilities that end in oligarch capture. Even if you end up there, you'll be fine. Dario Amodei has taken the Giving What We Can Pledge (#43 here) to give 10% of his wealth to the less fortunate; your worst-case scenario is owning a terraformed moon in one of his galaxies. Now you can stop worrying about the permanent underclass and focus on more important things. On that tiny shoreline of possible worlds, the ones where the next few years are your last chance to become rich, they're also your last chance to make a mark on the world (proof: if you could change the world, you could find a way to make people pay you to do it, or to not do it, then become rich). And what a chance! The last few years of the human era will be wild. They'll be like classical Greece and Rome: a sudden opening up of new possibilities, where the first people to take them will be remembered for millennia to come. What a waste of the privilege of living in Classical Athens to try to become the richest olive merchant or whatever. Even in Roman times, trying to become Crassus would be, well, crass. https://www.astralcodexten.com/p/you-have-only-x-years-to-escape-permanent
Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar has made a career of cleverly using insights from behavioral economics to fuel her work in the Obama White House and in Silicon Valley. She talks with host Jeff Berman about the tools everyone can use to be more resilient in the face of change. You can find Maya's book The Other Side of Change here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729180/the-other-side-of-change-by-maya-shankar/Check out Maya's podcast A Slight Change of Plans here: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plansSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this inspiring episode of the Payne Points of Wealth, Ryan sits down with Jimmy Chen—founder and CEO of Propel, the groundbreaking fintech company modernizing America's social safety net and serving millions of low‑income families each month. Jimmy shares his remarkable journey from arriving in Kansas City as a four‑year‑old immigrant from China with parents who had just $200, to becoming a Stanford graduate, early product manager at LinkedIn and Facebook, and ultimately the creator of one of the most impactful social‑good tech companies in the country. You'll hear: How Jimmy's childhood shaped his relationship with money, scarcity, and grit—including his early “entrepreneurial” idea to sell his toys to avoid being a burden on his family His realization that Silicon Valley was building tech for people like themselves, not for the millions relying on programs like SNAP. The company's 11‑year journey—from 60 investor rejections and a $12,000 Kickstarter, to raise $90 million from top VCs and investors like Serena Williams and Kevin Durant. Why Jimmy hires self-reliance, resilience, and at least one successful —not pedigree. The massive role AI now plays in Propel's product, customer support, and internal operations. What he believes the future of education, work, and technology will look like in an AI‑driven world. Jimmy also opens up about the “chip on his shoulder” to succeed, his father's work ethic, why frugality helped and hindered him, and the music that shaped him as a kid, navigating life in a new culture. This is a powerful story of ambition and purpose—proof that game‑changing ideas don't just come from Silicon Valley, but from childhood uncertainty and a deep commitment to help those less fortunate in our country. Tune in for a conversation that's heartfelt, eye‑opening, and packed with wisdom for entrepreneurs, parents, and anyone navigating big decisions about money, purpose, and impact
In the schools of the (near) future, teachers will be replaced by robots and learning will be personalized, allowing each student to move at their own pace. AI refuser and self-described ‘ed tech Cassandra' Audrey Watters says that the vision of education being peddled by Silicon Valley today is virtually indistinguishable from the Cold War fantasy of futuristic schools. Watters makes the case that seventy years after the Soviets launched Sputnik into space, the US and its schools remain trapped in a ‘Sputnik moment.' The financial support of listeners like you keeps this podcast going. Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/HaveYouHeardPodcast
In 2022, nonprofit neighborhood groups, backed by Silicon Valley billionaires, helped recall a progressive district attorney in San Francisco. What happened next would change the country. In Part One of What Tech Wants, Lever Time's investigation into why Silicon Valley is buying our democracy, producer Ariella Markowitz uncovers how a local experiment unlocked a new formula for political power. Get ad-free episodes, bonus content and extended interviews by becoming a member at levernews.com/join. To leave a tip for The Lever, click here. It helps us do this kind of independent journalism. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
She built a brand that caught the attention of Goop, TEDx, and Silicon Valley's elite. Orgasmic meditation was sold as empowerment and connection. But former members later described something else entirely: coercion, exploitation, and control behind the curated wellness aesthetic. By 2023, the story moved from podcasts and profiles to arrests and a criminal courtroom. This week's episode is OneTaste Sex Cult - Part 2.Click here for this week's show notes.Click here to sign up for our Patreon and receive hundreds of hours of bonus content.Please click here to leave a review and tell us what you think of the show.Please consider supporting the companies that support us!-This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/SINISTER.-Hero Bread is offering 10% off your order. Go to hero.co and use code CREEPY at checkout
Greg Moran is a multi-exit founder, author and investor behind Scaling Across Borders, a docuseries uncovering how scrappy founders build world-class companies in overlooked markets with grit, creativity, and zero Silicon Valley backing. Top 3 Value Bombs 1. Build talent, drive cash. Great founders don't wait for perfect conditions; they create talent and generate revenue from day one. 2. Constraints breed creativity. Scarcity forces innovation and speed. Founders in underdog markets out-execute those with unlimited funding. 3. Expand your borders. Thinking globally from day one opens access to talent, customers, and resilience most founders never tap into. A founder-led docuseries uncovering the real stories of entrepreneurs building in overlooked corners of the world - Scaling Across Borders Website Sponsors HighLevel - The ultimate all-in-one platform for entrepreneurs, marketers, coaches, and agencies. Learn more at HighLevelFire.com. Intuit QuickBooks - Transform your cash flow and your business this year. Check out QuickBooks money tools today! Learn more at QuickBooks.com/money. Terms apply. Money movement services are provided by Intuit Payments Inc., licensed as a Money Transmitter by the New York State Department of Financial Services.