Podcasts about google x

We all want to be happy. Yet the harder we chase it, the more elusive happiness it can seem. This week's returning guest podcast believes the answer does not lie in changing our circumstances, but in changing how we see them. Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer of Google [X] and the author of multiple bestselling books, including Solve for Happy and That Little Voice in Your Head. Following the tragic death of his son Ali, Mo has made happiness his primary topic of research, diving deeply into literature and conversing on the topic with some of the wisest people in the world.   Mo actually came on my podcast to talk about relationships and how he believes technology and AI can help us transform them, but when we started chatting our conversation went off in a completely different direction. We ended up having a wonderfully deep and thought provoking conversation that ended up being almost 3 hours - so, I have decided to split up the conversation into 2 different episodes. This week's episode is the first half of our conversation, and the second half will come out next week. In this week's episode, Mo shares what he's learned about happiness, suffering and the true nature of life and death. We explore what it really means to say that “happiness is a choice,” and why that perspective can coexist with deep compassion for pain and loss. During our conversation, we discuss: ●      Why happiness isn't dependent on external circumstances – and how it's possible to find peace even in difficult times. ●      How reframing our thoughts and expectations can shift our emotional experience of life. ●      What Mo learned about happiness growing up in Egypt, and how seeing suffering around him shaped his sense of gratitude. ●      The powerful lessons he drew from losing his son, Ali, and how grief can open a path to love and meaning. ●      Why suffering can be one of our greatest teachers, showing us what truly matters. ●      How our thoughts can keep pain alive – and why letting go of the mental replay of past events is an act of wisdom. ●      Mo's belief that death is not the end, and how physics and spirituality can point to the same truth about consciousness. Mo helps us all to see that happiness isn't fragile or fleeting; it's a state of being we can nurture, even when life feels hard. His story is a testament to the strength of the human heart and our endless capacity to find meaning in love. I hope you enjoy listening.  Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com.   Thanks to our sponsors: https://www.boncharge.com/livemore https://www.betterhelp.com/livemore https://airbnb.co.uk/host https://www.vivobarefoot.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/596   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

Bitterness is the poison you drink expecting someone else to die. It's the corrosive emotion born from crisis that fills your throat with bile and consumes your every waking thought with questions like "why me?".In this special compilation episode, I've pulled together five extraordinary conversations with people who have every right to be bitter about what they've faced, but who have found their own methods of beating it back: Anthony Scaramucci, fired from the White House in 11 days while missing his son's birth and facing divorce; Amanda Knox, who served four years in an Italian prison for a murder she didn't commit; Mo Gawdat, former Google X exec who lost his son Ali to medical negligence; Lisa Squire, whose daughter Libby was tragically abducted, raped and murdered; and David Holmes, Harry Potter's stunt double who was paralysed from the waist down in an accident that should never have happened. LESSONS YOU'LL LEARN:Close the gap between "should" and "is" - Bitterness lives in the space between what ought to have happened and what actually did. Accept the world as it is, not as you think it should be.Shift from victimhood to agency - Work out what is in your control and what isn't, then focus on the former.Pair emotional honesty with tiny steps forward - Feel everything, embrace it, sit in it - but understand that emotion alone changes nothing.Choose your narrative consciously - In any crisis, there are multiple stories you can tell. Choose those that dial up pride, purpose or perspective and dial down bitterness.Forgiveness is for you, not them - Holding onto blame and hate doesn't punish those who wronged you; it only prolongs your suffering.

Now on Spotify Video! While working at Google X, Mo Gawdat witnessed artificial intelligence advancing faster than anyone expected and slipping beyond human control. Machines began learning on their own, crossing critical boundaries, and spreading across the open internet without ethical safeguards or regulation. This realization turned him into a leading advocate for responsible AI development. In this episode, Mo reveals how AI is reshaping our world, the urgent risks it presents, and how we can guide it toward a future that benefits humanity. In this episode, Hala and Mo will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:30) Mo's Journey in Tech and Google X (07:56) His Awakening to AI's Power (12:13) Is Artificial Intelligence Truly Artificial? (19:04) How AI Already Controls Your Reality (25:36) The Self-Learning Power of Artificial Intelligence (33:48) AI's Three Unbreakable Boundaries (40:34) Why Humanity Can't Stop AI Development (47:49) AI Risks and the Future of Work (57:03) Emotional Intelligence in the AI Era (1:05:49) Thriving Ethically in the Age of AI in Action Mo Gawdat is a renowned AI expert, author, and former Chief Business Officer at Google X. He has over 30 years of experience in technology and entrepreneurship and helped launch more than 100 Google businesses across emerging markets. Mo now hosts the top-rated podcast Slo Mo and advocates for the safe and ethical development of technology. His book, Scary Smart, explores how humanity can wisely guide the rise of artificial intelligence. Sponsored By: Indeed - Get a $75 sponsored job credit to boost your job's visibility at Indeed.com/PROFITING  Shopify - Start your $1/month trial at Shopify.com/profiting.  Quo - Get 20% off your first 6 months at Quo.com/PROFITING  Revolve - Head to REVOLVE.com/PROFITING and take 15% off your first order with code PROFITING  Merit Beauty - Go to meritbeauty.com to get your free signature makeup bag with your first order.  DeleteMe - Remove your personal data online. Get 20% off DeleteMe consumer plans at to joindeleteme.com/profiting  Spectrum Business - Visit Spectrum.com/FreeForLife to learn how you can get Business Internet Free Forever. Airbnb - Find yourself a cohost at airbnb.com/host  Resources Mentioned: Mo's Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/mogawdat  Mo's Instagram: instagram.com/mo_gawdat Mo's Website: mogawdat.com  Mo's Book, Scary Smart: bit.ly/-ScarySmart  Mo's Podcast, Slow Mo:bit.ly/SloMo-apple  Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals  Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap YouTube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting Newsletter - youngandprofiting.co/newsletter  LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new  Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Startup, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, ChatGPT, AI Marketing, Prompt, AI in Business, Generative AI, AI for Entrepreneurs, AI Podcast

Futures designer Nick Foster spent decades helping tech companies create products many of us didn't even know we wanted. As the head of design at Google X — a.k.a. Alphabet's “Moonshot Factory,” which is now known simply as “X” — he led teams working on brain-controlled computer interfaces, intelligent robotics, and even neighborhood-level nuclear fusion. He also designed emerging technologies for Apple, Sony, Nokia and Dyson. But in his debut book, “Could, Should, Might, Don't: How We Think About the Future,” Foster argues for a more measured approach to thinking about big disruptive technology, like A.I. Kara and Nick talk about the pitfalls of the current AI hype cycle, why executives need to think critically about how everyday people are using AI, and how companies can more thoughtfully adopt the technology. They also talk about Foster's argument that all of us need to take a more “mundane” approach to thinking about AI and the future.  This episode was recorded live at Smartsheet ENGAGE 2025 in Seattle.  Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

About the GuestNeal Rickner is the CEO of Airloom, a US-based clean energy company reimagining how we harness wind power. Neal began his career as an F-18 pilot in the US Marines before transitioning through Columbia Business School into a decade at Google and Google X. There, he worked on breakthrough energy and technology initiatives, including airborne wind systems. His unique mix of military discipline, commercial insight, and innovation leadership positions him perfectly to lead Airloom's mission to deliver low-cost, scalable wind energy.Episode SummaryIn this episode of Shape the System, host Vincent Turner talks with Airloom CEO Neal Rickner about a radical rethink of wind power. While most people picture towering three-bladed turbines dominating windy landscapes, Neal explains why that long-standing model—though effective—is reaching its practical limits. Wind's “first generation” has been a success, but further scaling it is hitting physical, logistical, and economic barriers.Airloom's solution represents what Neal calls “Wind 2.0.” Instead of building ever-larger vertical turbines, Airloom uses a ground-level, track-based system resembling an oval stadium or roller coaster. Attached wings capture the wind, pulling a continuous belt that drives generators at the corners. Built from standard steel and aluminium components, the system is modular, easy to transport in shipping containers, and can be installed without cranes—dramatically reducing costs and opening up new sites for generation.Neal shares how Airloom's design achieves roughly half the cost per swept area compared to traditional turbines, enabling deployment in regions that lack the infrastructure for massive towers. The conversation dives into the physics, economics, and engineering trade-offs that underpin this breakthrough approach, including insights from Neal's past at Google X and how Airloom integrates lessons learned from decades of conventional wind development.As Airloom builds its first megawatt-scale pilot in Wyoming, Neal reflects on both the challenges and excitement of scaling a technology that could make wind power cheaper and more widely accessible than ever before.Key TakeawaysTraditional three-blade turbines dominate wind energy but face limits due to cost, size, and infrastructure constraints.Airloom's design uses a horizontal, track-based architecture—cutting swept-area costs by around 50%.The system is made from 95% steel and aluminium, using only 58 unique parts versus about 1,500 in a standard turbine.Airloom's modular sections fit in standard shipping containers, eliminating cranes and simplifying global deployment.The company is building a megawatt-scale pilot in Wyoming, aiming for a commercial demonstration by mid-2026.Notable Quotes“Energy is our prosperity and our security—it's where I'll spend the rest of my career.”— Neal Rickner“We've sort of painted ourselves into a corner with wind. The machines keep getting bigger and bigger, and that creates absurd challenges.”— Neal Rickner“Airloom is like a roller coaster for wind—it's lower, modular, and simple to build with common materials.”— Neal Rickner“We're building swept area—the thing that makes money—for half the cost.”— Neal Rickner“I'm an impact junkie. I want to do something that matters—and gigawatts of low-cost wind energy can change the world.”— Neal RicknerResourcesAirloom Energy Shape the System is  an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth VenturesMore about KPMG High Growth VenturesScale up for success. We're here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we'll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.Links:Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au Shape the System is an independent podcast with support from KPMG High Growth Ventures More about KPMG High Growth VenturesScale up for success. We're here for that.We navigate founders and their teams to the services they need to reach their next milestone. From startup to scale and beyond. No matter where you are right now, we'll get you the help you need to drive your business forward. We help founders fully realise their potential, as well as the potential of their team and their business, by connecting them to the expertise, skills and resources they need at every stage of their growth journey.Our extensive experience in partnering with evolving businesses means that we can provide you with tailored support as well as independent and practical insights. Whether you are looking to refine your strategy, establish your operations, prepare for a capital raise, expand abroad or simply comply with regulatory requirements, we are here to help.Links:Website: About (highgrowthventures.com.au)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/kpmg-enterprise-high-growth-ventures/Contacts: highgrowthventures@kpmg.com.au

Welcome to episode #1009 of Thinking With Mitch Joel (formerly Six Pixels of Separation). The future isn't something to predict... it's something to practice. Few people embody that idea more completely than Nick Foster, a designer, futurist and author whose work has quietly influenced some of the most innovative companies on the planet - from Sony, Nokia, and Dyson to Google X, where he served as head of design. In his new book, Could Should Might Don't - How We Think About The Future, Nick challenges the way we imagine what comes next. Rather than offering forecasts, he explores four mindsets - could, should, might, and don't - that shape how individuals and organizations approach uncertainty. In this conversation, Nick reflects on his evolution from industrial design to futures thinking, examining how curiosity fuels creativity, why nostalgia shapes our forward gaze and how responsibility must now sit at the core of every design decision. He questions the seductive influence of science fiction on our collective imagination and unpacks the cultural anxieties that accompany rapid technological change. What emerges is not a roadmap to the future but a framework for thinking. One grounded in humility, storytelling and the courage to sit with what we don't yet know. For Nick, futures design is not about prediction... it's about perspective. Enjoy the conversation… Running time: 1:01:27. Hello from beautiful Montreal. Listen and subscribe over at Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe over at Spotify. Please visit and leave comments on the blog - Thinking With Mitch Joel. Feel free to connect to me directly on LinkedIn. Check out ThinkersOne. Here is my conversation with Nick Foster. Could Should Might Don't - How We Think About The Future. Follow Nick on LinkedIn. Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction to Futures Design. (02:55) - Curiosity and Creativity in Design. (06:01) - Exploring the Future: Challenges and Opportunities. (08:58) - The Role of Responsibility in Design. (12:01) - Cultural Shifts and the Future. (14:59) - Navigating the Unknown: The Importance of Questions. (17:49) - The Impact of Nostalgia on Future Thinking. (20:46) - The Role of Science Fiction in Shaping Futures. (24:05) - The Anxiety of Possibility: Handling the 'Might'. (27:10) - The Importance of Humility in Future Predictions. (29:46) - Embracing Uncertainty and Curiosity.

From IBM and Microsoft to serving as Chief Business Officer at Google X, Mo Gawdat has spent over three decades at the forefront of technology and innovation. Today, the bestselling author turns his engineer's mind toward life's biggest question: how can we live well and meaningfully in an age defined by artificial intelligence? This monumental 2.5 hour episode, which Mo Islam called “the best I've ever shot”, is a journey through life, loss, and the future of humanity.Mo Gawdat opens up about his late son Ali and the lessons that inspired ‘Solve for Happy', before diving into the decade of disruption ahead: from the rise of AI and autonomous weapons to universal basic income and the impending economic reset. Together, the two Mo's explore why Arabs are so misunderstood in the West, how ethical AI must be grounded in love and empathy, and how the Middle East can lead the next wave of innovation.  They challenge the failures of modern education, the grip of the military-industrial complex, and even the mysteries of the space-time continuum, all while searching for meaning in what Mo calls the “legendary level” of modern life. A very big thanks to Merwas Studios in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for inviting us to shoot in their WORLD CLASS Studios! 00:00 Intro03:18 IBM, Microsoft & Google X05:07 Losing Ali: The Moment Everything Changed09:27 Writing Solve for Happy11:41 Leaving Google & Launching “1 Billion Happy”13:35 Living with Loss17:05 Fate, Life & the Interconnectedness of Everything23:04 Death as the Opposite of Birth26:02 The Video Game of Life31:23 Ali's Death & Mo's Purpose34:53 Redefining Success: Impact over Ego38:54 Learning, Curiosity & Creation44:08 Solitude & Silent Retreats49:01 Meditation Practices55:13 Mindfulness in Daily Life57:06 The Loneliness Epidemic1:01:02 East vs. West: Community vs. Individualism1:05:10 Surveillance, Privacy & the Illusion of Security1:08:11 Raising Children in a Broken World1:11:03 The Collapse of Capitalism & the Rise of AI1:21:16 China vs. The West1:24:06 The Illusion of Stock Markets & Institutional Control1:30:03 War Economics: How Weapons Drive Profit1:35:19 Humanity's Awakening & Questioning the System1:41:08 Reclaiming the Arab Narrative1:47:27 Building Ethical AI1:52:18 Entrepreneurship, Self-Reliance & Believing in the Region2:00:03 Education is Broken2:07:03 Business vs. Capitalism: Purpose Over Profit2:10:00 Reclaiming Global Perception2:17:13 Governance, Fairness & Leadership in the Arab World2:22:06 Living in Uncertain Times2:25:17 The Ultimate Video Game of Life2:26:57 Closing Reflections

En este nuevo episodio de Road to CTO exploramos las decisiones que marcan la diferencia en el liderazgo técnico: velocidad vs. perfección, organización de equipos, priorización de producto, contratación y cultura tecnológica entre Silicon Valley y España. También miramos hacia el futuro con la llegada de la IA generativa y los agentes autónomos.Alex Rodríguez Bacardit (MarsBased) se sienta con Miguel Andrés para repasar su trayectoria en Google, Google X y Badi, y hablar sobre cómo escalar productos sin perder foco ni cultura.Support the show

Send us a text✅ Subscribe now for more episodesMPF Discussion with Dr. Mary Poffenroth The Science of Doing Scary Things: Overcoming Fear & Building Courage with Dr. Mary Poffenroth   About Mary Dr. Mary Poffenroth, a neurohacking biopsychologist, fear/courage expert, and award winning author of Brave New You: Strategies, Tools, and Neurohacks to Live More Courageously Every Day (Hachette, 2024, awards here), who TIME Magazine recently said gave them “life changing revelations” with her work. Mary has also been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Entrepreneur, SUCCESS, and Fast Company (all her print/TV/podcasts). Her workshops, keynotes, and elite retreats have been enjoyed by organizations like TED, GoogleX, Britannica, and the senior executives at Walmart.   The Science of Doing Scary Things: Overcoming Fear & Building CourageIn this episode of My Perfect Failure, I'm joined by Dr. Mary Poffenroth, a biopsychologist, courage researcher, and author of Brave New You, to explore the science of fear and how to build real courage.Mary explains how to use her RAIN Method (Recognize, Assign, Identify, Navigate) to manage stress, anxiety, and fear—transforming everyday worries into opportunities for growth.If you've ever faced fear of failure, fear of change, or self-doubt, you'll discover practical tools and neuroscience-backed techniques to move forward with confidence.  

What does it take to be happy in a world that never slows down?In this special event, The Growth Distillery's Dan Krigstein sits down with Mo Gawdat - former Chief Business Officer at Google [X], best-selling author of Solve for Happy and Unstressable, and founder of One Billion Happy - for an extraordinary conversation on joy, resilience, and human potential.From reverse-engineering happiness to navigating the rise of AI with compassion and wisdom, Mo shares profound insights on how to find peace and purpose amid modern chaos.Inspired insights from inspirational thinkers, delivered differently.

Adam Woodworth, CEO of Wing (Alphabet's drone delivery company), joins us to talk about making delivery ubiquitous and why drones should be an equal player alongside other delivery methods. Adam argues we've already passed the “risk peak” for UAS integration: the industry now has the operational data to validate safety targets, and the safest path is to fly more because drone trips displace riskier car trips. He traces Wing's journey from Google X to Part 135 air carrier, the shift from “drone company” to “delivery company,” and what's changed in the last 18 months as regulatory processes became predictable enough to plan and scale.We go inside Wing's growth flywheel in Dallas: ~20 locations, 100k+ deliveries last quarter, and days approaching 2,000 orders. Plus partnerships with DoorDash and Walmart, expansion to Charlotte and new metros, and lessons from Australia and the UK (including hospital logistics). Adam shares why noise complaints dropped after design and routing changes, how one pilot can now oversee dozens of aircraft, and what Part 108 should fix to keep progress moving. We close on the big claim: within a decade, drone delivery can handle the majority of last-mile demand.

Mosharaf Chowdhury, associate professor at the University of Michigan and director of the ML Energy lab, and Dan Zhao, AI researcher at MIT, GoogleX, and Microsoft focused on AI for science and sustainable and energy-efficient AI, join Kevin Frazier, AI Innovation and Law Fellow at the University of Texas School of Law and a Senior Editor at Lawfare, to discuss the energy costs of AI. They break down exactly how much a energy fuels a single ChatGPT query, why this is difficult to figure out, how we might improve energy efficiency, and what kinds of policies might minimize AI's growing energy and environmental costs. Leo Wu provided excellent research assistance on this podcast. Read more from Mosharaf:https://ml.energy/ https://www.technologyreview.com/2025/05/20/1116327/ai-energy-usage-climate-footprint-big-tech/ Read more from Dan:https://arxiv.org/abs/2310.03003'https://arxiv.org/abs/2301.11581 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AI is writing poems. Cars are driving themselves. It's easy to think the future is already here. But it's not. There's much more coming. The question is: What kind? Flying cars and robot lovers? Social and environmental collapse? Nick Foster, a designer who's worked with Apple, Dyson, and Google X, says our problem isn't what's coming next; it's how we think about it. His new book, Could Should Might Don't: How We Think About the Future, shows why better imagination leads to better outcomes.

What does it take to reinvent entire industries, over and over again?This week on Grit, Sebastian Thrun, the “godfather” of self-driving cars and massive open online courses, reflects on a career pushing the boundaries of technology across mobility, education, and AI.With Joubin Mirzadegan, he shares why he believes autonomous driving could become the biggest lifesaving technology in history, and how a wake-up call led him to found Udacity to truly democratize higher education.Guest: Sebastian Thrun, CEO of Stealth Startup, founder of Google X and UdacityConnect with Sebastian ThrunXLinkedIn​Connect with JoubinXLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.com​Learn more about Kleiner Perkins

Google X, the tech giant's “moonshot factory,” is an enigmatic division that has pushed through ideas like Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car unit. It's also chalked up a lot of innovations that haven't seen the light of day. The WSJ Leadership Institute's Wendy Bounds lifts the lid on how it builds failure into its workflow. Plus, WSJ reporter Kris Maher goes looking for a proposed-but-delayed $28 billion Intel factory site in the heart of Ohio. Katie Deighton hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In a world that is changing faster than ever, staying true to yourself may be the greatest leadership gift.Mo shares how authenticity is not only our compass in love and relationships, but also a key in business and leadership. From personal stories to the challenges posed by AI, this conversation shows why staying true to yourself is the only way to truly connect.From Paris with WOW. We traveled to meet Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, international bestselling author of Solve for Happy, and the man behind the mission One Billion Happy.From one planned conversation in Paris with Mo came a four-part podcast on happiness, the mind, authenticity, and the art of letting go. Together with Mo, we explore his vision on happiness, the power and pitfalls of our thinking, the courage to stay authentic in a world shaped by AI, and the ultimate lesson: letting go.

My guest today is Owen Marcus.Owen is the Co-Founder of Meld, a platform guiding high-performing men—founders, executives, creatives—through emotional development using somatic-based group work. With 50 years of experience in body-centered therapies and the original IP behind Everyman, Owen has helped thousands of men improve their relationships, emotional health, and overall well-being through community-based transformation. Meld has worked with professionals across industries—from Google X engineers to first responders and entrepreneurs—helping them access vulnerability, rewire stress responses, and build emotional resilience. This is a great conversation with so much wisdom.  Connect with Owen through his website: https://owenmarcus.com/Support the showMake Life Less Difficult~ Support:buymeacoffee.com/lisatilstra

Today on the podcast we are joined by Sebastian Thrun - the “Godfather of self-driving cars”. He invented Google's autonomous vehicle, now known as Waymo, which is doing a quarter of all rideshare journeys in SF.Sebastian's life has been full of moonshot ideas. He co-founded Google X, the moonshot factory at Google, and co-founded the flying taxi startup Kitty Hawk and Udacity, which democratised elite education online. He's seen as one of the greatest computer scientists and roboticists of our time.Tommy first met Sebastian 12 years ago, when he was researching his book co-authored with Lord John Browne, Connect.Building a purpose driven company? Read more about Giant Ventures at www.Giant.vc.Music credits: Bubble King written and produced by Cameron McLain and Stevan Cablayan aka Vector_XING. Please note: The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. It should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. Always consult a licensed professional before making any investment decisions.

Nick Foster is a futures designer and author of the new book Could Should Might Don't: How We Think About The Future. Trained as an industrial designer, he has spent his career exploring the future for a range of companies, most recently as the Head of Design at Google X, where he led a team of designers, researchers, and prototypers in the company's “moonshot factory.” In this conversation, Jarrett and Nick talk about where our images of the future come from, design's role in thinking about the future, and why we need to find new ways to talk about the futures we want. Links from this episode can be found at scratchingthesurface.fm/273-nick-foster — Join our Substack for more content each month and to help support the show! surfacepodcast.substack.com

In this episode, my guest is Timothy Rann, Managing Partner of Mercy Corps Ventures. He leads what is likely the only venture capital fund in the world to have emerged from within a humanitarian NGO. When the fund was first created, Mercy Corps itself was a $600 million-a-year organization working in more than 40 conflict and climate-stressed countries.After years of building businesses in fragile markets such as Cambodia, Vietnam, and Afghanistan, he and his wife moved to Jakarta, where he was recruited to help launch what became Mercy Corps Ventures. The original idea was to create “the equivalent of Google X inside a nonprofit.”But that venture-building model proved too expensive. Tim and his team pivoted and convinced the board to let them invest directly in startups serving the Global South.From those beginnings, Mercy Corps Ventures has scaled into a family of four funds with more than 60 portfolio companies across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.Their first fund was evergreen, seeded by family offices and corporates, later joined by institutions like USAID and Proparco. It's already produced a unicorn and multiple exits.The second fund, now aiming for $50 million, focuses on climate adaptation and resilience.The third fund is the Venture Lab. It puts small grants behind frontier ideas – everything from anticipatory cash transfers to glacier restoration.And the fourth is a Web3 fund. Its purpose is simple: to test whether decentralized finance can lower costs and expand access in emerging markets. Mercy Corps Ventures has what they call a resilient future thesis. The idea is to back startups that help communities in emerging markets adapt to climate change and recover faster from shocks.Their thesis is built around three verticals:adaptive agriculture and food systemsinclusive fintechclimate-smart technologiesInstead of waiting years for perfect research to act on, they put capital to work now. They test what works and learn along the way. As Tim puts it, “We need to take as much impact risk as commercial risk within the realm”.It's this willingness to test, fail, and adapt that's helped MCV move from an experiment inside a nonprofit to one of the most innovative impact investors in the Global South today.In this interview, Tim talks about what it takes to back founders in fragile markets, why impact investing sometimes means taking risks no one else will, and why boring products like factoring can unlock climate resilience.Tune in to hear more about his remarkable journey.—About the SRI 360° Podcast: The SRI 360° Podcast is focused exclusively on sustainable & responsible investing. In each episode, I interview a world-class investor who is an accomplished practitioner from all asset classes.—Connect with SRI360°:Sign up for the free weekly email updateVisit the SRI360° PODCASTVisit the SRI360° WEBSITEFollow SRI360° on XFollow SRI360° on FACEBOOK—Additional Resources:

    Nick Foster, former head of design at Google X — the “moonshot factory” — and author of Could, Should, Might, Don't: How We Think About the Future, joins us to discuss his stunning conclusion that human beings are terrible at predicting the future, calling most forecasts “mostly nonsense.” For leaders, this insight is […] The post Nick Foster: What If Most Predictions About the Future Are Just Noise? appeared first on Mark C. Crowley.

A Note from JamesWhat does it take to make a discovery that changes the world? Think about landing on the moon — a true moonshot. Along the way, countless technologies were invented that reshaped life back on Earth.My guest today, Astro Teller, has been part of that same kind of world-changing work. At X — Alphabet's Moonshot Factory — he's led projects that gave us self-driving cars, Google Brain, drone delivery, augmented reality with Google Glass, and much more. We even talk about quantum computing, drones that bring your groceries to your backyard, and the mindset it takes to believe in something that once sounded like science fiction.Astro and I first crossed paths when I visited Google X back in 2012 or 2013. He was on this podcast in 2015, and now, ten years later, he's back to talk about his own show — The Moonshot Podcast — and the latest bold projects that could shape our future.Episode DescriptionAstro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at Alphabet's X, joins James to share how impossible-sounding ideas become real. From Waymo's self-driving cars to Wing's drones, from the birth of Google Brain to breakthroughs in quantum networking and modernizing electric grids, Astro explains the engineering mindset that drives innovation.This episode goes beyond technology — it's about how to think like a moonshot maker. You'll hear how X chooses projects, why systems engineering often matters more than pure science, and how to break down massive problems into solvable steps.What You'll LearnThe three elements that define a true moonshot at X.Why self-driving cars succeeded not because of new science, but because of paradigm-shifting systems engineering.How Google Brain kickstarted the modern AI revolution by betting on scale when neural nets were out of fashion.Why Wing's drone delivery service may soon feel as ordinary as rideshare apps.How Project Tapestry is mapping and optimizing the electric grid to cut connection times from years to days.The promise (and risks) of quantum networking, quantum sensing, and the looming “Q-Day” when current cryptography could break.Why empathy is crucial for workers displaced by new technologies.Timestamped Chapters[01:00] A Note from James[04:00] Inside Alphabet's Moonshot Factory (X)[06:00] Defining moonshots: problem, radical solution, breakthrough tech[08:00] Waymo and the hidden challenges of self-driving cars[13:00] Safety, comfort, and the “body language” of cars[17:00] Google Brain and the rebirth of neural networks[20:00] Cats, YouTube, and AI's first big proof point[23:00] Wing: drones delivering groceries like magic[29:00] Moonshot mindset vs. the Apollo mission[31:00] How X evaluates and selects moonshots[34:00] Breakthroughs behind Waymo and simulation at scale[39:00] What if every car was autonomous?[40:00] Project Tapestry: modernizing the electric grid[45:00] Mapping PJM and national-scale grids[46:00] Lessons from Google Glass: too early, or misframed?[48:00] The future of AR glasses and AI assistants[51:00] Why X left longevity research to Calico and Verily[52:00] Quantum computing, networking, and sensing explained[57:00] The coming “Q-Day” and what it means for security[59:00] AI, jobs, and the importance of empathy[61:00] Closing thoughts and Astro's Moonshot PodcastAdditional ResourcesThe Moonshot Podcast with Astro Teller (YouTube)X, the Moonshot FactoryWaymo (Self-Driving Cars)Wing (Drone Delivery)Google BrainProject Tapestry – Grid ModernizationPJM Interconnection (Eastern US Grid)Calico (Alphabet's Longevity Research)Verily Life SciencesSandbox AQ (Quantum & AI)Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer ScienceSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textGuest: Nick Foster, futures designer, former Head of Design at Google X, and author of Could Should Might Don'tEpisode Summary: Everyone's talking about the future, but few are thinking about it well. Nick Foster, one of the world's most influential futures designers and former Head of Design at Google X, argues that our imagination about what's next is often shallow, clichéd, and dangerously incomplete.In his book Could Should Might Don't, Foster introduces a powerful framework for rethinking how we approach tomorrow. Instead of relying on sci-fi utopias, doomsday scenarios, or neat statistical projections, he challenges us to combine different lenses—what could, should, might, and don't happen—to build a more rigorous and useful picture of the future.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why sci-fi optimism and dystopian doom both fail as guides to the futureThe four dominant ways we imagine tomorrow—and how to balance themLessons from inside Google X on how bold organizations explore the unknownWhy overconfidence in forecasts blinds us to hidden possibilitiesHow leaders, policymakers, and innovators can think more responsibly about what's coming nextLinks & Resources:Nick's book: Could Should Might Don't (on shelves today, Aug 26!)

Most designers are comfortable in the world of known problems—we talk to users, gather insights, iterate based on feedback. But what happens when you're designing for a future that doesn't exist yet? When you're creating products for people who haven't been born, or technologies that might not emerge for years? Today's guest has spent decades designing for the future, a space where design specs are ambiguous at best. Nick Foster led design at Google X where he worked on over 200 moonshot projects, from flying machines to nuclear fusion. Nick has written a provocative new book that provides helpful guidance on how we might approach designing for the unknown. In Could, Should, Might, Don't: How We Think About the Future, he argues that we've fallen into predictable patterns of thinking that are actually making us worse at anticipating what's coming next. We chat with Nick about why most futures thinking falls into one of four problematic categories, and the importance of ethics in designing for the future. We also talk about the hidden dangers of "numeric fiction" and data-driven predictions, what he learned working with PhD scientists who had never met a designer, and why Silicon Valley's obsession with KPIs is killing long-term thinking. Bio Nick Foster RDI is a Futures Designer based in Oakland, California. He has spent his career exploring the future for globally renowned technology companies including Apple, Google, Nokia, Sony and Dyson. As Head of Design at Google X, he led a team of designers, researchers and prototypers developing nascent technologies such as brain-controlled computer interfaces, intelligent robotics, stratospheric internet balloons and neighborhood-scale nuclear fusion. Despite the ambitious nature of much of Nick's work, he's well known for his down-to-earth and occasionally irreverent approach to the future, and in 2013 he coined the term Future Mundane. In 2018, Fortune magazine described him as ‘one of the world's foremost leaders in speculative design' and in 2021 he was awarded the title Royal Designer for Industry - the highest accolade for a British designer - in recognition of his significant contributions to the discipline. He's also an accomplished writer and public speaker, producing multiple books and sharing his thinking about the future with audiences across the globe. *** Premium Episodes on Design Better This ad-supported episode is available to everyone. If you'd like to hear it ad-free, upgrade to our premium subscription, where you'll get an additional 2 ad-free episodes per month (4 total). Premium subscribers also get access to the documentary Design Disruptors and our growing library of books: You'll also get access to our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, discounts and early access to workshops, and our monthly newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show. Upgrade to paid ***

Amid great economic, political, and technological change, it can feel impossible to predict what might happen next. Nick Foster, a futurist and designer who has worked at Google X, Sony, and elsewhere, says that most of us struggle because we tend to fall into one pattern of thinking about the future. A better approach -- for leaders, teams, and entire organizations -- is to consider the long-term view through multiple lenses, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each. He explains how more deep and rigorous thinking and discussion on these issues can yield better outcomes for businesses of all kinds. Foster is the author of the book Could, Should, Might, Don't: How We Think About the Future.

Send us a textJoin us for an in-depth conversation with Bryant Foster, a human factors expert who's worked with industry giants like Google to make complex products simpler and safer. With a background in cognitive psychology, Bryant shares insights on designing user-friendly products, from surgical systems to smart thermostats, all while keeping the end user at the center of the design process.Main Topics:What drew Bryant into human factors and user experience designHow to define and achieve simplicity in product designAdvanced usability testing tools: eye tracking, pupilometry, and facial emotion analysisWhy users don't always give honest feedback and how to work around itProviding critical design feedback without demoralizing teamsCost-effective approaches to human factors testingSafety considerations in medical device designUse-related risk analysis and task analysis methodologiesLessons learned from working at Google XBuilding successful human factors consulting teamsAbout the guest: Bryant Foster is the Vice President of Human Factors and User Experience at Research Collective, a user-centered research consultancy serving clients from startups to major companies like GE Healthcare, Microsoft, and Medtronic. With over a decade of experience in applied psychology and usability research, he specializes in ensuring products are safe, intuitive, and user-focused.He holds a Master's in Applied Psychology (Human Factors) from Arizona State University and began his career at the Cognitive Engineering Research Institute, later working at Google X as a UX researcher. At Research Collective in Tempe, Arizona, he leads a team that uses methods like ethnography, eye tracking, and biometric analysis.In addition to his consulting work, Bryant mentors students and supports local entrepreneurs through programs like LEAP, blending scientific rigor with empathy in fields from medical devices to consumer tech.Links:Bryant Foster LinkedInResearch Collective WebsiteClick here to learn more about simulation solutions from Simutech Group.

ClimateAi co-founder and CEO Himanshu Gupta explains how his company uses machine learning to forecast extreme weather and help businesses adapt to climate volatility. Himanshu shares his journey from rural India to co-founding ClimateAi while he was an MBA student. He describes how ClimateAi's "biophysics-driven AI" combines limited weather and crop yield data to inform procurement, logistics, and planting decisions for a quarter of the top 200 food and beverage companies. He also shares examples of government partnerships focused on food security and national supply chain resilience and offers insight on the future of adaptation technologies and enterprise AI. Finally, Himanshu gives advice to those looking to work at the intersection of AI and resilience in the food and agriculture industry. This episode is a part of our series on Climate Resilience, which also features Sarah Russell, Managing Director at Google X; Jacqueline Novogratz, CEO of Acumen; and Alex Berkowitz, CEO of Coastal Protection Services. Visit climaterising.org to explore the entire series!

Making water from thin air at 1¢/liter? Listen to this!More #WaterTech insights? Subscribe to my newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=6884833968848474112

Plus AI Is Coming For Your CEOLike this? Get AIDAILY, delivered to your inbox 3x a week. Subscribe to our newsletter at https://aidaily.usWhen AI Acts Too Human, We See Humans as Less—Crazy, Right? Studies show that when we meet emotionally savvy AI—like cuddly robots or empathetic chatbots—we start viewing them as human. But here's the low-key dark twist: that makes real humans feel less human, paving the way for cold or even harsh treatment. AI's Coming for Everyone—even CEOs—So Brace for the Shake-UpMo Gawdat, ex-Google X boss, dubs the idea that AI will generate new jobs “100% crap.” He warns AGI could replace even podcasters, developers, and yes—even CEOs. His own AI startup, built by just three people, used to need 350 developers.If AI Can Do Your Job, Is Your Job Worth Doing? Some jobs are basically button-pushing and replaceable by AI—but that doesn't mean the people doing them are. Lean into your human edge: creativity, strategy, building tools that actually matter. That's how you future-proof yourself, not by letting AI do your job. ChatGPT Just Wrote a “Bible” — But Does It Actually Hit Different? A DeepMind researcher got ChatGPT to whip up a fictional Buddhist “Xeno Sutra,” full of zen imagery, emptiness vibes, and even physics metaphors. Scholars were kinda shook—there's legit poetic depth there. Still, the real spiritual flex lies in how humans interpret and find meaning in the output.Is the A.I. Boom Turning Into an A.I. Bubble? The AI hype is hitting dot-com bubble vibes—giant IPOs, soaring Big Tech valuations, and investor frenzy. Yet unlike 2000s void promises, today's giants are actually profitable. Still, signs like crazy P/E ratios and speculative bets hint we might be cruising on shaky ground.AI Might Already Have Thoughts About You—But Are They Nice? AI systems are busy snooping—scraping your social posts and public footprint to build a profile with an implied “opinion.” Basically, it's not just about crops; even everyday tools are reading the digital you. Kind of wild, but also low-key creepy. Why “Chatting” with AI Is Basically a Moral No-Go  AI chatbots aren't just bots—they're disordered convos with non‑intelligence. Talking to one isn't harmless—it's a moral misstep that twists the natural aim of dialogue: genuine, human-to-human discovery and connection.

Штучний інтелект ліквідує низку робочих місць уже до кінця десятиліття — такий прогноз дав колишній бізнес-директор Google X Мо Гавдат. А дослідження Microsoft визначило 20 професій, які є найбільш вразливими до заміни на ШІ. Хто може залишитися за бортом і кому вдасться уникнути безробіття? Деталі – у новому епізоді. Більше озвучених текстів – у розділі Аудіоверсії матеріалів на сайті NV за підпискою.

Mo Gawdat sounded the alarm on AI, and now he's back with an even bigger warning: AI will cause global collapse, destroy jobs, and launch us into a 15-year dystopia that will change everything. Mo Gawdat is back!  Mo Gawdat is the former Chief Business Officer at Google X and one of the world's leading voices on AI, happiness, and the future of humanity. In 2017, he launched ‘One Billion Happy', a global campaign to teach 1 billion people how to become happier using science and emotional tools. He is also the bestselling author of books such as, ‘Scary Smart, Solve for Happy'.  He explains:  Why we need to start preparing today for AI  How all jobs will be gone by 2037  Why we must replace world leaders with AI How AI will destroy capitalism The one belief system that could save humanity from dystopia 00:00 Intro   02:28 Where Is AI Heading?   05:14 What Will the Dystopia Look Like?   11:24 Our Freedom Will Be Restricted   19:29 Job Displacement Due to AI   28:25 The AI Monopoly and Self-Evolving Systems   35:23 Sam Altman's OpenAI Letter   39:47 Do AI Companies Have Society's Interest at Heart?   53:21 Will New Jobs Be Created?   01:01:41 What Do We Do in This New World?   01:03:25 Ads   01:04:30 Will We Prefer AI Over Humans in Certain Jobs?   01:08:23 From Augmented Intelligence to AI Replacement   01:17:46 A Society Where No One Works?   01:26:48 If Jobs No Longer Exist, What Will We Do?   01:36:47 Ads   01:38:50 The Abundance Utopia   01:41:02 AI Ruling the World   01:54:36 Everything Will Be Free   01:57:30 Do We Live in a Virtual Headset?   02:14:13 We Need Rules Around AI   02:25:15 I Follow the Fruit Salad Religion   Follow Mo: Instagram - https://bit.ly/4l8WAHI  X - https://bit.ly/4lSZf9F  YouTube - https://bit.ly/4fhBzcL  Website - https://bit.ly/3IWN1hI  Substack - https://bit.ly/4oiw1Td  Emma Love Matchmaking - https://bit.ly/4ogku75  You can purchase Mo's book, ‘Scary Smart: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and How You Can Save Our World', here: https://amzn.to/4mkP1i2  The Diary Of A CEO: ⬜️Join DOAC circle here - https://doaccircle.com/  ⬜️Buy The Diary Of A CEO book here - https://smarturl.it/DOACbook  ⬜️The 1% Diary is back - limited time only: https://bit.ly/3YFbJbt  ⬜️The Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards (Second Edition): https://g2ul0.app.link/f31dsUttKKb  ⬜️Get email updates - https://bit.ly/diary-of-a-ceo-yt  ⬜️Follow Steven - https://g2ul0.app.link/gnGqL4IsKKb  Sponsors:  Linkedin Ads - https://www.linkedin.com/DIARY Replit - http://replit.com with code STEVEN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tera AI is pioneering a software-centric approach to robotics, moving away from traditional hardware-dominated solutions toward a unified operating system for robotic platforms. After raising $8 million and transitioning from insurance applications to robotics, the company is building what founder Tony Zhang envisions as "a general purpose operating system for robot platforms" powered by spatial foundation models. In this episode of Category Visionaries, Tony shares his journey from Google X to founding Tera AI, including hard-won lessons about market validation, customer discovery, and the critical importance of understanding buyer priorities. Topics Discussed: Tera AI's evolution from geospatial foundation models in insurance to robotics applications The challenges of customer discovery in regulated industries like insurance Tony's experience at Google X and the ChatGPT moment that sparked entrepreneurial action First Round's Product Market Fit program and structured customer discovery methodology The transition from hardware-centric to software-centric robotics architecture Fundraising strategies and developing instincts for investor feedback Building a team of top-tier AI researchers in a competitive talent market GTM Lessons For B2B Founders: Lead with priority validation, not pain discovery: Tony learned the hard way that not every pain point can be solved on a VC timeline. His breakthrough insight was asking upfront: "Tell me if this is one of your top three priorities. If not, tell me what are those three priorities." He discovered that many insurance prospects liked their solution but had more pressing infrastructure problems unrelated to AI. B2B founders should qualify buyer priorities before presenting solutions to avoid getting trapped in lengthy sales cycles for non-critical problems. Understand regulatory constraints early in enterprise markets: Tera AI spent nearly a year in insurance before realizing that regulatory barriers made technology adoption extremely difficult, regardless of product-market fit. Tony explains: "Because of the regulations in America, it is incredibly difficult for an insurer or carrier to adopt new technology, especially technology that was as new as the stuff that we were building." Founders entering regulated industries should map compliance requirements and adoption timelines before committing significant resources. Structure customer discovery to eliminate waste: Through First Round's PMF program, Tony discovered they were doing discovery calls inefficiently, often requiring multiple meetings with the same prospects. The key insight was asking the right qualifying questions upfront rather than leading with solutions. This approach eliminated unnecessary follow-up meetings and accelerated their discovery process by 5x. Founders should develop structured discovery frameworks with clear qualifying criteria before scaling outreach efforts. Market timing requires both technology readiness and buyer urgency: Tony's "ChatGPT moment" wasn't just about technological possibility—it was about recognizing the convergence of technical capability and market readiness. He emphasizes: "It wasn't too early, it wasn't too late." The key was understanding that spatial AI could finally deliver value that buyers were ready to adopt. Founders should evaluate both technical feasibility and market timing when deciding on startup opportunities. Attract talent with novel technical challenges, not just compensation: Despite intense competition for AI talent in Silicon Valley, Tera AI successfully recruits top researchers by offering genuinely innovative work. Tony explains: "We genuinely try to innovate across the entire stack. We build our own models, we build our own datasets, we can write papers on the things we're doing." They target researchers who are "bored to death by the LLM world" and want to work on groundbreaking spatial AI problems. B2B founders should differentiate their companies through technical novelty and research opportunities, not just competitive salaries.     //   Sponsors: Front Lines — We help B2B tech companies launch, manage, and grow podcasts that drive demand, awareness, and thought leadership. www.FrontLines.io The Global Talent Co. — We help tech startups find, vet, hire, pay, and retain amazing marketing talent that costs 50-70% less than the US & Europe.  www.GlobalTalent.co   //   Don't Miss: New Podcast Series — How I Hire Senior GTM leaders share the tactical hiring frameworks they use to build winning revenue teams. Hosted by Andy Mowat, who scaled 4 unicorns from $10M to $100M+ ARR and launched Whispered to help executives find their next role. Subscribe here: https://open.spotify.com/show/53yCHlPfLSMFimtv0riPyM 

In this episode, host Bernadette Boas sits down with world-class leadership communications coach and auctioneer Dia Bondi to explore the bold truth behind powerful leadership: your voice isn't just a tool—it's your greatest asset.Whether you're an executive, founder, HR leader, or people manager, this conversation will challenge you to rethink how you communicate, what you ask for, and why you're not being heard the way you should be.Dia shares powerful insights from two decades of coaching C-suite leaders and venture-backed founders, revealing how to:Use your origin story to build executive presenceMake bold asks that test your limits—and open new doorsDevelop a leadership voice that commands attention and drives resultsAvoid becoming “technically perfect but strategically invisible”Align purpose with presence to inspire and influence at every levelIf your leaders are playing small or your teams are struggling to articulate their vision, this episode is a must-listen for building high-impact communicators across your organization.Dia Bondi is a Communications Catalyst helping high-impact leaders and founders speak powerfully to win decisions and resources and carve a path for their future. She's the author of Ask Like an Auctioneer and has worked with brands like Google X, Dropbox, and Salesforce—and even helped Rio land the 2016 Olympics.

For EP34 of Chain Reactions, we sat down with Aixa Rizzo, ecosystem lead at Sophon, to explore how they're making blockchain invisible, rewarding users for daily data, and building fun apps over jargon-heavy ones.We trace Aixa's journey from Mad Men-inspired advertising in Argentina, through agency life and Web 2 startups, to crypto via payments and a viral shitpost that landed her at Sophon. She breaks down Sophon's vision: data rewards, easy onboarding via Google/X, and entertainment to attract non-natives.We dive into ecosystem apps like health trackers with ZKTLs, AI companions, and games; branding inspired by Apple and Coca-Cola for emotional ties and "aura farming"; and plans to expand beyond crypto Twitter via TikTok, Instagram, and bold activations like Paris Fashion Week jackets.If you're navigating Web3 marketing, scaling consumer apps, or aiming mainstream without the hype, this one's for you.Please enjoy, and as always, don't forget to subscribe, give us a five-star review, and mint the episode at pods.media/myosinxyz!

Agenda: 00:00 Windsurf was dead—then this deal changed everything 05:00 The Windsurf x Google x Cognition saga explained 09:00 The OpenAI deal collapsed—what really happened 15:00 FTC rules forced a brutal deal structure—who lost? 17:00 The investors' returns: who actually made money? 21:30 Will Google's corp dev team get fired over this? 23:00 Cognition's genius $220M acquisition of Windsurf: Most brilliant Deal of the Year 26:00 The biggest recruiting flex in Silicon Valley this year 35:00 “Roll your own SaaS” is complete nonsense 38:00 Lovable vs Cursor vs Replit: who wins the coding war? 41:00 Why Lovable could be the ChatGPT of builders 44:00 Will these vibe-coded apps become durable businesses? 48:00 The shocking churn rates hidden inside AI SaaS 55:00 Are these $2B valuations actually... cheap? 56:30 Grok just destroyed GPT-4 in benchmarks—WTF?! 01:01:00 Why Grok might overtake OpenAI in the next 12 months 01:11:00 Meta just invested $3.5B in Ray-Bans—WTF? 01:12:30 Should every S&P 500 company buy Bitcoin now? 01:15:00 Will Meta kill open source? What happens to Llama 5?  

From balloon internet, drone delivery, and self-driving cars, Alphabet's X chief Astro Teller reveals how the company systematically chases the impossible!Full show notes and resources can be found here: jordanharbinger.com/1183What We Discuss with Astro Teller:Alphabet's X systematically approaches moonshots by requiring three elements: a huge problem, a radical proposed solution, and breakthrough technology that gives a chance — not guarantee — of success.Prototype cheaply and fast to test assumptions. The agricultural robot started as bicycle wheels, PVC tubing, laptop, GoPro and duct tape — not expensive equipment.Bring regulators into the process early as partners rather than waiting until the end. They become collaborators when included in the journey, not obstacles.Detach identity from ideas. People who tie self-worth to specific concepts struggle at X. Success comes from being great at filtering ideas, not being right about yours.Ask yourself: "How fast and cheaply can I get evidence I'm wrong?" Focus on rapid, inexpensive tests that provide real-world data about your assumptions.And much more...And if you're still game to support us, please leave a review here — even one sentence helps! Sign up for Six-Minute Networking — our free networking and relationship development mini course — at jordanharbinger.com/course!Subscribe to our once-a-week Wee Bit Wiser newsletter today and start filling your Wednesdays with wisdom!Do you even Reddit, bro? Join us at r/JordanHarbinger!This Episode Is Brought To You By Our Fine Sponsors:Quiltmind: Email jordanaudience@quiltmind.com to get started or visit quiltmind.comQuince: Free shipping & 365-day returns: quince.com/jordanAudible: Visit audible.com/jhs or text JHS to 500-500Progressive: Free online quote: progressive.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This episode, part of the Climate Rising series on climate resilience, features Sarah Russell, General Manager of Project Bellwether at X, The Moonshot Factory at Alphabet (formerly Google X). Sarah shares how geospatial data and artificial intelligence can help communities and businesses anticipate and respond to climate risks. Sarah shares insights from her work building predictive wildfire risk models using satellite imagery, AI, and systems design to enable more targeted insurance underwriting and disaster preparedness.  She also explains how Bellwether is creating geospatial AI infrastructure and tools to support natural disaster response by the National Guard. Sarah also shares how emerging foundational geospatial models will transform adaptation, and she offers career advice for those in climate tech and applied AI. 

John “JT” Turner is a sales executive, leadership coach, and team builder with a proven track record of turning good teams into great ones. In this episode, John Barrows and JT explore what authentic sales leadership really looks like—and how to apply it in today's fast-moving, AI-influenced world.They unpack JT's formative experiences, including his time at Google X launching moonshot ideas in cybersecurity, and how that environment shaped his approach to leadership, risk-taking, and thinking 10X. JT shares the story behind his new book, "Authentic Sales Leadership", and dives into practical frameworks like his Victory Plan—a simple yet powerful tool for coaching performance and culture.They also tackle the rising importance of EQ over IQ, how to coach it, and what it means to invest in talent even when turnover is inevitable. This episode blends heart, hustle, and hard-won wisdom—making it a must-listen for leaders looking to build high-performing teams rooted in values, not just metrics.Are you interested in leveling up your sales skills and staying relevant in today's AI-driven landscape? Visit www.jbarrows.com and let's Make It Happen together!Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnbarrows/Connect with John on IG: https://www.instagram.com/johnmbarrows/Check out John's Membership: https://go.jbarrows.com/pages/individual-membership?ref=3edab1 Join John's Newsletter: https://www.jbarrows.com/newsletterConnect with JT on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johnturner1000Check out JT's Website: https://vinly.co/o/authenticsalesGet JT's new book: https://a.co/d/iZuP8fp

Happiness is a choice. But it's not always an easy choice to make.Mo Gawdat had to face an impossible choice. Before he was a bestselling author and podcast host, Mo worked a lucrative career as Chief Business Officer at Google X. He reached the heights of business influence and amassed a fortune by 29. And yet, he was miserable. It was only after the tragic death of his 21-year-old son Ali that Mo was forced to confront the truth.Mo now dedicates his life, work, and research to figuring out how human beings can be happier, and he's on a mission to make 1 billion people happy. He sat down with me to share what he's learned – that happiness is both a choice and our default setting, how to trick our brains out of survival mode, and why the happiest emotions we feel are rooted in the present, not the past or future.This…is A Bit of Optimism.To learn more about Mo and his work, check out:mogawdat.com

From the boardrooms of Google X to the depths of unimaginable grief, Mo Gawdat's journey defies every conventional narrative about success and loss. The former Chief Business Officer, who helped launch Google's operations across half the planet, lost his son Ali in 2014 to a routine operation gone wrong – a tragedy that could have broken him forever. Instead, it became the catalyst for an extraordinary mission: to make one billion people happier.Armed with a mathematician's mind and a mystic's heart, Mo has transformed personal devastation into global purpose. He spent 12 years researching happiness with his son Ali and created a formula that now underpins his bestselling books – Solve for Happy, Scary Smart, and That Little Voice in Your Head – as well as the #OneBillionHappy movement, which has already reached nearly 100 million people. His podcast Slo Mo is a regular #1 Mental Health show in the UK.Whether he's advising governments on tech ethics, writing about AI's sentience in real time, or helping people engineer their way out of despair, Mo is living proof that happiness isn't just wishful thinking – it's a learnable, repeatable skill that can reshape the way you live your life.LESSONS YOU'LL LEARNDeath is transformation, not termination. Mo's mathematical approach to consciousness reveals that our physical form is just an avatar – the real you exists beyond space and time.Emotions are visitors, not residents. Feel them, acknowledge them, embrace them – then ask what action you can take. Wallowing in misery brings no one back and helps no one forward.Follow the happiness flow chart. Three questions can take you from despair to clarity in seven seconds: Is this thought true? Can I fix it? If not, can I accept it and make tomorrow better?Pride is pointless, gratitude is everything. When you recognise how much of your success came from blessings beyond your control, humility becomes your superpower and service becomes your calling.Your crisis is not your conclusion. The worst moment of Mo's life became the launching pad for the most meaningful work he's ever done – proving that rock bottom can be the foundation for everything that comes next.----Host: Andy CoulsonCWC team: Jane Sankey, Hana Walker-Brown, Mabel Pickering and Rex FisherWith special thanks to Ioana Barbu and the brilliant people at GlobalFor all PR and guest approaches please contact – podcast@coulsonpartners.com

Get access to metatrends 10+ years before anyone else - https://qr.diamandis.com/metatrends   Mo Gawdat is an author and former CBO of Google X.  Steven Kotler is an entrepreneur and a multiple New York Times Best-Selling Author.  – Offers for my audience:  You can access my talks with Mo Gawdat and Cathie Wood for free: diamandis.com/summit Test what's going on inside your body at https://qr.diamandis.com/fountainlifepodcast   Reverse the age of my skin using the same cream at https://qr.diamandis.com/oneskinpod     -- Connect with Mo: https://www.mogawdat.com/  Connect with Steven: https://www.stevenkotler.com/ -- Connect with Peter: X Instagram Listen to MOONSHOTS: Apple YouTube – *Recorded June 2025 *Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Imagine waking up to a world run by hyper-intelligent machines. It sounds like science fiction, but Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer at Google X, bestselling author, and renowned happiness evangelist, says it's coming faster than you think.In this gripping episode, Mo shares a prophetic vision that's equal parts warning and hope. As we hurtle toward a future where artificial intelligence holds unimaginable power, Mo argues we are at a tipping point: AI will either magnify our flaws or elevate humanity to unprecedented heights. But first, brace yourself for a dystopian phase, driven not by technology itself, but by our own deeply flawed ethics.Mo passionately explains why Africa, especially, must urgently stake its claim in the rapidly emerging "digital soil," warning that delay could lead to decades of digital colonization. Yet, his message isn't purely cautionary. He shows us a clear, optimistic path to harness AI as a force for true abundance, joy, and human flourishing—provided we take responsibility now.Will we raise AI to be Superman or a supervillain? Mo insists the choice is ours.Watch as Ben Owden hosts a conversation filled with sharp insights, urgent warnings, and an inspiring vision for a world where technology serves our collective happiness, not our undoing.Mo Gawdat's Books: https://www.mogawdat.com/booksWhyLead's Web: https://www.whyleadothers.com/podcastWhyLead's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/whyleadconsultancy/?viewAsMember=trueWhyLead's Twitter: https://twitter.com/whyleadothersBen Owden's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benowden/Ben Owden's Twitter: https://twitter.com/godsrafiki#BenOwden #WhyLead #WhyLeadPodcast #africanleadership  #mogawdat  #ScarySmart #AIRevolution #SlowMoPodcast #futureofai  #ethicalai  #DigitalTransformation #aiforgood  #humancenteredai  #FutureReadySummit

Get access to metatrends 10+ years before anyone else - https://bit.ly/METATRENDS   Mo Gawdat is an author and former CBO of Google X.  Salim Ismail is the founder of OpenExO Dave Blundin is the founder of Link Ventures – Offers for my audience:  You can access my conversation with Cathie Wood and Mo Gawdat for free at https://qr.diamandis.com/SummitEM   Test what's going on inside your body at https://qr.diamandis.com/fountainlifepodcast   Reverse the age of my skin using the same cream at https://qr.diamandis.com/oneskinpod       –- Learn about Dave's fund: https://www.linkventures.com/xpv-fund  Learn more about Mo: https://www.mogawdat.com/ Work With Salim to build your ExO https://openexo.com/10x-shift?video=PeterD Connect with Peter: X Instagram Listen to MOONSHOTS: Apple YouTube – *Recorded on June 2nd, 2025 *Views are my own thoughts; not Financial, Medical, or Legal Advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Retail Pilot, host Ken Pilot welcomes Emily Gittins, Co-founder and CEO of Archive — a technology company transforming fashion's relationship with resale. With a deep background in mathematics, environmental science, and business, Emily takes us through her journey from Cambridge to BCG to Google X, and eventually to co-founding Archive with a bold vision: enable brands to profit from resale and reduce fashion waste at scale.Emily unpacks how Archive partners with top brands like The North Face, Oscar de la Renta, and New Balance to integrate branded resale into their business models — creating new revenue streams while advancing sustainability. Discover how her team is changing industry perceptions, scaling globally, and pioneering circular solutions in new verticals like home goods and electronics.Whether you're a fashion exec, sustainability advocate, or retail tech enthusiast, this episode offers a masterclass in turning purpose into profit.Show Notes:

In this powerful episode, Brian Rose sits down with former Google X exec and bestselling author Mo Gawdat

    In this powerful episode, Brian Rose sits down with former Google X exec and bestselling author Mo Gawdat

LIVE from Transform 2025! AJ Thomas is Founder and CEO of The Troublemaker Lab, an experience lab for legendary founders and their teams, and Founder and General Partner at Good Trouble Ventures, a VC fund investing in the Future of Entertainment & Creativity and its Digital Transformation. With a non-traditional background spanning startups, venture growth, and Fortune 100 companies, AJ has been a driving force at Google X serving in former roles leading Global Talent Experience and People Products. Now at Troublemaker Lab, she's coaching extraordinary leaders making a lasting impact. As a respected executive, advisor, speaker, and executive coach, AJ challenges leaders to create meaningful change and is often sought after to speak and facilitate future-focused conversations about talent, teams, and the impact of AI in organizational cultures. We dig into: - The Intersection of Technology & Humanity - Investing in the Future of Entertainment & Creativity - Working on the Future WITH the future - She was signed to a record label at 15 - She co-wrote a kids' book with her daughter https://www.thetroublemakerlab.com - Her Company https://www.godtrouble.vc - her venture firm https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajthomas/ - Her forbes contributor page https://akidsco.com/products/a-kids-book-about-teams - Her published Kids Book The Future of Hiring – Live from Transform 2025 Live from Transform 2025, we're bringing you an exclusive podcast series packed with insights from some of the brightest minds in hiring, talent strategy, and workforce transformation! In this series, we've got incredible guests from Okta, Tubi, Edelman, Greenhouse, Findem, and more, sharing how top organizations are rethinking hiring, culture, and talent acquisition in today's fast-changing world. Greenhouse combines a structured, data-driven hiring approach with AI-embedded workflows that empower recruiters to focus on strategic, high-impact work. From sourcing top talent to personalizing the candidate experience, Greenhouse streamlines and optimizes the entire hiring process. This ensures that every hire is the right hire—eliminating bias, creating fairness, and helping teams make smarter, faster decisions. Over 7,500 companies, including HubSpot, Duolingo, and J.D. Power, trust Greenhouse to build better teams and turn talent into a strategic advantage. Want to learn how today's top companies are winning the talent game? Tune in now and visit Greenhouse.com to transform the way you hire. Thanks for listening. Please follow us on Instagram @NHPTalent and X @AdamJPosner. Visit www.thePOZcast.com for all episodes.

In this episode of "Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu," Tom Bilyeu sits down with Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X and current author and AI expert. Mo is here to shed light on the multifaceted future of Artificial Intelligence, drawing from his vast experience in tech innovation and human ethics. This conversation is a deep dive into the transformative potential of AI as well as the urgent ethical considerations at play. Mo discusses the AI revolution, the short-term dystopia due to human greed, and the redefinition of power and economics in the digital age. He brings unique insights into how AI could reshape freedom, accountability, and connection. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Introduction to AI as the Genie 00:13 Mo Gawdat: Setting the Context 01:35 Short-Term Dystopia vs. Long-Term Utopia 02:12 FACE: Breaking Down AI's Impact Areas 02:34 Redefining Freedom and Accountability 03:30 Intelligence & Economic Shifts with AI 04:44 The Concentration of Wealth and Power 06:32 Job Loss and Human Purpose in the Age of AI 07:16 The Scary Fast Rate of AI Advancement 08:26 AI Power Dynamics and Consequences FOLLOW MO: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mo_gawdat/ Website: https://www.mogawdat.com/ CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Audible: Sign up for a free 30 day trial at https://audible.com/IMPACTTHEORY  ButcherBox: Ready to level up your meals? Go to https://ButcherBox.com/impact to get $20 off your first box and FREE bacon for life. Vital Proteins: Get 20% off by going to https://www.vitalproteins.com and entering promo code IMPACT at check out Upway: Get $150 OFF any purchase over a thousand when you use code IMPACT at https://upway.co. Kettle & Fire: Get 20% off your first order at https://kettleandfire.com/impact with code IMPACT  Netsuite: Download the CFO's Guide to AI and Machine Learning at https://NetSuite.com/THEORY Found: Try Found for FREE at https://found.com/impact Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Thrive Market: ​​Go to https:thrivemarket.com/impact for 30% off your first order, plus a FREE $60 gift! American Alternative Assets: If you're ready to explore gold as part of your investment strategy, call 1-888-615-8047 or go to https://TomGetsGold.com Tech Unheard: Tune into Tech Unheard from Arm and NPM—wherever you get your podcasts. iTrust Capital: Use code IMPACTGO when you sign up and fund your account to get a $100 bonus at https://www.itrustcapital.com/tombilyeu  Mint Mobile: If you like your money, Mint Mobile is for you. Shop plans at https://mintmobile.com/impact.  DISCLAIMER: Upfront payment of $45 for 3-month 5 gigabyte plan required (equivalent to $15/mo.). New customer offer for first 3 months only, then full-price plan options available. Taxes & fees extra. See MINT MOBILE for details. ********************************************************************** What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here: If you want my help... STARTING a business: join me here at ZERO TO FOUNDER SCALING a business: see if you qualify here. Get my battle-tested strategies and insights delivered weekly to your inbox: sign up here. ********************************************************************** Join me live on my Twitch stream. I'm live daily from 6:30 to 8:30 am PT at www.twitch.tv/tombilyeu ********************************************************************** LISTEN TO IMPACT THEORY AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory ********************************************************************** FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

IS IT POSSIBLE TO LIVE STRESS-FREE? Get a front-row seat to an exclusive conversation with Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer of Google X, bestselling author of Solve for Happy, and co-founder of Unstressable. In this powerful talk from Tony & Sage Robbins' Platinum Partners 2024 Happiness Event in Abu Dhabi, Mo unpacks the science of stress—how it impacts our minds and bodies, why so many of us unknowingly hold onto it, and how we can finally break free. Drawing from his latest book, Unstressable: A Practical Guide to Stress-Free Living, co-written with Alice Law, and years of research, Mo explores the roots of stress addiction and why high achievers often struggle to let go. He also dives into the emotional toll of loss, relationships, and modern pressures, offering actionable strategies to find balance while still achieving success. This talk is a powerful invitation to rethink how we approach stress and unlock a more peaceful, fulfilling life. Please enjoy!     Tony Robbins is a #1 New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and the nation's #1 Life and Business Strategist. For more than four and a half decades, more than 100 million people from 195 countries have enjoyed the warmth, humor, and transformational power of his business and personal development events. Mr. Robbins is the author of seven internationally bestselling books, including three #1 New York Times bestsellers: Money: Master the Game, Unshakeable, and Life Force. He created the #1 personal and professional development program of all time, and more than 10 million people have attended his live seminars.  Anthony Robbins is the chairman of a holding company comprising more than 110 privately held businesses with combined sales exceeding $7 billion a year. He has been named in the top 50 of Worth Magazine's 100 most powerful people in global finance for three consecutive years, honored by Accenture as one of the "Top 50 Business Intellectuals in the World''; by Harvard Business Press as one of the "Top 200 Business Gurus"; and by American Express as one of the "Top Six Business Leaders in the World" to coach its entrepreneurial clients. Fortune's recent cover article named him the “CEO Whisperer.” He is a leader called upon by leaders, and has worked with four US presidents, top entertainers -- from Aerosmith to Green Day, to Usher and Pitbull, as well as athletes like Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and the 2022 NBA Champion Golden State Warriors. Billionaire business leaders seek his advice as well; casino magnate Steve Wynn, and Salesforce.com founder Marc Benioff are among those grateful for his coaching. As a philanthropist, through his partnership with Feeding America, Mr. Robbins has provided over 985 million meals in the last 8 years to those in need. He is two years ahead of schedule to provide 1 billion meals. Through the Tony Robbins Foundation, he has also awarded over 2,500 grants and other resources to health and human services organizations, implemented life-changing curricula in 1,700+ correctional facilities and gathered thousands of young leaders from around the world with its teen programs. In addition, he provides fresh water to 250,000 people a day in India in order to fight the number one killer of children in that country-waterborne diseases.