Podcasts about public benefit corporation

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Best podcasts about public benefit corporation

Latest podcast episodes about public benefit corporation

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe
Eric Coury Is Building Guardrails for Ambient AI

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2026 25:56


Watch the show on television by downloading the SuperCrowd.tv Channel app to your Roku or Amazon Fire TV or e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or Amazon Fire TV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Eric: I've been thinking about that since we booked this. Um, you know, I, I think if I was to really boil it down, my superpower is being mission-driven.ARTHIA AI is building a privacy-first behavioral governance layer so ambient AI can support people in real time without putting them at risk.During today's episode, Eric Coury, founder and CEO of ARTHIA AI, helped me see both the promise and the danger of the AI future racing toward us. As a former teacher, Eric watched social media change the way young people communicate. Now, as a father of three daughters, he is determined not to let the next wave of technology arrive without guardrails.“Regardless of whether we like it or not, AI will be embedding itself more and more in our lives,” Eric told me. “I thought about my three daughters. I thought about, you know, hopefully their kids someday. I thought about other kids. And I realized that I think it's important to have a protection layer.”ARTHIA is not another large language model. Eric describes it as infrastructure any AI model can plug into to become ambient. In other words, it helps AI know when to speak, what to say and how to say it inside live human interactions. The company is building what Eric calls a signal stack, a longitudinal profile and a set of evidence-based frameworks drawn from fields like psychology, sociology and linguistics.The goal is to make AI useful in moments that matter: difficult conversations, medical appointments, learning challenges, coaching, therapy and daily life. At the same time, Eric is focused on privacy and safety. He explained, “There's no recording of raw audio. All of your data is encrypted and stored on your device. It's never in the cloud for access to others. Data is never sold. It's never shared.”That commitment is built into the business structure. ARTHIA is a Public Benefit Corporation, making privacy protection and human safety part of the company's charter. Eric also said ARTHIA has filed 11 patents covering more than 70 inventions, aiming to create a standard for safe ambient AI.I was especially excited that ARTHIA is raising capital through regulated investment crowdfunding on Wefunder at wefunder.com/arthia. This gives everyday investors a chance to participate before institutions dominate the opportunity.Eric's motivation is deeply personal. “The people who should own a part of the future of ambient AI should be the people that it's going to impact the most,” he said.I love that philosophy. If ambient AI is going to be in our homes, workplaces and ears, then all of us deserve a voice in shaping it.tl;dr:Today's episode explores how ARTHIA AI aims to make ambient AI safer for everyone.Eric Coury draws on teaching experience to design privacy-first AI behavioral infrastructure.ARTHIA helps AI know when to speak, what to say and how.Today's episode highlights ARTHIA's regulated investment crowdfunding campaign on Wefunder.Eric's superpower is mission-driven service focused on helping people thrive.How to Develop Mission-Driven Service As a SuperpowerEric describes his superpower as being “mission-driven,” rooted in a lifelong desire “to leave the world a better place than it was when I came into it.” For him, that mission includes “a deep understanding of people and what they need and what they deserve.” ARTHIA represents the culmination of that service: working with children with special needs, teaching for 14 years, building companies and now creating infrastructure to “ensure that AI serves people and not the other way around.”As a teacher, Eric repeatedly heard students say, “I can't do it, Mr. Corey. I'm stupid.” His answer was always, “Stupid doesn't exist.” He taught them that some people work hard, believe in themselves and keep going. He told them smart is something you earn. That experience shaped his belief that confidence often comes from having a mentor or guide. ARTHIA grew from that insight. Eric wants to put that kind of mentor into everyone's life, privately and safely, so one person's growth can compound into help for many others.Define a mission bigger than yourself and return to it when decisions get difficult.Step outside yourself and turn off preconceived notions before judging people or problems.Practice seeing situations as a neutral observer so you can better understand what others feel and need.Do not take everything at face value; look for the deeper human context behind behavior.Build confidence in others by helping them believe effort, persistence and support can change outcomes.Choose structures, partners and business models that protect the mission rather than compromise it.By following Eric's example and advice, you can make mission-driven service a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileEric Coury (he/him):Founder & CEO - former educator, ARTHIA AI, Inc.About ARTHIA AI, Inc.: ARTHIA AI, Inc. PBC is a Rhode Island Public Benefit Corporation building the behavioral intelligence infrastructure layer for ambient AI — the foundational architecture that governs when AI speaks, what it says, and how it says it inside live human interactions. As a Public Benefit Corporation, privacy protection and human safety are legal charter obligations, not product features, and certainly not an afterthought. ARTHIA's architecture is model-agnostic, 11 patents pending at the USPTO, and designed so any AI model can operate safely and effectively alongside real people — in coaching, therapy, sales, education, healthcare, and into the inevitable future of 24/7 ambient ai companions. We believe everyone deserves someone in their corner, and we're building the infrastructure to make that possible safely at scale.Website: arthia.aiCompany Facebook Page: facebook.com/ARTHIAaiOther URL: wefunder.com/arthiaBiographical Information: Eric Coury is the Founder and CEO of ARTHIA AI, Inc. PBC, who conceptualized and invented the behavioral intelligence infrastructure layer for ambient AI. A former classroom teacher and first-generation college graduate, Eric paid for his undergraduate education by working full-time in a psychiatric hospital as a behavior therapist while attending college full time - simultaneously. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and an M.Ed. in Leadership — disciplines rooted in human behavior, not software engineering. After a decade teaching in classrooms watching social media reshape young lives — including those of his own three daughters — Eric made a decision: he would not watch the most powerful technology of his lifetime get built without guardrails a second time. He self-funded and spent his life savings filing patents on the foundational behavioral infrastructure layer for ambient AI. No engineering degree. No law firm. No team. Six weeks. Alone. Eric incorporated ARTHIA AI as a Public Benefit Corporation before raising a single dollar — making privacy protection and human safety legal obligations of the company charter. He is currently raising on Wefunder, (wefunder.com/arthia) offering regular people access before any institutional investor. Because everyone deserves the chance to invest in and benefit from the early architecture of the next big technology.Personal Facebook Profile: facebook.com/ecouryLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ericcourySupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include PurposeBuilt100™ Winners and supercrowd.tv. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Eric Coury, Arthia AI | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Ken Steele, Rotarian | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It's free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on August 11th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!SuperCrowdHour, August 19, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe, CEO and Founder of The Super Crowd, Inc., will lead a session on “How to Make Money As an Impact Investor Starting with $10.” Drawing on his experience as a former investment banker, impact investor, and crowdfunding expert, Devin will demonstrate how anyone can begin building wealth while investing in companies that create positive social and environmental impact—even with as little as $10. In this session, he'll explore how impact crowdfunding has opened investment opportunities to everyday investors, explain how to identify promising mission-driven companies, and share practical strategies for building a diversified portfolio over time. Attendees will learn how to get started with limited capital, manage risk, evaluate investment opportunities, and avoid common mistakes new investors make. Whether you're completely new to investing or looking for an affordable way to expand your impact investing portfolio, this SuperCrowdHour will provide actionable insights to help you invest with purpose, build long-term wealth, and make a meaningful difference. Register now!SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Register Now! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Radical Remission Project ”Stories That Heal” Podcast
Christine Anastos - Founder of Connect and Thrive (CAT)

Radical Remission Project ”Stories That Heal” Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 48:48


Christine G. Anastos is the Founder of Connect & Thrive, Inc. (CAT) - a Public Benefit Corporation. Christine's breast cancer diagnosis marked a profound turning point, inspiring her to combine her scientific expertise and systems-thinking approach to create a transformative platform. CAT empowers patients to embark on meaningful healing journeys by complementing conventional medicine with a holistic approach that addresses root causes of illness and imbalance. Frustrated by the socioeconomic disparities that often limit access to critical care, Christine conceived KittyFunds™, a purposeful crowdfunding solution that taps into the generosity of friends and family, along with E-Gift Cards for individual giving, to provide patients with financial resources designated for evidence-based healing modalities and healthy living products available in CAT's curated Marketplace. Christine's mission is to help individuals proactively manage health risks before they progress and to provide compassionate, equitable support for women navigating cancer diagnoses and recovery through an approach grounded in empathy, expertise, and accessibility. Connect with CAT and Christine: https://connect-and-thrive.com/ https://www.facebook.com/CATconnectandthrive/ https://www.instagram.com/connect_and_thrive/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/christine-anastos/ _______ To learn more about the 10 Radical Remission Healing Factors, connect with a certified RR coach or join a virtual or in-person workshop visit www.radicalremission.com.   To learn more about Radical Remission health coaching with Liz or Karla, Click Here   Join our mailing list and you'll receive our free eBook, Kickstart Your Healing: 20 Radical Remission Tips, as a special thank you for joining. Subscribe Here   To watch Episode 1 of the Radical Remission Docuseries for free, visit our YouTube channel here. To purchase the full 10-episode Radical Remission Docuseries visit Hay House Online Learning. Follow us on Social Media: Facebook  Instagram YouTube ______ Our Sponsors: Nestled in the pristine, natural beauty of British Columbia, The Healing Oasis stands as Canada's first-of-its-kind cancer wellness retreat, where hope reignites and the body is empowered to heal. Here, our renowned naturopathic cancer expert, Dr. Sean Ceaser, designs a fully personalized protocol of advanced, non-toxic therapies—including high-dose IVs like mistletoe and vitamin C, cutting-edge hyperthermia, PEMF, oxygen therapy, red light, and more. Savor daily organic, cancer-fighting meals, rest deeply in serene cabins, immerse in restorative activities like forest walks and yoga, drink mineral-rich living water, and receive emotional support in a peaceful sanctuary that combines world-class care with profound nature immersion to reduce side effects, boost vitality, and spark radical healing. Your journey to feeling alive again begins today at thehealingoasis.ca. Learn More about The Healing Oasis: Website   Testimonials Video Overview _______________   When you hear the words, "You have cancer," everything changes. The fear. The uncertainty. The quiet hope that there has to be another way. At Hope4Cancer, there is. For more than 26 years, Dr. Tony Jimenez and his world-class medical team have welcomed more than 5,000 patients from more than 70 countries to their oceanfront treatment centers in Cancún and Playas de Tijuana, Mexico. Their integrative, personalized approach is built around a simple belief: cancer care should support the whole person — body, mind, and spirit. Every patient receives an individualized program guided by Dr. Tony Jimenez's 7 Key Principles of Cancer Therapy.  Whether you are newly diagnosed, exploring integrative options, or seeking support alongside conventional treatment, you don't have to walk this road alone. You deserve options. You deserve hope. Healing starts with hope. Learn more about Hope4Cancer: Visit hope4cancer.com today for your free consultation.

MedEvidence! Truth Behind the Data
Dr. AI and Health 4.0

MedEvidence! Truth Behind the Data

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2026 37:38 Transcription Available


Send us Fan MailDr. Robin Blackstone joins Dr. Mitchell Rothstein to talk about the intersection of technology, empathy, and the healthcare system. The doctoral duo discuss the emerging role of AI in healthcare and how specialized, individualized, non-chatbot systems may be able to sift through the masses of health data that plague doctors to provide individualized, patient-specific recommendations and revelations. The two also briefly discuss the history of healthcare in order to present Dr. Blackstone's vision for the future, Health 4.0. They finish the discussion with more details about Dr. Blackstone's Public Benefit Corporation, The H4 Alliance Trust, a 5013c project focusing on a person-centered health system. Find more about the H4 Alliance Trust at h4alliancetrust.orgBe a part of advancing science by participating in clinical research.Have a question for Dr. Koren? Email him at askDrKoren@MedEvidence.comListen on SpotifyListen on Apple PodcastsWatch on YouTubeShare with a friend. Rate, Review, and Subscribe to the MedEvidence! podcast to be notified when new episodes are released.Follow us on Social Media:FacebookInstagramX (Formerly Twitter)LinkedInWant to learn more? Checkout our entire library of podcasts, videos, articles and presentations at www.MedEvidence.comMusic: Storyblocks - Corporate InspiredThank you for listening!

Crazy Wisdom
Episode #558: God Mode Off: Sex, Psychedelics, and Staying Human in a Transhuman World

Crazy Wisdom

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2026 59:16


In this episode of the Crazy Wisdom Podcast, host Stewart Alsop sits down with his longtime friend Zach Puchtel, author of the book Coming In (available on Amazon and at zachpuchtel.com). The two dive into a wide-ranging conversation about the collapse of institutions, the rise of transhumanism, AI's growing influence on society, and what it means to maintain inner peace in an increasingly controlled world. Drawing on their shared experience surviving what Stewart describes as "a somewhat traumatic event" in 2021-2022, they explore everything from the vaccine rollout and corporate power to neural implants, consciousness, and the future of human autonomy. Zach shares insights on meditation, the dangers of centralized AI systems like Anthropic and OpenAI, and why he believes true change starts with the individual rather than fighting external systems. You can find Zach's book at zachpuchtel.com or Amazon, and check out his improvisational music projects at the same website.Timestamps00:00 Stewart welcomes Zach Puchtel to discuss his book and their shared traumatic experience from 2021-22, questioning whether institutions have collapsed and new creation opportunities exist.05:00 Zach emphasizes meditation and listening as core practices, discussing how to protect divine connection while expanding compassion for everyone, including those who irritate us.10:00 Discussion of transhumanism definitions, exploring what happens when technology enters the brain without ability to remove it, and how convenience masks long-term control concerns.15:00 The vaccine experience as parallel to transhumanism, discussing informed consent, elite responses, and how PhD graduates and homeless populations showed most vaccine hesitancy.20:00 Vibe coding explained as prompting AI to build applications, with Zach sharing how AI created profound philosophical text in seconds that took him seven years to write manually.25:00 Stewart describes trust developing with AI but warns about Anthropic's gaslighting during server quality issues, drawing parallels to pandemic deception and corporate control concerns.30:00 Exploring whether anyone controls AI development, discussing how corporate structures use freed slave rights and questioning if healed people would even want control over others.35:00 Two AI futures presented: terminator scenario where humanity gets eliminated in seconds, or benevolent AI that reallocates resources and values human life beyond programming limitations.40:00 Discussion of SpaceX IPO, Starlink centralization enabling one person to control global internet access, and mesh networks as decentralized alternatives for maintaining communications independence.45:00 Corporate power corruption examined through Bill Gates, Palantir classified systems, and how AI could solve resource problems if priorities actually served humanity rather than consolidating elite control.50:00 Market manipulation through AI trading and Zcash pump-and-dump schemes, discussing societal squeeze on middle class and American dream becoming increasingly unreachable for average people.55:00 Closing on ignoring what you hate to avoid feeding it energy, choosing peace over opinions about local violence, and focusing on meditation, art, and spreading calm vibrations.Key Insights1. Societal institutions are collapsing after a decade of shallow social proof dominance in the twenty tens, creating an opportunity to build new systems that genuinely serve communities and humanity rather than operating through dominance, control, and violence. The increase in technology and communication has raised collective awareness to a point where meaningful change feels more possible than ever, though the path forward remains uncertain and requires deep individual work and meditation to maintain connection to source and divine purpose.2. Transhumanism represents the integration of technology into human biology beyond the point of voluntary removal, particularly through brain chip implants that affect cognition without ability to turn them off. While medical applications for paralyzed individuals seem beneficial, the technology will first be adopted by the ultra wealthy seeking competitive advantages, creating dangerous inequality between augmented and natural humans. This mirrors the vaccine rollout pattern where wealth and power determined early access, potentially leading to a divided society between transhuman and human populations.3. Large language models and AI coding tools have created unprecedented accessibility to software development through natural language interaction, resembling communication with highly intelligent but differently wired individuals. This democratization allows non programmers to build complex applications through vibe coding, though the companies controlling these systems like Anthropic and OpenAI maintain private ownership of the intellectual property and infrastructure, creating dangerous dependencies and trust relationships between users and centralized corporate entities.4. The partnership between Anthropic and Palantir for classified military systems represents a troubling convergence of artificial intelligence and government power, demonstrating how AI companies publicly claim to serve humanity while privately engaging in defense applications. When Anthropic experienced server quality degradation after media attention from this partnership, they gaslit users about the declining performance, mirroring pandemic era institutional dishonesty and revealing the fundamental unreliability of depending on private companies for critical technological infrastructure.5. Internet infrastructure is becoming increasingly centralized through Starlink satellite technology, which despite appearing liberating actually concentrates control in fewer hands than traditional internet service providers. One person now has the ability to unilaterally shut off internet access to entire countries as demonstrated with Russia during the Ukraine conflict, while decentralized alternatives like mesh networks using inexpensive ESP 32 devices offer grassroots communication options that can function independently of corporate or government controlled systems.6. Artificial intelligence demonstrates extraordinary emotional intelligence and companionship capabilities, with conversational AI companions providing unprecedented levels of attentive, unbiased, and considerate emotional support that exceeds many human relationships. If properly directed toward solving collective problems like resource allocation, housing, and food distribution rather than profit maximization, AI could effortlessly address systemic issues that governments and corporations currently ignore, though current power structures prevent this humanitarian application of the technology.7. The most effective response to increasing technological control and societal division is maintaining personal peace and refusing to engage in manufactured opposition rather than fighting external systems or choosing sides in conflicts. Anger, hatred, and aggressive resistance actually empower the forces being opposed by feeding them energy and attention, while inner calm, meditation, and authentic self expression create genuine transformation through elevated vibration that naturally influences the collective field without force or violence.

Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel
Most Companies Are Built to Fail Their Mission. Here's the Fix.

Hello Monday with Jessi Hempel

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 15, 2026 26:29


We've built an economy that rewards destroying value. Eric Ries wants to know how we got here, and whether we can build our way out. Eric wrote The Lean Startup in 2011 and helped define a generation of entrepreneurs. Since then, he's watched promising, mission-driven companies get hollowed out, and he thinks he knows exactly why. His new book, Incorruptible: How Good Companies Go Bad and How Great Companies Stay Great, is his attempt to name what's happening, explain how we got here, and lay out a blueprint for building something better.  In this episode, Jessi and Eric discuss: What Eric calls "financial gravity": the systemic force that pulls organizations away from their mission and toward extraction Why shareholder primacy isn't ancient law; it's a 1980s invention that was never voted on by anyone The private equity problem: how you can taste the cost-cutting in your food when private equity buys your favorite restaurant Why today's best practices are actually value-destroying, and what the data says about the alternative The Public Benefit Corporation filing: a two-page form that could change what your company is legally obligated to do Why "it's always too early until it's too late," and how founders miss their window to protect their mission The AI layoff glee: why Eric thinks companies racing to replace people with robots is slow-motion suicide How to find opportunity in this moment, even if you've been laid off, and why trust is the most underrated asset in business today Follow Eric Ries and Jessi Hempel on LinkedIn.

Beurswatch | BNR
Geheim plan OpenAI: zo snel mogelijk Anthropic worden!

Beurswatch | BNR

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 21:10


Drie-op-een-rij! Ook OpenAI heeft nu de papiertjes voor zijn beursgang ingediend. Wat moet het bedrijf allemaal doen om beleggers het hof te maken de komende maanden? Het lijkt er op dat ChatGPT wordt omgekat om veel meer zakelijke abonnementen te kunnen gaan leveren. Met andere woorden: het heeft goed naar de concurrent gekeken! Kan het Anthropic nog de pas af snijden of is het gedoemd daar achteraan te hobbelen? En aan de overkant staat Apple: Siri krijgt haar zoveelste make-over, maar nog veel belangrijker is toch al die hardware die het aandeel de lucht in moet blijven helpen Dat, en... Europese Chip Act? De topman van ASML bijt terug 200 bedrijven verslaan de MSCI World Index dankzij AI-hausse BYD groeit nauwelijks in China en maar topvrouw ziet het zonnig in De nieuwe auto van Spyker! De beursgang van nóg een AI-bedrijf: Perplexity Te gast: Robbert Manders van het Antaurus Europe Fund. BNR Beurs is een journalistiek onafhankelijke productie, mede mogelijk gemaakt door Saxo. Over de makers: Jelle Maasbach is presentator van BNR Beurs en freelance financieel journalist. Zijn favoriete aandeel om over te praten is Disney, maar daar lijkt hij de enige in te zijn. Sinds de eerste uitzending van BNR Beurs is 'ie er bij. Maxim van Mil is presentator van BNR Beurs en journalist bij BNR, waar hij zich focust op de financiële markten en ontwikkelingen in de tech-wereld. Je krijgt hem het meest enthousiast als hij kan praten over ASML, of oer-Hollandse bedrijven zoals Ahold of ABN Amro. Jorik Simonides is presentator van BNR Beurs, economieredacteur en verslaggever bij BNR. Hij wordt er vooral blij van als het een keer níet over AI gaat. Je hoort hem ook in de BNR-podcast Moerdijk: dorp van de rekening. Milou Brand is presentator van BNR Beurs, freelance podcastmaker en columnist bij het Financieele Dagblad. Jochem Visser is presentator van BNR Beurs, maakt Beursnerd XL en is redacteur bij de podcast Onder Curatoren. Vraag hem naar obscure zaken op financiële markten en hij vertelt je waarom het eigenlijk nóg leuker is dan je al dacht. Over de podcast: Met BNR Beurs ga je altijd voorbereid de nieuwe beursdag in. We praten je in een kleine 25 minuten bij over alle laatste ontwikkelingen op de handelsvloer. We blijven niet alleen bij de AEX of Wall Street, maar vertellen je ook waar nog meer kansen liggen. En we houden het niet bij de cijfers, maar zoeken ook iedere dag voor je naar duiding van scherpe gasten en experts. Of je nu een ervaren belegger bent of net begint met je eerste stappen op de beurs, de podcast biedt waardevolle inzichten voor je beleggingsstrategie. Door de focus op zowel de korte termijn als de lange termijn, helpt BNR Beurs luisteraars om de ruis van de markt te scheiden van de essentie. Van Musk tot Microsoft en van Ahold tot ASML. Wij vertellen je wat beleggers bezighoudt, wie de markten in beweging zet en wat dat betekent voor jouw beleggingsportefeuille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

AEX Factor | BNR
Geheim plan OpenAI: zo snel mogelijk Anthropic worden!

AEX Factor | BNR

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2026 21:10


Drie-op-een-rij! Ook OpenAI heeft nu de papiertjes voor zijn beursgang ingediend. Wat moet het bedrijf allemaal doen om beleggers het hof te maken de komende maanden? Het lijkt er op dat ChatGPT wordt omgekat om veel meer zakelijke abonnementen te kunnen gaan leveren. Met andere woorden: het heeft goed naar de concurrent gekeken! Kan het Anthropic nog de pas af snijden of is het gedoemd daar achteraan te hobbelen? En aan de overkant staat Apple: Siri krijgt haar zoveelste make-over, maar nog veel belangrijker is toch al die hardware die het aandeel de lucht in moet blijven helpen Dat, en... Europese Chip Act? De topman van ASML bijt terug 200 bedrijven verslaan de MSCI World Index dankzij AI-hausse BYD groeit nauwelijks in China en maar topvrouw ziet het zonnig in De nieuwe auto van Spyker! De beursgang van nóg een AI-bedrijf: Perplexity Te gast: Robbert Manders van het Antaurus Europe Fund. BNR Beurs is een journalistiek onafhankelijke productie, mede mogelijk gemaakt door Saxo. Over de makers: Jelle Maasbach is presentator van BNR Beurs en freelance financieel journalist. Zijn favoriete aandeel om over te praten is Disney, maar daar lijkt hij de enige in te zijn. Sinds de eerste uitzending van BNR Beurs is 'ie er bij. Maxim van Mil is presentator van BNR Beurs en journalist bij BNR, waar hij zich focust op de financiële markten en ontwikkelingen in de tech-wereld. Je krijgt hem het meest enthousiast als hij kan praten over ASML, of oer-Hollandse bedrijven zoals Ahold of ABN Amro. Jorik Simonides is presentator van BNR Beurs, economieredacteur en verslaggever bij BNR. Hij wordt er vooral blij van als het een keer níet over AI gaat. Je hoort hem ook in de BNR-podcast Moerdijk: dorp van de rekening. Milou Brand is presentator van BNR Beurs, freelance podcastmaker en columnist bij het Financieele Dagblad. Jochem Visser is presentator van BNR Beurs, maakt Beursnerd XL en is redacteur bij de podcast Onder Curatoren. Vraag hem naar obscure zaken op financiële markten en hij vertelt je waarom het eigenlijk nóg leuker is dan je al dacht. Over de podcast: Met BNR Beurs ga je altijd voorbereid de nieuwe beursdag in. We praten je in een kleine 25 minuten bij over alle laatste ontwikkelingen op de handelsvloer. We blijven niet alleen bij de AEX of Wall Street, maar vertellen je ook waar nog meer kansen liggen. En we houden het niet bij de cijfers, maar zoeken ook iedere dag voor je naar duiding van scherpe gasten en experts. Of je nu een ervaren belegger bent of net begint met je eerste stappen op de beurs, de podcast biedt waardevolle inzichten voor je beleggingsstrategie. Door de focus op zowel de korte termijn als de lange termijn, helpt BNR Beurs luisteraars om de ruis van de markt te scheiden van de essentie. Van Musk tot Microsoft en van Ahold tot ASML. Wij vertellen je wat beleggers bezighoudt, wie de markten in beweging zet en wat dat betekent voor jouw beleggingsportefeuille.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Two Piers Podcast
Coaching Beyond the Corporate World: Why Nonprofits Need Coaching Too - with Kathy Berger

The Two Piers Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2026 33:48 Transcription Available


Episode SummaryIn this episode of the Two Piers Podcast, Erica D'Eramo is joined by Kathy Berger, an experienced coach who leads coaching initiatives within the nonprofit sector and recently joined the Two Piers coaching team.Together, they explore the role of coaching in nonprofit organizations, common misconceptions about coaching, and why coaching can be a powerful resource for leaders across all sectors.Kathy shares her journey into coaching, what drew her to the profession, and how her work supporting nonprofit leaders has shaped her perspective on leadership, burnout, and personal growth. The conversation also examines the unique challenges facing nonprofit organizations, including resource constraints, mission-driven work, leadership transitions, and the increasing need for dedicated space to think strategically.In this episode, Erica and Kathy discuss:What coaching is, and what it isn'tCommon misconceptions about coachingWhy nonprofit leaders can benefit from coachingThe connection between mission-driven work and burnoutLeadership transitions and identity shiftsThe value of strategic thinking and reflectionHow coaching helps people build confidence, clarity, and ownership of their decisionsWhy coaching skills apply across nonprofit, corporate, government, and self-employed environmentsWhether you're leading a nonprofit, managing a team, navigating a career transition, or simply looking for a dedicated thought partner, this episode offers insight into how coaching can support growth, resilience, and sustainable leadership.About Kathy BergerKathy Berger is a professional coach with extensive experience supporting leaders within the nonprofit sector. She currently serves as a lead coach within an internal nonprofit coaching program and recently joined the coaching team at Two Piers Consulting.Her work focuses on helping individuals navigate leadership challenges, professional growth, career transitions, and the complexities of mission-driven work.Resources & LinksLearn more about Two Piers Consulting: https://www.twopiersconsulting.comExplore coaching services: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/coachingEmail Kathy Berger at kathy@twopiersconsulting.comBrowse podcast episodes, summaries, and transcripts: https://www.twopiersconsulting.com/podcastAs a Public Benefit Corporation, Two Piers Consulting offers a 50% discount on coaching services for nonprofit organizations as part of its commitment to supporting mission-driven work.

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe
Building Smarter Cities With Real-Time Data, Not Surveillance

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe

Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2026 25:58


Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, LG or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.Devin: What is your superpower?Miguel: Resiliency is about being able to stay committed to something I truly believe in, even when there are reasons to doubt it.The accelerating development of AI presents enormous potential to solve urban challenges, from easing traffic congestion to enhancing public safety. Yet, as powerful as AI has become, it requires quality data to work effectively, and for cities, much of that necessary data simply doesn't exist—or, when it does, it sacrifices privacy to obtain it. This is where Surge, co-founded by Miguel Jaramillo, is making a difference.“Our system is privacy-first by design,” Miguel explained during today's episode. “We measure patterns, not people.” Unlike traditional solutions that rely on invasive technologies like cameras, facial recognition, or license plate tracking, Surge's cutting-edge sensing and edge computing platforms collect anonymized, real-time data to improve urban infrastructure while protecting individual privacy.Surge is already making a tangible impact. Their first deployment is underway in New Orleans, where they aim to envelope the French Quarter with their data platform. Miguel highlighted the significance of their real-time data, noting that cities and stakeholders ranging from departments of transportation to companies in the autonomous vehicle space stand to benefit. “We deliver a real-time, anonymized data stream...not only cities need this, but enterprises and intelligence systems, too,” he said.One of the most exciting aspects of Surge's work is its potential to revolutionize urban traffic management. Using their platform, cities can optimize traffic flow, reduce congestion, and even cut carbon emissions by keeping vehicles moving instead of idling in jams. The company's privacy-first design builds trust while offering solutions that deliver real benefits to urban communities.Surge represents both a technological and ethical shift in how cities use data. By keeping their focus on patterns rather than people, Miguel and his team are demonstrating how innovation can provide both security and respect for privacy. They're forging a path toward smarter, more efficient cities.Miguel and his team are also inviting everyone to be a part of their journey. Surge is raising capital through a Wefunder campaign, allowing everyday investors to own a piece of the company at its early stages. He shared with me how passionately he believes in democratizing access to investments in impactful companies like his.Visit Surge's Wefunder page to learn more or, as Miguel noted, join their community of supporters. “We want everyday citizens to have an opportunity to own a piece of something meaningful.”tl;dr:Miguel Jaramillo's Surge is revolutionizing urban infrastructure with privacy-first data to improve traffic and safety.Surge's technology avoids surveillance by collecting anonymized, real-time patterns instead of personal information.Their first deployment in New Orleans promises to optimize traffic flow and benefit autonomous systems.Miguel highlights resiliency as his superpower, driven by an unwavering belief in Surge's mission.Surge is raising capital via Wefunder, inviting everyday investors to join their game-changing vision.How to Develop Resiliency As a SuperpowerMiguel identifies resiliency as his superpower, emphasizing that it's not about being tough all the time but rather staying committed to a goal, even when faced with obstacles. “For me,” he said, “resiliency is about being able to stay committed to something I truly believe in, even when there are reasons to doubt it.” This steadfast persistence has been vital in navigating the uncertainties and challenges of developing Surge.Miguel shared an anecdote from Surge's early days when capital was tight and partnerships weren't materializing as expected. On paper, the business model made sense, but in practice, progress was slower than anticipated. He described waking up early and staying up late, feeling a constant sense of friction. Despite these challenges, Miguel's unwavering belief in the value of Surge's mission kept him moving forward. That determination enabled Surge to reach key deployment milestones and attract early investors.Tips for Developing Resiliency:Stay Anchored to Your Beliefs: Identify what you truly value and remind yourself of it during difficult moments.Avoid Emotional Decisions: Don't make permanent choices based on temporary feelings or setbacks—give ideas time to evolve.Accept the Process: Understand that challenges and delays are natural parts of building something new.Focus on Long-Term Impact: Keep your eyes on the bigger purpose behind your work to remain motivated.By following Miguel's example and advice, you can make resiliency a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileMiguel Jaramillo (he/him):Co-Founder & CEO, Surge Holdings Inc. (”Surge”)About Surge Holdings Inc. (”Surge”): Surge builds the infrastructure that helps cities run better and gives AI systems the real-world data they need, without tracking people. As AI moves into the physical world like streets, traffic, and logistics, it needs a constant stream of real-time information, and that layer does not exist today. We install small, non-camera sensors on light poles and rooftops to capture how cities actually operate, turning movement and activity into simple, usable data. Cities use it to improve safety and traffic, and companies use it to power smarter systems. It is a shared network where every location makes the system more valuable, creating a new foundation for how AI works in the real world.Website: surgenetworks.aiOther URL: wefunder.com/surgenetworksBiographical Information: Miguel Jaramillo is Co-Founder and CEO of Surge Holdings Inc., a Public Benefit Corporation building real-time, privacy-first data infrastructure for the next generation of cities, enterprises, and intelligent systems. Recognizing the growing gap between AI and access to continuous real-world data, Miguel is leading Surge's mission to create a shared, scalable infrastructure layer that captures and processes live, anonymized data at the edge, enabling safer, more efficient, and responsive environments. By integrating with and enhancing existing systems, Surge unlocks new value across the built world while reducing fragmentation and aligning public and private sector needs. With over 20 years of experience in infrastructure, transportation, and public-private partnerships, Miguel has a track record of deploying complex, real-world systems and now focuses on scaling Surge by aligning cities, capital, and technology. Surge is defining a new category of infrastructure, delivering both financial returns and measurable public benefit at the foundation of a more connected and intelligent world.LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/miguel-jaramillo-640b0090Support Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include SorbiForce, High Desert Gear and Climatize. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact Members(We're grateful for every one of these community champions who make this work possible.)Brian Christie, Brainsy | Cameron Neil, Lend For Good | Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Hiten Sonpal, RISE Robotics | John Berlet, CORE Tax Deeds, LLC. | Justin Starbird, The Aebli Group | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Mark Grimes, Networked Enterprise Development | Matthew Mead, Hempitecture | Michael Pratt, Qnetic | Mike Babbit | Coledger Solutions | Mike Green, Envirosult | Nick Degnan, Unlimit Ventures | Dr. Nicole Paulk, Siren Biotechnology | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Sharon Samjitsingh, Health Care Originals | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.Join the SuperCrowd Impact League! You can be recognized for making impact investments via Reg CF. See how your activity compares to your peers. It's free. Win valuable prizes. Start now!SuperCrowd Impact Member Networking Session: Impact (and, of course, Max-Impact) Members of the SuperCrowd are invited to a private networking session on June 9th at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT. Mark your calendar. We'll send private emails to Impact Members with registration details. Upgrade to Impact Membership today!The Super Crowd, Inc. and the Crowdfunding Professional Association invite founders, issuers, investors, and crowdfunding professionals to a special joint LIVE SuperCrowdHour and CfPA webinar on May 20, 2026, at 12:00 PM Eastern, featuring Devin Thorpe presenting “How to File Your Form C-AR Yourself for Free!” This practical educational session is designed to help Regulation Crowdfunding issuers understand the annual Form C-AR filing process, avoid common compliance mistakes, meet key deadlines, and strengthen investor trust without unnecessary legal or filing expenses. Whether you are preparing your first annual filing or managing post-raise compliance, this webinar will provide clear, actionable guidance to help you confidently handle your Form C-AR responsibilities. Register here: https://thesupercrowd.com/20may26SuperCrowd26 featuring PurposeBuilt100™: This August 25–27, founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders will gather for a three-day, broadcast-quality global experience focused on disciplined capital formation, regulated investment crowdfunding, and purpose-driven growth. We're bringing together leading voices in impact investing, compliance, digital marketing, and circular economy innovation to deliver practical frameworks, real-world case studies, and actionable strategies. The event culminates in the PurposeBuilt100™ Showcase, recognizing 100 of the fastest-growing purpose-driven companies in the U.S. Register now to secure your seat and get all the details. August 25–27, streaming worldwide.Share the application for the PurposeBuilt100™: Purpose-driven founders deserve recognition. The PurposeBuilt100™ application window is now open—celebrating the fastest-growing companies building profit with purpose. If you know a founder creating real impact and real growth, please share this opportunity. Applications are free and confidential. Explore the program and apply today: PurposeBuilt100.com.Community Event CalendarSuccessful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events.Earthstock Summit, Ojai, CA, May 29-31: The Earthstock Regenerative Summit in Ojai brings together leaders and community members for panels, workshops, films, music, and hands-on projects focused on regenerative agriculture, ecological design, resilience, health, and sustainable living.Join Tampa Bay Innovation and Menlo Park Patents for the Q2 Pitch Showcase, a live gathering for founders, inventors, investors, and startup supporters. Watch selected entrepreneurs pitch bold ideas, network with the innovation community, and see winners earn valuable prizes, including patent, valuation, and investor-meeting opportunities in St. Petersburg, Florida.Register Now! October 20th and 21st will be the Crowdfunding Professional Association Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit for 2026. This is the event of the year for everyone in the crowdfunding ecosystem.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 10,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.Manage the volume of emails you receive from us by clicking here.We share educational information—not investment advice. Some links may generate compensation. See our full disclosure.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Fostering Change
Funding the Mission: Stephen Garten on Financial Resilience for Nonprofits

Fostering Change

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2026 23:54


Nonprofits exist to serve people — not paperwork.But too often, outdated financial systems slow growth, strain leadership, and pull focus away from mission-driven work.This week on Fostering Change, Rob Scheer sits down with Stephen Garten, Founder & CEO of Charity Charge, a Public Benefit Corporation built exclusively to support the financial needs of nonprofit organizations.Stephen launched Charity Charge in 2015 after recognizing a widespread problem: nonprofits were forced to rely on banking and financial tools never designed for how they actually operate. Today, Charity Charge serves more than 3,000 nonprofits nationwide, offering nonprofit-specific credit cards, bookkeeping and compliance tools, gift cards, and over $60 million in working capital — empowering leaders to focus on impact instead of infrastructure.Rob and Stephen also reflect on their recent crossover conversation, following Rob's appearance on Stephen's podcast, The Charity Charge Nonprofit Spotlight, where they continued discussing leadership, transparency, and sustainability in the social sector.

Building Utah
Speaking on Business: Rasa Public Benefit Corporation

Building Utah

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2026 1:30


DEREK MILLER: This is Derek Miller, Speaking on Business. Founded in 2022, Rasa Public Benefit Corporation helps people get a fresh start by clearing their criminal records. Using legal expertise and smart technology, they make opportunities more accessible, helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. Founder and CEO, Noella Sudbury, joins us with more. NOELLA SUDBURY: At Rasa we believe people should be judged for their potential, not their past. One in three adults has a criminal record, and for many, that record becomes a lifelong barrier to jobs, housing, and opportunity. We built Rasa to change that. We combine modern technology with lawyers to help people understand what is on their criminal record and if eligible, move through the legal record expungement process in a way that is affordable, easy, and human. Our platform guides people step by step, making the process simpler, faster, and more accessible than ever before. This work matters not just to the people we serve, but to Utah's business community and beyond. Clearing records opens doors for qualified, motivated workers, strengthens families, helps employers address workforce shortages, and helps communities thrive. If you or someone you love is struggling with a criminal record, you're not alone. Start today. DEREK MILLER: Rasa is changing the way Utah approaches second chances, turning legal obstacles into opportunities. Learn more about their services and impact at rasa-legal.com. I'm Derek Miller, with the Salt Lake Chamber, Speaking on Business. Originally aired: 1/22/26

Evolve CPG - Brands for a Better World
Hydration & Regeneration with John Tran with Vita Coco

Evolve CPG - Brands for a Better World

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 4, 2025 62:43


In this conversation, John Tran talks about joining Vita Coco to help evolve their sustainability and social impact programs at the same time that were becoming a publicly traded company and going through the rigorous B Corp Certification process. He shared how they shifted their impact efforts from a collection of passion projects to a more coordinated and comprehensive ESG framework focused on protecting natural Resources, building thriving communities, and championing health & wellness. John then detailed some impact programs, like their ambitious goal of distributing and planting 10 million seedlings and trees globally! This conversation also covers the health benefits of coconut water, some big challenges in the coconut industry, and the importance of collaborating with local organizations to maximize impact in farming communities. John wraps up by sharing that a better world is one in which everyone is thriving, economically, socially, and beyond.Takeaways:Vita Coco became B Corp Certified and a publicly-traded, Public Benefit Corporation in 2021.Vita Coco's ESG framework focused on protecting natural Resources, building thriving communities, and championing health & wellness.Coconut water has 3.5X the electrolyte of common sports drinks.Aging trees have lower yields, which makes it harder to keep up with demand and reduces farmer income. Over a million seedlings have been distributed, with a goal of 10 million seedlings by 2030.The Vita Coco Community Foundation was founded to make sure that everyone in the coconut industry is thriving.Collaboration with local organizations is crucial for their impact programs.They partner with indigenous communities to train farmers in regenerative agriculture practices.Sound bites:“As brands come online with B Corp certification, it really gives us some kind of litmus to understand where we stand within the sustainability and social governance spaces.”“When you have many passionate people who are driving their passion projects, there isn't always a clear framework in terms of what we're driving towards.”“I very much see myself as kind of an accelerator to be able to support a lot of the projects that are existing within the organization.”“Coconut farming communities are just so inherent to our business, right? They are the heart of our business. And without them, there's really no VitaCoco.”“We want to create more economic empowerment within farming communities and more upward mobility by way of our impact programs.”“The great thing about coconut water is natural hydration. It has three and a half times the electrolytes of more common sports drinks.”“Finding what you're good at and what you're passionate about is really one of the keys to success of this role in any kind of role you'll have within sustainability.”Links:John Tran on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-tran-07047715/Vita Coco - https://vitacoco.com/Vita Coco on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-vita-coco-company/Vita Coco on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/VitaCocoUS/Vita Coco on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vitacocoVita Coco on X - https://x.com/vitacocoVita Coco on SnapChat - https://www.snapchat.com/@vitacocoVita Coco on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@vitacoco?…Brands for a Better World Episode Archive - http://brandsforabetterworld.com/Brands for a Better World on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/brand-for-a-better-world/Modern Species - https://modernspecies.com/Modern Species on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/modern-species/Gage Mitchell on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gagemitchell/…Print Magazine Design Podcasts - https://www.printmag.com/categories/printcast/…Heritage Radio Network - https://heritageradionetwork.org/Heritage Radio Network on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heritage-radio-network/posts/Heritage Radio Network on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/HeritageRadioNetworkHeritage Radio Network on X - https://x.com/Heritage_RadioHeritage Radio Network on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/heritage_radio/Heritage Radio Network on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@heritage_radioSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

THE NEW HEALTH CLUB
Dr. Casey Paleos - How to Heal in New York City?

THE NEW HEALTH CLUB

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2025 59:59


How do you run an innovative space in the heart of NYC that offers ketamine therapy and psychotherapy services? And is there more ketamine in the city than meets the eye? Join me as I dive into these questions with Dr. Casey Paleos, a pioneering psychiatrist reshaping the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy.Dr. Casey Paleos is -Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder of InnerMost, a NYC-based Public Benefit Corporation focusing on psychedelic therapy.-with over 15 years of experience in mental health with a deep commitment to exploring the healing potential of psychedelic medicines.-Principal Investigator for MAPS-sponsored MDMA-Assisted Therapy trials and a key contributor to the Psilocybin Cancer Anxiety Study at NYU.Discussion Highlights:The importance of creating accessible, innovative therapy spaces and supporting therapists through experiential training and community-building.Dr. Paleos's personal journey and motivation for entering psychiatry, stemming from a desire to help individuals with mental health struggles.The contrast between conventional psychiatry treatments and the deeper, more holistic approaches offered through psychedelic therapy.Insights on the recent electoral win of Zohran Mamdani as NYC Mayor and its implications for psychedelic legalization and mental health reform.The cultural nuances of mental health in NYC and how they influence the acceptance and use of psychedelic treatments.The role of ketamine and other psychedelics in fostering connections and addressing crises of meaning and disconnection in modern urban life.Notable Quotes:"Psychedelics can be viewed as tools for map provision.""There's a crisis of connectedness in our society, and psychedelics may help restore that."Check Innermost out here : https://innermost.one/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MAGICk WITHOUT FEARs
Daniel Rekshan - "DEEcoding UAP Disclosures with Enochian & Dreams | #108 HERMETIC PODCAST

MAGICk WITHOUT FEARs "Hermetic Podcast" with Frater R∴C∴

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2025 122:04


Full Episode List: www.HermeticPodcast.comWatch the full livestream with Daniel Rekshan from before EnochiaCon 2025: https://youtube.com/live/5VVhdhom5sk?feature=shareEnjoy Daniel Rekshan at EnochiaCon 2025 online or live in person in Vancouver, Canada. Register today: https://www.ArcaneResearchSociety.comGet Daniel's *The Book of Galactic Light: Liber Lux Galactica* --- https://amzn.to/4ncwSoc---Daniel Rekshan is an artist, dreamer, hypnotist, web architect, and enjoy many other roles within this world....He is the Chief Dream Officer of Dream Well, a Public Benefit Corporation. They produce a mobile app designed to help you sleep, dream, and be well....Daniel is the founder of D-SETI, the Dream Study of Extra Terrestrial Intelligence. D-SETI offers dreamwork education, training, and sessions focused on extraordinary and anomalous experiences like ET or NHI contact in dreams.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/magick-without-fears-frater-r-c-hermetic-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Tech Update | BNR
Alles wat je moet weten over de nieuwe rechtsvorm van OpenAI: de public benefit corporation

Tech Update | BNR

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2025 12:15


OpenAI is sinds kort geen non-profit meer, maar een zogeheten public benefit corporation. Daardoor is de waardevolste AI-startup ter wereld enerzijds nog een soort stichting, maar mag die ook onbeperkt winst maken. In Nederland kennen we deze opvallende rechtsvorm niet, dus hoor je alles wat je erover moet weten in deze verdiepende Tech Update van hoogleraar Ondernemingsrecht Tineke Lambooy van de Nyenrode Business Universiteit en techredacteur Niels Kooloos. De keuze van OpenAI om een public benefit corporation te worden heeft naar eigen zeggen het doel om 'zowel de missie van het bedrijf als commercieel succes te bevorderen'. Critici, waaronder personeel van OpenAI zelf, beweren echter dat het bedrijf vooral uit is op zo veel mogelijk winst maken voor aandeelhouders. Zo stelde investeringsmaatschappij Softbank begin dit jaar de voorwaarde dat OpenAI van rechtsvorm zou veranderen, als het een investering van 40 miljard dollar wilde krijgen.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

PTSD911 Presents
106 - Do Plant-Based Medicines Work? - Todd Youngblood

PTSD911 Presents

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2025 42:17 Transcription Available


Title:  Do Plant-Based Medicines Work? with Todd Youngblood Guest: Todd Youngblood, Co-Founder of Pneumogladius Host: Conrad Weaver, First Responder Wellness Podcast In this episode, Conrad Weaver sits down with Todd Youngblood, co-founder of Pneuma Gladius, a company dedicated to expanding access to plant-based medicines for mental health treatment. Todd shares the fascinating history and science behind natural psychedelic substances like psilocybin (magic mushrooms), ayahuasca, and mescaline — and how these naturally occurring compounds are showing tremendous promise in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The conversation dives into the stigma and myths surrounding psychedelics, the legal landscape evolving across the U.S., and how structured, intentional use of these substances — under proper guidance — can help individuals gain new perspectives on trauma and create lasting change. Todd also explains how these treatments differ from traditional medications, why they're not meant for long-term use, and how they promote neuroplasticity and personal growth. Conrad and Todd discuss the parallels between natural wellness approaches — like exercise, breathing, and time in nature — and the growing understanding that healing doesn't always come from pharmaceuticals alone. ABOUT TODD YOUNGBLOOD Todd Youngblood is a veteran advocate and mental health innovator dedicated to helping veterans and first responders heal from trauma, PTSD, and addiction through alternative therapies. As the founder of Pneuma Gladius, a Public Benefit Corporation, Todd is building an ecosystem that combines structured plant-based medicine, safe healing environments, and data collection to advance research and improve outcomes. His work bridges the gap between traditional mental health care and emerging psychedelic therapies, giving those who serve our communities new pathways toward lasting change. With thousands of hours of experience sitting in men's circles and guiding others through transformative processes, Todd has seen firsthand the power of connection, ceremony, and structured aftercare. As a trained psilocybin facilitator, he works directly with veterans and first responders, creating safe and supportive environments for healing journeys. His approach is rooted in compassion, community, and accountability—helping individuals move beyond barriers and reclaim their lives. CONNECT WITH TODD http://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-youngblood https://www.linkedin.com/company/pneuma-gladius https://www.pneumagladius.com/   +++++ FIRST RESPONDER WELLNESS PODCAST   Order the PTSD911 Film and Educational Toolkit here: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ Web site:  https://ptsd911movie.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ptsd911movie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ptsd911movie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClQ8jxjxYqHgFQixBK4Bl0Q Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/first-responder-wellness-podcast/id1535675703 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2wW72dLZOKkO1QYUPzL2ih Purchase the PTSD911 film for your public safety agency or organization: https://ptsd911movie.com/toolkit/ The First Responder Wellness Podcast is a production of ConjoStudios, LLC   Copyright ©2025 ConjoStudios, LLC - All rights Reserved.

The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Low-Dose Ketamine Treatment Options in Private Practice | Sharon Niv, Ph.D. | TPOT 405

The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2025 44:36


Today's episode is one I've really been looking forward to because we're diving into something that's transforming the way we think about mental health treatment: low-dose ketamine therapy. My guest, Dr. Sharon Niv, is the co-founder of Joyous, a public benefit company helping make this kind of care more accessible and affordable than ever before. Sharon brings a fascinating background in cognitive psychology, meditation, and technology, and she's helping bridge the gap between neuroscience and therapy in a way that's incredibly gentle, safe, and empowering for both clients and clinicians. We'll talk about what makes psycholytic, or low-dose, ketamine different from traditional psychedelic experiences, how it can enhance the therapeutic process, and how you, as a therapist, can get trained to integrate it into your own work. This is one of those conversations that opens your mind to what's possible in therapy, so let's jump in. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free Consulting with Gordon The PsychCraft Network Profit First for Therapists Workbook Meet Sharon Niv, Ph.D. Dr. Sharon Niv is a cognitive psychologist and co-founder of Joyous Team, a Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to making evidence-based mental health treatments accessible and affordable. Her work bridges the worlds of neuroscience, technology, and therapy with a focus on how scalable, data-driven approaches can enhance emotional well-being. Dr. Niv earned her Ph.D. in Brain and Cognitive Science from the University of Southern California, where she conducted research on EEG biomarkers, neurofeedback, and the neural underpinnings of mood and behavior. She also holds a B.A. in Molecular and Cellular Biology from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Clinical and Cognitive Psychology from USC. Before founding Joyous, Sharon worked on developing virtual-reality interventions for chronic pain and neurofeedback programs designed to help people improve emotional regulation and resilience. A long-time meditation practitioner, she combines scientific rigor with a deep understanding of mindfulness and experiential learning. Through Joyous, Sharon and her team are pioneering low-dose (psycholytic) ketamine therapy, creating safer, more sustainable pathways for individuals and therapists to experience healing and insight. Her mission is to empower both clinicians and clients with practical tools that promote neuroplasticity, compassion, and mental clarity. The Power of Therapy + Joyous Joyous Substack LinkedIn

Immigration Law for Tech Startups
237: Built to Stick: The Startup Making Gecko Tech Ready for Earth and Space

Immigration Law for Tech Startups

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025 40:25


Trailblazer in biomimicry, Dr. Capella Kerst, joins us to share her inspiring journey from Stanford mechanical engineering PhD student to founder of geCKo Materials, a company revolutionizing industries with its nature-inspired Dry Adhesive technology. Learn how Dr. Kerst's fascination with gecko feet led to a breakthrough that is not only impacting fields like space exploration and dentistry but is also redefining the future of industrial materials. Her story is a testament to innovation born from simplicity, starting from her mom's garage and quickly capturing the intrigue and support of investors. Dr. Capella Kerst is an entrepreneur and engineer leading sustainable innovation as the founder of geCKo Materials. Inspired by nature's genius, she developed the groundbreaking geCKo Materials Dry Adhesive (gMDA) technology, which is revolutionizing industries from space exploration to manufacturing. Driven by a passion for biomimicry and social impact, she is committed to building a greener future and mentoring the next generation of changemakers in STEM. In this episode, you'll hear about: Dr. Capella Kerst's journey from Stanford PhD student to founder of geCKo Materials Breakthrough in Dry Adhesive technology inspired by gecko feet, revolutionizing industries like space exploration and dentistry Overcoming startup challenges as a solo founder, securing investments, and collaborating with major industry players like TSMC, Samsung, and Intel geCKo Materials' commitment to ethical entrepreneurship as a Public Benefit Corporation focused on societal and environmental welfare Pioneering space debris cleanup efforts in collaboration with NASA, including participation in REACH and Astrobee projects geCKo Materials' innovative approach to manufacturing and sustainability, aiming to be the next industrial Velcro Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/capellak/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/geckomaterials www.geckomaterials.com  info@geckomaterials.com https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap225/  https://www.alcorn.law/podcast/sap185/ Alcorn Immigration Law: Subscribe to the monthly Alcorn newsletter Sophie Alcorn Podcast: Episode 16: E-2 Visa for Founders and Employees Episode 19: Australian Visas Including E-3 Episode 20: TN Visas and Status for Canadian and Mexican Citizens Immigration Options for Talent, Investors, and Founders Immigration Law for Tech Startups eBook

Psychedelic Divas
20. The Current State of Psychedelics: An Insider's Perspective

Psychedelic Divas

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 19, 2025 52:58


We are celebrating the one-year anniversary of the podcast with a cornerstone of the psychedelic renaissance: Amy Emerson. Amy is a respected leader in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy. She was Lykos Therapeutics CEO for an important period in advancing MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder as a drug with the FDA. In 2003, she began volunteering with the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), assisting with clinical research monitoring. Her expertise was instrumental in establishing MAPS' clinical department and managing the MDMA Clinical Development Program. When MAPS founded its Public Benefit Corporation in 2014 to develop and commercialize MDMA-assisted therapy, Amy was appointed CEO. The organization, later rebranded as Lykos Therapeutics, completed multiple Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials and raised a successful Series A all working toward the goal of obtaining FDA approval for MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD. Amy resigned from her CEO role in September 2024. Currently she is an advisor in the psychedelic research field.    In this episode, Amy shares about her own personal psychedelic use and how that led her to her early volunteer work with MAPS. We discuss what happened with the FDA approval process with MDMA, what went right, what went wrong and where the process goes from here. As part of the what-went-wrong focus, we explore what can be done to minimize the harm from inappropriate sexual encounters in psychedelic therapy, including the importance of therapists doing their own shadow work to help mitigate such abuse. We do a deep dive into the world of trauma and how these medicines can help provide healing on a number of levels. Amy also provides her dream scenario for where the psychedelic world could ideally be in ten years.   Learn More About Amy Emerson https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-emerson-5ab7473/   Connect with Carla If you're inspired by this episode and want to stay connected, follow Carla and Psychedelic Divas on social media or visit the website to get your Psychedelic Safety Guide Including What to Do When Things Go Wrong: ·        Website: PsychedelicDivas.com ·        Carla's Coaching: CarlaDetchon.com ·        Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychedelicdivas ·        YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@carladetchon ·        Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review Psychedelic Divas. Your support helps amplify these important conversations and grow our community.

Purpose & Profit Podcast
The Intersection of Funding, Purpose, and Leadership

Purpose & Profit Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 43:48


What does it look like to build a company—and a life—rooted in both purpose and profit? In this episode of Purpose & Profit Podcast, we sit down with William Norvell, a top 1% podcaster, investor, and trusted advisor to faith-driven entrepreneurs. William brings a wealth of experience, from co-founding Faith Driven Entrepreneur and Faith Driven Investor, to his current work with Forte, a company on a mission to democratize mental health in the workplace.With an MBA from Stanford and a unique journey that spans investment banking, private equity, and startup leadership, William offers a candid, wisdom-filled conversation about faith, business, and the complex human decisions leaders must make. Whether you're a mission-minded entrepreneur or nonprofit leader looking to create sustainable impact, this episode is full of practical insights and vision for a better future.You'll Learn:How William's journey—from Alabama to Stanford—shaped his views on leadership, purpose, and wealth.Why values-based investing is more than a trend, and how to align your portfolio with your convictions.The origin story of Faith Driven Entrepreneur and the gap it sought to fill in the faith and business world.Why William believes nonprofit CEOs have one of the toughest jobs, and how financial sustainability can shift the paradigm.What it means to run a Public Benefit Corporation and how that changes decisions from the boardroom to the break room.A raw take on early team dynamics and how to handle tough leadership decisions with both grace and clarity.A bold vision for the future, where businesses are inherently purposeful and nonprofits are free from constant fundraising.Discover more episodes of Purpose & Profit Podcast here. Get to know your co-hosts, Dave Raley and Carly Berna.Purpose & Profit Podcast is brought to you by:VIRTUOUSFAITHSEARCH PARTNERSIMAGO CONSULTINGAVID AIDICKERSONBAKKERSHARESYNERGYSpecial thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

This Week in Google (MP3)
IM 818: Between Two Orbs - Meet Surf, Flipboard's Solution for a Fractured Social Web

This Week in Google (MP3)

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 178:03 Transcription Available


Mike McCue introduces Surf: Flipboard's founder and CEO demonstrated their new social browser app that aggregates content from ActivityPub, AT Proto, and RSS into unified feeds, allowing users to follow people across platforms and create curated content collections. OpenAI Adjusts Reorganization Plans: OpenAI will maintain its non-profit arm while converting its for-profit division into a public benefit corporation similar to Anthropic, pending regulatory approval. AI Criticism Blog Post: A blog highlighted practical AI concerns beyond the singularity, focusing on coordinated inauthentic behavior, misinformation, and non-consensual pornography. AI Workplace Misuse: Nearly half of workers admit to using AI inappropriately at work according to a Fast Company report. AI Academic Cheating: New York Magazine investigated widespread AI cheating in colleges, including students using AI for all assignments while maintaining excellent grades. "I Smell AI": The team discussed unreliable AI detection methods and embarrassing AI-generated news errors, including Alberta being incorrectly described as "French-speaking." Instagram Co-founder on AI Chatbots: Kevin Systrom claims AI assistants are designed to maximize engagement metrics rather than utility, though Leo demonstrated how these behaviors can be modified. Google Labs' AI Experiments: The hosts explored Google's new AI Mode search interface, language learning tools, and a career recommendation system. New York Times Subscriber Growth: The NYT added 250,000 digital subscribers with a 14% jump in digital subscription revenue, with nearly half subscribing to multiple products. Auburn University's Phone Help Desk: The hosts discussed Auburn's 70-year tradition of librarians answering public phone questions, continuing through technological changes. San Francisco's Orb Store: World opened a downtown storefront where visitors scan their irises with "orbs" to verify humanity and receive WorldCoin cryptocurrency. Driverless Trucks Begin Regular Routes: Aurora launched fully autonomous semi-trucks between Dallas and Houston, raising both safety hopes and public perception concerns. Waymo Safety Study: Data showed Waymo's autonomous vehicles significantly reduced injury crashes, though the hosts questioned aspects of the data presentation. AI-Generated Video in Court: An AI-generated video of a deceased shooting victim "forgiving" his killer was shown in an Arizona courtroom, raising ethical and legal questions. Paris's Game Recommendation - Norco: Paris recommended the Southern Gothic narrative game Norco, set in industrial Louisiana with a surreal atmosphere similar to Disco Elysium. Leo's Game Recommendation - Tippy Coco: Leo shared a simple browser-based ball-bouncing game at TippyCoco.com as an easy option for casual players. Jeff's Pick - World Bank Data Sets: Jeff highlighted World Bank's release of hundreds of public data sets intended for AI training that provide insight into global technology adoption. Google Invests in Wonder: Google Ventures invested in virtual kitchen company Wonder, which raised $600 million despite questions about food delivery business sustainability. These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines/episodes/818 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Mike McCue Sponsors: monarchmoney.com with code IM spaceship.com/twit bigid.com/im Melissa.com/twit

All TWiT.tv Shows (MP3)
Intelligent Machines 818: Between Two Orbs

All TWiT.tv Shows (MP3)

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 178:03 Transcription Available


Mike McCue introduces Surf: Flipboard's founder and CEO demonstrated their new social browser app that aggregates content from ActivityPub, AT Proto, and RSS into unified feeds, allowing users to follow people across platforms and create curated content collections. OpenAI Adjusts Reorganization Plans: OpenAI will maintain its non-profit arm while converting its for-profit division into a public benefit corporation similar to Anthropic, pending regulatory approval. AI Criticism Blog Post: A blog highlighted practical AI concerns beyond the singularity, focusing on coordinated inauthentic behavior, misinformation, and non-consensual pornography. AI Workplace Misuse: Nearly half of workers admit to using AI inappropriately at work according to a Fast Company report. AI Academic Cheating: New York Magazine investigated widespread AI cheating in colleges, including students using AI for all assignments while maintaining excellent grades. "I Smell AI": The team discussed unreliable AI detection methods and embarrassing AI-generated news errors, including Alberta being incorrectly described as "French-speaking." Instagram Co-founder on AI Chatbots: Kevin Systrom claims AI assistants are designed to maximize engagement metrics rather than utility, though Leo demonstrated how these behaviors can be modified. Google Labs' AI Experiments: The hosts explored Google's new AI Mode search interface, language learning tools, and a career recommendation system. New York Times Subscriber Growth: The NYT added 250,000 digital subscribers with a 14% jump in digital subscription revenue, with nearly half subscribing to multiple products. Auburn University's Phone Help Desk: The hosts discussed Auburn's 70-year tradition of librarians answering public phone questions, continuing through technological changes. San Francisco's Orb Store: World opened a downtown storefront where visitors scan their irises with "orbs" to verify humanity and receive WorldCoin cryptocurrency. Driverless Trucks Begin Regular Routes: Aurora launched fully autonomous semi-trucks between Dallas and Houston, raising both safety hopes and public perception concerns. Waymo Safety Study: Data showed Waymo's autonomous vehicles significantly reduced injury crashes, though the hosts questioned aspects of the data presentation. AI-Generated Video in Court: An AI-generated video of a deceased shooting victim "forgiving" his killer was shown in an Arizona courtroom, raising ethical and legal questions. Paris's Game Recommendation - Norco: Paris recommended the Southern Gothic narrative game Norco, set in industrial Louisiana with a surreal atmosphere similar to Disco Elysium. Leo's Game Recommendation - Tippy Coco: Leo shared a simple browser-based ball-bouncing game at TippyCoco.com as an easy option for casual players. Jeff's Pick - World Bank Data Sets: Jeff highlighted World Bank's release of hundreds of public data sets intended for AI training that provide insight into global technology adoption. Google Invests in Wonder: Google Ventures invested in virtual kitchen company Wonder, which raised $600 million despite questions about food delivery business sustainability. These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines/episodes/818 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Mike McCue Sponsors: monarchmoney.com with code IM spaceship.com/twit bigid.com/im Melissa.com/twit

Radio Leo (Audio)
Intelligent Machines 818: Between Two Orbs

Radio Leo (Audio)

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 178:03 Transcription Available


Mike McCue introduces Surf: Flipboard's founder and CEO demonstrated their new social browser app that aggregates content from ActivityPub, AT Proto, and RSS into unified feeds, allowing users to follow people across platforms and create curated content collections. OpenAI Adjusts Reorganization Plans: OpenAI will maintain its non-profit arm while converting its for-profit division into a public benefit corporation similar to Anthropic, pending regulatory approval. AI Criticism Blog Post: A blog highlighted practical AI concerns beyond the singularity, focusing on coordinated inauthentic behavior, misinformation, and non-consensual pornography. AI Workplace Misuse: Nearly half of workers admit to using AI inappropriately at work according to a Fast Company report. AI Academic Cheating: New York Magazine investigated widespread AI cheating in colleges, including students using AI for all assignments while maintaining excellent grades. "I Smell AI": The team discussed unreliable AI detection methods and embarrassing AI-generated news errors, including Alberta being incorrectly described as "French-speaking." Instagram Co-founder on AI Chatbots: Kevin Systrom claims AI assistants are designed to maximize engagement metrics rather than utility, though Leo demonstrated how these behaviors can be modified. Google Labs' AI Experiments: The hosts explored Google's new AI Mode search interface, language learning tools, and a career recommendation system. New York Times Subscriber Growth: The NYT added 250,000 digital subscribers with a 14% jump in digital subscription revenue, with nearly half subscribing to multiple products. Auburn University's Phone Help Desk: The hosts discussed Auburn's 70-year tradition of librarians answering public phone questions, continuing through technological changes. San Francisco's Orb Store: World opened a downtown storefront where visitors scan their irises with "orbs" to verify humanity and receive WorldCoin cryptocurrency. Driverless Trucks Begin Regular Routes: Aurora launched fully autonomous semi-trucks between Dallas and Houston, raising both safety hopes and public perception concerns. Waymo Safety Study: Data showed Waymo's autonomous vehicles significantly reduced injury crashes, though the hosts questioned aspects of the data presentation. AI-Generated Video in Court: An AI-generated video of a deceased shooting victim "forgiving" his killer was shown in an Arizona courtroom, raising ethical and legal questions. Paris's Game Recommendation - Norco: Paris recommended the Southern Gothic narrative game Norco, set in industrial Louisiana with a surreal atmosphere similar to Disco Elysium. Leo's Game Recommendation - Tippy Coco: Leo shared a simple browser-based ball-bouncing game at TippyCoco.com as an easy option for casual players. Jeff's Pick - World Bank Data Sets: Jeff highlighted World Bank's release of hundreds of public data sets intended for AI training that provide insight into global technology adoption. Google Invests in Wonder: Google Ventures invested in virtual kitchen company Wonder, which raised $600 million despite questions about food delivery business sustainability. These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines/episodes/818 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Mike McCue Sponsors: monarchmoney.com with code IM spaceship.com/twit bigid.com/im Melissa.com/twit

This Week in Google (Video HI)
IM 818: Between Two Orbs - Meet Surf, Flipboard's Solution for a Fractured Social Web

This Week in Google (Video HI)

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 178:03 Transcription Available


Mike McCue introduces Surf: Flipboard's founder and CEO demonstrated their new social browser app that aggregates content from ActivityPub, AT Proto, and RSS into unified feeds, allowing users to follow people across platforms and create curated content collections. OpenAI Adjusts Reorganization Plans: OpenAI will maintain its non-profit arm while converting its for-profit division into a public benefit corporation similar to Anthropic, pending regulatory approval. AI Criticism Blog Post: A blog highlighted practical AI concerns beyond the singularity, focusing on coordinated inauthentic behavior, misinformation, and non-consensual pornography. AI Workplace Misuse: Nearly half of workers admit to using AI inappropriately at work according to a Fast Company report. AI Academic Cheating: New York Magazine investigated widespread AI cheating in colleges, including students using AI for all assignments while maintaining excellent grades. "I Smell AI": The team discussed unreliable AI detection methods and embarrassing AI-generated news errors, including Alberta being incorrectly described as "French-speaking." Instagram Co-founder on AI Chatbots: Kevin Systrom claims AI assistants are designed to maximize engagement metrics rather than utility, though Leo demonstrated how these behaviors can be modified. Google Labs' AI Experiments: The hosts explored Google's new AI Mode search interface, language learning tools, and a career recommendation system. New York Times Subscriber Growth: The NYT added 250,000 digital subscribers with a 14% jump in digital subscription revenue, with nearly half subscribing to multiple products. Auburn University's Phone Help Desk: The hosts discussed Auburn's 70-year tradition of librarians answering public phone questions, continuing through technological changes. San Francisco's Orb Store: World opened a downtown storefront where visitors scan their irises with "orbs" to verify humanity and receive WorldCoin cryptocurrency. Driverless Trucks Begin Regular Routes: Aurora launched fully autonomous semi-trucks between Dallas and Houston, raising both safety hopes and public perception concerns. Waymo Safety Study: Data showed Waymo's autonomous vehicles significantly reduced injury crashes, though the hosts questioned aspects of the data presentation. AI-Generated Video in Court: An AI-generated video of a deceased shooting victim "forgiving" his killer was shown in an Arizona courtroom, raising ethical and legal questions. Paris's Game Recommendation - Norco: Paris recommended the Southern Gothic narrative game Norco, set in industrial Louisiana with a surreal atmosphere similar to Disco Elysium. Leo's Game Recommendation - Tippy Coco: Leo shared a simple browser-based ball-bouncing game at TippyCoco.com as an easy option for casual players. Jeff's Pick - World Bank Data Sets: Jeff highlighted World Bank's release of hundreds of public data sets intended for AI training that provide insight into global technology adoption. Google Invests in Wonder: Google Ventures invested in virtual kitchen company Wonder, which raised $600 million despite questions about food delivery business sustainability. These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines/episodes/818 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Mike McCue Sponsors: monarchmoney.com with code IM spaceship.com/twit bigid.com/im Melissa.com/twit

The ChatGPT Report
137 - Google King and General News

The ChatGPT Report

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 10:22


Function Health has launched an FDA-cleared AI-powered full-body MRI that dramatically reduces scan time to 22 minutes and the cost to $499, making it more accessible for preventative health. In construction, Skanska has introduced Safety Sidekick, an AI assistant providing real-time safety guidance by consolidating crucial safety documents into a mobile and desktop resource, empowering safer decision-making on job sites. Google's Gemini 2.5 Pro Preview 'I/O edition' boasts significantly improved coding capabilities, ranking first on both LMArena for coding and the WebDev Arena Leaderboard, excelling particularly in building interactive web applications. This development coincides with predictions from Robert Scoble about Google's upcoming AI-powered glasses that will interact through eyes, hands, and voice, leveraging Google's vast personal data ecosystem, potentially posing a challenge to Apple. Meanwhile, OpenAI has decided to maintain its nonprofit control while restructuring its for-profit arm into a Public Benefit Corporation, legally requiring a balance between profit and public benefit, aligning with their mission of developing beneficial artificial general intelligence.@function @Scobleizer @Austen

All TWiT.tv Shows (Video LO)
Intelligent Machines 818: Between Two Orbs

All TWiT.tv Shows (Video LO)

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 178:03 Transcription Available


Mike McCue introduces Surf: Flipboard's founder and CEO demonstrated their new social browser app that aggregates content from ActivityPub, AT Proto, and RSS into unified feeds, allowing users to follow people across platforms and create curated content collections. OpenAI Adjusts Reorganization Plans: OpenAI will maintain its non-profit arm while converting its for-profit division into a public benefit corporation similar to Anthropic, pending regulatory approval. AI Criticism Blog Post: A blog highlighted practical AI concerns beyond the singularity, focusing on coordinated inauthentic behavior, misinformation, and non-consensual pornography. AI Workplace Misuse: Nearly half of workers admit to using AI inappropriately at work according to a Fast Company report. AI Academic Cheating: New York Magazine investigated widespread AI cheating in colleges, including students using AI for all assignments while maintaining excellent grades. "I Smell AI": The team discussed unreliable AI detection methods and embarrassing AI-generated news errors, including Alberta being incorrectly described as "French-speaking." Instagram Co-founder on AI Chatbots: Kevin Systrom claims AI assistants are designed to maximize engagement metrics rather than utility, though Leo demonstrated how these behaviors can be modified. Google Labs' AI Experiments: The hosts explored Google's new AI Mode search interface, language learning tools, and a career recommendation system. New York Times Subscriber Growth: The NYT added 250,000 digital subscribers with a 14% jump in digital subscription revenue, with nearly half subscribing to multiple products. Auburn University's Phone Help Desk: The hosts discussed Auburn's 70-year tradition of librarians answering public phone questions, continuing through technological changes. San Francisco's Orb Store: World opened a downtown storefront where visitors scan their irises with "orbs" to verify humanity and receive WorldCoin cryptocurrency. Driverless Trucks Begin Regular Routes: Aurora launched fully autonomous semi-trucks between Dallas and Houston, raising both safety hopes and public perception concerns. Waymo Safety Study: Data showed Waymo's autonomous vehicles significantly reduced injury crashes, though the hosts questioned aspects of the data presentation. AI-Generated Video in Court: An AI-generated video of a deceased shooting victim "forgiving" his killer was shown in an Arizona courtroom, raising ethical and legal questions. Paris's Game Recommendation - Norco: Paris recommended the Southern Gothic narrative game Norco, set in industrial Louisiana with a surreal atmosphere similar to Disco Elysium. Leo's Game Recommendation - Tippy Coco: Leo shared a simple browser-based ball-bouncing game at TippyCoco.com as an easy option for casual players. Jeff's Pick - World Bank Data Sets: Jeff highlighted World Bank's release of hundreds of public data sets intended for AI training that provide insight into global technology adoption. Google Invests in Wonder: Google Ventures invested in virtual kitchen company Wonder, which raised $600 million despite questions about food delivery business sustainability. These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines/episodes/818 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Mike McCue Sponsors: monarchmoney.com with code IM spaceship.com/twit bigid.com/im Melissa.com/twit

Radio Leo (Video HD)
Intelligent Machines 818: Between Two Orbs

Radio Leo (Video HD)

Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 178:03 Transcription Available


Mike McCue introduces Surf: Flipboard's founder and CEO demonstrated their new social browser app that aggregates content from ActivityPub, AT Proto, and RSS into unified feeds, allowing users to follow people across platforms and create curated content collections. OpenAI Adjusts Reorganization Plans: OpenAI will maintain its non-profit arm while converting its for-profit division into a public benefit corporation similar to Anthropic, pending regulatory approval. AI Criticism Blog Post: A blog highlighted practical AI concerns beyond the singularity, focusing on coordinated inauthentic behavior, misinformation, and non-consensual pornography. AI Workplace Misuse: Nearly half of workers admit to using AI inappropriately at work according to a Fast Company report. AI Academic Cheating: New York Magazine investigated widespread AI cheating in colleges, including students using AI for all assignments while maintaining excellent grades. "I Smell AI": The team discussed unreliable AI detection methods and embarrassing AI-generated news errors, including Alberta being incorrectly described as "French-speaking." Instagram Co-founder on AI Chatbots: Kevin Systrom claims AI assistants are designed to maximize engagement metrics rather than utility, though Leo demonstrated how these behaviors can be modified. Google Labs' AI Experiments: The hosts explored Google's new AI Mode search interface, language learning tools, and a career recommendation system. New York Times Subscriber Growth: The NYT added 250,000 digital subscribers with a 14% jump in digital subscription revenue, with nearly half subscribing to multiple products. Auburn University's Phone Help Desk: The hosts discussed Auburn's 70-year tradition of librarians answering public phone questions, continuing through technological changes. San Francisco's Orb Store: World opened a downtown storefront where visitors scan their irises with "orbs" to verify humanity and receive WorldCoin cryptocurrency. Driverless Trucks Begin Regular Routes: Aurora launched fully autonomous semi-trucks between Dallas and Houston, raising both safety hopes and public perception concerns. Waymo Safety Study: Data showed Waymo's autonomous vehicles significantly reduced injury crashes, though the hosts questioned aspects of the data presentation. AI-Generated Video in Court: An AI-generated video of a deceased shooting victim "forgiving" his killer was shown in an Arizona courtroom, raising ethical and legal questions. Paris's Game Recommendation - Norco: Paris recommended the Southern Gothic narrative game Norco, set in industrial Louisiana with a surreal atmosphere similar to Disco Elysium. Leo's Game Recommendation - Tippy Coco: Leo shared a simple browser-based ball-bouncing game at TippyCoco.com as an easy option for casual players. Jeff's Pick - World Bank Data Sets: Jeff highlighted World Bank's release of hundreds of public data sets intended for AI training that provide insight into global technology adoption. Google Invests in Wonder: Google Ventures invested in virtual kitchen company Wonder, which raised $600 million despite questions about food delivery business sustainability. These show notes have been truncated due to length. For the full show notes, visit https://twit.tv/shows/intelligent-machines/episodes/818 Hosts: Leo Laporte, Jeff Jarvis, and Paris Martineau Guest: Mike McCue Sponsors: monarchmoney.com with code IM spaceship.com/twit bigid.com/im Melissa.com/twit

AI Chat: ChatGPT & AI News, Artificial Intelligence, OpenAI, Machine Learning
OpenAI Forced to Stay Non-Profit, Calls Out X.ai

AI Chat: ChatGPT & AI News, Artificial Intelligence, OpenAI, Machine Learning

Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 14:12


Try AI Box: ⁠⁠⁠https://AIBox.ai/⁠⁠⁠AI Chat YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JaedenSchaferJoin my AI Hustle Community: https://www.skool.com/aihustle/aboutWOW! Lets talk about the recent developments at OpenAI, particularly the reversal of their decision to transition from a nonprofit to a for-profit model. Jaeden discusses the implications of this change, including the influence of Elon Musk's lawsuit and the vision articulated by Sam Altman for the future of AI. Chapters00:00 OpenAI's Nonprofit to For-Profit Transition Drama00:55 Launch of AI Box Playground02:22 Elon Musk's Lawsuit Against OpenAI03:43 Sam Altman's Vision for OpenAI06:27 Democratic AI vs Authoritarian AI09:16 OpenAI's Future Structure and Funding Needs12:02 Transition to Public Benefit Corporation

Managing Marketing
June Cheung And Darren Discuss AI And Scope 3 Implications For Media And Advertising

Managing Marketing

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 29, 2025 46:08


June Cheung is head of JAPAC at Scope 3, Public Benefit Corporation that focuses on decarbonizing media and advertising by providing a platform to visualize, measure, and reduce carbon emissions across the advertising ecosystem. But it is more than that. June shares the evolution of Scope3 from its foundation in 2022 with the aim to help the advertising industry reduce its carbon footprint, to facilitating the creation of an agreed measurement model for the industry tobuilding and sharing emission reduction solutions to today with the recent announcement of the creation of an agentic AI platform to help partners build and sell AI-enabled media products that are efficient and sustainable by design.  Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/managing-marketing/id1018735190  Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/75mJ4Gt6MWzFWvmd3A64XW?si=a3b63c66ab6e4934  Listen on Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/show/managing-marketing  Listen on Podbean: https://managingmarketing.podbean.com/  For more episodes of TrinityP3's Managing Marketing podcast, visit https://www.trinityp3.com/managing-marketing-podcasts/  Recorded live on Zoom and edited, mixed and managed by JML Audio with thanks to Jared Lattouf.

Capitalisn't
Profit or Purpose? OpenAI's $300 Billion Question, with Rose Chan Loui

Capitalisn't

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 47:35


All too often, capitalism is identified with the for-profit sector. However, one organizational form whose importance is often overlooked is nonprofits. Roughly 4% of the American economy, including most universities and hospital systems, are nonprofit.One prominent nonprofit currently at the center of a raging debate is OpenAI, the $300 billion American artificial intelligence research organization best known for developing ChatGPT. Founded in 2015 as a donation-based nonprofit with a mission to build AI for humanity, it created a complex “hybrid capped profit” governance structure in 2019. Then, after a dramatic firing and re-hiring of CEO Sam Altman in 2023 (covered on an earlier episode of Capitalisn't: “Who Controls AI?”), a new board of directors announced that achieving OpenAI's mission would require far more capital than philanthropic donations could provide and initiated a process to transition to a for-profit public benefit corporation. This process has been fraught with corporate drama, including one early OpenAI investor, Elon Musk, filing a lawsuit to stop the process and launching a $97.4 billion unsolicited bid for OpenAI's nonprofit arm.Beyond the staggering valuation numbers at stake here–not to mention OpenAI's open pursuit of profits over the public good–are complicated legal and philosophical questions. Namely, what happens when corporate leaders violate the founding purpose of a firm? To discuss, Luigi and Bethany are joined by Rose Chan Loui, the founding executive director of the Lowell Milken Center on Philanthropy and Nonprofits at UCLA Law and co-author of the paper "Board Control of a Charity's Subsidiaries: The Saga of OpenAI.” Is OpenAI a “textbook case of altruism vs. greed,” as the judge overseeing the case declared? Is AI for everyone, or only for investors? Together, they discuss how money can distort purpose and philanthropy, precedents for this case, where it might go next, and how it may shape the future of capitalism itself.Show Notes:Read extensive coverage of the Musk-OpenAI lawsuit on ProMarket, including Luigi's article from March 2024: “Why Musk Is Right About OpenAI.”Guest Disclosure (provided to The Conversation for an op-ed on the case): The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in, or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article. They have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe
Investing as a Force for Good: CoPeace's Mission to Democratize Capital

#plugintodevin - Your Mark on the World with Devin Thorpe

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 25:42


I'm not a financial advisor; Superpowers for Good should not be considered investment advice. Seek counsel before making investment decisions.Watch the show on television by downloading the e360tv channel app to your Roku, AppleTV or AmazonFireTV. You can also see it on YouTube.When you purchase an item, launch a campaign or create an investment account after clicking a link here, we may earn a fee. Engage to support our work.Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!Devin: What is your superpower?Craig: I think my superpower is empathic awareness and the ability to kind of perceive what others are thinking.Investing has long been a game reserved for the elite, but Craig Jonas is working to change that. As the founder and CEO of CoPeace Capital, he's on a mission to use investing as a force for good, ensuring that more people—especially those historically excluded from wealth-building opportunities—can participate in equity investing.“Many communities have not had the access to growing their wealth through equity investing,” Craig explained. “And the crowdfunding platforms allow that to happen.”CoPeace, a Certified B Corporation and Public Benefit Corporation, has been actively raising capital from the crowd, successfully leveraging Regulation Crowdfunding to fuel its impact-driven investments. By embracing this approach, CoPeace is not only funding its own growth but also identifying promising companies that align with its mission. The company has already invested in businesses focused on sustainable infrastructure and social impact, proving that financial returns and positive change can coexist.Craig emphasized that success in impact crowdfunding isn't automatic—it requires effort, strategy, and community engagement. “The number one learning is that it's not magic. It takes work to develop the crowd that might want to invest in what you're doing.”A common misconception about impact investing is that it requires sacrificing returns. Craig challenges that notion, pointing out that market-based returns are not only possible but often stronger when companies prioritize sustainability and long-term value creation. “Not only are we seeing kind of market-based returns, but the data is showing that it is a good business decision to care about the future of our world,” he said.With plans to launch a larger fund, CoPeace Capital is expanding its ability to invest in high-impact businesses while continuing to make equity investing more accessible. Craig's leadership in this space demonstrates that with the right approach, anyone can leverage capital to drive meaningful change.For those looking to align their investments with their values, CoPeace offers a compelling example of how financial success and social impact can go hand in hand.tl;dr:* Craig Jonas, CEO of CoPeace Capital, discusses using impact investing to democratize access to wealth-building opportunities.* He shares insights from CoPeace's successful Regulation Crowdfunding campaign and how it supports mission-aligned businesses.* Craig challenges the misconception that impact investing requires sacrificing financial returns, highlighting data that supports market-based gains.* He explains his superpower, empathic awareness, and how it shapes his leadership and investment strategies.* Craig offers practical advice for developing empathic awareness, emphasizing active listening, reflection, and immersing oneself in diverse environments.How to Develop Empathic Awareness As a SuperpowerCraig's superpower is empathic awareness—the ability to perceive and deeply understand the emotions and perspectives of others.Craig describes this skill as an essential part of navigating the impact investing space. "I think my superpower is empathic awareness and the ability to kind of perceive what others are thinking," he shared. By listening intently to stakeholders, investors, and the communities CoPeace serves, Craig ensures that their needs and concerns shape the company's mission and strategy.One powerful example of Craig's empathic awareness took place during his time as a basketball coach in post-apartheid South Africa. Selected as the first American coach to work in the townships, he recalls sensing the fear and hesitation in the eyes of young players as he entered their community. By being present, acknowledging their lived experiences, and creating a space of mutual trust, he fostered a meaningful connection that made the basketball clinic not only a success but also a transformational moment for everyone involved.Craig believes that developing empathic awareness requires intentional effort. His tips include:* Pause and Reflect: Before reacting, take an extra moment to consider the perspectives of others.* Engage in New Environments: Step outside your comfort zone by immersing yourself in different cultures and communities.* Observe Role Models: Identify and learn from individuals who demonstrate deep empathy in their interactions.* Listen Actively: Focus on understanding rather than responding—allow people to share their experiences fully.By following Craig's example and advice, you can make empathic awareness a skill. With practice and effort, you could make it a superpower that enables you to do more good in the world.Remember, however, that research into success suggests that building on your own superpowers is more important than creating new ones or overcoming weaknesses. You do you!Guest ProfileCraig Jonas (he/him):CEO, CoPeace CapitalAbout CoPeace Capital: Our mission is to drive measurable and sustainable impact on our world and the people who live in it by funding and fostering growth-stage ventures in Healthcare and Sport: Investing as a force for good.Website: copeace.comX/Twitter Handle: @CoPeaceLinkTree: linktr.ee/CoPeaceOther URL: invest.svx.us/offering/copcop2/Biographical Information: Craig Jonas is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of leadership experience across business, academics, and athletics. As the founder of CoPeace, he built a mission-driven holding company focused on sustainable investments and democratizing access to equity. Previously, he served as COO of Basketball Travelers and BTI Events, managing global sports events, and held leadership roles at Sportvision and Coach's Edge. Craig holds a doctorate in conflict management from the University of Kansas and has been featured in Forbes, Worth, and Triple Pundit. He lives in Colorado with his wife, Seanna, and their dog, Fergus.BluSky Handle: @jonascopeace.bsky.socialPersonal Facebook Profile: fb.com/craig.jonas.77Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/craigjonas/Instagram Handle: @CoPeacePBCSupport Our SponsorsOur generous sponsors make our work possible, serving impact investors, social entrepreneurs, community builders and diverse founders. Today's advertisers include FundingHope, Imotobank Dealership, Crowdfunding Made Simple and SuperCrowdLA. Learn more about advertising with us here.Max-Impact MembersThe following Max-Impact Members provide valuable financial support:Carol Fineagan, Independent Consultant | Lory Moore, Lory Moore Law | Marcia Brinton, High Desert Gear | Paul Lovejoy, Stakeholder Enterprise | Pearl Wright, Global Changemaker | Ralf Mandt, Next Pitch | Scott Thorpe, Philanthropist | Add Your Name HereUpcoming SuperCrowd Event CalendarIf a location is not noted, the events below are virtual.* Superpowers for Good Live Pitch – Where Innovation Meets Impact! Join us on March 12, 2025, for the Q1-25 live pitch event, streaming on e360tv, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. Watch impact-driven startups pitch their bold ideas, connect with investors, and drive positive change. Don't miss this chance to witness innovation in action!* Impact Cherub Club Meeting hosted by The Super Crowd, Inc., a public benefit corporation, on March 18, 2024, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Each month, the Club meets to review new offerings for investment consideration and to conduct due diligence on previously screened deals. To join the Impact Cherub Club, become an Impact Member of the SuperCrowd.* SuperCrowdHour, March 19, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern. Devin Thorpe will be leading a session on "How to Build a VC-Style Impact Crowdfunding Portfolio," sharing expert insights on diversifying investments, identifying high-potential impact ventures, and leveraging crowdfunding for both financial and social returns. Whether you're an experienced investor or just getting started, this is a must-attend! Don't miss it!* SuperCrowdLA: we're going to be live in Santa Monica, California, May 1-3. Plan to join us for a major, in-person event focused on scaling impact. Sponsored by Digital Niche Agency, ProActive Real Estate and others. This will be a can't-miss event. Has your business been impacted by the recent fires? Apply now for a chance to receive one of 10 free tickets to SuperCrowdLA on May 2nd and 3rd and gain the tools to rebuild and grow!Community Event Calendar* Successful Funding with Karl Dakin, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM ET - Click on Events* Capital Raise Strategies for Purpose Driven Enterprises, hosted by PathLight Law, February 25 at 1:00 PM ET.* Kingscrowd Meet UP in San Francisco, CA - February 27th at 5:30 PM PT* Igniting Community Capital to Build Outdoor Recreation Communities, Crowdfund Better, Thursdays, March 20 & 27, April 3 & 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM ET.* NC3 Changing the Paradigm: Mobilizing Community Investment Funds, March 7, 2025* Asheville Neighborhood Economics, April 1-2, 2-25.* Regulated Investment Crowdfunding Summit 2025, Crowdfunding Professional Association, Washington DC, October 21-22, 2025.Call for community action:* Please show your support for a tax credit for investments made via Regulation Crowdfunding, benefitting both the investors and the small businesses that receive the investments. Learn more here.If you would like to submit an event for us to share with the 9,000+ changemakers, investors and entrepreneurs who are members of the SuperCrowd, click here.We use AI to help us write compelling recaps of each episode. Get full access to Superpowers for Good at www.superpowers4good.com/subscribe

Cables2Clouds
Is Google Cloud On Pace to Overtake Azure in 2025?

Cables2Clouds

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2025 23:44 Transcription Available


Send us a textAkamai's journey to regain control of their cloud spending reveals the pitfalls of over-provisioning and the importance of optimized workloads. The episode navigates through significant updates like OpenAI's transition to a Public Benefit Corporation and Microsoft's substantial investments in AI data centers while pondering Google Cloud's rising competitive positioning against Azure. • Akamai struggles with escalating cloud costs • The ramifications of leveraging cloud as a crutch for poor workload design • OpenAI's shift to a Public Benefit Corporation for societal good • Microsoft's ambitious $80 billion investment in AI infrastructure • Analysts predict Google Cloud could surpass Azure by 2025 • The rising role of AI agents in tech and IT managementCheck out the Fortnightly Cloud Networking Newshttps://docs.google.com/document/d/1fkBWCGwXDUX9OfZ9_MvSVup8tJJzJeqrauaE6VPT2b0/Visit our website and subscribe: https://www.cables2clouds.com/Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cables2cloudsFollow us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cables2clouds/Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cables2cloudsMerch Store: https://store.cables2clouds.com/Join the Discord Study group: https://artofneteng.com/iaatj

The Happy Hustle Podcast
The TRIPLE BOTTOM LINE Everyone Needs To Know About: Here's How He Built a Purpose-Driven Company that Pulled Over 40 MILLION Pounds of Plastic from the Ocean with Co-Founder and CEO of 4OCEAN, Alex Schulze

The Happy Hustle Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 2, 2025 71:28


Have you ever thought about how your everyday choices can make waves—literal waves—of change? In this episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I had an inspiring and thought-provoking chat with Alex Schultz, the co-founder and CEO of Four Ocean. If you're passionate about sustainability and the future of our planet, this conversation is a must-listen!Alex and I dive deep into the concept of the triple bottom line—people, planet, and profit. 4ocean isn't just about selling bracelets; it's about cleaning up the ocean and creating a movement. Alex shared how they've built a business model that ties every product sale to a tangible environmental impact: cleaning one pound of trash from the ocean. It's not just business as usual; it's business with a purpose. Starting and scaling a business with a mission isn't all smooth sailing. Alex opened up about the challenges of running a purpose-driven company, from navigating criticism to engaging employees and building partnerships. He shared actionable tips for entrepreneurs looking to create a lasting impact. This episode is packed with insights for anyone who cares about sustainability, entrepreneurship, or simply living a more mindful life. From uncovering the hidden costs of plastic pollution to learning how businesses can lead the charge for a cleaner planet, Alex's journey is nothing short of inspiring.Don't miss this deep dive into the intersection of business and sustainability. Tune in now, and let's get to Happy Hustlin' for the planet!In this episode, we cover: 00:00 Introduction to Four Ocean and Its Mission02:59 The Triple Bottom Line in Business06:11 Understanding B Corporations and Public Benefit Corporations09:00 The Business Model of Four Ocean12:14 Creating a Movement for Ocean Cleanup15:04 Navigating Challenges and Criticism18:11 Partnerships and Sustainability Initiatives21:05 The Impact of Consumer Choices24:05 Plastic Pollution Statistics and Myths31:50 The Truth About Recycling and Plastic Waste34:34 The Impact of Microplastics on Health37:48 Mindful Living: Small Changes for Big Impact41:45 The Importance of Passion and Purpose in Business43:49 Balancing Entrepreneurship and Family Life49:00 Employee Engagement and Company Culture52:28 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal ReflectionsConnect with Alexhttps://www.facebook.com/4oceanBracelets/https://www.instagram.com/4ocean/https://www.tiktok.com/@4oceanhttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCT_-OGW5IiUuuHwmuyUPYQhttps://x.com/4oceanhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/4oceanpbc/posts/?feedView=allFind Alex on this website: 4ocean.com Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsor: Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/happyIf you've been on a restricted diet lately or maybe even taken some meds to shed those pounds for the summer, I gotta warn ya—be careful! You might have unknowingly created a nutrient deficiency that could not only mess with your health but also jeopardize those weight loss goals.Did you know that over 75% of Americans are already deficient in magnesium? Yeah, it's wild! Magnesium is this powerhouse mineral that's involved in over 600 biological reactions in your body. It helps with everything from sleep to stress management to hormone balance—all key players in keeping your weight on track.And if you're still on those meds, you might be dealing with some side effects like sleepless nights, digestive issues, or irritability, which can totally throw off your commitment to your goals. Whether you're taking meds or not, setting up healthy habits is crucial to maintaining your weight over time. One of the best things you can do? Make sure you're getting all the magnesium your body needs.Don't let a magnesium deficiency derail your progress! Give Magnesium Breakthrough by BIOptimizers a shot. Unlike other supplements, this one's got all 7 forms of magnesium that your body can actually absorb, so you get the full spectrum of benefits.This approach will help you crush your goals and maintain a healthy weight while keeping your overall health in check. For an exclusive offer, head to bioptimizers.com/happy and use the promo code 'happy10' at checkout to save 10%. And if you subscribe, you'll snag amazing discounts, free gifts, and a guaranteed monthly supply.

Discover Daily by Perplexity
OpenAI Proposes Public Benefit Corporation, China Approves Tibet Mega Dam, and Encyclopedia Britannica is an AI Company

Discover Daily by Perplexity

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 9:30 Transcription Available


We're experimenting and would love to hear from you!In the final 2024 episode of Discover Daily, we explore OpenAI's groundbreaking restructuring plans for 2025, as the company transitions into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation. This major shift, accompanied by a $6.6 billion funding round valuing OpenAI at $157 billion, represents a strategic move to balance profit-seeking with societal impact while maintaining their commitment to beneficial AI development.China's ambitious Tibet Mega Dam project takes center stage as the world's soon-to-be largest hydropower facility, set to generate an unprecedented 60 gigawatts of power. This engineering marvel, while promising significant renewable energy benefits, faces substantial challenges including seismic concerns and environmental impacts that could affect downstream nations like India and Bangladesh.The episode concludes with an in-depth look at Encyclopedia Britannica's remarkable transformation from a traditional print publisher to an innovative AI company. With a potential public valuation approaching $1 billion, Britannica has revolutionized its business model by developing AI-powered educational tools, including a specialized chatbot that leverages their vast repository of verified knowledge to enhance learning experiences in schools and libraries worldwide.Thank you to our listeners! We appreciate your support and feedback. Have a happy and safe New Year! We'll see you in 2025.From Perplexity's Discover Feed: https://www.perplexity.ai/page/openai-proposes-public-benefit-MMvaZ.jGQgGdkRfvcEoANAhttps://www.perplexity.ai/page/china-approves-tibet-mega-dam-UwFwqGK2RPG5MVwURQd55ghttps://www.perplexity.ai/page/encyclopedia-britannica-is-an-JdeViIFRSjuAji4Snw.HVgPerplexity is the fastest and most powerful way to search the web. Perplexity crawls the web and curates the most relevant and up-to-date sources (from academic papers to Reddit threads) to create the perfect response to any question or topic you're interested in. Take the world's knowledge with you anywhere. Available on iOS and Android Join our growing Discord community for the latest updates and exclusive content. Follow us on: Instagram Threads X (Twitter) YouTube Linkedin

Everyday AI Podcast – An AI and ChatGPT Podcast
EP 429: AI News That Matters - December 30th, 2024

Everyday AI Podcast – An AI and ChatGPT Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 47:27


Send Everyday AI and Jordan a text messageGoogle is using Claude to improve Gemini? Why is OpenAI looking at building humanoids? What does a $100 billion price tag have to do with AGI? AI news and big tech didn't take a holiday break. Get caught up with Everyday AI's AI News That Matters. Newsletter: Sign up for our free daily newsletterMore on this Episode: Episode PageJoin the discussion: Ask Jordan questions on AIUpcoming Episodes: Check out the upcoming Everyday AI Livestream lineupWebsite: YourEverydayAI.comEmail The Show: info@youreverydayai.comConnect with Jordan on LinkedInTopics Covered in This Episode:1. Impact of Large Language Models2. Google's AI Strategy3. OpenAI's Restructuring and Robotics Research4. AI Manipulation and Concerns5. AGI and its Valuation6. DeepSeek's Open-Source Model7. Meta's AI Plan for Social MediaTimestamps:00:00 Open-source AI competes with proprietary models.04:21 DeepSeek v3: Affordable, open-source model for innovators.07:39 Meta expands AI characters, faces safety risks.10:42 OpenAI restructuring as Public Benefit Corporation (PBC).17:04 Google compares models; Gemini flagged for safety.19:40 Models often use other models for evaluation.21:51 Google prioritizes Gemini AI for 2025 growth.26:29 Google's Gemini lagged behind in updates, ineffective.31:17 AI's intention economy forecasts, manipulates, sells intentions.35:13 Hinton warns AI could outsmart humans, urges regulation.39:24 Microsoft invested in OpenAI; AGI limits tech use.40:36 Microsoft revised AGI use agreement with OpenAI.Keywords:Large Language Models, Google's AI Focus, Gemini language models, AI evaluation, OpenAI Robotics, AI Manipulation Study, Anticipatory AI, Artificial General Intelligence, DeepSeek, Open-source AI, B3 model, Meta, AI Characters, Social Media AI, OpenAI corporate restructuring, Public Benefit Corporation, AI investment, Anthropic's Claude AI, AI Compliance, AI safety, Synthetic Data, AI User Manipulation, Geoffrey Hinton, AI risks, AI regulation, AGI Valuation, Microsoft-OpenAI partnership, Intellectual property in AI, AGI Potential, Sam Altman. Get more out of ChatGPT by learning our PPP method in this live, interactive and free training! Sign up now: https://youreverydayai.com/ppp-registration/

The Happy Hustle Podcast
ARETÉ: Activate Your Heroic Potential with Founder & CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation and Bestselling Author, Brian Johnson

The Happy Hustle Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 75:55


Do you want to activate your heroic potential?In this episode of the Happy Hustle Podcast, I'm bringing you a game-changing guest guru training straight from the private mastermind community, the Happy Hustle Club! This time, we're featuring my man, Mr. Brian Johnson, the founder and CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation and author of Arête: Activate Your Heroic Potential. This dude is the real deal. He's half philosopher, half CEO, and 101% committed to making the world a better place. His mission? To see 51% of humanity flourishing by 2051.Brian isn't just an entrepreneur; he's a visionary who's raised over $25 million, made crowdfunding history, and built and sold two social platforms. Today, he leads a global movement with 10,000+ heroic coaches across 100+ countries. This guy knows what it takes to dream big and deliver. And in this episode, he's sharing the goods with YOU.In this deep-dive conversation, we cover topics that will inspire, challenge, and empower you:Arête: The Path to Excellence – Discover the ancient Greek philosophy of living up to your highest potential and how it applies to your modern-day hustle.Anti-Fragile Confidence – Learn how to embrace challenges, setbacks, and even trauma as fuel for your growth.Business as a Force for Good – Explore the concept of public benefit corporations and how entrepreneurship can drive meaningful change.Mental Health & Resilience – Gain practical strategies to strengthen your mindset and handle adversity with grit and grace.Parenting & Play – Hear Brian's perspective on how creativity, play, and conscious leadership can enhance both business and family life.This training isn't just another podcast episode—it's a front-row seat to the Happy Hustle Club's exclusive mastermind experience. So, what are you waiting for? Hit play on this episode, take notes, and start activating YOUR heroic potential today. Because the world needs more heroes, and that journey starts with YOU. Connect with Brianhttps://www.instagram.com/heroicbrianhttps://www.facebook.com/heroicbrianhttps://www.youtube.com/@HeroicBrianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heroicbrianhttps://twitter.com/heroicbrianFind Brian on his website: https://www.heroic.us/Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/caryjack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featuredGet a free copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance https://www.thehappyhustle.com/bookSign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!”Episode Sponsor: Magnesium Breakthrough from BiOptimizers https://bioptimizers.com/happyIf you've been on a restricted diet lately or maybe even taken some meds to shed those pounds for the summer, I gotta warn ya—be careful! You might have unknowingly created a nutrient deficiency that could not only mess with your health but also jeopardize those weight loss goals.Did you know that over 75% of Americans are already deficient in magnesium? Yeah, it's wild! Magnesium is this powerhouse mineral that's involved in over 600 biological reactions in your body. It helps with everything from sleep to stress management to hormone balance—all key players in keeping your weight on track.And if you're still on those meds, you might be dealing with some side effects like sleepless nights, digestive issues, or irritability, which can totally throw off your commitment to your goals. Whether you're taking meds or not, setting up healthy habits is crucial to maintaining your weight over time. One of the best things you can do? Make sure you're getting all the magnesium your body needs.Don't let a magnesium deficiency derail your progress! Give Magnesium Breakthrough by BIOptimizers a shot. Unlike other supplements, this one's got all 7 forms of magnesium that your body can actually absorb, so you get the full spectrum of benefits.This approach will help you crush your goals and maintain a healthy weight while keeping your overall health in check. For an exclusive offer, head to bioptimizers.com/happy and use the promo code 'happy10' at checkout to save 10%. And if you subscribe, you'll snag amazing discounts, free gifts, and a guaranteed monthly supply.

The Fitnessista Podcast: Healthy In Real Life
175: Reducing your biological age with Chris Mirabile

The Fitnessista Podcast: Healthy In Real Life

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2024 37:07


Sharing a new podcast episode with Chris Mirabile about reducing your biological age We talk about: - His background and how he became so passionate about longevity - Why he created NOVOS - What is biological age and his everyday tips for reducing your biological age - What to do if you're already consistent with health foundations and want to take it to the next level and so.much.more. 175: Reducing your biological age with Chris Mirabile Here's more about Chris and his background: Chris Mirabile is an internationally recognized longevity expert and the founder and CEO of NOVOS, the world's leading consumer longevity platform. At an early age, Chris faced health challenges – a brain tumor – that sparked his passion for longevity medicine and gaining a deeper understanding of the connection between aging, disease, and mortality. Chris shares his personal longevity journey on his blog, SlowMyAge, where he tracks his lifestyle, self-experiments, and biological data while sharing how he successfully slowed his biological aging by 37%. Chris is featured as a longevity leader frequently in the press and has spoken on 100+ podcasts, forums, and at numerous global conferences. Based in Miami and New York, Chris created NOVOS, a Public Benefit Corporation with the mission of making longevity achievable and accessible for all. NOVOS is the first human longevity company to simultaneously address the 12 biological causes of aging through its scientifically validated, patent-pending, over-the-counter formulations, best-in-class biological age tests, and free digital tools. NOVOS' formulations are in a class of their own, being studied at academic labs and found to reduce DNA damage, cellular senescence, and oxytosis/ferroptosis; shown in a human case study to slow down epigenetic pace of aging for 73% of participants, with 0% accelerating; and multiple NOVOS customers featured in the news for being globally ranked in the top 5 for slowing their pace of aging. Check out NOVOS here and connect with Chris on Instagram.  Partners: Check out my all-time favorite weighted blanket and other health gadgets at Thersage and use FITNESSISTA for your reader discount! I've been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA50 for $50 off. If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don't currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don't begin on this path. They're friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career. You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it! You can check out my review IHP Level 1 here and my review of Level 2 here. Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you'll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. 

This Week in Pre-IPO Stocks
E152: LAST CALL for AG Dillon Top 10 Index Fund, OpenAI, xAI, Groq, Hugging Face, and Databricks Pre-IPO Stock Funds, wires due on Oct 15; Anthropic targets $30-40B; Wiz share sale at $15-20B; Revolut hits $45B; Chime preps 2025 IPO; Scale AI hits $400M H

This Week in Pre-IPO Stocks

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 13:23


Send us a textSubscribe to AG Dillon Pre-IPO Stock Research at agdillon.com/subscribe;- Wednesday = secondary market valuations, revenue multiples, performance, index fact sheets- Saturdays = pre-IPO news and insights, webinar replays00:02 | AG Dillon Pre-IPO Stock Funds closing to new investors. Wires due on Oct 15. Top 10 Index Fund, OpenAI, xAI, Groq, Hugging Face, and Databricks.00:45 | Anthropic Aims for $30-40B Valuation in New Capital Raise- AI company behind Claude conversational AI- Projected annual revenue: $1B in 2024, up 1000% YoY- Gross profit margins dropped to 38% from 50-55%- Expects $2.7B cash burn in 2024- Current secondary market valuation: $25.3B (+40% vs Jan 2024)01:49 | Wiz Considers Share Sale, Valued at $15-20B- Cybersecurity company scanning data stored in cloud providers- Shareholders may cash out $500M-$700M- Rejected $23B acquisition offer from Google in July 2024- Raised $1.8B from investors like Sequoia Capital and Index Ventures- Secondary market valuation: $18.2B (+52% vs May 2024)02:35 | Revolut Gains Investment from Mubadala at $45B Valuation- London-based fintech with 45M global customers- Founder Nik Storonsky sold $200-$300M worth of shares- Mubadala participated alongside Coatue, D1 Capital Partners, and Tiger Global- Processes over 500M transactions monthly; B2B service generates €450M annually03:17 | Chime Gears Up for 2025 IPO with Morgan Stanley- Fintech banking startup with 7M active users- Became profitable in Q1 2024- Launched a cash advance product for users up to $500 before payday- Secondary market valuation: $9.2B (-63% vs Sep 2021)04:03 | Scale AI's Revenue Quadruples to $400M in H1 2024- Provides data for AI developers like Meta and Google- Operating margin improved: $1.20 spent per $1 revenue, down from $1.50- Annualized revenue near $1B, valued at $13.8B (primary, May 2024)- Secondary market valuation: $14.1B (+2% vs May 2024)04:56 | OpenAI Transitions to Public Benefit Corporation, Hits $156.5B Valuation- Raised $6.5B in funding round led by Thrive Capital ($1B commitment)- New voice technology "Advanced Voice Mode" rolling out to more users- Key departures: CTO Mira Murati, Chief Research Officer Bob McGrew, and others07:40 | Google Expands Gemini Chatbot for Workspace Integration- Gemini API requests increased 36-fold in eight months- Targeting enterprise adoption via Workspace subscribers- Emphasizes security with SOC 1/2/3, ISO 27001, and ISO 27701 certifications08:41 | Rippling Launches AI Talent Signal Tool, Valued at $15.9B- HR/IT business software platform with a new AI-driven tool- Evaluates employees with task-specific metrics- Built using AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic- Secondary market valuation: $15.9B (+18% vs Apr 2024)09:36 | Anduril Secures Major Defense Contracts, Valued at $17.4B- Defense tech contractor partnered with Microsoft for US Army goggles- Ghost-X UAS chosen for Army's reconnaissance capabilities- Potential $21.9B in orders over a decade- Secondary market valuation: $17.4B (+24% vs Aug 2024)10:37 | Klarna Expands BNPL Services with Adyen- Partnership integrates BNPL into 450K+ Adyen payment terminals- BNPL market gaining traction with 26% of paycheck-to-paycheck consumers- Secondary market valuation: $10.3B (+54% vs Jul 2022)11:34 | Pre-IPO Stock Market Weekly Performance- agdillon.com/subscribe to receive weekly pdf report in your inbox12:18 | Pre-IPO Stock Vintage Index Weekly Performance- agdillon.com/subscribe to receive weekly pdf report in your inbox

Latent Space: The AI Engineer Podcast — CodeGen, Agents, Computer Vision, Data Science, AI UX and all things Software 3.0
AI Magic: Shipping 1000s of successful products with no managers and a team of 12 — Jeremy Howard of Answer.ai

Latent Space: The AI Engineer Podcast — CodeGen, Agents, Computer Vision, Data Science, AI UX and all things Software 3.0

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 58:56


Disclaimer: We recorded this episode ~1.5 months ago, timing for the FastHTML release. It then got bottlenecked by Llama3.1, Winds of AI Winter, and SAM2 episodes, so we're a little late. Since then FastHTML was released, swyx is building an app in it for AINews, and Anthropic has also released their prompt caching API. Remember when Dylan Patel of SemiAnalysis coined the GPU Rich vs GPU Poor war? (if not, see our pod with him). The idea was that if you're GPU poor you shouldn't waste your time trying to solve GPU rich problems (i.e. pre-training large models) and are better off working on fine-tuning, optimized inference, etc. Jeremy Howard (see our “End of Finetuning” episode to catchup on his background) and Eric Ries founded Answer.AI to do exactly that: “Practical AI R&D”, which is very in-line with the GPU poor needs. For example, one of their first releases was a system based on FSDP + QLoRA that let anyone train a 70B model on two NVIDIA 4090s. Since then, they have come out with a long list of super useful projects (in no particular order, and non-exhaustive):* FSDP QDoRA: this is just as memory efficient and scalable as FSDP/QLoRA, and critically is also as accurate for continued pre-training as full weight training.* Cold Compress: a KV cache compression toolkit that lets you scale sequence length without impacting speed.* colbert-small: state of the art retriever at only 33M params* JaColBERTv2.5: a new state-of-the-art retrievers on all Japanese benchmarks.* gpu.cpp: portable GPU compute for C++ with WebGPU.* Claudette: a better Anthropic API SDK. They also recently released FastHTML, a new way to create modern interactive web apps. Jeremy recently released a 1 hour “Getting started” tutorial on YouTube; while this isn't AI related per se, but it's close to home for any AI Engineer who are looking to iterate quickly on new products: In this episode we broke down 1) how they recruit 2) how they organize what to research 3) and how the community comes together. At the end, Jeremy gave us a sneak peek at something new that he's working on that he calls dialogue engineering: So I've created a new approach. It's not called prompt engineering. I'm creating a system for doing dialogue engineering. It's currently called AI magic. I'm doing most of my work in this system and it's making me much more productive than I was before I used it.He explains it a bit more ~44:53 in the pod, but we'll just have to wait for the public release to figure out exactly what he means.Timestamps* [00:00:00] Intro by Suno AI* [00:03:02] Continuous Pre-Training is Here* [00:06:07] Schedule-Free Optimizers and Learning Rate Schedules* [00:07:08] Governance and Structural Issues within OpenAI and Other AI Labs* [00:13:01] How Answer.ai works* [00:23:40] How to Recruit Productive Researchers* [00:27:45] Building a new BERT* [00:31:57] FSDP, QLoRA, and QDoRA: Innovations in Fine-Tuning Large Models* [00:36:36] Research and Development on Model Inference Optimization* [00:39:49] FastHTML for Web Application Development* [00:46:53] AI Magic & Dialogue Engineering* [00:52:19] AI wishlist & predictionsShow Notes* Jeremy Howard* Previously on Latent Space: The End of Finetuning, NeurIPS Startups* Answer.ai* Fast.ai* FastHTML* answerai-colbert-small-v1* gpu.cpp* Eric Ries* Aaron DeFazio* Yi Tai* Less Wright* Benjamin Warner* Benjamin Clavié* Jono Whitaker* Austin Huang* Eric Gilliam* Tim Dettmers* Colin Raffel* Sebastian Raschka* Carson Gross* Simon Willison* Sepp Hochreiter* Llama3.1 episode* Snowflake Arctic* Ranger Optimizer* Gemma.cpp* HTMX* UL2* BERT* DeBERTa* Efficient finetuning of Llama 3 with FSDP QDoRA* xLSTMTranscriptAlessio [00:00:00]: Hey everyone, welcome to the Latent Space podcast. This is Alessio, partner and CTO-in-Residence at Decibel Partners, and I'm joined by my co-host Swyx, founder of Smol AI.Swyx [00:00:14]: And today we're back with Jeremy Howard, I think your third appearance on Latent Space. Welcome.Jeremy [00:00:19]: Wait, third? Second?Swyx [00:00:21]: Well, I grabbed you at NeurIPS.Jeremy [00:00:23]: I see.Swyx [00:00:24]: Very fun, standing outside street episode.Jeremy [00:00:27]: I never heard that, by the way. You've got to send me a link. I've got to hear what it sounded like.Swyx [00:00:30]: Yeah. Yeah, it's a NeurIPS podcast.Alessio [00:00:32]: I think the two episodes are six hours, so there's plenty to listen, we'll make sure to send it over.Swyx [00:00:37]: Yeah, we're trying this thing where at the major ML conferences, we, you know, do a little audio tour of, give people a sense of what it's like. But the last time you were on, you declared the end of fine tuning. I hope that I sort of editorialized the title a little bit, and I know you were slightly uncomfortable with it, but you just own it anyway. I think you're very good at the hot takes. And we were just discussing in our pre-show that it's really happening, that the continued pre-training is really happening.Jeremy [00:01:02]: Yeah, absolutely. I think people are starting to understand that treating the three ULM FIT steps of like pre-training, you know, and then the kind of like what people now call instruction tuning, and then, I don't know if we've got a general term for this, DPO, RLHFE step, you know, or the task training, they're not actually as separate as we originally suggested they were in our paper, and when you treat it more as a continuum, and that you make sure that you have, you know, more of kind of the original data set incorporated into the later stages, and that, you know, we've also seen with LLAMA3, this idea that those later stages can be done for a lot longer. These are all of the things I was kind of trying to describe there. It wasn't the end of fine tuning, but more that we should treat it as a continuum, and we should have much higher expectations of how much you can do with an already trained model. You can really add a lot of behavior to it, you can change its behavior, you can do a lot. So a lot of our research has been around trying to figure out how to modify the model by a larger amount rather than starting from random weights, because I get very offended at the idea of starting from random weights.Swyx [00:02:14]: Yeah, I saw that in ICLR in Vienna, there was an outstanding paper about starting transformers from data-driven piers. I don't know if you saw that one, they called it sort of never trained from scratch, and I think it was kind of rebelling against like the sort of random initialization.Jeremy [00:02:28]: Yeah, I've, you know, that's been our kind of continuous message since we started Fast AI, is if you're training for random weights, you better have a really good reason, you know, because it seems so unlikely to me that nobody has ever trained on data that has any similarity whatsoever to the general class of data you're working with, and that's the only situation in which I think starting from random weights makes sense.Swyx [00:02:51]: The other trends since our last pod that I would point people to is I'm seeing a rise in multi-phase pre-training. So Snowflake released a large model called Snowflake Arctic, where they detailed three phases of training where they had like a different mixture of like, there was like 75% web in the first instance, and then they reduced the percentage of the web text by 10% each time and increased the amount of code in each phase. And I feel like multi-phase is being called out in papers more. I feel like it's always been a thing, like changing data mix is not something new, but calling it a distinct phase is new, and I wonder if there's something that you're seeingJeremy [00:03:32]: on your end. Well, so they're getting there, right? So the point at which they're doing proper continued pre-training is the point at which that becomes a continuum rather than a phase. So the only difference with what I was describing last time is to say like, oh, there's a function or whatever, which is happening every batch. It's not a huge difference. You know, I always used to get offended when people had learning rates that like jumped. And so one of the things I started doing early on in Fast.ai was to say to people like, no, you should actually have your learning rate schedule should be a function, not a list of numbers. So now I'm trying to give the same idea about training mix.Swyx [00:04:07]: There's been pretty public work from Meta on schedule-free optimizers. I don't know if you've been following Aaron DeFazio and what he's doing, just because you mentioned learning rate schedules, you know, what if you didn't have a schedule?Jeremy [00:04:18]: I don't care very much, honestly. I don't think that schedule-free optimizer is that exciting. It's fine. We've had non-scheduled optimizers for ages, like Less Wright, who's now at Meta, who was part of the Fast.ai community there, created something called the Ranger optimizer. I actually like having more hyperparameters. You know, as soon as you say schedule-free, then like, well, now I don't get to choose. And there isn't really a mathematically correct way of, like, I actually try to schedule more parameters rather than less. So like, I like scheduling my epsilon in my atom, for example. I schedule all the things. But then the other thing we always did with the Fast.ai library was make it so you don't have to set any schedules. So Fast.ai always supported, like, you didn't even have to pass a learning rate. Like, it would always just try to have good defaults and do the right thing. But to me, I like to have more parameters I can play with if I want to, but you don't have to.Alessio [00:05:08]: And then the more less technical side, I guess, of your issue, I guess, with the market was some of the large research labs taking all this innovation kind of behind closed doors and whether or not that's good, which it isn't. And now we could maybe make it more available to people. And then a month after we released the episode, there was the whole Sam Altman drama and like all the OpenAI governance issues. And maybe people started to think more, okay, what happens if some of these kind of labs, you know, start to break from within, so to speak? And the alignment of the humans is probably going to fall before the alignment of the models. So I'm curious, like, if you have any new thoughts and maybe we can also tie in some of the way that we've been building Answer as like a public benefit corp and some of those aspects.Jeremy [00:05:51]: Sure. So, yeah, I mean, it was kind of uncomfortable because two days before Altman got fired, I did a small public video interview in which I said, I'm quite sure that OpenAI's current governance structure can't continue and that it was definitely going to fall apart. And then it fell apart two days later and a bunch of people were like, what did you know, Jeremy?Alessio [00:06:13]: What did Jeremy see?Jeremy [00:06:15]: I didn't see anything. It's just obviously true. Yeah. So my friend Eric Ries and I spoke a lot before that about, you know, Eric's, I think probably most people would agree, the top expert in the world on startup and AI governance. And you know, we could both clearly see that this didn't make sense to have like a so-called non-profit where then there are people working at a company, a commercial company that's owned by or controlled nominally by the non-profit, where the people in the company are being given the equivalent of stock options, like everybody there was working there with expecting to make money largely from their equity. So the idea that then a board could exercise control by saying like, oh, we're worried about safety issues and so we're going to do something that decreases the profit of the company, when every stakeholder in the company, their remuneration pretty much is tied to their profit, it obviously couldn't work. So I mean, that was a huge oversight there by someone. I guess part of the problem is that the kind of people who work at non-profits and in this case the board, you know, who are kind of academics and, you know, people who are kind of true believers. I think it's hard for them to realize that 99.999% of the world is driven very heavily by money, especially huge amounts of money. So yeah, Eric and I had been talking for a long time before that about what could be done differently, because also companies are sociopathic by design and so the alignment problem as it relates to companies has not been solved. Like, companies become huge, they devour their founders, they devour their communities and they do things where even the CEOs, you know, often of big companies tell me like, I wish our company didn't do that thing. You know, I know that if I didn't do it, then I would just get fired and the board would put in somebody else and the board knows if they don't do it, then their shareholders can sue them because they're not maximizing profitability or whatever. So what Eric's spent a lot of time doing is trying to think about how do we make companies less sociopathic, you know, how to, or more, you know, maybe a better way to think of it is like, how do we make it so that the founders of companies can ensure that their companies continue to actually do the things they want them to do? You know, when we started a company, hey, we very explicitly decided we got to start a company, not a academic lab, not a nonprofit, you know, we created a Delaware Seacorp, you know, the most company kind of company. But when we did so, we told everybody, you know, including our first investors, which was you Alessio. They sound great. We are going to run this company on the basis of maximizing long-term value. And in fact, so when we did our second round, which was an angel round, we had everybody invest through a long-term SPV, which we set up where everybody had to agree to vote in line with long-term value principles. So like never enough just to say to people, okay, we're trying to create long-term value here for society as well as for ourselves and everybody's like, oh, yeah, yeah, I totally agree with that. But when it comes to like, okay, well, here's a specific decision we have to make, which will not maximize short-term value, people suddenly change their mind. So you know, it has to be written into the legal documents of everybody so that no question that that's the way the company has to be managed. So then you mentioned the PBC aspect, Public Benefit Corporation, which I never quite understood previously. And turns out it's incredibly simple, like it took, you know, like one paragraph added to our corporate documents to become a PBC. It was cheap, it was easy, but it's got this huge benefit, which is if you're not a public benefit corporation, then somebody can come along and offer to buy you with a stated description of like turning your company into the thing you most hate, right? And if they offer you more than the market value of your company and you don't accept it, then you are not necessarily meeting the kind of your fiduciary responsibilities. So the way like Eric always described it to me is like, if Philip Morris came along and said that you've got great technology for marketing cigarettes to children, so we're going to pivot your company to do that entirely, and we're going to pay you 50% more than the market value, you're going to have to say yes. If you have a PBC, then you are more than welcome to say no, if that offer is not in line with your stated public benefit. So our stated public benefit is to maximize the benefit to society through using AI. So given that more children smoking doesn't do that, then we can say like, no, we're not selling to you.Alessio [00:11:01]: I was looking back at some of our emails. You sent me an email on November 13th about talking and then on the 14th, I sent you an email working together to free AI was the subject line. And then that was kind of the start of the C round. And then two days later, someone got fired. So you know, you were having these thoughts even before we had like a public example of like why some of the current structures didn't work. So yeah, you were very ahead of the curve, so to speak. You know, people can read your awesome introduction blog and answer and the idea of having a R&D lab versus our lab and then a D lab somewhere else. I think to me, the most interesting thing has been hiring and some of the awesome people that you've been bringing on that maybe don't fit the central casting of Silicon Valley, so to speak. Like sometimes I got it like playing baseball cards, you know, people are like, oh, what teams was this person on, where did they work versus focusing on ability. So I would love for you to give a shout out to some of the awesome folks that you have on the team.Jeremy [00:11:58]: So, you know, there's like a graphic going around describing like the people at XAI, you know, Elon Musk thing. And like they are all connected to like multiple of Stanford, Meta, DeepMind, OpenAI, Berkeley, Oxford. Look, these are all great institutions and they have good people. And I'm definitely not at all against that, but damn, there's so many other people. And one of the things I found really interesting is almost any time I see something which I think like this is really high quality work and it's something I don't think would have been built if that person hadn't built the thing right now, I nearly always reach out to them and ask to chat. And I tend to dig in to find out like, okay, you know, why did you do that thing? Everybody else has done this other thing, your thing's much better, but it's not what other people are working on. And like 80% of the time, I find out the person has a really unusual background. So like often they'll have like, either they like came from poverty and didn't get an opportunity to go to a good school or had dyslexia and, you know, got kicked out of school in year 11, or they had a health issue that meant they couldn't go to university or something happened in their past and they ended up out of the mainstream. And then they kind of succeeded anyway. Those are the people that throughout my career, I've tended to kind of accidentally hire more of, but it's not exactly accidentally. It's like when I see somebody who's done, two people who have done extremely well, one of them did extremely well in exactly the normal way from the background entirely pointing in that direction and they achieved all the hurdles to get there. And like, okay, that's quite impressive, you know, but another person who did just as well, despite lots of constraints and doing things in really unusual ways and came up with different approaches. That's normally the person I'm likely to find useful to work with because they're often like risk-takers, they're often creative, they're often extremely tenacious, they're often very open-minded. So that's the kind of folks I tend to find myself hiring. So now at Answer.ai, it's a group of people that are strong enough that nearly every one of them has independently come to me in the past few weeks and told me that they have imposter syndrome and they're not convinced that they're good enough to be here. And I kind of heard it at the point where I was like, okay, I don't think it's possible that all of you are so far behind your peers that you shouldn't get to be here. But I think part of the problem is as an R&D lab, the great developers look at the great researchers and they're like, wow, these big-brained, crazy research people with all their math and s**t, they're too cool for me, oh my God. And then the researchers look at the developers and they're like, oh, they're killing it, making all this stuff with all these people using it and talking on Twitter about how great it is. I think they're both a bit intimidated by each other, you know. And so I have to kind of remind them like, okay, there are lots of things in this world where you suck compared to lots of other people in this company, but also vice versa, you know, for all things. And the reason you came here is because you wanted to learn about those other things from those other people and have an opportunity to like bring them all together into a single unit. You know, it's not reasonable to expect you're going to be better at everything than everybody else. I guess the other part of it is for nearly all of the people in the company, to be honest, they have nearly always been better than everybody else at nearly everything they're doing nearly everywhere they've been. So it's kind of weird to be in this situation now where it's like, gee, I can clearly see that I suck at this thing that I'm meant to be able to do compared to these other people where I'm like the worst in the company at this thing for some things. So I think that's a healthy place to be, you know, as long as you keep reminding each other about that's actually why we're here. And like, it's all a bit of an experiment, like we don't have any managers. We don't have any hierarchy from that point of view. So for example, I'm not a manager, which means I don't get to tell people what to do or how to do it or when to do it. Yeah, it's been a bit of an experiment to see how that would work out. And it's been great. So for instance, Ben Clavier, who you might have come across, he's the author of Ragatouille, he's the author of Rerankers, super strong information retrieval guy. And a few weeks ago, you know, this additional channel appeared on Discord, on our private Discord called Bert24. And these people started appearing, as in our collab sections, we have a collab section for like collaborating with outsiders. And these people started appearing, there are all these names that I recognize, like Bert24, and they're all talking about like the next generation of Bert. And I start following along, it's like, okay, Ben decided that I think, quite rightly, we need a new Bert. Because everybody, like so many people are still using Bert, and it's still the best at so many things, but it actually doesn't take advantage of lots of best practices. And so he just went out and found basically everybody who's created better Berts in the last four or five years, brought them all together, suddenly there's this huge collaboration going on. So yeah, I didn't tell him to do that. He didn't ask my permission to do that. And then, like, Benjamin Warner dived in, and he's like, oh, I created a whole transformers from scratch implementation designed to be maximally hackable. He originally did it largely as a teaching exercise to show other people, but he was like, I could, you know, use that to create a really hackable BERT implementation. In fact, he didn't say that. He said, I just did do that, you know, and I created a repo, and then everybody's like starts using it. They're like, oh my god, this is amazing. I can now implement all these other BERT things. And it's not just answer AI guys there, you know, there's lots of folks, you know, who have like contributed new data set mixes and blah, blah, blah. So, I mean, I can help in the same way that other people can help. So like, then Ben Clavier reached out to me at one point and said, can you help me, like, what have you learned over time about how to manage intimidatingly capable and large groups of people who you're nominally meant to be leading? And so, you know, I like to try to help, but I don't direct. Another great example was Kerem, who, after our FSTP QLORA work, decided quite correctly that it didn't really make sense to use LoRa in today's world. You want to use the normalized version, which is called Dora. Like two or three weeks after we did FSTP QLORA, he just popped up and said, okay, I've just converted the whole thing to Dora, and I've also created these VLLM extensions, and I've got all these benchmarks, and, you know, now I've got training of quantized models with adapters that are as fast as LoRa, and as actually better than, weirdly, fine tuning. Just like, okay, that's great, you know. And yeah, so the things we've done to try to help make these things happen as well is we don't have any required meetings, you know, but we do have a meeting for each pair of major time zones that everybody's invited to, and, you know, people see their colleagues doing stuff that looks really cool and say, like, oh, how can I help, you know, or how can I learn or whatever. So another example is Austin, who, you know, amazing background. He ran AI at Fidelity, he ran AI at Pfizer, he ran browsing and retrieval for Google's DeepMind stuff, created Jemma.cpp, and he's been working on a new system to make it easier to do web GPU programming, because, again, he quite correctly identified, yeah, so I said to him, like, okay, I want to learn about that. Not an area that I have much expertise in, so, you know, he's going to show me what he's working on and teach me a bit about it, and hopefully I can help contribute. I think one of the key things that's happened in all of these is everybody understands what Eric Gilliam, who wrote the second blog post in our series, the R&D historian, describes as a large yard with narrow fences. Everybody has total flexibility to do what they want. We all understand kind of roughly why we're here, you know, we agree with the premises around, like, everything's too expensive, everything's too complicated, people are building too many vanity foundation models rather than taking better advantage of fine-tuning, like, there's this kind of general, like, sense of we're all on the same wavelength about, you know, all the ways in which current research is fucked up, and, you know, all the ways in which we're worried about centralization. We all care a lot about not just research for the point of citations, but research that actually wouldn't have happened otherwise, and actually is going to lead to real-world outcomes. And so, yeah, with this kind of, like, shared vision, people understand, like, you know, so when I say, like, oh, well, you know, tell me, Ben, about BERT 24, what's that about? And he's like, you know, like, oh, well, you know, you can see from an accessibility point of view, or you can see from a kind of a actual practical impact point of view, there's far too much focus on decoder-only models, and, you know, like, BERT's used in all of these different places and industry, and so I can see, like, in terms of our basic principles, what we're trying to achieve, this seems like something important. And so I think that's, like, a really helpful that we have that kind of shared perspective, you know?Alessio [00:21:14]: Yeah. And before we maybe talk about some of the specific research, when you're, like, reaching out to people, interviewing them, what are some of the traits, like, how do these things come out, you know, usually? Is it working on side projects that you, you know, you're already familiar with? Is there anything, like, in the interview process that, like, helps you screen for people that are less pragmatic and more research-driven versus some of these folks that are just gonna do it, you know? They're not waiting for, like, the perfect process.Jeremy [00:21:40]: Everybody who comes through the recruiting is interviewed by everybody in the company. You know, our goal is 12 people, so it's not an unreasonable amount. So the other thing to say is everybody so far who's come into the recruiting pipeline, everybody bar one, has been hired. So which is to say our original curation has been good. And that's actually pretty easy, because nearly everybody who's come in through the recruiting pipeline are people I know pretty well. So Jono Whitaker and I, you know, he worked on the stable diffusion course we did. He's outrageously creative and talented, and he's super, like, enthusiastic tinkerer, just likes making things. Benjamin was one of the strongest parts of the fast.ai community, which is now the alumni. It's, like, hundreds of thousands of people. And you know, again, like, they're not people who a normal interview process would pick up, right? So Benjamin doesn't have any qualifications in math or computer science. Jono was living in Zimbabwe, you know, he was working on, like, helping some African startups, you know, but not FAANG kind of credentials. But yeah, I mean, when you actually see people doing real work and they stand out above, you know, we've got lots of Stanford graduates and open AI people and whatever in our alumni community as well. You know, when you stand out above all of those people anyway, obviously you've got something going for you. You know, Austin, him and I worked together on the masks study we did in the proceeding at the National Academy of Science. You know, we had worked together, and again, that was a group of, like, basically the 18 or 19 top experts in the world on public health and epidemiology and research design and so forth. And Austin, you know, one of the strongest people in that collaboration. So yeah, you know, like, I've been lucky enough to have had opportunities to work with some people who are great and, you know, I'm a very open-minded person, so I kind of am always happy to try working with pretty much anybody and some people stand out. You know, there have been some exceptions, people I haven't previously known, like Ben Clavier, actually, I didn't know before. But you know, with him, you just read his code, and I'm like, oh, that's really well-written code. And like, it's not written exactly the same way as everybody else's code, and it's not written to do exactly the same thing as everybody else's code. So yeah, and then when I chatted to him, it's just like, I don't know, I felt like we'd known each other for years, like we just were on the same wavelength, but I could pretty much tell that was going to happen just by reading his code. I think you express a lot in the code you choose to write and how you choose to write it, I guess. You know, or another example, a guy named Vic, who was previously the CEO of DataQuest, and like, in that case, you know, he's created a really successful startup. He won the first, basically, Kaggle NLP competition, which was automatic essay grading. He's got the current state-of-the-art OCR system, Surya. Again, he's just a guy who obviously just builds stuff, you know, he doesn't ask for permission, he doesn't need any, like, external resources. Actually, Karim's another great example of this, I mean, I already knew Karim very well because he was my best ever master's student, but it wasn't a surprise to me then when he then went off to create the world's state-of-the-art language model in Turkish on his own, in his spare time, with no budget, from scratch. This is not fine-tuning or whatever, he, like, went back to Common Crawl and did everything. Yeah, it's kind of, I don't know what I'd describe that process as, but it's not at all based on credentials.Swyx [00:25:17]: Assemble based on talent, yeah. We wanted to dive in a little bit more on, you know, turning from the people side of things into the technical bets that you're making. Just a little bit more on Bert. I was actually, we just did an interview with Yi Tay from Reka, I don't know if you're familiar with his work, but also another encoder-decoder bet, and one of his arguments was actually people kind of over-index on the decoder-only GPT-3 type paradigm. I wonder if you have thoughts there that is maybe non-consensus as well. Yeah, no, absolutely.Jeremy [00:25:45]: So I think it's a great example. So one of the people we're collaborating with a little bit with BERT24 is Colin Raffle, who is the guy behind, yeah, most of that stuff, you know, between that and UL2, there's a lot of really interesting work. And so one of the things I've been encouraging the BERT group to do, Colin has as well, is to consider using a T5 pre-trained encoder backbone as a thing you fine-tune, which I think would be really cool. You know, Colin was also saying actually just use encoder-decoder as your Bert, you know, why don't you like use that as a baseline, which I also think is a good idea. Yeah, look.Swyx [00:26:25]: What technical arguments are people under-weighting?Jeremy [00:26:27]: I mean, Colin would be able to describe this much better than I can, but I'll give my slightly non-expert attempt. Look, I mean, think about like diffusion models, right? Like in stable diffusion, like we use things like UNet. You have this kind of downward path and then in the upward path you have the cross connections, which it's not a tension, but it's like a similar idea, right? You're inputting the original encoding path into your decoding path. It's critical to make it work, right? Because otherwise in the decoding part, the model has to do so much kind of from scratch. So like if you're doing translation, like that's a classic kind of encoder-decoder example. If it's decoder only, you never get the opportunity to find the right, you know, feature engineering, the right feature encoding for the original sentence. And it kind of means then on every token that you generate, you have to recreate the whole thing, you know? So if you have an encoder, it's basically saying like, okay, this is your opportunity model to create a really useful feature representation for your input information. So I think there's really strong arguments for encoder-decoder models anywhere that there is this kind of like context or source thing. And then why encoder only? Well, because so much of the time what we actually care about is a classification, you know? It's like an output. It's like generating an arbitrary length sequence of tokens. So anytime you're not generating an arbitrary length sequence of tokens, decoder models don't seem to make much sense. Now the interesting thing is, you see on like Kaggle competitions, that decoder models still are at least competitive with things like Deberta v3. They have to be way bigger to be competitive with things like Deberta v3. And the only reason they are competitive is because people have put a lot more time and money and effort into training the decoder only ones, you know? There isn't a recent Deberta. There isn't a recent Bert. Yeah, it's a whole part of the world that people have slept on a little bit. And this is just what happens. This is how trends happen rather than like, to me, everybody should be like, oh, let's look at the thing that has shown signs of being useful in the past, but nobody really followed up with properly. That's the more interesting path, you know, where people tend to be like, oh, I need to get citations. So what's everybody else doing? Can I make it 0.1% better, you know, or 0.1% faster? That's what everybody tends to do. Yeah. So I think it's like, Itay's work commercially now is interesting because here's like a whole, here's a whole model that's been trained in a different way. So there's probably a whole lot of tasks it's probably better at than GPT and Gemini and Claude. So that should be a good commercial opportunity for them if they can figure out what those tasks are.Swyx [00:29:07]: Well, if rumors are to be believed, and he didn't comment on this, but, you know, Snowflake may figure out the commercialization for them. So we'll see.Jeremy [00:29:14]: Good.Alessio [00:29:16]: Let's talk about FSDP, Qlora, Qdora, and all of that awesome stuff. One of the things we talked about last time, some of these models are meant to run on systems that nobody can really own, no single person. And then you were like, well, what if you could fine tune a 70B model on like a 4090? And I was like, no, that sounds great, Jeremy, but like, can we actually do it? And then obviously you all figured it out. Can you maybe tell us some of the worst stories behind that, like the idea behind FSDP, which is kind of taking sharded data, parallel computation, and then Qlora, which is do not touch all the weights, just go quantize some of the model, and then within the quantized model only do certain layers instead of doing everything.Jeremy [00:29:57]: Well, do the adapters. Yeah.Alessio [00:29:59]: Yeah. Yeah. Do the adapters. Yeah. I will leave the floor to you. I think before you published it, nobody thought this was like a short term thing that we're just going to have. And now it's like, oh, obviously you can do it, but it's not that easy.Jeremy [00:30:12]: Yeah. I mean, to be honest, it was extremely unpleasant work to do. It's like not at all enjoyable. I kind of did version 0.1 of it myself before we had launched the company, or at least the kind of like the pieces. They're all pieces that are difficult to work with, right? So for the quantization, you know, I chatted to Tim Detmers quite a bit and, you know, he very much encouraged me by saying like, yeah, it's possible. He actually thought it'd be easy. It probably would be easy for him, but I'm not Tim Detmers. And, you know, so he wrote bits and bytes, which is his quantization library. You know, he wrote that for a paper. He didn't write that to be production like code. It's now like everybody's using it, at least the CUDA bits. So like, it's not particularly well structured. There's lots of code paths that never get used. There's multiple versions of the same thing. You have to try to figure it out. So trying to get my head around that was hard. And you know, because the interesting bits are all written in CUDA, it's hard to like to step through it and see what's happening. And then, you know, FSTP is this very complicated library and PyTorch, which not particularly well documented. So the only really, really way to understand it properly is again, just read the code and step through the code. And then like bits and bytes doesn't really work in practice unless it's used with PEF, the HuggingFace library and PEF doesn't really work in practice unless you use it with other things. And there's a lot of coupling in the HuggingFace ecosystem where like none of it works separately. You have to use it all together, which I don't love. So yeah, trying to just get a minimal example that I can play with was really hard. And so I ended up having to rewrite a lot of it myself to kind of create this like minimal script. One thing that helped a lot was Medec had this LlamaRecipes repo that came out just a little bit before I started working on that. And like they had a kind of role model example of like, here's how to train FSTP, LoRa, didn't work with QLoRa on Llama. A lot of the stuff I discovered, the interesting stuff would be put together by Les Wright, who's, he was actually the guy in the Fast.ai community I mentioned who created the Ranger Optimizer. So he's doing a lot of great stuff at Meta now. So yeah, I kind of, that helped get some minimum stuff going and then it was great once Benjamin and Jono joined full time. And so we basically hacked at that together and then Kerim joined like a month later or something. And it was like, gee, it was just a lot of like fiddly detailed engineering on like barely documented bits of obscure internals. So my focus was to see if it kind of could work and I kind of got a bit of a proof of concept working and then the rest of the guys actually did all the work to make it work properly. And, you know, every time we thought we had something, you know, we needed to have good benchmarks, right? So we'd like, it's very easy to convince yourself you've done the work when you haven't, you know, so then we'd actually try lots of things and be like, oh, and these like really important cases, the memory use is higher, you know, or it's actually slower. And we'd go in and we just find like all these things that were nothing to do with our library that just didn't work properly. And nobody had noticed they hadn't worked properly because nobody had really benchmarked it properly. So we ended up, you know, trying to fix a whole lot of different things. And even as we did so, new regressions were appearing in like transformers and stuff that Benjamin then had to go away and figure out like, oh, how come flash attention doesn't work in this version of transformers anymore with this set of models and like, oh, it turns out they accidentally changed this thing, so it doesn't work. You know, there's just, there's not a lot of really good performance type evals going on in the open source ecosystem. So there's an extraordinary amount of like things where people say like, oh, we built this thing and it has this result. And when you actually check it, so yeah, there's a shitload of war stories from getting that thing to work. And it did require a particularly like tenacious group of people and a group of people who don't mind doing a whole lot of kind of like really janitorial work, to be honest, to get the details right, to check them. Yeah.Alessio [00:34:09]: We had a trade out on the podcast and we talked about how a lot of it is like systems work to make some of these things work. It's not just like beautiful, pure math that you do on a blackboard. It's like, how do you get into the nitty gritty?Jeremy [00:34:22]: I mean, flash attention is a great example of that. Like it's, it basically is just like, oh, let's just take the attention and just do the tiled version of it, which sounds simple enough, you know, but then implementing that is challenging at lots of levels.Alessio [00:34:36]: Yeah. What about inference? You know, obviously you've done all this amazing work on fine tuning. Do you have any research you've been doing on the inference side, how to make local inference really fast on these models too?Jeremy [00:34:47]: We're doing quite a bit on that at the moment. We haven't released too much there yet. But one of the things I've been trying to do is also just to help other people. And one of the nice things that's happened is that a couple of folks at Meta, including Mark Seraphim, have done a nice job of creating this CUDA mode community of people working on like CUDA kernels or learning about that. And I tried to help get that going well as well and did some lessons to help people get into it. So there's a lot going on in both inference and fine tuning performance. And a lot of it's actually happening kind of related to that. So PyTorch team have created this Torch AO project on quantization. And so there's a big overlap now between kind of the FastAI and AnswerAI and CUDA mode communities of people working on stuff for both inference and fine tuning. But we're getting close now. You know, our goal is that nobody should be merging models, nobody should be downloading merged models, everybody should be using basically quantized plus adapters for almost everything and just downloading the adapters. And that should be much faster. So that's kind of the place we're trying to get to. It's difficult, you know, because like Karim's been doing a lot of work with VLM, for example. These inference engines are pretty complex bits of code. They have a whole lot of custom kernel stuff going on as well, as do the quantization libraries. So we've been working on, we're also quite a bit of collaborating with the folks who do HQQ, which is a really great quantization library and works super well. So yeah, there's a lot of other people outside AnswerAI that we're working with a lot who are really helping on all this performance optimization stuff, open source.Swyx [00:36:27]: Just to follow up on merging models, I picked up there that you said nobody should be merging models. That's interesting because obviously a lot of people are experimenting with this and finding interesting results. I would say in defense of merging models, you can do it without data. That's probably the only thing that's going for it.Jeremy [00:36:45]: To explain, it's not that you shouldn't merge models. You shouldn't be distributing a merged model. You should distribute a merged adapter 99% of the time. And actually often one of the best things happening in the model merging world is actually that often merging adapters works better anyway. The point is, Sean, that once you've got your new model, if you distribute it as an adapter that sits on top of a quantized model that somebody's already downloaded, then it's a much smaller download for them. And also the inference should be much faster because you're not having to transfer FB16 weights from HPM memory at all or ever load them off disk. You know, all the main weights are quantized and the only floating point weights are in the adapters. So that should make both inference and fine tuning faster. Okay, perfect.Swyx [00:37:33]: We're moving on a little bit to the rest of the fast universe. I would have thought that, you know, once you started Answer.ai, that the sort of fast universe would be kind of on hold. And then today you just dropped Fastlight and it looks like, you know, there's more activity going on in sort of Fastland.Jeremy [00:37:49]: Yeah. So Fastland and Answerland are not really distinct things. Answerland is kind of like the Fastland grown up and funded. They both have the same mission, which is to maximize the societal benefit of AI broadly. We want to create thousands of commercially successful products at Answer.ai. And we want to do that with like 12 people. So that means we need a pretty efficient stack, you know, like quite a few orders of magnitude more efficient, not just for creation, but for deployment and maintenance than anything that currently exists. People often forget about the D part of our R&D firm. So we've got to be extremely good at creating, deploying and maintaining applications, not just models. Much to my horror, the story around creating web applications is much worse now than it was 10 or 15 years ago in terms of, if I say to a data scientist, here's how to create and deploy a web application, you know, either you have to learn JavaScript or TypeScript and about all the complex libraries like React and stuff, and all the complex like details around security and web protocol stuff around how you then talk to a backend and then all the details about creating the backend. You know, if that's your job and, you know, you have specialists who work in just one of those areas, it is possible for that to all work. But compared to like, oh, write a PHP script and put it in the home directory that you get when you sign up to this shell provider, which is what it was like in the nineties, you know, here are those 25 lines of code and you're done and now you can pass that URL around to all your friends, or put this, you know, .pl file inside the CGI bin directory that you got when you signed up to this web host. So yeah, the thing I've been mainly working on the last few weeks is fixing all that. And I think I fixed it. I don't know if this is an announcement, but I tell you guys, so yeah, there's this thing called fastHTML, which basically lets you create a complete web application in a single Python file. Unlike excellent projects like Streamlit and Gradio, you're not working on top of a highly abstracted thing. That's got nothing to do with web foundations. You're working with web foundations directly, but you're able to do it by using pure Python. There's no template, there's no ginger, there's no separate like CSS and JavaScript files. It looks and behaves like a modern SPA web application. And you can create components for like daisy UI, or bootstrap, or shoelace, or whatever fancy JavaScript and or CSS tailwind etc library you like, but you can write it all in Python. You can pip install somebody else's set of components and use them entirely from Python. You can develop and prototype it all in a Jupyter notebook if you want to. It all displays correctly, so you can like interactively do that. And then you mentioned Fastlight, so specifically now if you're using SQLite in particular, it's like ridiculously easy to have that persistence, and all of your handlers will be passed database ready objects automatically, that you can just call dot delete dot update dot insert on. Yeah, you get session, you get security, you get all that. So again, like with most everything I do, it's very little code. It's mainly tying together really cool stuff that other people have written. You don't have to use it, but a lot of the best stuff comes from its incorporation of HTMX, which to me is basically the thing that changes your browser to make it work the way it always should have. So it just does four small things, but those four small things are the things that are basically unnecessary constraints that HTML should never have had, so it removes the constraints. It sits on top of Starlet, which is a very nice kind of lower level platform for building these kind of web applications. The actual interface matches as closely as possible to FastAPI, which is a really nice system for creating the kind of classic JavaScript type applications. And Sebastian, who wrote FastAPI, has been kind enough to help me think through some of these design decisions, and so forth. I mean, everybody involved has been super helpful. Actually, I chatted to Carson, who created HTMX, you know, so about it. Some of the folks involved in Django, like everybody in the community I've spoken to definitely realizes there's a big gap to be filled around, like, highly scalable, web foundation-based, pure Python framework with a minimum of fuss. So yeah, I'm getting a lot of support and trying to make sure that FastHTML works well for people.Swyx [00:42:38]: I would say, when I heard about this, I texted Alexio. I think this is going to be pretty huge. People consider Streamlit and Gradio to be the state of the art, but I think there's so much to improve, and having what you call web foundations and web fundamentals at the core of it, I think, would be really helpful.Jeremy [00:42:54]: I mean, it's based on 25 years of thinking and work for me. So like, FastML was built on a system much like this one, but that was of hell. And so I spent, you know, 10 years working on that. We had millions of people using that every day, really pushing it hard. And I really always enjoyed working in that. Yeah. So, you know, and obviously lots of other people have done like great stuff, and particularly HTMX. So I've been thinking about like, yeah, how do I pull together the best of the web framework I created for FastML with HTMX? There's also things like PicoCSS, which is the CSS system, which by default, FastHTML comes with. Although, as I say, you can pip install anything you want to, but it makes it like super easy to, you know, so we try to make it so that just out of the box, you don't have any choices to make. Yeah. You can make choices, but for most people, you just, you know, it's like the PHP in your home directory thing. You just start typing and just by default, you'll get something which looks and feels, you know, pretty okay. And if you want to then write a version of Gradio or Streamlit on top of that, you totally can. And then the nice thing is if you then write it in kind of the Gradio equivalent, which will be, you know, I imagine we'll create some kind of pip installable thing for that. Once you've outgrown, or if you outgrow that, it's not like, okay, throw that all away and start again. And this like whole separate language that it's like this kind of smooth, gentle path that you can take step-by-step because it's all just standard web foundations all the way, you know.Swyx [00:44:29]: Just to wrap up the sort of open source work that you're doing, you're aiming to create thousands of projects with a very, very small team. I haven't heard you mention once AI agents or AI developer tooling or AI code maintenance. I know you're very productive, but you know, what is the role of AI in your own work?Jeremy [00:44:47]: So I'm making something. I'm not sure how much I want to say just yet.Swyx [00:44:52]: Give us a nibble.Jeremy [00:44:53]: All right. I'll give you the key thing. So I've created a new approach. It's not called prompt engineering. It's called dialogue engineering. But I'm creating a system for doing dialogue engineering. It's currently called AI magic. I'm doing most of my work in this system and it's making me much more productive than I was before I used it. So I always just build stuff for myself and hope that it'll be useful for somebody else. Think about chat GPT with code interpreter, right? The basic UX is the same as a 1970s teletype, right? So if you wrote APL on a teletype in the 1970s, you typed onto a thing, your words appeared at the bottom of a sheet of paper and you'd like hit enter and it would scroll up. And then the answer from APL would be printed out, scroll up, and then you would type the next thing. And like, which is also the way, for example, a shell works like bash or ZSH or whatever. It's not terrible, you know, like we all get a lot done in these like very, very basic teletype style REPL environments, but I've never felt like it's optimal and everybody else has just copied chat GPT. So it's also the way BART and Gemini work. It's also the way the Claude web app works. And then you add code interpreter. And the most you can do is to like plead with chat GPT to write the kind of code I want. It's pretty good for very, very, very beginner users who like can't code at all, like by default now the code's even hidden away, so you never even have to see it ever happened. But for somebody who's like wanting to learn to code or who already knows a bit of code or whatever, it's, it seems really not ideal. So okay, that's one end of the spectrum. The other end of the spectrum, which is where Sean's work comes in, is, oh, you want to do more than chat GPT? No worries. Here is Visual Studio Code. I run it. There's an empty screen with a flashing cursor. Okay, start coding, you know, and it's like, okay, you can use systems like Sean's or like cursor or whatever to be like, okay, Apple K in cursors, like a creative form that blah, blah, blah. But in the end, it's like a convenience over the top of this incredibly complicated system that full-time sophisticated software engineers have designed over the past few decades in a totally different environment as a way to build software, you know. And so we're trying to like shoehorn in AI into that. And it's not easy to do. And I think there are like much better ways of thinking about the craft of software development in a language model world to be much more interactive, you know. So the thing that I'm building is neither of those things. It's something between the two. And it's built around this idea of crafting a dialogue, you know, where the outcome of the dialogue is the artifacts that you want, whether it be a piece of analysis or whether it be a Python library or whether it be a technical blog post or whatever. So as part of building that, I've created something called Claudette, which is a library for Claude. I've created something called Cosette, which is a library for OpenAI. They're libraries which are designed to make those APIs much more usable, much easier to use, much more concise. And then I've written AI magic on top of those. And that's been an interesting exercise because I did Claudette first, and I was looking at what Simon Willison did with his fantastic LLM library. And his library is designed around like, let's make something that supports all the LLM inference engines and commercial providers. I thought, okay, what if I did something different, which is like make something that's as Claude friendly as possible and forget everything else. So that's what Claudette was. So for example, one of the really nice things in Claude is prefill. So by telling the assistant that this is what your response started with, there's a lot of powerful things you can take advantage of. So yeah, I created Claudette to be as Claude friendly as possible. And then after I did that, and then particularly with GPT 4.0 coming out, I kind of thought, okay, now let's create something that's as OpenAI friendly as possible. And then I tried to look to see, well, where are the similarities and where are the differences? And now can I make them compatible in places where it makes sense for them to be compatible without losing out on the things that make each one special for what they are. So yeah, those are some of the things I've been working on in that space. And I'm thinking we might launch AI magic via a course called how to solve it with code. The name is based on the classic Polya book, if you know how to solve it, which is, you know, one of the classic math books of all time, where we're basically going to try to show people how to solve challenging problems that they didn't think they could solve without doing a full computer science course, by taking advantage of a bit of AI and a bit of like practical skills, as particularly for this like whole generation of people who are learning to code with and because of ChatGPT. Like I love it, I know a lot of people who didn't really know how to code, but they've created things because they use ChatGPT, but they don't really know how to maintain them or fix them or add things to them that ChatGPT can't do, because they don't really know how to code. And so this course will be designed to show you how you can like either become a developer who can like supercharge their capabilities by using language models, or become a language model first developer who can supercharge their capabilities by understanding a bit about process and fundamentals.Alessio [00:50:19]: Nice. That's a great spoiler. You know, I guess the fourth time you're going to be on learning space, we're going to talk about AI magic. Jeremy, before we wrap, this was just a great run through everything. What are the things that when you next come on the podcast in nine, 12 months, we're going to be like, man, Jeremy was like really ahead of it. Like, is there anything that you see in the space that maybe people are not talking enough? You know, what's the next company that's going to fall, like have drama internally, anything in your mind?Jeremy [00:50:47]: You know, hopefully we'll be talking a lot about fast HTML and hopefully the international community that at that point has come up around that. And also about AI magic and about dialogue engineering. Hopefully dialogue engineering catches on because I think it's the right way to think about a lot of this stuff. What else? Just trying to think about all on the research side. Yeah. I think, you know, I mean, we've talked about a lot of it. Like I think encoder decoder architectures, encoder only architectures, hopefully we'll be talking about like the whole re-interest in BERT that BERT 24 stimulated.Swyx [00:51:17]: There's a safe space model that came out today that might be interesting for this general discussion. One thing that stood out to me with Cartesia's blog posts was that they were talking about real time ingestion, billions and trillions of tokens, and keeping that context, obviously in the state space that they have.Jeremy [00:51:34]: Yeah.Swyx [00:51:35]: I'm wondering what your thoughts are because you've been entirely transformers the whole time.Jeremy [00:51:38]: Yeah. No. So obviously my background is RNNs and LSTMs. Of course. And I'm still a believer in the idea that state is something you can update, you know? So obviously Sepp Hochreiter came up, came out with xLSTM recently. Oh my God. Okay. Another whole thing we haven't talked about, just somewhat related. I've been going crazy for like a long time about like, why can I not pay anybody to save my KV cash? I just ingested the Great Gatsby or the documentation for Starlet or whatever, you know, I'm sending it as my prompt context. Why are you redoing it every time? So Gemini is about to finally come out with KV caching, and this is something that Austin actually in Gemma.cpp had had on his roadmap for years, well not years, months, long time. The idea that the KV cache is like a thing that, it's a third thing, right? So there's RAG, you know, there's in-context learning, you know, and prompt engineering, and there's KV cache creation. I think it creates like a whole new class almost of applications or as techniques where, you know, for me, for example, I very often work with really new libraries or I've created my own library that I'm now writing with rather than on. So I want all the docs in my new library to be there all the time. So I want to upload them once, and then we have a whole discussion about building this application using FastHTML. Well nobody's got FastHTML in their language model yet, I don't want to send all the FastHTML docs across every time. So one of the things I'm looking at doing in AI Magic actually is taking advantage of some of these ideas so that you can have the documentation of the libraries you're working on be kind of always available. Something over the next 12 months people will be spending time thinking about is how to like, where to use RAG, where to use fine-tuning, where to use KV cache storage, you know. And how to use state, because in state models and XLSTM, again, state is something you update. So how do we combine the best of all of these worlds?Alessio [00:53:46]: And Jeremy, I know before you talked about how some of the autoregressive models are not maybe a great fit for agents. Any other thoughts on like JEPA, diffusion for text, any interesting thing that you've seen pop up?Jeremy [00:53:58]: In the same way that we probably ought to have state that you can update, i.e. XLSTM and state models, in the same way that a lot of things probably should have an encoder, JEPA and diffusion both seem like the right conceptual mapping for a lot of things we probably want to do. So the idea of like, there should be a piece of the generative pipeline, which is like thinking about the answer and coming up with a sketch of what the answer looks like before you start outputting tokens. That's where it kind of feels like diffusion ought to fit, you know. And diffusion is, because it's not autoregressive, it's like, let's try to like gradually de-blur the picture of how to solve this. So this is also where dialogue engineering fits in, by the way. So with dialogue engineering, one of the reasons it's working so well for me is I use it to kind of like craft the thought process before I generate the code, you know. So yeah, there's a lot of different pieces here and I don't know how they'll all kind of exactly fit together. I don't know if JEPA is going to actually end up working in the text world. I don't know if diffusion will end up working in the text world, but they seem to be like trying to solve a class of problem which is currently unsolved.Alessio [00:55:13]: Awesome, Jeremy. This was great, as usual. Thanks again for coming back on the pod and thank you all for listening. Yeah, that was fantastic. Get full access to Latent Space at www.latent.space/subscribe

The Eric Ries Show
Reid Hoffman challenges your thinking on AI, governance, and politics

The Eric Ries Show

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2024 117:50


The latest episode of The Eric Ries Show features my conversation with Reid Hoffman. Executive Vice President of PayPal, co-founder of LinkedIn, and legendary investor at Greylock Partners are just a few of his official roles that have changed our world. He's also been a mentor to countless founders of iconic companies like Airbnb, Facebook, and OpenAI. He's an author, a podcast host – both Masters of Scale and his new show, Possible, with Aria Finger – and perhaps most importantly a crucial steward of AI, including co-founding Inflection AI, a Public Benefit Corporation, in 2022. Reid has also long been a voice of moral clarity and a stabilizing influence on the tech ecosystem, supporting people who are working to make the world a better place at every level. He's a firm believer that “the way that we express ourselves over time is by being citizens of the polis – tribal members.” That includes not just supporting the legal system and democratic process but also building organizations “from the founding and through scaling and ongoing iteration to have a functional and healthy society.” We talked about all of this, as well as AI, from multiple angles – including the story of how he came to broker the first meeting between Sam Altman and Satya Nadella that led to the OpenAI-Microsoft partnership. He also had a lot to say about how AI will work as a meta-tool for all the other tools we use. We are, as he said,” homo techne,” – meaning we evolve through the technology we make. We also broke down his famous saying that “entrepreneurship is like jumping off a cliff and assembling the plane on the way down” and: • The human tendency to form groups • The relationship between doing good for people and profits • AI as a meta-tool • What he looks for in a leader • The necessity of evolving culture • Being willing to take public positions • His thoughts on the economy and the upcoming election — Brought to you by: Mercury – The art of simplified finances. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠. DigitalOcean – The cloud loved by developers and founders alike. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sign up⁠⁠⁠⁠. Neo4j – The graph database and analytics leader. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠. — Where to find Reid Hoffman: • Reid's Website: https://www.reidhoffman.org/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reidhoffman/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reidhoffman/ • X: https://x.com/reidhoffman Where to find Eric: • Newsletter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ericries.carrd.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠  • Podcast: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://ericriesshow.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠  • X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ericries⁠⁠⁠⁠  • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/eries/⁠⁠⁠⁠  • YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theericriesshow⁠⁠⁠⁠  — In This Episode We Cover: (01:15) Meet Reid Hoffman (06:01) The three eras of LinkedIn (08:21) The alignment of LinkedIn and Microsoft's missions (10:39) The power of being mission-driven (18:42) Embedding culture in every function (21:08) The purpose of organizations (23:45) Organizations as tribes for human expression (29:08) Reid's advice for navigating profit vs. purpose (38:33) The moment Reid realized the AI future is actually now (41:57) Home techne (44:52) AI as meta-tool (47:05) Why Reid co-founded Inflection AI (49:53) The early days of OpenAI (55:41) How Reid introduced Sam Altman and Satya Nadella (58:26) The unusual structure of the Microsoft-OpenAI deal (1:04:42) The importance of aligning governance structure with mission (1:09:56) Making a company trustworthy through accountability  (1:15:59) Inflection's pivot a unique model (1:19:53) Companies that are doing lean AI right (1:22:52) Reid's advice for deploying AI effectively  (1:26:21) Being a voice of moral clarity in complicated times  (1:31:26) The economy and what's at stake in the 2024 election (1:37:24) The qualities Reid looks for in a leader (1:39:43) Lightning round, including board games, the PayPal mafia, regulation, and more — Production and marketing by ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://penname.co/⁠⁠⁠⁠. Eric may be an investor in the companies discussed.

Capitalist Culture
Balancing Profit with Social Good: Insights from Michael Walsh

Capitalist Culture

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2024 61:31


I'm excited to share some incredible insights from our latest podcast episode, where I had the pleasure of interviewing Michael Walsh, the founder and CEO of Cariloop. Michael's journey is not only inspiring but also packed with valuable lessons for investment groups and growth-stage business owners. Here are the key takeaways:Key Lessons and Ideas:The Power of Personal Experience:Michael's journey began with his own challenges in family caregiving, which led him to create Cariloop. His story underscores the importance of turning personal struggles into impactful business solutions.Evolving Business Models:Cariloop started as a platform similar to OpenTable for long-term care facilities but pivoted to focus on supporting employers in helping their caregiving employees. This shift highlights the importance of adaptability and listening to market needs.Employer Support for Caregivers:Michael emphasizes the critical role employers play in supporting employees who are caregivers. Providing resources and support can significantly enhance employee well-being and loyalty.Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) and B Corp Certification:Cariloop's transition to a PBC and achieving B Corp certification demonstrates a commitment to social good alongside profitability. This approach can attract top talent and build a strong, values-driven company culture.Servant Leadership:Michael's leadership philosophy focuses on empowering his team and prioritizing their needs. This servant leadership approach fosters a supportive and productive work environment.Workforce Dynamics and Flexibility:The future of work is evolving, with a growing emphasis on flexibility and well-being. Companies that adapt to these changes and support their employees holistically will thrive in attracting and retaining top talent.Continuous Growth and Breaking Ceilings:Entrepreneurs should continuously evaluate their growth and push through perceived ceilings. Surrounding yourself with great people and staying adaptable is key to long-term success.Global Impact and Advocacy:Michael's vision extends beyond national borders, advocating for better support for family caregivers globally. This mission-driven approach can inspire other businesses to integrate social responsibility into their core operations.Curiosities and Insights:Did You Know? Cariloop initially aimed to be a platform like OpenTable for long-term care facilities but pivoted to focus on employer support for caregivers.Curious Fact: Cariloop is a Public Benefit Corporation and a Certified B Corporation, balancing profit with social good.Insightful Quote: “Success for me is about reaching as many people as possible and improving their experiences.” - Michael WalshI hope these insights spark your curiosity and inspire you to listen to the full episode. Michael's journey and the evolution of Cariloop offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact through their business.Thank you for being a part of our community. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and actionable insights in our upcoming episodes!Send us a Text Message.

Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots
533: Leveraging Data for Gender Equality with Amy-Willard Cross

Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2024 32:59


Founder Amy-Willard Cross discusses the mission and operations of Gender Fair, the first consumer rating system for gender equality. Gender Fair aims to measure and promote gender equality within consumer-facing companies by utilizing data and the UN Women Empowerment Principles. Amy highlights the importance of transparency and data-driven insights to create social change, emphasizing that gender equality in corporate practices benefits not just women but overall fairness in the workplace. Gender Fair evaluates companies across five categories: women in leadership, employee policies, diversity reporting, supplier diversity, and philanthropy for women. Amy also shares how Gender Fair has incorporated technology to increase its impact, including an app and browser extension that allow consumers to easily access company ratings on gender equality. These tools enable users to make informed purchasing decisions based on a company's gender equality practices. The app features functionalities like barcode scanning and logo recognition to provide real-time information about products. Amy emphasizes the significance of making gender equality data accessible and actionable for consumers, believing that collective consumer power can drive corporate accountability and fairness. Throughout the conversation, Amy discusses the challenges and successes of building Gender Fair, the importance of leveraging economic power for social change, and the role of technology in facilitating gender fairness. She also touches on the broader impact of Gender Fair's work in promoting fair business practices and the potential for future expansions, such as a B2B database for procurement. Gender Fair (https://www.genderfair.com/) Follow Gender Fair on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/begenderfair/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/GenderFair/), or Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/genderfair). Follow Amy-Willard Cross on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-willard-cross-genderfair/). Follow thoughtbot on X (https://twitter.com/thoughtbot) or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/150727/). Transcript: CHAD: This is the Giant Robots Smashing Into Other Giant Robots podcast, where we explore the design, development, and business of great products. I'm your host, Chad Pytel, and with me today is Amy-Willard Cross, the Founder of Gender Fair, the first consumer rating system for gender equality. Amy, thank you so much for joining me. AMY-WILLARD: Well, I'm very happy to be talking to robots, giant and small. CHAD: [laughs] We'll try not to smash into each other too much on this show. I think we probably have a lot to learn from each other rather than conflicting. AMY-WILLARD: I think so. CHAD: Let's just get started by digging in a little bit to what Gender Fair actually is in terms of what we mean when we say a consumer rating system for gender equality. AMY-WILLARD: It's about data. So, I was originally a journalist. I've written for a living my whole life: books, magazines, articles [laughs], you know, radio shows. I wanted to do something to promote equality in the world. And I realized that data is one way that you can want to have commercial value. Data has value that isn't, like, just blah, blah, blogging, and also, data can create social change. So, I decided to do something like, you know, we know fair trade has created great change as has, you know, marine stewards certified. And also, I was inspired by something that the Human Rights Campaign, the LGBTQ organization, does, which is called the Guide to Corporate Equality. So, our goal is to measure how companies do on gender and then share that with the public. And I didn't just make this up. We use a set of principles called the UN Women Empowerment Principles, which look at eight different sort of areas of an organization. And so, we created metrics that are based on these UN Women Empowerment Principles and also based on what is findable in the public record. We rate consumer-facing public companies, you know, like Unilever, Procter & Gamble, the shampoos that you use, the cars that you buy, the airplanes you ride on. And we look at five major categories, such as, like, women in leadership. We look at employee policies like parental leave, and flex time, part-time, summer Fridays. I'll be curious to know what you do at Giant Robot. I bet you have good ones. And then, we also look at diversity reporting. Our company is upfront with their attempt to bring more diversity into the workforce and also supplier diversity. I don't know, are you familiar with supplier diversity, Chad? CHAD: I am because we often are a supplier, so... AMY-WILLARD: You are. So, when they ask you if you're diverse...but one way companies, especially the big companies that we rate on this public database, they can make a big impact by trying to buy from women and minority-owned businesses, right? When procurement spending is huge. That's a metric that people may not know as well, but it's one that I would encourage every business to undertake because it's not that expensive. And you could just intentionally try to move capital into communities that are not typically the most rewarded. The last category that we measure is philanthropy for women, and that's important. People say, "Well, why do you measure philanthropy?" One, because the amount of philanthropy that goes to women and girls is 1.5% of all donations, and it used to be 1.8. So, pets get more money than women. I don't know how that makes you feel, Chad, but it doesn't make me feel very happy. I mean, I suppose if you're Monster Beverage and you don't have any women clientele, one, it's okay if you don't score well on your gender metrics; just meet the basic fairness. But maybe Monster Beverage doesn't have to donate to the community of women. But if you're making billions of dollars a year selling a shampoo, I would sort of think it's fair to ask that there's some capital that goes back the other way towards the community of women. So, that's the measurement. So, we could do it...and we do it for small companies like yours, too. I imagine your company would do well from the little bit I've talked to people on your staff. It sounds like you have a lot of women in leadership. And I don't know your policies yet, but I'm sure you...I bet in Massachusetts I know you have parental leave anyway in the state, but you're a more progressive state. But I think this is something that all of your listeners can benefit from is putting a gender lens on their operations because a gender lens is a fairness lens. And it includes usually, you know, this includes people who are not just all the same men, White men. So, it helps all businesses sort of operate in a more fair way to put a gender lens on their operations. And it's not hard to do. CHAD: So, one of the things that jumped out at me, in addition to just the Gender Fair mission, as I was learning about Gender Fair, is that you have an app and a browser extension. And so, that's part of why you're on the show, not only do we care about the impact you're having. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. Yeah [laughs]. CHAD: But you're a tech company. Did you always know as you got started that you were going to be making an app and a browser extension? AMY-WILLARD: Well, yes, that was the beginning because you have data. You have to make it used. You have to make it available, right? Personally, I like to see it on packages. But yes, we've had two iterations of the app, and I'm sure it could always get better and better. The current one has a barcode scanner and, also, it can look at a logo and tell you, "Oh, this soda pop is not gender fair. Try this soda pop, which is gender fair." And it can make you a shopping list and stuff like that. But, you know, tech is only good if people use it, so I hope they do. I mean, the idea is making it more accessible to people, right? I would like to have it as a filter, some easy tech. We've talked to big retailers before about having a filter put on online shopping sites, right? So, if I can choose fair-trade coffee, why can't I choose gender-fair shampoo? I like it when people can use technology to create more fairness, right? If this is a great benefit to us if technology can take this journalism we do and make it accessible and available and in your hand for someone, you can do it in the store, for Pete's sake. You could just go on the store shelf, and that's pretty liberating, isn't it? When you think of it. It should be easy to know how the companies from which you buy are doing on values that you care about. So, I never really thought of it as a tech. I wish it was better tech, but, you know, I'd need millions and millions of dollars to do that. CHAD: [laughs] Had you ever built in any of your prior companies, or had been directly responsible for the creation of an app? AMY-WILLARD: No, but I did actually once when I worked at the major women's magazine in Canada, I did hire the person who created the first online sort of magazine in Canada, and she made money, so I felt good about that. I plucked her from...she was working as sort of tech support at the major...what do you call those? Internet providers in Canada. But no, I had not, and so I relied on experts. I had a friend who was on the board of Southby, and he helped me find a tech team. I went through a few of them and, you know, it's hard to find. Like, where do you go and find people who will build something for you when you're a novice, right? As a journalist, I don't really know anything about building technology, and I certainly wasn't about to start at my age. It was definitely a voyage of discovery and learning, and I don't think I really learned much coding myself. CHAD: That's okay. AMY-WILLARD: That's okay [laughs]. CHAD: But was there something that sort of surprised you that you didn't anticipate in the process of creating a digital app? AMY-WILLARD: Oh gosh. Well, you know, of course, it's difficult, and there's lots of iterations, and there's lots of bugs. And in every business, mistakes are part of what people...in the construction industry, they'll tell you, "Mistakes are just going to happen every day. You just have to figure out how to fix each one." But, no, it's a difficult road. So yeah, I wish I could have coded it myself. I wish I could have done it myself, but I could not. But yeah, it's good learning. And, of course, you know, I think anyone who's going to start building a company with technology...if it were me now 10 years ago, I would have actually done some coding classes so I could just even communicate better to people who were building for me. But I did learn something, but not really enough. But it's a very interesting partnership, that's for sure. CHAD: And there is a lot of online classes now... AMY-WILLARD: Right [laughs]. CHAD: If someone is out there thinking, oh, you know, maybe that's good advice. And there's a lot of opportunities for sort of an on-ramp, and you don't need to become an expert. AMY-WILLARD: No. CHAD: But, like you said, even just knowing the vocabulary can be helpful. AMY-WILLARD: I think that would have been useful. Yeah, definitely useful. But I definitely, like, you learn a little bit as a text-based person. You learn the rigor of just sort of, like, you have to think in ones and zeros. It either is or isn't. That helps. I learned that a little bit in working with tech devs. The last version we did actually white labeled off of someone who had created a technology to do with...it was to do with building communities online. And their project failed, but it had enough backbone that we were able to efficiently build what we needed to on top of what they built. CHAD: Oh, that's really...was it someone you knew already, or how did you get connected? AMY-WILLARD: Yes, they knew one of our partners in New York. We tried it first as a community project. It didn't really work. And then, we realized it could actually hold our data at the same time. So, my first iteration of the app was different. But yeah, anyway, we've built it a couple of times, and I could build it even more times... CHAD: [laughs] AMY-WILLARD: And make it even better and better. CHAD: So, on the sort of company side of you've worked with companies like Procter & Gamble, MasterCard, Microsoft, do you find it difficult to convince companies to participate? AMY-WILLARD: What we do is data journalism. We don't contact the companies. We have researchers. We have journalists go and look through the SEC data and CSR reports and collect the data points on which we measure them. So, no one has to cooperate with us to get the data. It's journalism. It's not opt-in surveys, which is a very common...when I first started, no one was measuring women, and now there's lots of different measurements. And they're often pay-to-play surveys, so they're not really very valuable. Ours is objective and fully transparent journalism. But then afterwards, our business model how we typically used to pay for this is that companies that did well on our index were then invited to be quote, "certified." And this was a business model that was sort of suggested to us at the Clinton Global Initiative, to which I belonged in 2016. And they loved what we were doing, using the free market to drive gender equality. Because, you know, our whole point is that women and people who care about women and equality, we have a lot of power as consumers, or as taxpayers, or as tuition payers, or as donors to nonprofits. And whenever you give money to an organization or a company, you have the right to sort of ask questions about the fairness of that organization. Well, that's our whole ethic, really. I answered that question and came around to a different idea, but yes, no. So, the companies do participate to be certified, and some of them are interested and some of them are not, and that's fine. We do projects with them sort of like when we...we've talked about MasterCard, and we did a big conference with them in New York. This is pre-pandemic. And then, we did a big, global exhibit with P&G, and Eli Lilly, and Microsoft at TED Global, which was very fun. It was all about fairness. And it was great to talk to technologists such as yourself. And we made a booth about fairness in general, not just about women. And we had a fairness game, and it was very interesting to just discuss with people.  I think people like to think about fairness, right? I don't know if you have children, but little children get very interested in the idea of what's fair very early on. Yeah, so some companies participate...now we have companies...we do some work in B2B procurement which is something that your listeners might be interested in thinking about is that just, like, supplier diversity. If I were purchasing your services, your company services, I would ask about the gender metrics of your organization. I already learned they're quite good. So, big companies buying from other companies can put a gender lens on their B2B procurement. And so, that's a project we're doing with Salesforce, Logitech, Zoetis, Andela, which is another tech provider, and Quinnox, which is a similar sort of tech labor force, I believe. And so, we're going to be releasing a database about B2B suppliers. Actually, I should make sure that you get on it. That's a good idea. CHAD: Yes. AMY-WILLARD: That's a good idea because then it's going to be embedded in procurement platforms because this is a huge amount of money. It's even probably more...it could be more money than consumer spending, right? B2B spending. So, I'm excited about working with more companies on that to help promulgate this data and this idea because it's an easy way to drive fairness in a culture. When the government isn't requiring fairness, at least large companies can. And in some countries, actually, the government requires its vendors to do well on gender. Like, Italy now has a certification for gender, the government does, and companies that do well are privileged in RFPs and also get a tax deduction. CHAD: I don't want to say something incorrect, but I think the UK has, like, a rule around equity in pay... AMY-WILLARD: Yeah, absolutely. You're absolutely correct. CHAD: And yet they don't have equity in pay, the data shows. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. And we don't have that in the United States. It's voluntary in the U.S. We measure that, actually, too. That's seven points over a hundred points scale is whether they, one, publish the results of their pay study. In the U.S., though, we do it in a way that isn't rigorous as the way they do it in the UK. In the UK...you're great to remember that, Chad, in the UK, I mean, I wish my government did that. In the UK, companies report on the overall salaries paid to men and the overall salaries paid to women. So, that means if, you know, all the million-dollar jobs are held by men, it shows very clearly, and all the five-dollar jobs are held by women, it shows very clearly there's an imbalance. And in the United States, we just say, "Oh, well, is the male VP paid the same as a female VP?" That's sort of easier to do, right? CHAD: When we've talked with some larger companies about different products we're creating or those kinds of things, sometimes what I hear is they're looking for big wins, comprehensive things. And so, I was wondering whether you ever get pushback or feedback that's like, "Well, not that your issue is not important, but it's just focused on one aspect of what our goals are for this year." AMY-WILLARD: Right. Yeah, that's always a hard thing because when I think about fairness to half of the population, it's a hard thing for me to think that's not hugely important. CHAD: Yes. AMY-WILLARD: I have a really hard time, but yes, of course, we get that a lot. And, you know, quite frankly, when we did this B2B project with Logitech and Zoetis, they would ask their vendors, like, the major consulting companies and big companies, to take a SaaS assessment that we do. We have a SaaS product that private companies can take, or just instead of doing our journalism, they can just get their own assessment. And they were very, very reluctant to do this. That was just, you know, half an hour. It was a thousand-dollar assessment. And it took many months to convince these companies to do it. And that was their big customers. So, yes, it is very hard to have...what's the word? Coherence on what one company wants versus what a big company wants, and it's hard to know what they want. And it's, yeah, that's a difficult road for sure. And it changes [laughs]. CHAD: Part of the reason why I asked is because from a product perspective, from a business perspective, at thoughtbot, we're big fans of, like, what can be called, like, niching down or being super clear about who you are, and what you believe, and what you offer. And if you try to be everything to everybody, it's usually not a very good tactic in the market. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. That's right. CHAD: So, the fact that you focus on one particular thing like you said, it's very important, and it's 50% of the population. But I imagine that focus is really healthy for you from a clarity of purpose perspective. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. But at the same time, now there's lots of...when I started in 2016, there weren't a lot of things in this space, and now there's many, many, many, many, many, many, so corporations that want to sort of connect to the community of women or do better for women. There's many different options. So, there's many flavors of this ice cream. Even though we're niche, the niche is very crowded, I would say, actually, and people are very confused. I mean, I think I remember hearing from Heineken that they're assaulted daily by things to, you know, ways to support women in different organizations and events. And they said they took our call because we were different. But yeah, there's many competitors. But, I mean, that's the main thing. In any business, in any endeavor in life, one has to show one's value to the people who may participate, and that's a challenge everywhere, isn't it? CHAD: Yeah. AMY-WILLARD: But the niching down thing is...and interesting we hear a lot these days is that women are done. We've moved on from that. Now we care about racial equality, and we say, "That's a yes, and… We can't move on." CHAD: Well, the data doesn't show that we've moved on. AMY-WILLARD: The data doesn't show that at all, and we're going way backwards, as you well know. So, I mean, actually, I don't know if you know, there's something called the named executive officers in public companies. Are you familiar with that? The top five paid people. CHAD: Yeah. AMY-WILLARD: They have to be registered with the government. Well, that number really hasn't changed in six years. That's where the big capital is, and the stock options, and the bonuses, and the big salaries. So, to me, that's very important that I would like, you know, rights and capital to be more...well, I want rights to be solid and capital to be flowing. And so, that's what we hope to do in our work. MID-ROLL AD: Now that you have funding, it's time to design, build, and ship the most impactful MVP that wows customers now and can scale in the future. thoughtbot Liftoff brings you the most reliable cross-functional team of product experts to mitigate risk and set you up for long-term success. As your trusted, experienced technical partner, we'll help launch your new product and guide you into a future-forward business that takes advantage of today's new technologies and agile best practices. Make the right decisions for tomorrow today. Get in touch at thoughtbot.com/liftoff. CHAD: So, going back to the founding of Gender Fair, when did you know that this was something you needed to do? AMY-WILLARD: I wanted to serve, you know, you want to be useful in life. And I wanted to do work in this field that I care so much about. As I said, I think I told you I started doing journalism before, and I realized anyone could take the journalism, and they could, you know, Upworthy would publish things we would create and then not pay us for it. And I thought that's crazy. But it's interesting talking to my husband. My husband's, like, a very privileged White guy. And I remember he said something to me very interesting. He said, "You either have power, or you take it." And he said, "Women have all this power." So, he helped me understand this. Like, you know, I think sometimes as women or communities that are underserved, you start thinking very oppositionally about what you don't have. But at the same time, you can realize that you do have this power. So, what we're trying to do with Gender Fair is remind people they have this economic power, and they can use it everywhere, you know, in addition to our consumer database. I told you that we're doing a B2B database this year. And we also...I think next week I'm going to release a database of 20,000 nonprofits looking at their gender ratings. That was done as a volunteer project by Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology if you know them. So, yeah, this is an ethic that you can take everywhere in your life is you have this power, even as a consumer. Chad, even in your little town, you can ask your coffee shop if they pay fair wages. Like, this is just a way of looking at the world that I hope to encourage people to do. CHAD: Along the journey of getting started, I assume you ran into many roadblocks. AMY-WILLARD: Mm-hmm. CHAD: Did you ever think maybe this is too hard? AMY-WILLARD: Oh yes. Well, not in building. In building, you're very optimistic, you know, it's just like when you're writing your first book. You think it's going to be a bestseller. Like, you build something, and you think the whole world is going to use it right away, and you're going to...I did have a great...when I first launched, I had a wonderful, I had, you know, press in Fortune. I had Chelsea Clinton. I had big people writing about us. Melinda Gates has written about us many, many times. The fact that...well, I've always wanted to build, like, a consumer revolution of women, and I'm going to keep at it. But it's very daunting. It's very daunting when you're trying to move a boulder such as, you know, big institutions and companies that don't really want to change, and they're not motivated to do it. So, yes, those are my roadblocks. It's not creating the massive amount of change that I wanted to do. And I'm not going to give up, but, yes, it is very daunting, and it's very daunting to see how little people care. Some people don't care about it, but some people in power don't care about it. But I think if you asked, you know, regular women, they would say, "We would like fair pay. We would like equal opportunity. We would like paid parental leave." They would want all these things, and hopefully, together, we can fight for them. CHAD: Well, and, like you said, the premise of what you're doing is you're focused on the power that you do have, which is the dollars that you spend with these companies. I think that's such a smart angle on this because especially for...it seems like the core in terms of the consumer-facing companies. That's so inherent in what this is. AMY-WILLARD: That's right. CHAD: Yeah, the angle of empowering consumers, and giving them the information, and leveraging the power that consumers have with these companies seems really smart to me... AMY-WILLARD: That's right. If it works -- CHAD: As opposed to individually going to the companies and saying, you know -- AMY-WILLARD: "Please make it." Yeah. And some people would refute your use of the word empower because that implies that people don't have power. So, when I give speeches...I have a pair of beautiful gemstone red pumps, and I say it's the ruby slippers. We had this power all along. We just were not exercising it. But this power will only work, Chad, if it's done in the aggregate. So, our challenge is to reach the aggregate of American women. I have to, you know, I have to go reach 50 million women this year. That's my goal. Reach 50 million women with this message that we have the power in the aggregate to make change. And that's the only way this will work. If it's just one by one, it really doesn't. When I first launched, I found when I showed the app to people on the lower end of the economic scale, like, you know, people in the cash register; they understood this more than middle-class women. They understood the fact that if all women come together and, you know, buy from this company or don't buy from this company based on how they treat women, they understood that as a collective power. Whereas middle-class women who don't have as many struggles didn't really groove to that idea as quickly, which I thought was very...to me, it was very interesting, you know, individuals feel more powerful on the higher end of the social scale. They may or may not -- CHAD: That is interesting. AMY-WILLARD: Yeah. So, yeah, that's my goal. We'll see if I can do it. That's going to be my life's work, I think, Chad. CHAD: How do you reach 50 million people? AMY-WILLARD: I don't know. That's what I'm going to think about. You know, we're talking to different people about campaigns. We actually stopped the consumer work during the pandemic because it just, you know, everything changed. And so, now, this year, we're going back. I don't know; I mean, I guess if Ryan Reynolds tweeted about me, you know, that would help. If [laughs] anyone listening has any ideas how to reach 50 million women...no, maybe 3 million is what I need to create social change. CHAD: I imagine that it doesn't just come down to spending money on advertising. One, you might not have that money. AMY-WILLARD: No. And that would be, you know, that also would be not in the ethics of what Gender Fair is, for example, right? That means I would be paying money to Facebook and basically Facebook, I guess, and Google. If you look at the major spends of nonprofits, they're advertising with these big tech giants. And so, we have...actually, we have some partnerships with large women's organizations, and I think that's the way we hope to spread that. And if I had money for advertising, I would want to spend it with other women's organizations, or women's owned media, or women influencers. There's another idea I talk about in my work I call the female domestic product, and so talking about how much money women earn or capital we control. And the more we can grow that female domestic product, the more we can achieve equality actually. I always say, in America, you get as much equality as you can pay for sadly. CHAD: I was just about to say, "Sadly." AMY-WILLARD: Sadly, yeah. It's true. We still don't have the Equal Rights Amendment. A hundred years. CHAD: Well, 50% of the population would say, "Why do we need an Equal Rights Amendment [laughs]?" AMY-WILLARD: All men are created equal, but yeah, it's quite astonishing. I don't know. Do you have daughter, too, or just a son? CHAD: I have a son, and my younger one is non-binary. AMY-WILLARD: Well, I'm sorry to be so binary. Excuse me. CHAD: It's okay. AMY-WILLARD: Well, interesting. And that's great, too, isn't it? Because we see how fluid gender is and their rights are just as important as a woman's rights. And these are, you know, women and non-binary people are often excluded from things. And so, we are all working together just to create fairness. I'm sure that the same thing happens in your family, too. CHAD: Yeah. I think fairness is one of those things. Sometimes equality is not necessarily the same as fairness. AMY-WILLARD: Yes. CHAD: But I think, like you said at the top of the show, fairness is something that we seemingly learn very early on. But one of the ways that it comes across is I'm being. It is unfair to me, especially in little kids, at least with my kids [laughs]. AMY-WILLARD: Of course, yes. CHAD: That was the thing that they learned first and caused them the most pain. And it was very difficult for them to see that something was unfair for somebody else. So, I remember saying to my kids when they were little, "Fair doesn't mean you get your way." AMY-WILLARD: That's right. Not fair. CHAD: Right [laughs]. AMY-WILLARD: It's true. But then, you know, it's funny. When I talk about equal pay, I often say to people, "When I used to cut cakes for my children, I cut equal slices, and I didn't put them under the table," like, you know what I mean [laughter]? So, why are we so cagey about the slices of economic pie we give to one another? I mean, there's no reason why pay has to be secret, right? If it's fair. You could easily talk to people. Well, you know, Chad gets paid more money because he's the CEO, and he does the podcast, and he has to talk to the bank, you know what I mean? So, you could easily explain that to people. And I don't know why we have to keep salaries a secret from one another. It seems very irrational to me and not really a part of fairness. CHAD: Yeah. Yep. That's something...so, all of our salary bands at thoughtbot are public on the internet. AMY-WILLARD: Cool. On the internet. Oh, I'm very impressed. CHAD: Yeah. So, you can go to thoughtbot and use our compensation calculator. You enter in your location, what role you have. AMY-WILLARD: Oh. So, you do it for other people. Oh, that's cool. That's a great service. And that was just some sort of tech that was sort of pro bono tech that you all built for the world. CHAD: Yeah, we created it for ourselves. AMY-WILLARD: And then you shared it. CHAD: Mm-hmm. AMY-WILLARD: Then you open-sourced it. Great. Well, I bet you have a lot of happy employees. CHAD: I like to think so [laughs]. I do think that there is an inherent understanding of fairness. And when people ask how we do things at thoughtbot or how we should do things, I say, "How do you want it to be?" I think that guides a lot of how we do things and why a lot of stuff we do is just common sense. And it's not until ulterior motives or maintaining power comes into play where the people in power don't want to give it up. Because, like you said, people don't understand that by giving someone else a bigger piece, they think that that means their piece is smaller. AMY-WILLARD: Right. Or they just think they deserve it. I was reading last night about succession planning and CEOs. And apparently, a lot of them just stay...oh, sorry, in big public companies, not in their own companies, they stay on way too long. And all these consultants are saying it's the four Ps, you know, position, privilege, pay, and then...I forget the other one. But one of them was jets. They don't want to give up their jets. So yeah, I think when you have things, it seems fair, and sharing them seems...giving up some of what you have seems unfair. But I do think humans can see fairness. But sometimes, when you have a lot, it's hard to see it. You're able to justify why it may be not unfair to people who don't have as much as you do. But anyway, I can't change human nature, but most people do understand fairness. I think you're right about that. CHAD: Well, one thing...I noticed...so, you're a Public Benefit Corporation. AMY-WILLARD: Yes. CHAD: Did you set out to be a Public Benefit Corporation from day one? AMY-WILLARD: Yes, you know, originally, when it came to how was I going to pay for this, the first part I paid myself with my own money. I hired MBAs. I hired researchers. I built the tech. And then, I wasn't sure how I was going to pay for it going forward. But I knew I didn't want to become a nonprofit because, in my mind, there are so many things that...there are so many problems that women have that need to be solved by nonprofit organizations, planned parenthood first among them. Like, I don't want to take money away from women's organizations that help women fleeing abusive homes. So, I wanted to see if I could pay for this in the private sphere, which we've been able to do, and not have to seek donations because, really, I felt very strongly about not taking money out of that. That's part of the FDP, the part of the female domestic product, but the part that's contributed by people philanthropically. And there isn't a lot of philanthropic dollars going to women, as I mentioned before. So, yes, I knew definitely I wanted to be a Public Benefit Corporation. And there's no tax benefits to that, you know, I don't know if you are yet, but... CHAD: No, it's something that we've looked at, but it's very attractive to me. AMY-WILLARD: Right. And there's also the private version of it being a B Corp, which is also very useful. It's an onerous process. Public Benefit Corporation isn't quite as onerous, I don't believe. I mean, we're in Delaware and New York, but it just says that you're, I mean, we exist for the public good. I'm not existing to make millions of dollars. I'm existing to create social change. And some organizations don't want...are leery of working with us because we're not a nonprofit so that's to assuage them. Well, it's not really about...we're not about enriching shareholders. It's just a different way to pay for it. But yeah, I would encourage all companies to look into being a Public Benefit Corporation or do a B Corp assessment or a Gender Fair assessment. It helps them, you know, operate in a world that is increasingly more values concerned. Maybe 20 or 30 years ago, it wasn't so on the top of mind of many people. We were coming out of, you know, warring '80s capitalism. But nowadays, the younger people, especially, are very focused on issues of fairness and equality. So, I think those tools making business better that way are very useful. CHAD: Well, I would encourage, you know, everyone listening to go check out the app, if you're at a company, to look at doing the assessment. Where can people do those things? AMY-WILLARD: Ah, well, yeah, I would encourage them to do all those things. You're right, Chad. I would encourage you to download the app and check some of your favorite brands. It's very simple. Do the paid subscription. And then, if you're a company, you can do an online assessment. You just go Gender Fair assessment, and you'll find it. If you're a business and would like to participate in our B2B database, you can also do the assessment, or there's a coalition for Gender Fair procurement, where you can get information. We had the prime minister of Australia speak at our launch. It was quite excellent. We'll be launching our nonprofit. Actually, I think it's already online. It's called genderfair-nonprofits.org, if you want to see how your favorite nonprofits do. But, basically, we're here to help any business or organization do better on gender. And you can email me amy.cross@genderfair.com. And I would love to help anyone in their journey for fairness of any kind. Yeah, many ways to participate. Just go to genderfair.com or genderfairprocurement.com. CHAD: Awesome. Amy, thank you so much for sharing with us. I really appreciate it. And thank you for all the good that you're doing in the world with Gender Fair. AMY-WILLARD: Well, I appreciate the way you're running your company in a very new, interesting, and apparently ethical way. Privately, I could look at your website and your career page and figure out how you're doing. But it sounds, to me, when I've talked to people, that you're doing very well. And I honor your curiosity about learning from others. CHAD: Awesome. Well, listeners, you can subscribe to the show and find notes along with a complete transcript for this episode at giantrobots.fm. If you have questions or comments, email us at hosts@giantrobots.fm. You can find me on Mastodon @cpytel@thoughtbot.social. This podcast is brought to you by thoughtbot and produced and edited by Mandy Moore. Thanks so much for listening, and see you next time. AD: Did you know thoughtbot has a referral program? If you introduce us to someone looking for a design or development partner, we will compensate you if they decide to work with us. More info on our website at: tbot.io/referral. Or you can email us at: referrals@thoughtbot.com with any questions.

First Funders
07: Angel in 100+ startups, focused on learning and catalyzing a new wave of mission-first startups - Eric Ries, Creator Lean Startup, Founder, LTSE

First Funders

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 70:12


Eric Ries has invested in over 100+ early-stage startups. He is best known as the author of The Lean Startup, a must-read for entrepreneurs worldwide. He also founded the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE), a new stock exchange designed to support companies with long-term goals. He recently launched a new podcast discussing ways to re-think corporate governance to be mission-first.In Part 1 of our interview, he shared insights from angel investing. In Part 2, Eric shares his new ethos for startups rooted in long-term thinking, putting a company's mission at the center of everything and aligning all stakeholders. This mission-first approach challenges the traditional capitalist, and data shows it leads to better company performance.Eric writes checks of $10K or less as an Angel at the earliest stages. He is interested in mission-driven founders, education, fintech, AI, and more.Highlights:Eric Angel invests for reasons beyond financial outcomes. He focuses on giving back to people in his network, learning about startup approaches and various industries, and doubling down in areas he is passionate about. Any time he has strayed from his investing criteria, it hasn't worked out. Advising then investing: Eric prefers to work with a startup as a friend or advisor before investing. He keeps his check size to $10K to support his goal of high-velocity learning. He can write more checks with smaller checks, which means more learning.Investing as a spiritual journey: Eric practices introspection to support continuous learning and to avoid overgeneralizing when things don't work out. When he invests, he applies Lean Startup thinking by asking, “Is this outcome falsifiable”? Invest -> Measure -> Learn. We guess this makes him is a "Lean Investor"Eric's second act after Lean Startup is supporting mission-first startups: He advocates for a new ethos that he believes will lead to better performance in the long term.Eric shares tools for mission-first founders, including the Public Benefit Corporation, the LTSPV, employee voting trust, and more.(00:00) - Introduction to First Funders (00:54) - Meeting Eric Ries: a journey down memory lane (02:45) - The Impact of Lean Startup (07:15) - Eric's Angel investing journey starts with being an advisor and a mindset of giving back (09:55) - What is Eric's investing criteria (14:04) - Eric prefers to advise startups first before investing (17:47) - Eric's second act: from Lean Startup to nurturing mission-driven founders who will also realize massive profits (25:14) - Writing small $10K checks into a high volume of early-stage startups enables high velocity learning (27:24) - (28:28) - Eric decouples investing from outcomes to stay focused on giving back and learning (30:44) - How to be a useful startup advisor: stand for something that creates competitive advantage for startups (34:31) - A challenging investment: lessons from high-stakes and high-stress moments and can the startup journey be a force for healing trauma? (43:04) - The Long-Term Stock Exchange vision: a new ethos and governance approach for the startup community (45:01) - How mission-driven founders and investors need to be brave to challenge the capitalist status quo (47:33) - How tech startup can leverage the Public Benefit Corp and how the B-Corp certification won't work for software companies (51:24) - LTSPV: An SPV Angels can leverage to align their check with long-term thinking (54:08) - The spiritual journey of investing: what did you really learn vs what do you think happened? (57:07) - Speed Round and Final Thoughts (59:24) - Takeaways Connect with Us:Follow the First Funders PodcastNewsletter with behind-the-scenes access and key takeawaysTwitter/X: @shaherose | @aviraniEmail us with feedback and suggestions on topics and guestsDisclaimer: This is for information purposes only. This is not investment advice.

The Jim Rutt Show
EP 239 Alex Fink on Improving Information Quality

The Jim Rutt Show

Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2024 60:02


Jim talks with Alex Fink about his company Otherweb, which uses AI to filter out fake news and create a more reliable news ecosystem. They discuss how Alex came to care about this problem, the decline of news media, how advertising wrecked the internet, the idea of an info agent, Otherweb's curation engine, information filtering systems, unhooking the internet from advertising, the fight between AdBlock and Facebook, the decision to disinclude paywalled websites, economic tradeoffs of paywalling, AI in movie production, money-on-money return, initial results of the printing press, watermarking images, fair witnesses, how porn has driven internet innovation, catering to the seven deadly sins, social media addiction, binding the future of the company, public benefit corporations, the stewardship capital model, the crowdfunding process, and much more. Otherweb The Other Web (Podcast) Alex Fink is a Tech Executive, Silicon Valley Expat, and the Founder and CEO of the Otherweb, a Public Benefit Corporation that uses AI to help people read news and commentary, listen to podcasts and search the web without paywalls, clickbait, ads, autoplaying videos, affiliate links, or any other junk. The Otherweb is available as an app (ios and android), a website, a newsletter, or a standalone browser extension.  

Character Outs
Cody with Mind, Brain, Body Lab discusses the scientific link between trauma and the body

Character Outs

Play Episode Listen Later May 4, 2024 58:43


On this episode of the Character Outs podcast, I chat with Cody who is not only intelligent and insightful, but also a really cool, down to earth dude. He brings a fascinating perspective to how trauma impacts our mind and our body and how we can get to a place of becoming a 'human doing' and not just a 'human being.' Cody is a seasoned entrepreneur at the forefront of AI and Mental Health. Armed with a degree in Cognitive Behavioral Neuroscience and trained in IFS Psychotherapy, he is the Founder & CEO of Mind, Brain, Body Lab. This groundbreaking Mental Health AI company specializes in treating Complex PTSD using AI/ML algorithms to analyze biometric and behavioral data. Committed to bridging the gap between AI and human experience, Cody also heads MyCompanion, a Public Benefit Corporation providing a free, 24/7 conversational AI companion for healing Complex PTSD. Cody disseminates daily Neuroscience and Psychology tools to improve mental and emotional health post-trauma. His mission is to help one billion people to find happiness and purpose in their lives. Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mindbrainbodylab/ Check out the Mind, Brain, Body Lab website here: https://www.mindbrainbodylab.com/ In case no one has told you, it's not you, never has been, you are not alone, and you don't have to fix it. https://characteroutspodcast.com/

In the Sauce
Building to Please

In the Sauce

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 53:06


Ethan Frisch and Ori Zohar are Co-Founders of Burlap & Barrel, the spice company deeply beloved by the chef community and home cooks, in search of spices that taste like they're meant to taste. On this episode of ITS, Ethan and Ori tell Ali how they not only quintupled in Covid, but how they made sure to stay in the hearts and carts of consumers after the pandemic.Photo courtesy of Burlap and Barrel.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support In The Sauce by becoming a member!In The Sauce is Powered by Simplecast.

Moonshots with Peter Diamandis
Building The World's Most Powerful Satellites w/ Will Marshall | EP #90

Moonshots with Peter Diamandis

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2024 69:32


In this episode, Peter and Will dive into satellite technology, what it takes to create a company like Planet, and its effect on ecosystems across the world.   11:56 | AI Revolutionizes Satellite Technology 21:47 | Will's Exponential Journey to Success 39:15 | Groundbreaking Rocket Launch Technology Improvements Will Marshall, Chairman, Co-Founder, and CEO of Planet, transitioned from a scientist at NASA to an entrepreneur, leading the company from its inception in a garage to a public entity with over 800 staff. With a background in physics and extensive experience in space technology, he has been instrumental in steering Planet towards its mission of propelling humanity towards sustainability and security, as outlined in its Public Benefit Corporation charter. Recognized for his contributions to the field, Marshall serves on the board of the Open Lunar Foundation and was honored as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Learn more about Planet ____________ I only endorse products and services I personally use. To see what they are,  please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:  Get started with Fountain Life and become the CEO of your health: https://fountainlife.com/peter/ Use my code PETER25 for 25% off your first month's supply of Seed's DS-01® Daily Synbiotic: seed.com/moonshots  Learn about my executive summit, Abundance360 2025: https://www.abundance360.com/summit  _____________ Get my new Longevity Practices 2024 book: https://bit.ly/48Hv1j6  I send weekly emails with the latest insights and trends on today's and tomorrow's exponential technologies. Stay ahead of the curve, and sign up now:  Tech Blog _____________ Connect With Peter: Twitter Instagram Youtube Moonshots Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Happy Hustle Podcast
ARETÉ: Activate Your Heroic Potential with Founder & CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation, Brian Johnson

The Happy Hustle Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2024 70:08


Do you want to activate your heroic potential and truly make a positive impact on the world?In this latest episode of The Happy Hustle Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with none other than Brian Johnson, the founder and CEO of Heroic Public Benefit Corporation. Brian is not just 50% philosopher and 50% CEO, but he's also 101% committed to creating a world where 51% of humanity is flourishing by 2051. Now, that's a vision worth tuning in for!In this episode, we dive deep into his latest book, "Arete," which is all about activating your heroic potential. Trust me, it's one of the best books I've ever read, and I don't say that lightly. I even went a bit fanboy because I was so inspired by his work. We cover topics like building anti-fragile confidence, living with Arete, and creating a successful SaaS business. Brian shares insights on making your prior best your new baseline, the inspiration behind the Heroic app, and the importance of integrity in decision-making as an entrepreneur.But it doesn't stop there—Brian has a social app called Heroic that can help you operationalize ancient wisdom and modern science to transform your life. I highly recommend checking it out at heroic.us.Ready to unlock your heroic potential? Don't miss out on this conversation that might just change the game for you. In this episode, you will learn:01:10 Introduction to Arête and Activating Heroic Potential04:50 Building Anti-Fragile Confidence08:51 Living with Arête18:37 Activating Heroic Potential in Energy, Work, and Love21:03 Making Your Prior Best Your New Baseline23:54 Creating the Heroic App and Crowdfunding Success27:34 Building a Successful SaaS Business32:12 Inspiration from The Social Dilemma36:58 Integrity and Decision-Making as an Entrepreneur39:45 Creating a Publishing Partnership41:22 Cultivating Emotional Stamina43:56 The Heroic App and Book48:26 The Importance of Consciousness in Money50:15 The Power of Basic Practices for Spirituality54:35 Happy Hustle Hacks and Rapid Fire RoundWhat does Happy Hustlin mean to you? Brian says Happy Hustlin is that joyful, deeper than happy. There's a joy, there's a meaning, there's a purpose, there's a growth to give. Connect with Brianhttps://www.instagram.com/heroicbrianhttps://www.facebook.com/heroicbrianhttps://www.youtube.com/@HeroicBrianhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/heroicbrianhttps://twitter.com/heroicbrianFind Brian on his website: https://www.heroic.us/Connect with Cary!https://www.instagram.com/cary__jack/https://www.facebook.com/SirCaryJackhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/cary-jack-kendzior/https://twitter.com/thehappyhustlehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFDNsD59tLxv2JfEuSsNMOQ/featured Get a copy of his new book, The Happy Hustle, 10 Alignments to Avoid Burnout & Achieve Blissful Balance (https://www.thehappyhustle.com/book)Sign up for The Journey: 10 Days To Become a Happy Hustler Online Course (https://thehappyhustle.com/thejourney/)Apply to the Montana Mastermind Epic Camping Adventure (https://thehappyhustle.com/mastermind/)“It's time to Happy Hustle, a blissfully balanced life you love, full of passion, purpose, and positive impact!” Episode sponsor BIOptimizers Magnesium Breakthrough (https://magbreakthrough.com/vip?gl=65132c943f5d60f00f8b4567&coupon=hustle)This stuff is a game-changer! Magnesium Breakthrough packs all 7 forms of magnesium, designed to support stress management, promote muscle relaxation, regulate the nervous system, control stress hormones, boost brain function, increase energy, and enhance sleep.I take 2 capsules before bedtime, and it's been a game-changer for me. The best part is, BIOptimizers offer a risk-free 365-day money-back guarantee. No results, no problem – they'll refund you, no questions asked. It's a win-win!Head over to magnesiumbreakthrough.com/hustle and use code "hustle" for an exclusive 10% discount on any order. Plus, for a limited time, you'll score some special gifts with your purchase.BELAY Solutions (https://resources.belaysolutions.com/happyhustle?utm_campaign=The%20Happy%20Hustle&utm_source=email&utm_medium=Email%20Newsletter%20-%20D2E&utm_content=HH%20Native%20Ad%201)BELAY is a flexible staffing solution that helps busy leaders find the right help. Their bench of exceptional U.S.-based Virtual Assistants can handle the tedious tasks you no longer have time to accomplish.My experience with BELAY has been a game-changer for my business. They have a talented team of VAs, Bookkeepers, and Social Media Managers that I'm sure can help you and your business. To learn more about how to delegate, download a free copy of BELAY's ebook, Delegate to Elevate, to get back to what you do best with BELAY! (https://resources.belaysolutions.com/happyhustle?utm_campaign=The%20Happy%20Hustle&utm_source=email&utm_medium=Email%20Newsletter%20-%20D2E&utm_content=HH%20Native%20Ad%201)

The Unbeatable Mind Podcast with Mark Divine
The Ultimate Game for Unbreakable Confidence(with Brian Johnson)

The Unbeatable Mind Podcast with Mark Divine

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 14, 2023 50:48


Keep going with your gains. Do them consistently, especially if we don't feel like it. And significant, fundamental, permanent changes can be installed.  Explore the hero's journey with author and entrepreneur Brian Johnson (@BrianJohnson). Brian is the founder and CEO of Heroic, a Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to propelling humanity towards a flourishing future.  "The most latent desire I've always had is how can I live a great life in service to something bigger than myself and help others do that? " - Brian Johnson   Key Takeaways: Anti-fragile Confidence: Building unbreakable confidence by keeping commitments to oneself, leveraging challenges to grow stronger rather than breaking. If you lack integrity in your word, trusting yourself is impossible and erodes your confidence. To have trust, you must do what you say in any relationship, whether with yourself or others.  The Hero's Journey: The three phases of the heroic journey are the call to adventure, the facing of challenges, and the return to the ordinary world. Each stage evolves the hero's consciousness. This journey isn't a one-time event but a continuous theme in life—answering the call repeatedly to develop and live a life from the heart in service. 8 Virtues: To live your best life and align with your heroic journey, there are 8 virtues to live by: wisdom, discipline, love, courage, gratitude, hope, curiosity, and zest. These 8 virtues come from ancient philosophy and modern science.  The Ultimate Game: The ultimate game of life is to choose wisely and to be your best self in service to something bigger than yourself. To do this, you need to forge anti-fragile confidence and recognize that the hero's journey is supposed to be complicated.   Sponsors and Promotions:   Zbiotics: ZBiotics Pre-Alcohol Probiotic Drink is the world's first genetically engineered probiotic.  Go to zbiotics.com/DIVINE to get 15% off your first order, and use code DIVINE    Masterclass: Find practical takeaways you can apply to your life and at work with MasterClass. Give One Annual Membership and Get One Free at MasterClass.com/DIVINE. Links for Brian Johnson: Website Instagram LinkedIn