Podcasts about time warner

American multinational media conglomerate

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Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
Former WWE President: The Hard Decisions That Built a Global Media Business | George Barrios | E161

Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2026 72:59


Despite his high intelligence, George Barrios nearly flunked out of both high school and college, drifting without discipline or direction. Realizing talent alone wouldn't build the future he wanted, he cleaned up his act, became obsessive about preparation, and built a reputation for solving hard problems others avoided. That approach helped him rise through HBO and Time Warner before transforming WWE into a global media powerhouse. In this episode, George joins Ilana to share the habits that accelerated his career, the tough leadership decisions behind WWE's growth, and the mindset shifts that helped him reinvent himself under pressure. George Barrios is the former Co-President and CFO of WWE, where he helped transform the company into a global entertainment business. He is the founder of ISOS Capital, an investment and advisory firm focused on sports, media, and technology. In this episode, Ilana and George will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (08:48) When Talent Turned Into Self-Sabotage (13:12) The Turning Point: Meeting His Wife at UConn (15:49) Fake It Till You Make It: Learning on the Job  (23:17) Creating Opportunities After Rejection (33:31) Driving Digital Growth at The New York Times (39:38) Making Painful Decisions Under Pressure (44:14) Transforming WWE into a Global Media Business (50:35) The Fallout With Vince McMahon and WWE Exit (59:27) Writing His Book and Sharing Hard Lessons (01:05:52) Q&A: How Do I Open Doors in a Crowded Market? George Barrios is a former Fortune 500 executive and the founder of ISOS Capital, an investment firm focused on global opportunities in sports, media, and technology. He previously served as Co-President and CFO of WWE and held leadership roles at The New York Times, HBO, and Praxair, building a track record in strategy, operations, and financial leadership. His new book, Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt, shares the lessons behind his unconventional path to success. Connect with George: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/georgebarrios/  Resources Mentioned: George's Book, Sometimes Wrong but Never in Doubt: How a Cuban Kid from Queens Transformed WWE: https://www.amazon.com/Sometimes-Wrong-but-Never-Doubt-ebook/dp/B0G4N4T9XV The World is Flat: The Globalized World in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Friedman: https://www.amazon.in/dp/0141034890  Tony Khan: Building AEW into a Billion-Dollar Brand and Competing with Wrestling Giants: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tqqfg-ysj0M  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW WAY for professionals to fast-track their careers and leap to bigger opportunities.  Check out our free training today at https://bit.ly/leap--free-training

They Create Worlds
A Cendant to Vivendi

They Create Worlds

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 1, 2026 88:53


TCW Podcast Episode 259 - A Cendant to Vivendi   CUC International looked like a company that never missed. Quarter after quarter, just barely beating estimates, right up until the moment Henry Silverman got access to their books and found out why. When a new customer signed up, CUC booked a full year of revenue immediately, even though billing was monthly. If that customer left before the year was up, CUC never corrected the books. The money just stayed there. Perfectly functional assets were declared worthless on paper, with the supposed losses paid off using money from merger funds. That same merger money was then counted again as incoming revenue, making the company look larger and more profitable than it was. Over $500 million in income that never existed. Walter Forbes was forced to resign and was eventually convicted of the largest accounting scandal of the time. Cendant realized the software and games division itself had been part of the machinery. They sold it to French media company Havas. That sale landed in the orbit of Vivendi, a sprawling conglomerate that had started as a 19th century French waterworks company. Its CEO Jean-Marie Messier had bigger things in mind. AOL had just merged with Time Warner, and Messier was not going to watch an American walled garden of films, music, and games swallow the market he wanted to own.   TCW 258 - The Shenanigans of CUC Software: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW258-the-shenanigans-of-cuc-software TCW 039 - On-Line Systems: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW039-on-line-systems TCW 040 - Sierra On-Line: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW040-sierra-on-line TCW 054 - Blizzard: Vikings and Warcraft: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW054-blizzard-vikings-and-warcraft TCW 055 - Blizzard: Hellfire and the World… of WarCraft: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW055-blizzard-hellfire-and-the-world-of-warcraft TCW 219 - Diablo 1: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW219-diablo-1 TCW 220 - Diablo 2: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW220-diablo-2 TCW 221 - North to Hellgate London: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW221-north-to-hellgate-london TCW 230 - Crafting the World of WarCraft: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW230-crafting-the-world-of-warcraft Space Jam Website: https://www.spacejam.com/1996/ The Digital Antiquarian - The End of Sierra as We Knew It - Part 1 - The Acquisition: https://www.filfre.net/2025/04/the-end-of-sierra-as-we-knew-it-part-1-the-acquisition/ The Digital Antiquarian - The End of Sierra as We Knew It - Part 2 - The Scandal: https://www.filfre.net/2025/04/the-end-of-sierra-as-we-knew-it-part-2-the-scandal/ The Digital Antiquarian - The End of Sierra as We Knew It - Part 3 - The Dog Days of Oakhurst: https://www.filfre.net/2025/05/the-end-of-sierra-as-we-knew-it-part-3-the-dog-days-of-oakhurst/ The Digital Antiquarian - The End of Sierra as We Knew It - Part 4 - Chainsaw Monday: https://www.filfre.net/2025/05/the-end-of-sierra-as-we-knew-it-part-4-chainsaw-monday/ TCW 139 - Tec Toy and Brazil: https://www.theycreateworlds.com/episodes/TCW139-tec-toy-and-brazil   New episodes are on the 1st and 15th of every month!   TCW Email: feedback@theycreateworlds.com  BlueSky: @theycreateworlds.bsky.social Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/theycreateworlds Alex's Video Game History Blog: http://videogamehistorian.wordpress.com Alex's book: http://bit.ly/TCWBOOK1   Intro Music: Josh Woodward - Airplane Mode -  Music - "Airplane Mode" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/AirplaneMode  Outro Music: RoleMusic - Bacterial Love: http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Rolemusic/Pop_Singles_Compilation_2014/01_rolemusic_-_bacterial_love    Copyright: Attribution: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

AI and the Future of Work
389: Building AI for Human Connection, Not Dopamine Hits, with Robb Wilson, CEO of OneReach.ai

AI and the Future of Work

Play Episode Listen Later May 18, 2026 43:00


Send us Fan MailRobb Wilson is the CEO and co-founder of OneReach.ai, an agent-building platform focused on complex enterprise use cases across healthcare, government, and telecommunications. A serial entrepreneur and former creative executive at Time Warner, Robb has spent decades working at the intersection of design and technology. He is also the co-owner of UX Magazine, a global community of more than 640,000 members, and the author of two bestselling books, including Age of Invisible Machines.His career spans designing high-stakes systems like the Boeing 787 cockpit to building conversational AI platforms that rethink how humans interact with technology. Along the way, he earned an Academy Award nomination for Technical Achievement, reflecting his ability to bridge creativity and engineering at scale.In this episode, Robb draws on that rare combination of design, product, and systems thinking to challenge how companies are adopting AI today, and why most are optimizing the wrong layer of the problem.In this conversation, we discuss:Why companies are using AI to accelerate outdated software instead of rethinking what software should be, and how this creates the illusion of progress without meaningful changeThe fundamental mismatch between human communication and traditional interfaces, and why conversational interaction exposes how poorly most software has been designed for real usersWhat “getting AI” actually means inside organizations, and why productivity gains often hide the fact that teams are still building systems they plan to replaceThe concept of “invisible machines” and why the future of AI is not better interfaces, but removing interfaces entirely to prioritize human interaction over system interactionWhy evaluating AI systems based on what they do misses the point, and how understanding how they learn becomes the more critical question for decision-makersThe tension between building AI that drives engagement versus AI that strengthens human connection, and how market incentives continue to reward the wrong outcomesExplore the conversation:00:00 Intro and Fun Fact 04:27 Robb Wilson's Journey at the Intersection of Design and Technology06:26 The UX Collision: Why Using AI to Build Old Software Faster is a Mistake10:47 Defining Human-First Design and the Concept of Invisible Machines13:26 Lessons from the Boeing 787: Using Context to Remove Complex Interfaces16:08 The Adoption Problem: Why We Must Evaluate How AI Software Learns20:40 The OpenAI Dilemma: Choosing Between Dopamine-Driven AI and Healthy Innovation25:22 The End of Compiled Software: Why True AI Transformation Requires Total Transparency29:48 Future Interfaces: Valuing Human Connection Over Brain Chips and Productivity35:09 Will Capitalism Reward Ethical AI? The Power of Consumer Choice41:54 Where to Connect with Robb Wilson and OneReach.aiResourcesSubscribe to the AI & The Future of Work NewsletterConnect with Robb on LinkedInAI fun fact articleOn How Steve Truitt Is Working to Save Humanity and Prevent AI From Ruining Us

Kreisky Forum Talks
Renata Schmidtkunz im Gespräch mit Medienmanager und Ex-ORF-Generalintendant Gerhard Zeiler

Kreisky Forum Talks

Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2026 80:47


AUS KREISKYS WOHNZIMMERIm Februar 2026 wurde bekannt, dass der Hollywood-Konzern Warner Bros. Discovery der Übernahme durch Paramount Skydance zugestimmt hat. 111 Milliarden Dollar hat Paramount Skydance dafür geboten und so den zweiten Anwärter, Netflix ausgebotet. Der neue Eigentümer des nun entstehenden Medien-Riesen ist der milliardenschwere Filmproduzent David Ellison. Dessen Vater, der Software-Pionier Larry Ellison, belegt Platz 5 auf der Bloomberg Liste der Milliardäre und ist ein enger Freund und Unterstützer von Donald Trump.2012 wechselte der Ex-ORF-Chef Zeiler von RTL als „President International“ zu Time Warner, heute Warner Media, das nun zu Paramount Skydance gehört.Ein Anlass, mit Gerhard Zeiler nicht nur über seine sozialdemokratische Herkunft und Erziehung und über Bruno Kreisky zu reden, sondern auch über die Mechanismen der globalen Medien und die Zukunft des ORF.Aufgezeichnet im Bruno Kreisky Forum am 23. April 2026Technische Produktion: Maximilian Hofko

Something You Should Know
How Your Environment Affects Your Behavior & Curiously Strange Moments In History - SYSK Choice

Something You Should Know

Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2026 51:36


“Your call is very important to us.” Companies say things like this all the time in an effort to sound customer-focused and trustworthy. But do phrases like that actually reassure people—or do they quietly create the opposite reaction? Source: Michael Maslansky author of The Language of Trust (https://amzn.to/3Wz2IQP). You already know certain places make you feel different—you just may not realize how powerful the effect really is. Walking into a church, a courtroom, a stadium, or even a grocery store can subtly change your mood, your behavior, and even the way you think. Kevin Ervin Kelley, award-winning architect and author of Irreplaceable: How to Create Extraordinary Places that Bring People Together (https://amzn.to/3UALlwE), explains how spaces are intentionally designed to influence human behavior and why the environments around you shape far more of your experience than you probably realize. History class usually focuses on wars, presidents, and major events. But some of the most fascinating stories are the ones you rarely hear about. Stories like the chaotic and nearly disastrous opening day of Disneyland, the multiple assassination plots unfolding the night Abraham Lincoln was killed, and the bizarre corporate marriage between AOL and Time Warner. Michael Farquhar, former writer and editor at The Washington Post and author of Bad Days in History (https://amzn.to/3wjKCrF) and More Bad Days in History (https://amzn.to/3QE5q3V), shares some of history's strangest, most surprising, and often unbelievable true stories. “You have the right to remain silent…” Those famous words are instantly recognizable. But who exactly was “Miranda”? And how did one man's legal troubles end up permanently changing the American justice system? https://www.thoughtco.com/miranda-v-arizona-104966 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS AQUA TRU: Take the guesswork out of pure, great-tasting water. Head to ⁠⁠https://AquaTru.com⁠⁠ now and get 20% off your purifier using promo code SYSK. AquaTru even comes with a 30-day best-tasting water guarantee or your money back. RULA: This Mental Health Awareness Month, don't just think about your mental health - actually take the step to take care of it. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Rula.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to get started. QUINCE: Refresh your everyday with luxury you will actual use! Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Quince.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Now available in Canada, too! SHOPIFY: It's time to turn those "what ifs" into CHA CHING with Shopify Today! Sign up for your $1 per month trail and start selling today at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://Shopify.com/sysk⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Journal imprévisible
Décès de Ted Turner : retour sur la vie du fondateur de CNN

Journal imprévisible

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2026 5:32


Aujourd'hui dans "Le Journal imprévisible", Marc Bourreau revient sur la vie de Ted Turner, philanthrope américain et fondateur de la chaîne d'information en continu CNN, décédé à l'âge de 87 ans.Le journaliste présente le parcours de Ted Turner, passé de simple vendeur de panneaux publicitaires à propriétaire de Time Warner et de la MGM, ainsi que sur son rôle de skipper émérite et de généreux donateur des Nations Unies. Il évoque le rôle révolutionnaire joué par CNN dans le paysage médiatique mondial, avec sa couverture en direct d'événements historiques comme la chute du mur de Berlin, l'explosion de la navette Challenger ou encore la première guerre du Golfe. Il analyse aussi le positionnement parfois controversé de CNN, accusée d'être trop pro-démocrate et de privilégier l'information-spectacle, notamment lors de la campagne présidentielle américaine de 2016. Il revient aussi sur les critiques formulées par Ted Turner lui-même sur l'excès d'information en continu et la violence à la télévision.Hébergé par Audiomeans. Visitez audiomeans.fr/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.

The Art & Science of Learning
129. How AI Is Reshaping Learning and What L&D Leaders Need to Consider (Dr. David Guralnick )

The Art & Science of Learning

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2026 35:29


In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Guralnick, Founder & Chair of the Learning Ideas Conference, to explore what's really happening at the intersection of AI, creativity, and learning. Building on key themes from the Learning Ideas Conference, both the February event and the upcoming June conference focused on AI. We move beyond the hype to explore how AI is actually being used in learning and workplace contexts. This is a reflective and honest conversation about the opportunities AI creates, but also the tensions it introduces. From hesitation among technical professionals, to the evolving role of creativity, to the question of whether faster always means better, we unpack what it means to integrate AI thoughtfully into our work and learning processes. Dr. David Guralnick is President and CEO of Kaleidoscope Learning, a consultant specialized in the use of technology to improve job performance, and the author of How Organizations Can Make the Most of Online Learning. He is also the current president of the International E-Learning Association, founder and chair of The Learning Ideas Conference and an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University. David has created the first e-learning-specific authoring tool, and the award-winning Watch, Rate, and Compare e-learning approach. David has won over 200 awards in the e-learning industry, and his unique approach to his consulting and project work have saved over $2 billion, due to improved employee performance, for Fortune 500 and multinational clients such as Target, IBM, GE, Time Warner, and many others. David focuses his deep knowledge of the industry to reimagine learning in higher education and the workplace. Learning Ideas Conference: https://www.learningideasconf.org Online-Only Days: May 28th - 29th, 2026 New York & Online: June 10th - 12th, 2026 Dr. David Guralnick: https://www.davidguralnick.com

Harold's Old Time Radio
Country Music Time - Warner Mack 1st Song - Suddenly

Harold's Old Time Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2026 14:36 Transcription Available


Country Music Time - Warner Mack 1st Song - SuddenlyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/harold-s-old-time-radio--4206392/support.

Capital
Radar Empresarial: Deutsche Telekom estudia la fusión con su filial T-Mobile

Capital

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2026 4:38


Hoy en Radar Empresarial analizamos las informaciones más recientes que indican que Deutsche Telekom estaría valorando una integración con su filial T-Mobile con el objetivo de dar lugar al mayor grupo mundial de telecomunicaciones. Uno de los primeros medios en difundir esta posibilidad ha sido Bloomberg, que apunta a distintas fórmulas en estudio dentro de la compañía. Entre ellas, destaca la creación de una nueva sociedad matriz que centralizaría ambas estructuras. Según estas hipótesis, dicha holding lanzaría una oferta en acciones dirigida tanto a los títulos de Deutsche Telekom como a los de T-Mobile. De este modo, las operaciones de la empresa alemana y su filial en Estados Unidos quedarían unificadas bajo una misma propiedad compartida por los actuales accionistas. Conviene recordar que Deutsche Telekom posee actualmente el 53% de T-Mobile, mientras que el resto del capital está distribuido entre grandes inversores como SoftBank, BlackRock o Fidelity. Además, se contempla que la nueva entidad mantenga una doble cotización, conservando su presencia en el índice DAX alemán. Las primeras filtraciones también sugieren que la futura compañía podría establecer su sede en un país europeo con una jurisdicción considerada neutral. La estrategia parece orientada a reforzar la posición de ambas empresas en un contexto complicado, marcado por una fuerte competencia. Aunque T-Mobile ha registrado crecimiento en varias áreas, su beneficio neto cayó un 3%, situándose en 9.250 millones de euros. Por su parte, Deutsche Telekom sufrió un descenso aún mayor, con una caída del 14% en 2025, hasta los 9.300 millones de dólares. En el ámbito bursátil, ambas compañías también han experimentado retrocesos, con una caída del 22% en Deutsche Telekom y del 10% en T-Mobile en los últimos años. La posible fusión daría lugar a un gigante con un valor conjunto superior a los 300.000 millones de dólares. Aunque la operación no está confirmada, el sector de las telecomunicaciones ha estado históricamente marcado por grandes fusiones, especialmente en Estados Unidos, como las de AOL con Time Warner o Verizon con Vodafone, así como en Europa con operaciones relevantes protagonizadas por Orange, France Telecom y Telefónica.

Player: Engage
The Data on Q2's Biggest Games (And Who's Going to Lose)

Player: Engage

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2026 57:15 Transcription Available


Player Driven Live — April 9, 2026The Q2 release window wars, Nintendo's dual-platform strategy, and whether the gaming industry actually understands its own audience.Hosted by Greg Posner & Colan Neese | ~57 min

Negotiate Anything
From Chaos to $745M: What It Really Takes to Build Something Big

Negotiate Anything

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2026 72:47


What does it really take to build a $745 million startup from the ground up? Hint: It's messy, painful, and nothing like the glamorous success stories you've heard. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with Cas and Mike Lazerow—the entrepreneurial power couple behind the massive success of Golf.com, which they sold to Time Warner for $745 million. But behind the impressive exit lies a story of relentless struggle, countless pivots, and emotional battles most founders never talk about. Cas and Mike pull back the curtain on entrepreneurship's harshest realities, sharing: How embracing brutally tough conversations transformed their business (and marriage). The secret mindset shifts that separate those who rise from those who burn out. Why falling in love with the hardest parts of your journey can become your ultimate competitive edge. This isn't just another success story. It's an honest look at the intense emotional cost that comes with high-stakes entrepreneurship—and a masterclass in how to survive the darkest moments of building something great. If you're grinding day after day, wondering why success still feels impossibly far away, this episode offers the reset and insights you never knew you needed. Welcome to the real journey. It's time to start shoveling. Hit play now, and discover what success truly costs. ⁠Buy The Book: Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success⁠ Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!

FinPod
Corporate Finance Explained | Post-Merger Integration: Why Most M&A Deals Fail

FinPod

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 19, 2026 19:04


In this episode of Corporate Finance Explained on FinPod, we discuss the reality behind one of the most dramatic events in corporate strategy: mergers and acquisitions (M&A).Every year, headlines announce massive multi-billion-dollar acquisitions, complete with executive handshakes and promises of transformative growth. But behind the press releases lies a far more complex story. In corporate finance, the deal announcement is only the beginning. The real test happens during the post-merger integration phase, when two massive organizations attempt to combine systems, teams, operations, and strategy without destroying the value the deal was supposed to create.In this episode, we break down why so many mergers fail and what separates the few extraordinary successes from the billions of dollars in shareholder value that disappear when integration goes wrong. Drawing on corporate finance frameworks and real-world case studies, we explore how finance teams track synergies, manage integration costs, and evaluate whether a deal's promised benefits are actually materializing.We examine some of the most successful technology acquisitions in recent history, including Meta's purchase of Instagram and WhatsApp, where a “light-touch” integration strategy preserved the products while quietly plugging them into Meta's global infrastructure and monetization engine. We also explore how Salesforce built a powerful enterprise ecosystem through acquisitions like Slack, Tableau, and MuleSoft by embedding new platforms into its broader CRM network.From there, we contrast those successes with traditional industrial consolidation, looking at the Exxon–Mobil merger, where the entire strategy revolved around operational efficiency, supply chain consolidation, and massive cost synergies across global infrastructure.But not every deal works. We analyze two of the most famous corporate integration failures: the Daimler–Chrysler merger, where cultural and organizational clashes destroyed expected synergies, and AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner, where strategic misalignment and overwhelming debt ultimately forced the company to unwind the deal.Along the way, we explain how modern finance teams manage integration through a dedicated Integration Management Office (IMO), tracking metrics such as synergy realization, stranded cost elimination, return on invested capital, and customer churn to determine whether the acquisition is actually delivering value.If you work in corporate finance, investment banking, strategy, or FP&A, this episode provides a practical framework for analyzing any merger announcement. The key question isn't the purchase price or the headline strategy. It's the one that determines whether the deal succeeds or fails: How will the integration actually work?

Human Capital Innovations (HCI) Podcast
Recruiting and Interviewing in a Tight Labor Market: How to Identify 'High-Probability' Hires, with Paul Falcone

Human Capital Innovations (HCI) Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2026 28:22


In this podcast episode, Dr. Jonathan H. Westover talks with Paul Falcone about recruiting and interviewing in a tight labor market and how to identify 'high-probability' hires. Paul Falcone is a renowned expert on effective hiring, performance management, and leadership development, specializing in helping companies build higher performing leadership teams. He spent the last three decades in human resources executive roles at organizations including Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures, NBCUniversal, Time Warner, and City of Hope Cancer Center Hospital. Check out all of the podcasts in the HCI Podcast Network!

什么电台|认真调侃电影
好莱坞沉浮录01|华纳兄弟篇:一直被卖,但永远都在

什么电台|认真调侃电影

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 8, 2026 191:32


更多活动和周边信息,请订阅公众号:SMFM2016“网飞与派拉蒙争夺华纳收购权”的新闻已然成为了25年末震撼电影圈的头条新闻,也再次将这家好莱坞百年老店推向了风口浪尖。作为影迷,我们熟知《哈利波特》、《黑客帝国》、《蝙蝠侠》和《老友记》,但你是否知道“华纳兄弟”真的是四位亲兄弟?他们是如何从波兰移民成为好莱坞大亨的?这家公司又是如何在一战、二战、电视兴起、互联网泡沫和流媒体大战中一次次“卖身”又一次次重生的?本期我们将带你穿越100年,从无声电影到AI时代,深扒华纳兄弟影业跌宕起伏的商业发家史与家族恩仇录。通过这期节目,你也将发现今日华纳所承受的诸多“疼痛”,其扳机早在半个多世纪前就已经被扣动。那不是一次偶然的失误,而是一系列关于控制权、家族伦理与商业短视的致命选择。那颗子弹在时光隧道中飞行了七十年,如今,精准地命中了它的眉心。【时间轴】第一部分:华纳集团的版图与现状2:58 如今的华纳版图拆解:电影集团、电视部门(不只是HBO)、以及全球体验(主题乐园与游戏)。第二阶段:四兄弟创业与有声片的豪赌(1903-1920s)22:27 华纳四兄弟(Harry, Albert, Sam, Jack)的移民背景与早期经历。27:15 从修鞋匠到电影大亨:变卖传家宝金表,全家All in电影放映业。45:36 命运的转折点:Sam华纳对有声技术的痴迷与《爵士歌王》的诞生。58:31 悲剧降临:Sam在首映前夜去世,华纳兄弟的权力天平开始倾斜。第三阶段:黄金时代、反纳粹与电视冲击(1930s-1950s)1:01:12 “协同并进”:华纳进军音乐动画,多媒体“协同并进synergy”战略初见端倪1:07:07 “社会责任感”:华纳是好莱坞最早公开反纳粹、拍摄现实主义题材的片厂。《卡萨布兰卡》如何让华纳破圈?1:23:39 时代变了:派拉蒙法案导致院线剥离,电视兴起,詹姆斯·迪恩的短暂闪耀。1:36:20 70年前的继承之战,家族背叛者杰克华纳(Jack Warner)设计踢自家兄弟出局成为独裁者,命运的齿轮开始转动。第四阶段:家族生意退场并购时代的开启(1960s-1990s)1:49:37 从七艺收购到”Warner Communications”时代,史蒂夫·罗斯入场:从停车场业务到接手华纳,开启现代传媒集团模式。2:10:19 Time Warner时代华纳并购案,35年前派拉蒙第一次试图通过资本运作阻击华纳发展。2:18:42 华纳的再次起飞,DVD时代的红利与《黑客帝国》、《哈利波特》系列的救市神话。第五阶段:从AOL世纪惨案到流媒体混战(2000s-Present)2:32:12 世纪大泡沫:AOL(美国在线)与时代华纳的合并为何成为商业史上的灾难?2:45:45 AT&T时期的混乱:不懂内容的电信巨头如何逼走了诺兰?2:57:35 现在的华纳(WBD):Discovery合并后的疯狂砍项目与未来的迷茫。【专题介绍】本期节目是2026年『什么电苔』推出的全新专辑【好莱坞沉浮录】的第一期。【好莱坞沉浮录】是电台成立十周年的特别企划,本专题第一季将更新12期,为月更,将以免费+付费的形式每期为各位梳理一家好莱坞著名企业的发展史,欢迎各位持续关注!告诉大家一个好消息,「什么电苔」终于要上「豆瓣电影日历」了!这次大家真可以在某一天的日历上看到我们关于这部电影的节目了。我们也特此拿到了日历的分销权,欢迎大家购买支持我们~购买链接: https://j.youzan.com/UaNY7_【走近超人】付费节目正在持续更新中,欢迎大家扫码购买「什么电苔」出了全新付费专辑《有什么好笑的?》,大家可以直接选择点击如下链接购买完整专辑,收听所有后续更新,https://www.xiaoyuzhoufm.com/podcast-topic/673ac195f373fe5d4d1f7d2f「什么电苔」定制“阴阳怪气”票夹正在上线,欢迎大家支持!让我们一起为文明观影呐喊!片尾曲:《5 Years Time》 by Noah and the Whale本期阵容:孔老师、小宋【好莱坞沉浮录】专题策划:小宋本期策划:小宋、孔老师本期剪辑:孔老师商业或其他合作需求,联系我们:whatfmmovie@163.com孔老师微博@做着学生的孔老师王老师微博@浩浩很含蓄什么电台官方微博@什么电苔某老师B站:什么电苔孔老师

The Magic Word Podcast
952: The Many Faces of Brian Brushwood

The Magic Word Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2026 67:00


Brian Brushwood has been on my radar for the podcast almost since i first began 15 years ago. Since he lives in the Austin area, I always felt I would have time to chat and feature him on an episode. As we approach 1,000 episodes, I'm beginning to shift some guests from the back burner to the front. My son Nick, interned with Brian when he was in the thick of the college circuit in the early 2000's. That was the genesis of many of the future endeavors taken on by Brian like Scam School, Modern Rogue, and even the World's Greatest Con which define Brian's current trajectory.Brian has been and continues to be a trailblazer in our magic community having begun his his own magic career in 1993. He has since garnered the support and admiration of some of magic's biggest names including Jeff McBride, and Teller, one half of the Penn and Teller duo, and even David Copperfield.Since beginning his career in magic, Brushwood has authored six books, including Cheats, Cons, Swindles & Tricks: 57 Ways to Scam a Free Drink; Pack the House: The Ultimate, Ever-Growing Guide to Increasing Attendance to YOUR Campus Events(co-authored with C.J. Johnson); and the Professionals Guide to Fire Eating.Brushwood has made several TV and radio appearances, including appearances on NBC's The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Roseanne Show, E! Entertainment Television's Talk Soup, the WB's Steve Harveys Big Time, Tech TVs Unscrewed with Martin Sargent, CMTs Most Wanted Live, BBCs The Paul Coyte Show, Westwood One's “Don and Mike Show,” ABC-TV's “The Debra Duncan Show, “The Shannon Burke Show” on KJFK-FM, Dudley and Bob” on KLBJ-FM, “The Morning Zoo” on KASE-FM, as well as news affiliates for ABC, FOX, CBS and Time-Warner. View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize View fullsize Brian Brushwood is a magician, podcaster, author, lecturer and comedian. Brushwood is known for the series Scam School, a show where he teaches the audience entertaining tricks at bars so they can "scam" a free drink from their friends. In addition to Scam School, Brushwood hosts Hacking the System on National Geographic Channel and also hosts the podcasts Weird Things, Cordkillers, and Night Attack. Brushwood has been a regular guest on This Week in Tech and previously hosted Game On! with Veronica Belmont on TWiT.Among the many suggestions and links for you to follow, I heartily suggest you follow The World's Greatest Con by Clicking Here. Download this podcast in an MP3 file by Clicking Here and then right click to save the file. You can also subscribe to the RSS feed by Clicking Here. You can download or listen to the podcast through Pandora and SiriusXM (formerly Stitcher) by Clicking Here or through FeedPress by Clicking Here or through Tunein.com by Clicking Here or through iHeart Radio by Clicking Here. If you have a Spotify account, then you can also hear us through that app, too. You can also listen through your Amazon Alexa and Google Home devices. Remember, you can download it through the iTunes store, too. See the preview page by Clicking Here.

Second Act Stories
Rewriting the Playbook: Mike Huber

Second Act Stories

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2026 19:24


This week on Second Act Stories, we're featuring a series called "Rewriting the Playbook." This group of episodes features guests whose journeys share a common connection to sports, sometimes front and center, sometimes quietly shaping the path forward. In these conversations, the influence of competition, teamwork, and discipline shows up in different ways, informing career pivots and personal reinvention. Together, these stories explore how the lessons learned on the field can echo long after the final whistle, guiding second acts that are anything but predictable. Mike Huber had a 20-year career as a top consultant with Ernst & Young, Cushman Wakefield and KPMG. His focus was in the area of site selection consulting – helping major companies like Samsung, Time Warner and Bausch & Lomb find new business locations. He worked hard and made a very good living. But over time he became frustrated with the corporate rat race and began to ask, "is this the right career for me?" He went back to school, got a masters in Sports Psychology and became a mental performance coach. Today he works with middle-school and high school athletes helping them improve their mental fitness and game performance. Mike took a major cut in compensation to launch Follow The Ball, his new consulting practice. But he is so much happier in his new line of work. ******* If you enjoy Second Act Stories, please leave us a review here. We may read your review on a future episode! Subscribe to the Second Act stories Substack. Check out the Second Act Stories YouTube channel. Follow Second Act Stories on social media: Facebook LinkedIn Instagram Second Act Stories theme music: "Between 1 and 3 am" by Echoes.

Digital Irish Podcast
Investing in Irish AdTech with Mike Kelly

Digital Irish Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 44:59


In this episode, we sit down with Michael Kelly, a true digital pioneer and veteran of the media and AdTech landscape. For more than two decades, he has been at the front edge of every major wave in media, marketing, and technology, building, scaling, and transforming high-growth companies across the U.S., UK, and Ireland, including giants like AOL, Time Warner, and The Weather Company.As co-founder of KellyNewman Advisors, Michael helps founders and investors accelerate growth, sharpen go-to-market strategy, and execute M&A. He shares his journey, the biggest evolutionary changes he's witnessed in AdTech, and his current focus: how AI is reshaping marketing, measurement, and value creation.Now, Michael is turning his strategic attention to the vibrant Irish ecosystem. We dive deep into:Why Ireland could be the next hot spot for AdTech innovation.The specific market gaps he sees Irish startups are uniquely positioned to fill.The traits, technologies, and metrics that make a founder or company stand out to him as an advisor and potential investor.Practical advice for Irish founders looking to scale internationally.If you're building or scaling an AdTech venture in Ireland, this episode is packed with Mike's strategic insights, inspiration, and a clear call to action on how to get on his radar.Michael Kelly is a true digital pioneer and a highly seasoned executive and advisor. He has served as CEO, board chair, and strategic advisor across adtech, martech, and digital media.As co-founder of KellyNewman Advisors, Michael leverages his experience to help high-growth companies accelerate, sharpen go-to-market strategy, and execute M&A with clarity and momentum. He is currently deeply focused on how AI is reshaping marketing, measurement, and value creation across the industry.Michael is a two-time honoree on Irish America Magazine's Business 100, serves on the board of the American Advertising Federation, and is a member of the Board of Counselors of The Carter Center.Want to get in contact? Email us at podcast@digitalirish.com

Keen On Democracy
Hollywood's Last Dance: Time Warner and the Death of the American Dream Machine

Keen On Democracy

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 15, 2025 44:41


So what does the latest Time Warner brouhaha tell us about the state of America? According to Daniel Bessner, host of the American Prestige podcast, it reflects the imminent death of Hollywood itself. Having written a recent Harper's cover story about “The Life and Death of Hollywood”, Bessner is no stranger to the existential struggle of America's dream machine. And for Bessner, the latest Netflix-Paramount drama is just one proof point not just of Hollywood's last dance, but also the imminent crisis of American capitalism. It's the canary in the coal mine, he argues, about the future of every industry. His apocalyptic take would, of course, make a great movie. The only problem is that Hollywood won't be around to make it. Keen On America is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

The Clydesdale, Fitness & Friends
Lunch with the Clydesdale - When Will We Learn that Power is Not Invincibility

The Clydesdale, Fitness & Friends

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2025 37:11 Transcription Available


Presenting Sponsor Thirdzy!  https://thirdzy.com/JAZZYPromotion Code for 15% off: JAZZYEvery day we take a break from the busy work day to catch our breath, hang out with friends and talk about the world of Sports, Entertainment and specifically CrossFit. Today we wrap up talk about the rule book and look at some specific Master's Answers.  The Battle for Warner Bros. and HBOMax gets heated and competitive.  What the hell was Sherrone Moore thinking? The Spin Talks to Wayne Diebner for nearly an hour and it appears the sale may have legs again.

Daily Kos Radio - Kagro in the Morning
Kagro in the Morning - December 9, 2025

Daily Kos Radio - Kagro in the Morning

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2025 117:02


David Waldman bridges the gap between pre- and post-election analysis days to devote today's KITM to the consequences of bad voting decisions.  The Trump Supreme Court is set to overturn the 20th century, and probably a chunk of the 19th. We were pre-wrong on whether Trump could do no wrong, and soon we'll be pre-wrong thinking that he can't eliminate those who won't do wrong for him. Paramount, with Saudis', Qataris' and Emiratis' money, wants to buy Warner Bros Discovery and CNN and Time Warner and etc... So does Netflix. Of course, now, the president picks the winner... so who will he be choosing? In case you care to place a bet, SIL Jared Kushner has taken time off from his measuring the drapes in Gaza to pop out of Mohammed bin Salman's bisht pocket on behalf of Paramount. Even if Jared loses, he can sue daddy, so it's win-win all around. Trump is giving corporate farmers $12 billion in taxpayer money, but actual rural residents will have to go to the big city for a doctor. Nobody does anything for free, at least in Trump world, and it never matters what you did to get in jail, it's what you do when you get out that concerns Donald. Trump does not owe Marjorie Taylor Greene nor CBS. Today, as always, they owe him.

Watchdog on Wall Street
Hollywood Hostile Takeover: Skydance vs. Time Warner and the Streaming Chaos Ahead

Watchdog on Wall Street

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 8, 2025 6:51 Transcription Available


LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  Paramount–Skydance just launched a full-blown hostile bid for Time Warner, going straight to shareholders with a $30-per-share cash offer—setting off a year of regulatory wrangling and backroom deal-cutting. From the rise of Netflix and the collapse of old-school studios to streamer consolidation, licensing battles, and consumer exhaustion over too many platforms, the entire entertainment landscape is shaking. Will Netflix counter? Will regulators balk? And is a streamer owning a massive legacy library the turning point Hollywood's been dreading?

Mangu.TV Podcast
78. Nicolas Ronco on Relationships, Prostate Cancer, Psychedelics & Consciousness

Mangu.TV Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2025 72:56


We are delighted to host Nicolas Ronco on this episode of the Mangu.tv podcast series. Nicolas is a global entrepreneur and wellness visionary, with over 25 years of experience spanning wellness, hospitality, technology and media. Founder of YeloSpa, he pioneered an urban sanctuary concept, combining sleep therapy, reflexology, and design, establishing a global benchmark for modern wellness with locations in New York, São Paulo, and San Joan. Previously, he held leadership roles at Time Warner, Trader Classified Media, and Make Music Inc., driving innovation and generating significant revenue growth.  Nicolas has also advised top brands through Groups of Humans and Hope.Tech. Vice Chair of the Immersion Initiative at the Global Wellness Institute, he champions holistic wellbeing worldwide. Educated in Paris and New York, and fluent in three languages, he continues to guide global wellness ventures with cultural and business insights.Nicolas shares the story of his upbringing in Tunisia, with Jewish & Italian heritage and his education in Paris. He speaks about a mystical experience that happened to him whilst living in New York, following a visit to Guru Mai's ashram, and the impact it had on his life. He shares his first experience with psychedelics later on in life, in Alto Paraiso. Nico talks about his relationships, his struggles with prostate cancer and the benefits he gained from psychedelics. Giancarlo and Nico discuss attachment styles, reincarnation, and altered states of consciousness.

The Empire Builders Podcast
#227: AOL – You’ve Got Mail

The Empire Builders Podcast

Play Episode Listen Later Oct 15, 2025 24:20


Did you know that at it's peak America On Line was responsible for 50% of all Compact Disc production in America? Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast, teaching business owners the not-so-secret techniques that took famous businesses from mom and pop to major brands. Stephen Simple is a marketing consultant, story collector and storyteller. I'm Stephen's sidekick and business partner, Dave Young. Before we get into today's episode, a word from our sponsor, which is, well, it's us, but we're highlighting ads we've written and produced for our clients. So here's one of those. [No Bull RV Ad] Dave Young: Welcome to the Empire Builders Podcast. Dave Young here alongside Stephen Semple. And Stephen, you've got mail. Stephen Semple: That's right. Dave Young: You've got mail. You've got mail. Stephen Semple: Could you imagine? Could you imagine if it's still happened that way? You got mail. You got, you got, you got mail. Dave Young: It'd be all day long. I can remember in those early days when getting an email was like, oh, shit, I got an email. Or, somebody sent me an email, or they replied to one of mine. Oh my gosh. Stephen Semple: Yes. Dave Young: So AOL, that's the... There was a time. Stephen Semple: America Online. Dave Young: There was a time they'd send out their what? CD-ROMs. Stephen Semple: Yep. Dave Young: You couldn't reach into the seat back pocket of a car without finding one. Stephen Semple: And we're going to explore that whole marketing campaign. But here's the crazy thing- Dave Young: [inaudible 00:02:37] cereal. Stephen Semple: All of it. Yeah. At its peak, one half of CD production in the United States was dedicated to America Online. Dave Young: Oh my God. Stephen Semple: Isn't that crazy? Dave Young: Say it isn't so. Stephen Semple: I can't. AOL was founded by Steve Case, William Von, Jim Kimsey and Marc Seriff in 1983 in Brooklyn. And as we know, it went on to become one of the biggest names in the internet. And in January 11th, 2001, it merged with Time Warner being one of the largest corporate mergers at the time, which actually it turned out was a disaster, but we're not going to talk about that. But back in the early days in 1983, let's put it in perspective, because sometimes it's really hard to think about these technological evolutions, but in 1983, Sony released the first consumer camcorder CD-ROMs were developed. And the first cell phone, remember the Motorola one that looked like it was a World War II walkie-talkie? Dave Young: Well, before that were bag phones. My first one was a bag phone. Stephen Semple: Yeah. Dave Young: The cell phone that you carried around with a giant battery in a bag. Stephen Semple: Exactly. Yeah. So that's like 1983. And AOL did not start as AOL. It started as a company called Control Video Corporation, CVC, founded by Bill Von Meister. And here's what they created. They created this thing called Gamelink, and basically it's a modem that plugs into the Atari 2600 game module, and they would sell the modem for 50 bucks, and it was a $15 setup fee, and you could download games for a dollar over the phone. That was the idea. This whole idea of the internet did not exist. It was this idea. Now, Steve Case, who becomes the main character in our story, worked for Bill and less than a year later, 1984, CVC is struggling because the video game boom has gone bust. Atari cancels the 2600 because only 3,000 units are sold. So the business is a bit of a tough space. Dave Young: This is a couple of decades almost before the boom, the bust? Stephen Semple: Yes. Oh, yeah. Dave Young: The bursting of the .com bubble. Stephen Semple: But this is the video game business goes through this a little bit, softening. The board sidelines, Von Meister and parachutes in Jim Kimsey, who's a former military guy,

Building A Better Brand
From Cannes Lions to Creative Tech: How Braze's Mariam Asmar is Building Brands for the Future

Building A Better Brand

Play Episode Listen Later Sep 18, 2025 45:46


In this episode of Building A Better Brand®, host Tony Triumph sits down with Mariam Asmar, a global brand and marketing leader whose career spans advertising, tech, and creative innovation. From her early PR days at Time Warner to shaping campaigns for legacy giants like Coca-Cola and L'Oréal, to now driving creative strategy at Braze, Mariam brings a rare vantage point on the intersection of creativity, community, and technology. Together, they unpack the hype and reality of Cannes Lions, which they call “the Oscars of advertising,” and explore how tech has redefined brand building, customer engagement, and creative accountability.The conversation reveals how Mariam is bridging the gap between traditional brand playbooks and performance-driven tech, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and storytelling. You'll get an inside look at Braze's Creative Innovation Lab and its role in helping brands merge creative strategy with data to build genuine, lasting relationships with their customers. Whether you're a founder, operator, or modern marketer, this is a must-listen for anyone curious about the future of brand building and the evolving role of brand marketing in 2025.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Cannes Lions: An Insider's Look: A deep dive into the "Oscars of advertising" and a juror's unique perspective on judging the world's most innovative brand campaigns.Bridging the Brand-Tech Gap: Insights on how to connect traditional brand playbooks with data-driven tech strategies to drive real growth and creative effectiveness.Braze's Creative Innovation Lab: A look inside the team's mission to help Fortune 500 brands and startups alike stay ahead of the curve by pushing the boundaries of creativity.Timeless Principles for Early-Stage Brands: Mariam's actionable advice for founders building from scratch and why brand differentiation is your biggest advantage when budgets are small.Brand in the Age of AI: Mariam's take on how new technology and shifting consumer expectations are forcing brand marketing to evolve from a separate department to a core, integrated strategic function.A Colorful Career: From McCann to Braze: A look at Mariam's diverse and storied career path and how she connected her past experiences to her current role in tech.Top 3-5 tips to build a better brand?: Mariam's actionable insights on what it takes to create a successful, enduring brand.Connect with Braze on their Instagram, LinkedIn, and website here. Connect with Tony Triumph: @tonytriumphofficial (IG), LinkedIn

Richard Ellis Talks on Oneplace.com

As Christians, we are called to use our time on earth wisely, doing the things God has called us to do and realizing that the stuff here on earth is just stuff and we can't take it with us. God has called us to run a race, and so let us run that race to the best of our ability, investing all that we've got and bringing others alongside us as we run. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/640/29

Richard Ellis Talks

As Christians, we are called to use our time on earth wisely, doing the things God has called us to do and realizing that the stuff here on earth is just stuff and we can't take it with us. God has called us to run a race, and so let us run that race to the best of our ability, investing all that we've got and bringing others alongside us as we run.

Lead(er) Generation on Tenlo Radio
EP140: Leading Change That Sticks: People, Processes & Platforms With Stuart Goldstein

Lead(er) Generation on Tenlo Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 26, 2025 36:08


In a world where marketing agencies are racing to keep up with rapid change, how do you grow faster without losing your people, your culture, or your edge? In this episode of Leader Generation, Mod Op's new COO, Stuart Goldstein, joins Tessa Burg to share his playbook for scaling agencies. With years of experience leading firms through mergers, digital transformations, and process overhauls, Stuart reveals why the real challenge isn't the technology or the tools—it's bringing people along for the ride. Listeners will get an inside look at why Mod Op is uniting specialized agencies under one platform to offer clients deep expertise without the coordination headaches of managing multiple vendors. Listeners will get an inside look at why Mod Op is uniting specialized agencies under one platform, how to turn skeptics into champions, and the leadership moves that make change stick. From integrating AI across disciplines to avoiding the “shiny object” trap, he offers candid advice and relatable stories that apply to any leader facing transformation. This conversation delivers practical ways to align people, processes, and platforms—to keep your team motivated and your clients happy. Leader Generation is hosted by Tessa Burg and brought to you by Mod Op.  About Stuart Goldstein: As an experienced operations leader with over 20 years of success, Stuart can captain any ship. From start-up to heavyweight, Stuart has helped agencies and organizations pave their path to greatness. His expertise has been instrumental in driving growth and fame for renowned clients such as Johnson & Johnson, Oreo, Coca-Cola, American Express, Novartis, Diageo, eBay, GlaxoSmithKline, Time Warner, and Marvel, among others. And somehow, he still finds a way to drop a joke and take life one day at a time as long as it fits the brief. About Tessa Burg: Tessa is the Chief Technology Officer at Mod Op and Host of the Leader Generation podcast. She has led both technology and marketing teams for 15+ years. Tessa initiated and now leads Mod Op's AI/ML Pilot Team, AI Council and Innovation Pipeline. She started her career in IT and development before following her love for data and strategy into digital marketing. Tessa has held roles on both the consulting and client sides of the business for domestic and international brands, including American Greetings, Amazon, Nestlé, Anlene, Moen and many more. Tessa can be reached on LinkedIn or at Tessa.Burg@ModOp.com.  

On with Kara Swisher
Unpacking the Myth of John F. Kennedy Jr.

On with Kara Swisher

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025 49:18


More than 25 years after his tragic death, John F. Kennedy Jr. remains one of the most captivating figures in American public life. He was handsome, charming, and born into political royalty — and when he died in a plane crash in 1999, he was fighting to save George, his glossy political magazine, and weighing a run for New York governor. Ryan Murphy is producing American Love Story, a new series about John and his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy; some QAnon conspiracy theorists believe JFK Jr. is still alive; and CNN has just released the first episode of a three-part documentary series called American Prince: JFK. Jr.  So why can't we look away? Why are John and Carolyn still objects of fascination, speculation, and even conspiracy? What does our continued obsession say about us — and about American political culture? Kara talks to Gary Ginsberg and Carole Radziwill, two close friends of John and Carolyn who are featured in American Prince. series. They both bring a lifetime of experience working in media, and reflect on the lives behind the legend, the media scrutiny that shaped their legacy, and how myth and reality collided in the story of John and Carolyn. Ginsberg met John at Brown University, and he was the senior editor and legal counsel at George magazine. Ginsberg went on to become an assistant counsel to President Clinton and a senior executive at News Corp and Time Warner. He understands the inner workings of media and politics as well as anyone. He was also a consulting producer on American Prince and the author of First Friends: The Powerful, Unsung (And Unelected) People Who Shaped Our Presidents. Radziwill is a former journalist. Her work at ABC News won a Peabody and multiple Emmys. She's also a former cast member of the Real Housewives of New York and her late husband, Anthony Radziwill, was JFK Jr.'s cousin and best friend. Radziwill is the author of three books, including the bestselling memoir, What Remains, and she recently launched a newsletter on Substack, Life with Carole Radziwill.  Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Bluesky @onwithkaraswisher. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management
How Shoveling $h!t Built a $745 Million Startup (And What It Really Cost)

Negotiate Anything: Negotiation | Persuasion | Influence | Sales | Leadership | Conflict Management

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 67:06


What does it really take to build a $745 million startup from the ground up? Hint: It's messy, painful, and nothing like the glamorous success stories you've heard. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with Cas and Mike Lazerow—the entrepreneurial power couple behind the massive success of Golf.com, which they sold to Time Warner for $745 million. But behind the impressive exit lies a story of relentless struggle, countless pivots, and emotional battles most founders never talk about. Cas and Mike pull back the curtain on entrepreneurship's harshest realities, sharing: How embracing brutally tough conversations transformed their business (and marriage). The secret mindset shifts that separate those who rise from those who burn out. Why falling in love with the hardest parts of your journey can become your ultimate competitive edge. This isn't just another success story. It's an honest look at the intense emotional cost that comes with high-stakes entrepreneurship—and a masterclass in how to survive the darkest moments of building something great. If you're grinding day after day, wondering why success still feels impossibly far away, this episode offers the reset and insights you never knew you needed. Welcome to the real journey. It's time to start shoveling. Hit play now, and discover what success truly costs. Buy The Book: Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!

Negotiate Anything
How Shoveling $h!t Built a $745 Million Startup (And What It Really Cost)

Negotiate Anything

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025 67:06


What does it really take to build a $745 million startup from the ground up? Hint: It's messy, painful, and nothing like the glamorous success stories you've heard. In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Kwame Christian sits down with Cas and Mike Lazerow—the entrepreneurial power couple behind the massive success of Golf.com, which they sold to Time Warner for $745 million. But behind the impressive exit lies a story of relentless struggle, countless pivots, and emotional battles most founders never talk about. Cas and Mike pull back the curtain on entrepreneurship's harshest realities, sharing: How embracing brutally tough conversations transformed their business (and marriage). The secret mindset shifts that separate those who rise from those who burn out. Why falling in love with the hardest parts of your journey can become your ultimate competitive edge. This isn't just another success story. It's an honest look at the intense emotional cost that comes with high-stakes entrepreneurship—and a masterclass in how to survive the darkest moments of building something great. If you're grinding day after day, wondering why success still feels impossibly far away, this episode offers the reset and insights you never knew you needed. Welcome to the real journey. It's time to start shoveling. Hit play now, and discover what success truly costs. Buy The Book: Shoveling $h!t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success Contact ANI ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Request A Customized Workshop For Your Company⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow Kwame Christian on LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠negotiateanything.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Click here to buy your copy of Finding Confidence in Conflict: How to Negotiate Anything and Live Your Best Life!

Business Wars
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | The Deal of the Century | 2

Business Wars

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025 42:08


When AOL and Time Warner find a way around their differences, the biggest merger in history is on. But when rivals attack and tech stocks meltdown, AOL finds it must meet Wall Street expectations or watch its mega-deal derail.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kampf der Unternehmen
Netflix und der Untergang des Fernsehens | Fortsetzung folgt | 3

Kampf der Unternehmen

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025 43:16


Folge 3/3: Netflix hat den Streaming-Markt verändert – und zwingt die Konkurrenz zum Handeln. Als AT&T 2018 Time Warner übernimmt, will der Telekom-Riese mit HBO in den Streaming-Wars mitmischen. Doch aus einer Premium-Marke wie HBO einen massentauglichen Dienst zu formen, ist eine gewaltige Herausforderung – vor allem mitten in der Pandemie.Während das Marketing kämpft und Hollywood stillsteht, rückt schon der nächste Angreifer ins Blickfeld: ein Unternehmer, der seichte Unterhaltung liebt – und große Pläne hat...Folge „Kampf der Unternehmen“ jetzt in deiner Podcast-App, um keine Folge zu verpassen.Unsere allgemeinen Datenschutzrichtlinien finden Sie unter https://art19.com/privacy. Die Datenschutzrichtlinien für Kalifornien sind unter https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info abrufbar.

Business Wars
The AOL Time Warner Disaster | You've Got Mail | 1

Business Wars

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 46:58


It's 1999 and America Online's the hot stock of the dot.com boom. But when AOL's CEO Steve Case gets nervous about the future, he settles on a bold plan: to buy media giant Time Warner in the biggest merger in U.S. history.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pretend Radio
Listen Now: Business Wars

Pretend Radio

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025 7:30


In the year 2000, the merger of AOL and Time Warner seemed like the moment that the pendulum shifted from offline to online media. But the megamerger went off script fast. In-fighting, cooked books and incompatible corporate cultures would turn it into a marriage from hell, one that would scar both companies. But before any of that could happen, AOL had to overcome the odds…to take America online. In this season of Business Wars, we explore why the biggest merger in US history turned into a corporate catastrophe. Listen to Business Wars: The AOL Time Warner Disaster right now wherever you get your podcasts: Wondery.fm/BW_IFD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If This Is True with Chris Hall
Gillian Bellinger--SAG Actor, Improviser, and Artistic Director of Misfit Improv!!

If This Is True with Chris Hall

Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 31:16


Gillian Bellinger is an SAG character actor. To watch her character bits, follow her on Instagram @gillianbellinger.She has played roles on Hulu's "How I Met Your Father", "Disney's "Just Roll with It" as well as being a principal in commercials for Harris Bank, Time Warner, NorthShore Healthcare, and Unitrin Auto Insurance. She's also rocked out a bunch of short films, industrials, and starred in Red Letter Media's Feeding Frenzy, a comedic horror flick. So if you're watching TV late at night and think, "Was that...?" Probably. Gillian studied improv in Chicago at The Second City, I.O. Theater, The Annoyance Theater, and The Groundlings. Gillian is very fancy and attended The London Academy of Theatre, The National Theater Institute, and Hamline University.She was an ensemble member on Second City House teams in LA and Chicago, ComedySportz Chicago and Minneapolis, the Del Tones at I.O. West, Laugh Out Loud Theater in Chicago, Westside Comedy Theater in Santa Monica, and Improv Acadia in Bar Harbor, Maine.She has taught improv & acting at The Second City Hollywood, Intentional Acting Studio, Improv Utopia, AMDA, and Westside Comedy Theater. She has been a guest teacher at Finest City Improv, All Out Comedy Theater, Alchemy Comedy Theater, Think Fast Theater, Asheville Improv Collective, and Curious Comedy Theater.She is now the Artistic Director of Misfit Improv in Asheville, NC. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leap Academy with Ilana Golan
From Near Bankruptcy to a $745M Exit: The Raw Truth Behind Kass & Mike's Entrepreneurship Journey | E112

Leap Academy with Ilana Golan

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025 58:02


Kass and Mike Lazerow's entrepreneurial journey began with a leap of faith and a lot of grit. They started Golf.com with funding from friends and family, only to be acquired by a company that later went bankrupt. Forced to raise capital and revive their business against all odds, they quickly learned that entrepreneurship means facing setbacks every day and building the resilience to keep going when it feels impossible. In this episode, Kass and Mike join Ilana to dive into their new book, Shoveling $h!t, sharing the struggles behind their wins, the fears they confronted, and how they built successful businesses while balancing parenthood, marriage, and health challenges. Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. In this episode, Ilana, Kass, and Mike will discuss: (00:00) Introduction  (00:35) Meeting and Collaborating with GaryVee (03:20) Childhood Challenges and Family Struggles (09:43) Early Ventures and the Birth of Golf.com (13:40) Kass and Mike's Relationship Journey (18:20) Facing Near Bankruptcy After Acquisition Offers (23:02) Leading with Transparency in Crisis (26:08) Fundraising Success and Tiger Woods's Influence (28:44) Navigating Parenthood While Building a Business (35:33) Prioritizing Health Amid Career Demands (39:38) Breaking Gender Bias in Entrepreneurship (43:57) Building a Thick Skin as an Entrepreneur (47:31) Overcoming Fear and Taking Action Kass and Mike Lazerow are serial entrepreneurs, investors, and co-founders of Golf.com and Buddy Media. After selling Golf.com to Time Warner, they co-founded Buddy Media, a leading social media marketing platform that was acquired by Salesforce for $745 million. Together, Mike and Kass have supported nearly 100 early-stage startup founders and have received multiple awards recognizing their leadership and impact in entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Connect with Kass and Mike: Kass and Mike's Website: www.kassandmike.com  Kass and Mike's Email: info@kassandmike.com    Resources Mentioned: Kass and Mike Book, Shoveling $H!t: A Love Story about the Entrepreneur's Messy Path to Success: https://www.amazon.in/Shoveling-Story-about-Entrepreneurs-Success/dp/B0DY21NS7W  Leap Academy: Ready to make the LEAP in your career? There is a NEW way for professionals to Advance Their Careers & Make 5-6 figures of EXTRA INCOME in Record Time. Check out our free training today at leapacademy.com/training

Business Wars
Netflix and the Fall of Television | To the Max | 3

Business Wars

Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025 44:31


After AT&T takes over Time Warner in 2018, the media company decides it's time to enter the streaming wars. They don't have the brand recognition that Disney has, but they do have HBO, considered the most prestigious cable television on the market. But transforming a niche brand like HBO into a broad-based streaming service is a massive marketing challenge — made even harder by the Covid lockdowns. Meanwhile, the head of a low-brow cable empire has his eye on Warner Media as an acquisition. Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Mouse and Me
Lindsay Northen Bradshaw

The Mouse and Me

Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 60:40


Lindsay Northen Bradshaw stops by The Mouse and Me for a super fun chat about her Broadway and Disney career, her favorite ride, favorite snack, which country she'd like to see in EPCOT, what's on her Disney bucket list, and more!Lindsay is currently in Finding Nemo: The Big Blue…and Beyond in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World and performs the roles of Dory, Peach, and Pearl…depending on the day.Prior to working for THE WALT DISNEY Company, Lindsay was in the Broadway Cast of Wicked for 15 years as an understudy for Glinda where she performed the role many times as well as appearing nightly in the ensemble. She also starred in the national tour of The Sound of Music as Maria.  Lindsay's recent television credits include co-star and guest star appearances on New Amsterdam on NBC as Nurse McCarthy, Tales of the City on Netflix, CSI Miami, The Americans, as well as Season 1 of The Last O.G. opposite Tracy Morgan. You can also see Lindsay in commercials for Publix, Breyers, Direct TV, Canon, TimeWarner, Pillsbury, FedEx and more. Buckle up...and enjoy the immensely popular Lindsay Northen Bradshaw!Email: TheMouseAndMePodcast@gmail.comSupport: www.patreon.com/themouseandmeFB and Instagram: “The Mouse and Me”Music by Kevin MacLeod from https://incompetech.filmmusic.io

Badlands Media
Why We Vote Ep. 126: ALEC's Election Push, Smartmatic Exposé, and Zionist Congress Chaos

Badlands Media

Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2025 92:26 Transcription Available


In Episode 126 of Why We Vote, CannCon and Ashe in America take listeners on a whirlwind tour of election-related bombshells, legal drama, and geopolitical intrigue. They open with a deep dive into ALEC's new task force on election reform, raising red flags over unnecessary NGO interference and its potentially shady ties to Visa and Time Warner. The hosts dissect the inconsistencies in prosecuting Trump's alternate electors in Arizona and blast the grand jury process that misrepresented federal law. The episode also tackles Oklahoma's bold move to include 2020 election discrepancies in high school curriculum, Smartmatic's international bribery scandal, and the ironic twist of Fox News finally getting access to damning evidence. CannCon and Ashe take a hard stance on foreign influence, criticizing Georgia for ignoring both Trump's executive order and state law on ballot integrity while applauding Arkansas for considering a full return to paper ballots. Just when you think it couldn't get weirder, they uncover the bizarre story of the World Zionist Congress elections, complete with ballot fraud, a parallel legal system, and billions in global funding. With fiery analysis, biting humor, and unapologetic patriotism, this episode is a must-listen for anyone fighting for free and fair elections.

Keen On Democracy
Episode 2526: Keach Hagey on why OpenAI is the parable of our hallucinatory times

Keen On Democracy

Play Episode Listen Later May 7, 2025 39:14


Much has been made of the hallucinatory qualities of OpenAI's ChatGPT product. But as the Wall Street Journal's resident authority on OpenAI, Keach Hagey notes, perhaps the most hallucinatory feature the $300 billion start-up co-founded by the deadly duo of Sam Altman and Elon Musk is its attempt to be simultaneously a for-profit and non-profit company. As Hagey notes, the double life of this double company reached a surreal climax this week when Altman announced that OpenAI was abandoning its promised for-profit conversion. So what, I asked Hagey, are the implications of this corporate volte-face for investors who have poured billions of real dollars into the non-profit in order to make a profit? Will they be Waiting For Godot to get their returns?As Hagey - whose excellent biography of Altman, The Optimist, is out in a couple of weeks - explains, this might be the story of the hubristic 2020's. She speaks of Altman's astonishingly (even for Silicon Valley) hubris in believing that he can get away with the alchemic conceit of inventing a multi trillion dollar for-profit non-profit company. Yes, you can be half-pregnant, Sam is promising us. But, as she warns, at some point this will be exposed as fantasy. The consequences might not exactly be another Enron or FTX, but it will have ramifications way beyond beyond Silicon Valley. What will happen, for example, if future investors aren't convinced by Altman's fantasy and OpenAI runs out of cash? Hagey suggests that the OpenAI story may ultimately become a political drama in which a MAGA President will be forced to bail out America's leading AI company. It's TikTok in reverse (imagine if Chinese investors try to acquire OpenAI). Rather than the conveniently devilish Elon Musk, my sense is that Sam Altman is auditioning to become the real Jay Gatsby of our roaring twenties. Last month, Keach Hagey told me that Altman's superpower is as a salesman. He can sell anything to anyone, she says. But selling a non-profit to for-profit venture capitalists might even be a bridge too far for Silicon Valley's most hallucinatory optimist. Five Key Takeaways * OpenAI has abandoned plans to convert from a nonprofit to a for-profit structure, with pressure coming from multiple sources including attorneys general of California and Delaware, and possibly influenced by Elon Musk's opposition.* This decision will likely make it more difficult for OpenAI to raise money, as investors typically want control over their investments. Despite this, Sam Altman claims SoftBank will still provide the second $30 billion chunk of funding that was previously contingent on the for-profit conversion.* The nonprofit structure creates inherent tensions within OpenAI's business model. As Hagey notes, "those contradictions are still there" after nearly destroying the company once before during Altman's brief firing.* OpenAI's leadership is trying to position this as a positive change, with plans to capitalize the nonprofit and launch new programs and initiatives. However, Hagey notes this is similar to what Altman did at Y Combinator, which eventually led to tensions there.* The decision is beneficial for competitors like XAI, Anthropic, and others with normal for-profit structures. Hagey suggests the most optimistic outcome would be OpenAI finding a way to IPO before "completely imploding," though how a nonprofit-controlled entity would do this remains unclear.Keach Hagey is a reporter at The Wall Street Journal's Media and Marketing Bureau in New York, where she focuses on the intersection of media and technology. Her stories often explore the relationships between tech platforms like Facebook and Google and the media. She was part of the team that broke the Facebook Files, a series that won a George Polk Award for Business Reporting, a Gerald Loeb Award for Beat Reporting and a Deadline Award for public service. Her investigation into the inner workings of Google's advertising-technology business won recognition from the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing (Sabew). Previously, she covered the television industry for the Journal, reporting on large media companies such as 21st Century Fox, Time Warner and Viacom. She led a team that won a Sabew award for coverage of the power struggle inside Viacom. She is the author of “The King of Content: Sumner Redstone's Battle for Viacom, CBS and Everlasting Control of His Media Empire,” published by HarperCollins. Before joining the Journal, Keach covered media for Politico, the National in Abu Dhabi, CBS News and the Village Voice. She has a bachelor's and a master's in English literature from Stanford University. She lives in Irvington, N.Y., with her husband, three daughters and dog.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting the daily KEEN ON show, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy interview series. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children. Full TranscriptAndrew Keen: Hello, everybody. It is May the 6th, a Tuesday, 2025. And the tech media is dominated today by OpenAI's plan to convert its for-profit business to a non-profit side. That's how the Financial Times is reporting it. New York Times says that OpenAI, and I'm quoting them, backtracks on plans to drop nonprofit control and the Wall Street Journal, always very authoritative on the tech front, leads with Open AI abandons planned for profit conversion. The Wall Street Journal piece is written by Keach Hagey, who is perhaps America's leading authority on OpenAI. She was on the show a couple of months ago talking about Sam Altman's superpower which is as a salesman. Keach is also the author of an upcoming book. It's out in a couple weeks, "The Optimist: Sam Altman, OpenAI and the Race to Invent the Future." And I'm thrilled that Keach has been remarkably busy today, as you can imagine, found a few minutes to come onto the show. So, Keach, what is Sam selling here? You say he's a salesman. He's always selling something or other. What's the sell here?Keach Hagey: Well, the sell here is that this is not a big deal, right? The sell is that, this thing they've been trying to do for about a year, which is to make their company less weird, it's not gonna work. And as he was talking to the press yesterday, he was trying to suggest that they're still gonna be able to fundraise, that these folks that they promised that if you give us money, we're gonna convert to a for-profit and it's gonna be much more normal investment for you, but they're gonna get that money, which is you know, a pretty tough thing. So that's really, that's what he's selling is that this is not disruptive to the future of OpenAI.Andrew Keen: For people who are just listening, I'm looking at Keach's face, and I'm sensing that she's doing everything she can not to burst out laughing. Is that fair, Keach?Keach Hagey: Well, it'll remain to be seen, but I do think it will make it a lot harder for them to raise money. I mean, even Sam himself said as much during the talk yesterday that, you know, investors would like to be able to have some say over what happens to their money. And if you're controlled by a nonprofit organization, that's really tough. And what they were trying to do was convert to a new world where investors would have a seat at the table, because as we all remember, when Sam got briefly fired almost two years ago. The investors just helplessly sat on the sidelines and didn't have any say in the matter. Microsoft had absolutely no role to play other than kind of cajoling and offering him a job on the sidelines. So if you're gonna try to raise money, you really need to be able to promise some kind of control and that's become a lot harder.Andrew Keen: And the ramifications more broadly on this announcement will extend to Microsoft and Microsoft stock. I think their stock is down today. We'll come to that in a few minutes. Keach, there was an interesting piece in the week, this week on AI hallucinations are getting worse. Of course, OpenAI is the dominant AI company with their ChatGPT. But is this also kind of hallucination? What exactly is going on here? I have to admit, and I always thought, you know, I certainly know more about tech than I do about other subjects, which isn't always saying very much. But I mean, either you're a nonprofit or you're a for-profit, is there some sort of hallucinogenic process going on where Sam is trying to sell us on the idea that OpenAI is simultaneously a for profit and a nonprofit company?Keach Hagey: Well, that's kind of what it is right now. That's what it had sort of been since 2019 or when it spun up this strange structure where it had a for-profit underneath a nonprofit. And what we saw in the firing is that that doesn't hold. There's gonna come a moment when those two worlds are going to collide and it nearly destroyed the company. To be challenging going forward is that that basic destabilization that like unstable structure remains even though now everything is so much bigger there's so much more money coursing through and it's so important for the economy. It's a dangerous position.Andrew Keen: It's not so dangerous, you seem still faintly amused. I have to admit, I'm more than faintly amused, it's not too bothersome for us because we don't have any money in OpenAI. But for SoftBank and the other participants in the recent $40 billion round of investment in OpenAI, this must be, to say the least, rather disconcerting.Keach Hagey: That was one of the biggest surprises from the press conference yesterday. Sam Altman was asked point blank, is SoftBank still going to give you this sort of second chunk, this $30 billion second chunk that was contingent upon being able to convert to a for-profit, and he said, quite simply, yes. Who knows what goes on in behind the scenes? I think we're gonna find out probably a lot more about that. There are many unanswered questions, but it's not great, right? It's definitely not great for investors.Andrew Keen: Well, you have to guess at the very minimum, SoftBank would be demanding better terms. They're not just going to do the same thing. I mean, it suddenly it suddenly gives them an additional ace in their hand in terms of negotiation. I mean this is not some sort of little startup. This is 30 or 40 billion dollars. I mean it's astonishing number. And presumably the non-public conversations are very interesting. I'm sure, Keach, you would like to know what's being said.Keach Hagey: Don't know yet, but I think your analysis is pretty smart on this matter.Andrew Keen: So if you had to guess, Sam is the consummate salesman. What did he tell SoftBank before April to close the round? And what is he telling them now? I mean, how has the message changed?Keach Hagey: One of the things that we see a little bit about this from the messaging that he gave to the world yesterday, which is this is going to be a simpler structure. It is going to be slightly more normal structure. They are changing the structure a little bit. So although the non-profit is going to remain in charge, the thing underneath it, the for-profit, is going change its structure a little bit and become kind of a little more normal. It's not going to have this capped profit thing where, you know, the investors are capped at 100 times what they put in. So parts of it are gonna become more normal. For employees, it's probably gonna be easier for them to get equity and things like that. So I'm sure that that's part of what he's selling, that this new structure is gonna be a little bit better, but it's not gonna be as good as what they were trying to do.Andrew Keen: Can Sam? I mean, clearly he has sold it. I mean as we joked earlier when we talked, Sam could sell ice to the Laplanders or sand to the Saudis. But these people know Sam. It's no secret that he's a remarkable salesman. That means that sometimes you have to think carefully about what he's saying. What's the impact on him? To what extent is this decision one more chip on the Altman brand?Keach Hagey: It's a setback for sure, and it's kind of a win for Elon Musk, his rival.Andrew Keen: Right.Keach Hagey: Elon has been suing him, Elon has been trying to block this very conversion. And in the end, it seems like it was actually the attorneys general of California and Delaware that really put the nail in the coffin here. So there's still a lot to find out about exactly how it all shook out. There were actually huge campaigns as well, like in the streets, billboards, posters. Polls saying, trying to put pressure on the attorney general to block this thing. So it was a broad coalition, I think, that opposed the conversion, and you can even see that a little bit in their speech. But you got to admit that Elon probably looked at this and was happy.Andrew Keen: And I'm sure Elon used his own X platform to promote his own agenda. Is this an example, Keach, in a weird kind of way of the plebiscitary politics now of Silicon Valley is that titans like Altman and Musk are fighting out complex corporate economic battles in the naked public of social media.Keach Hagey: Yes, in the naked public of social media, but what we're also seeing here is that it's sort of, it's become through the apparatus of government. So we're seeing, you know, Elon is in the Doge office and this conversion is really happening in the state AG's houses. So that's what's sort interesting to me is these like private fights have now expanded to fill both state and federal government.Andrew Keen: Last time we talked, I couldn't find the photo, but there was a wonderful photo of, I think it was Larry Ellison and Sam Altman in the Oval Office with Trump. And Ellison looked very excited. He looked extremely old as well. And Altman looked very awkward. And it's surprising to see Altman look awkward because generally he doesn't. Has Trump played a role in this or is he keeping out of it?Keach Hagey: As far as my current reporting right now, we have no reporting that Trump himself was directly involved. I can't go further than that right now.Andrew Keen: Meaning that you know something that you're not willing to ignore.Keach Hagey: Just I hope you keep your subscription to the Wall Street Journal on what role the White House played, I would say. But as far as that awkwardness, I don't know if you noticed that there was a box that day for Masa Yoshison to see.Andrew Keen: Oh yeah, and Son was in the office too, right, that was the third person.Keach Hagey: So it was a box in the podium, which I think contributed to the awkwardness of the day, because he's not a tall man.Andrew Keen: Right. To put it politely. The way that OpenAI spun it, in classic Sam Altman terms, is new funding to build towards AGI. So it's their Altman-esque use of the public to vindicate this new investment, is this just more quote unquote, and this is my word. You don't have to agree with it. Just sales pitch or might even be dishonesty here. I mean, the reality is, is new funding to build towards AGI, which is, artificial general intelligence. It's not new funding, to build toward AGI. It's new funding to build towards OpenAI, there's no public benefit of any of this, is there?Keach Hagey: Well, what they're saying is that the nonprofit will be capitalized and will sort of be hiring up and doing a bunch more things that it wasn't really doing. We'll have programs and initiatives and all of that. Which really, as someone who studied Sam's life, this sounds really a lot like what he did at Y Combinator. When he was head of Y Combinator, he also spun up a nonprofit arm, which is actually what OpenAI grew out of. So I think in Sam's mind, a nonprofit there's a place to go. Sort of hash out your ideas, it's a place to kind of have pet projects grow. That's where he did things like his UBI study. So I can sort of see that once the AGs are like, this is not gonna happen, he's like, great, we'll just make a big nonprofit and I'll get to do all these projects I've always wanted to do.Andrew Keen: Didn't he get thrown out of Y Combinator by Paul Graham for that?Keach Hagey: Yes, a little bit. You know, I would say there's a general mutiny for too much of that kind of stuff. Yeah, it's true. People didn't love it, and they thought that he took his eye off the ball. A little bit because one of those projects became OpenAI, and he became kind of obsessed with it and stopped paying attention. So look, maybe OpenAI will spawn the next thing, right? And he'll get distracted by that and move on.Andrew Keen: No coincidence, of course, that Sam went on to become a CEO of OpenAI. What does it mean for the broader AI ecosystem? I noted earlier you brought up Microsoft. I mean, I think you've already written on this and lots of other people have written about the fact that the relationship between OpenAI and Microsoft has cooled dramatically. As well as between Nadella and Altman. What does this mean for Microsoft? Is it a big deal?Keach Hagey: They have been hashing this out for months. So it is a big deal in that it will change the structure of their most important partner. But even before this, Microsoft and OpenAI were sort of locked in negotiations over how large and how Microsoft's stake in this new OpenAI will be valued. And that still has to be determined, regardless of whether it's a non-profit or a for-profit in charge. And their interests are diverging. So those negotiations are not as warm as they maybe would have been a few years ago.Andrew Keen: It's a form of polyamory, isn't it? Like we have in Silicon Valley, everyone has sex with everybody else, to put it politely.Keach Hagey: Well, OpenAI does have a new partner in Oracle. And I would expect them to have many more in terms of cloud computing partners going forward. It's just too much risk for any one company to build these huge and expensive data centers, not knowing that OpenAI is going to exist in a certain number of years. So they have to diversify.Andrew Keen: Keach, you know, this is amusing and entertaining and Altman is a remarkable individual, able to sell anything to anyone. But at what point are we really on the Titanic here? And there is such a thing as an iceberg, a real thing, whatever Donald Trump or other manufacturers of ontologies might suggest. At some point, this thing is going to end in a massive disaster.Keach Hagey: Are you talking about the Existence Force?Andrew Keen: I'm not talking about the Titanic, I'm talking about OpenAI. I mean, Parmi Olson, who's the other great authority on OpenAI, who won the FT Book of the Year last year, she's been on the show a couple of times, she wrote in Bloomberg that OpenAI can't have its money both ways, and that's what Sam is trying to do. My point is that we can all point out, excuse me, the contradictions and the hypocrisy and all the rest of it. But there are laws of gravity when it comes to economics. And at a certain point, this thing is going to crash, isn't it? I mean, what's the metaphor? Is it Enron? Is it Sam Bankman-Fried? What kind of examples in history do we need to look at to try and figure out what really is going on here?Keach Hagey: That's certainly one possibility, and there are a good number of people who believe that.Andrew Keen: Believe what, Enron or Sam Bankman-Fried?Keach Hagey: Oh, well, the internal tensions cannot hold, right? I don't know if fraud is even necessary so much as just, we've seen it, we've already seen it happen once, right, the company almost completely collapsed one time and those contradictions are still there.Andrew Keen: And when you say it happened, is that when Sam got pushed out or was that another or something else?Keach Hagey: No, no, that's it, because Sam almost got pushed out and then all of the funders would go away. So Sam needs to be there for them to continue raising money in the way that they have been raising money. And that's really going to be the question. How long can that go on? He's a young man, could go on a very long time. But yeah, I think that really will determine whether it's a disaster or not.Andrew Keen: But how long can it go on? I mean, how long could Sam have it both ways? Well, there's a dream. I mean maybe he can close this last round. I mean he's going to need to raise more than $40 billion. This is such a competitive space. Tens of billions of dollars are being invested almost on a monthly basis. So this is not the end of the road, this $40-billion investment.Keach Hagey: Oh, no. And you know, there's talk of IPO at some point, maybe not even that far away. I don't even let me wrap my mind around what it would be for like a nonprofit to have a controlling share at a public company.Andrew Keen: More hallucinations economically, Keach.Keach Hagey: But I mean, IPO is the exit for investors, right? That's the model, that is the Silicon Valley model. So it's going to have to come to that one way or another.Andrew Keen: But how does it work internally? I mean, for the guys, the sales guys, the people who are actually doing the business at OpenAI, they've been pretty successful this year. The numbers are astonishing. But how is this gonna impact if it's a nonprofit? How does this impact the process of selling, of building product, of all the other internal mechanics of this high-priced startup?Keach Hagey: I don't think it will affect it enormously in the short term. It's really just a question of can they continue to raise money for the enormous amount of compute that they need. So so far, he's been able to do that, right? And if that slows up in any way, they're going to be in trouble. Because as Sam has said many times, AI has to be cheap to be actually useful. So in order to, you know, for it to be widespread, for to flow like water, all of those things, it's got to be cheap and that's going to require massive investment in data centers.Andrew Keen: But how, I mean, ultimately people are putting money in so that they get the money back. This is not a nonprofit endeavor to put 40 billion from SoftBank. SoftBank is not in the nonprofit business. So they're gonna need their money back and the only way they generally, in my understanding, getting money back is by going public, especially with these numbers. How can a nonprofit go public?Keach Hagey: It's a great question. That's what I'm just phrasing. I mean, this is, you know, you talk to folks, this is what's like off in the misty distance for them. It's an, it's a fascinating question and one that we're gonna try to answer this week.Andrew Keen: But you look amused. I'm no financial genius. Everyone must be asking the same question.Keach Hagey: Well, the way that they've said it is that the for-profit will be, will have a, the non-profit will control the for profit and be the largest shareholder in it, but the rest of the shares could be held by public markets theoretically. That's a great question though.Andrew Keen: And lawyers all over the world must be wrapping their hands. I mean, in the very best case, it's gonna be lawsuits on this, people suing them up the wazoo.Keach Hagey: It's absolutely true. You should see my inbox right now. It's just like layers, layers, layer.Andrew Keen: Yeah, my wife. My wife is the head of litigation. I don't know if I should be saying this publicly anyway, I am. She's the head of Litigation at Google. And she lost some of her senior people and they all went over to AI. I'm big, I'm betting that they regret going over there can't be much fun being a lawyer at OpenAI.Keach Hagey: I don't know, I think it'd be great fun. I think you'd have like enormous challenges and have lots of billable hours.Andrew Keen: Unless, of course, they're personally being sued.Keach Hagey: Hopefully not. I mean, look, it is a strange and unprecedented situation.Andrew Keen: To what extent is this, if not Shakespearean, could have been written by some Greek dramatist? To what extend is this symbolic of all the hype and salesmanship and dishonesty of Silicon Valley? And in a sense, maybe this is a final scene or a penultimate scene in the Silicon Valley story of doing good for the world. And yet, of course, reaping obscene profit.Keach Hagey: I think it's a little bit about trying to have your cake and eat it too, right? Trying to have the aura of altruism, but also make something and make a lot of money. And what it seems like today is that if you started as a nonprofit, it's like a black hole. You can never get out. There's no way to get out, and that idea was just like maybe one step too clever when they set it up in the beginning, right. It seemed like too good to be true because it was. And it might end up really limiting the growth of the company.Andrew Keen: Is Sam completely in charge here? I mean, a number of the founders have left. Musk, of course, when you and I talked a couple of months ago, OpenAI came out of conversations between Musk and Sam. Is he doing this on his own? Does he have lieutenants, people who he can rely on?Keach Hagey: Yeah, I mean, he does. He has a number of folks that have been there, you know, a long time.Andrew Keen: Who are they? I mean, do we know their names?Keach Hagey: Oh, sure. Yeah. I mean, like Brad Lightcap and Jason Kwon and, you know, just they're they're Greg Brockman, of course, still there. So there are a core group of executives that have that have been there pretty much from the beginning, close to it, that he does trust. But if you're asking, like, is Sam really in control of this whole thing? I believe the answer is yes. Right. He is on the board of this nonprofit, and that nonprofit will choose the board of the for-profit. So as long as that's the case, he's in charge.Andrew Keen: How divided is OpenAI? I mean, one of the things that came out of the big crisis, what was it, 18 months ago when they tried to push him out, was it was clearly a profoundly divided company between those who believed in the nonprofit mission versus the for-profit mission. Are those divisions still as acute within the company itself? It must be growing. I don't know how many thousands of people work.Keach Hagey: It has grown very fast. It is not as acute in my experience. There was a time when it was really sort of a warring of tribes. And after the blip, as they call it, a lot of those more safety focused people, people that subscribe to effective altruism, left or were kind of pushed out. So Sam took over and kind of cleaned house.Andrew Keen: But then aren't those people also very concerned that it appears as if Sam's having his cake and eating it, having it both ways, talking about the company being a non-profit but behaving as if it is a for-profit?Keach Hagey: Oh, yeah, they're very concerned. In fact, a number of them have signed on to this open letter to the attorneys general that dropped, I don't know, a week and a half ago, something like that. You can see a number of former OpenAI employees, whistleblowers and others, saying this very thing, you know, that the AG should block this because it was supposed to be a charitable mission from the beginning. And no amount of fancy footwork is gonna make it okay to toss that overboard.Andrew Keen: And I mean, in the best possible case, can Sam, the one thing I think you and I talked about last time is Sam clearly does, he's not driven by money. There's something else. There's some other demonic force here. Could he theoretically reinvent the company so that it becomes a kind of AI overlord, a nonprofit AI overlord for our 21st century AI age?Keach Hagey: Wow, well I think he sometimes thinks of it as like an AI layer and you know, is this my overlord? Might be, you know.Andrew Keen: As long as it's not made in China, I hope it's made in India or maybe in Detroit or something.Keach Hagey: It's a very old one, so it's OK. But it's really my attention overlord, right? Yeah, so I don't know about the AI overlord part. Although it's interesting, Sam from the very beginning has wanted there to be a democratic process to control what decision, what kind of AI gets built and what are the guardrails for AGI. As long as he's there.Andrew Keen: As long as he's the one determining it, right?Keach Hagey: We talked about it a lot in the very beginning of the company when things were smaller and not so crazy. And what really strikes me is he doesn't really talk about that much anymore. But what we did just see is some advocacy organizations that kind of function in that exact way. They have voters all over the world and they all voted on, hey, we want you guys to go and try to that ended up having this like democratic structure for deciding the future of AI and used it to kind of block what he was trying to do.Andrew Keen: What are the implications for OpenAI's competitors? There's obviously Anthropic. Microsoft, we talked about a little bit, although it's a partner and a competitor simultaneously. And then of course there's Google. I assume this is all good news for the competition. And of course XAI.Keach Hagey: It is good news, especially for a company like XAI. I was just speaking to an XAI investor today who was crowing. Yeah, because those companies don't have this weird structure. Only OpenAI has this strange nonprofit structure. So if you are an investor who wants to have some exposure to AI, it might just not be worth the headache to deal with the uncertainty around the nonprofit, even though OpenAI is like the clear leader. It might be a better bet to invest in Anthropic or XAI or something else that has just a normal for-profit structure.Andrew Keen: Yeah. And it's hard to actually quote unquote out-Trump, Elon Musk on economic subterfuge. But Altman seems to have done that. I mean, Musk, what he folded X into XAI. It was a little bit of controversy, but he seems to got away with it. So there is a deep hostility between these two men, which I'm assuming is being compounded by this process.Keach Hagey: Absolutely. Again, this is a win for Elon. All these legal cases and Elon trying to buy OpenAI. I remember that bid a few months ago where he actually put a number on it. All that was about trying to block the for-profit conversion because he's trying to stop OpenAI and its tracks. He also claims they've abandoned their mission, but it's always important to note that it's coming from a competitor.Andrew Keen: Could that be a way out of this seeming box? Keach, a company like XAI or Microsoft or Google, or that probably wouldn't happen on the antitrust front, would buy OpenAI as maybe a nonprofit and then transform it into a for-profit company?Keach Hagey: Maybe you and Sam should get together and hash that out. That's the kind ofAndrew Keen: Well Sam, I'm available to be hired if you're watching. I'll probably charge less than your current consigliere. What's his name? Who's the consiglieri who's working with him on this?Keach Hagey: You mean Chris Lehane?Andrew Keen: Yes, Chris Lehane, the ego.Keach Hagey: Um,Andrew Keen: How's Lehane holding up in this? Do you think he's getting any sleep?Keach Hagey: Well, he's like a policy guy. I'm sure this has been challenging for everybody. But look, you are pointing to something that I think is real, which is there will probably be consolidation at some point down the line in AI.Andrew Keen: I mean, I know you're not an expert on the maybe sort of corporate legal stuff, but is it in theory possible to buy a nonprofit? I don't even know how you buy a non-profit and then turn it into a for-profit. I mean is that one way out of this, this cul-de-sac?Keach Hagey: I really don't know the answer to that question, to be honest with you. I can't think of another example of it happening. So I'm gonna go with no, but I don't now.Andrew Keen: There are no equivalents, sorry to interrupt, go on.Keach Hagey: No, so I was actually asking a little bit, are there precedents for this? And someone mentioned Blue Cross Blue Shield had gone from being a nonprofit to a for-profit successfully in the past.Andrew Keen: And we seem a little amused by that. I mean, anyone who uses US health care as a model, I think, might regret it. Your book, The Optimist, is out in a couple of weeks. When did you stop writing it?Keach Hagey: The end of December, end of last year, was pencils fully down.Andrew Keen: And I'm sure you told the publisher that that was far too long a window. Seven months on Silicon Valley is like seven centuries.Keach Hagey: It was actually a very, very tight timeline. They turned it around like incredibly fast. Usually it'sAndrew Keen: Remarkable, yeah, exactly. Publishing is such, such, they're such quick actors, aren't they?Keach Hagey: In this case, they actually were, so I'm grateful for that.Andrew Keen: Well, they always say that six months or seven months is fast, but it is actually possible to publish a book in probably a week or two, if you really choose to. But in all seriousness, back to this question, I mean, and I want everyone to read the book. It's a wonderful book and an important book. The best book on OpenAI out. What would you have written differently? Is there an extra chapter on this? I know you warned about a lot of this stuff in the book. So it must make you feel in some ways quite vindicated.Keach Hagey: I mean, you're asking if I'd had a longer deadline, what would I have liked to include? Well, if you're ready.Andrew Keen: Well, if you're writing it now with this news under your belt.Keach Hagey: Absolutely. So, I mean, the thing, two things, I guess, definitely this news about the for-profit conversion failing just shows the limits of Sam's power. So that's pretty interesting, because as the book was closing, we're not really sure what those limits are. And the other one is Trump. So Trump had happened, but we do not yet understand what Trump 2.0 really meant at the time that the book was closing. And at that point, it looked like Sam was in the cold, you know, he wasn't clear how he was going to get inside Trump's inner circle. And then lo and behold, he was there on day one of the Trump administration sharing a podium with him announcing that Stargate AI infrastructure investment. So I'm sad that that didn't make it into the book because it really just shows the kind of remarkable character he is.Andrew Keen: He's their Zelig, but then we all know what happened to Woody Allen in the end. In all seriousness, and it's hard to keep a straight face here, Keach, and you're trying although you're not doing a very good job, what's going to happen? I know it's an easy question to ask and a hard one to answer, but ultimately this thing has to end in catastrophe, doesn't it? I use the analogy of the Titanic. There are real icebergs out there.Keach Hagey: Look, there could be a data breach. I do think that.Andrew Keen: Well, there could be data breaches if it was a non-profit or for-profit, I mean, in terms of this whole issue of trying to have it both ways.Keach Hagey: Look, they might run out of money, right? I mean, that's one very real possibility. They might run outta money and have to be bought by someone, as you said. That is a totally real possibility right now.Andrew Keen: What would happen if they couldn't raise any more money. I mean, what was the last round, the $40 billion round? What was the overall valuation? About $350 billion.Keach Hagey: Yeah, mm-hmm.Andrew Keen: So let's say that they begin to, because they've got, what are their hard costs monthly burn rate? I mean, it's billions of just.Keach Hagey: Well, the issue is that they're spending more than they are making.Andrew Keen: Right, but you're right. So they, let's say in 18 months, they run out of runway. What would people be buying?Keach Hagey: Right, maybe some IP, some servers. And one of the big questions that is yet unanswered in AI is will it ever economically make sense, right? Right now we are all buying the possibility of in the future that the costs will eventually come down and it will kind of be useful, but that's still a promise. And it's possible that that won't ever happen. I mean, all these companies are this way, right. They are spending far, far more than they're making.Andrew Keen: And that's the best case scenario.Keach Hagey: Worst case scenario is the killer robots murder us all.Andrew Keen: No, what I meant in the best case scenario is that people are actually still without all the blow up. I mean, people are actual paying for AI. I mean on the one hand, the OpenAI product is, would you say it's successful, more or less successful than it was when you finished the book in December of last year?Keach Hagey: Oh, yes, much more successful. Vastly more users, and the product is vastly better. I mean, even in my experience, I don't know if you play with it every day.Andrew Keen: I use Anthropic.Keach Hagey: I use both Claude and ChatGPT, and I mean, they're both great. And I find them vastly more useful today than I did even when I was closing the book. So it's great. I don't know if it's really a great business that they're only charging me $20, right? That's great for me, but I don't think it's long term tenable.Andrew Keen: Well, Keach Hagey, your new book, The Optimist, your new old book, The Optimist: Sam Altman, Open AI and the Race to Invent the Future is out in a couple of weeks. I hope you're writing a sequel. Maybe you should make it The Pessimist.Keach Hagey: I think you might be the pessimist, Andrew.Andrew Keen: Well, you're just, you are as pessimistic as me. You just have a nice smile. I mean, in all reality, what's the most optimistic thing that can come out of this?Keach Hagey: The most optimistic is that this becomes a product that is actually useful, but doesn't vastly exacerbate inequality.Andrew Keen: No, I take the point on that, but in terms of this current story of this non-profit versus profit, what's the best case scenario?Keach Hagey: I guess the best case scenario is they find their way to an IPO before completely imploding.Andrew Keen: With the assumption that a non-profit can do an IPO.Keach Hagey: That they find the right lawyers from wherever they are and make it happen.Andrew Keen: Well, AI continues its hallucinations, and they're not in the product themselves. I think they're in their companies. One of the best, if not the best authority, our guide to all these hallucinations in a corporate level is Keach Hagey, her new book, The Optimist: Sam Altman, Open AI and the Race to Invent the Future is out in a couple of weeks. Essential reading for anyone who wants to understand Sam Altman as the consummate salesman. And I think one thing we can say for sure, Keach, is this is not the end of the story. Is that fair?Keach Hagey: Very fair. Not the end of the story. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe

Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership
314: It's Time to Rethink How Your Nonprofit Does Marketing (Lou Kotsinis)

Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership

Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 37:30


314: It's Time to Rethink How Your Nonprofit Does Marketing (Lou Kotsinis)SUMMARYSpecial thanks to TowneBank for bringing these conversations to life, and for their commitment to strengthening nonprofit organizations. Learn more about how they can help you at TowneBank.com/NonprofitBanking.Many nonprofits treat marketing as a luxury or an afterthought, but doing so limits their impact. In episode #314 of Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership, digital strategist Lou Kotsinis challenges nonprofit leaders to rethink their approach, emphasizing that marketing must be mission-critical, not secondary. Lou breaks down why an authentic story, a strong digital presence, and consistent audience engagement are essential for growth. He shares how to simplify data tracking, leverage free tools like Google Analytics, and start using AI platforms to better understand and expand reach. For organizations with tight budgets, Lou offers practical tips to build momentum without needing massive resources. If you want to increase awareness, grow fundraising success, and fulfill your mission more effectively, it's time to rethink not just how you market, but how you prioritize marketing across your organization.ABOUT LOULou Kotsinis is CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the nonprofit and educational communities. Since co-founding BCS in 2011, Lou leads a team of designers, technologists, and strategists that have helped organizations such as The World Childhood Foundation, The Seeing Eye and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories, showcase their impact, and grow their causes. Prior to co-founding BCS Interactive, Lou was marketing manager at Time Warner Trade Publishing, the book-publishing arm of Time Warner. Lou graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a B.A. in English and History. His interests include hiking, reading, and practicing yoga. He's deeply passionate about political reform and pro-democracy efforts and is an advocate of initiatives such as FairVote and the Institute for Political Innovation.EPISODE TOPICS & RESOURCESReady for your next leadership opportunity? Visit our partners at Armstrong McGuireAtomic Habits by James ClearHave you gotten Patton's book Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership: Seven Keys to Advancing Your Career in the Philanthropic Sector – Now available on AudibleDon't miss our weekly Thursday Leadership Lens for the latest on nonprofit leadershipWant to chat leadership 24/7?  Go to delphi.ai/pattonmcdowell

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership
312: Marketing Mastery with Louis Kotsinis

Inspired Nonprofit Leadership

Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 31:30


Join host Sarah Olivieri in this episode of Inspired Nonprofit Leadership as she explores how nonprofit leaders can make a bigger impact through smart marketing strategies. Featuring guest Lou Kotsinis, founder of BCS Interactive, they discuss the fundamentals of effective storytelling, the strategic use of digital tools, and the transformative potential of AI in nonprofit marketing. Learn from Lou's extensive experience in helping organizations like the World Childhood Foundation and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories and grow their causes. Perfect for executive directors, board members, and nonprofit leaders looking to improve their marketing approach without burning out.   Episode Highlights 02:25 Lou's Jazz Journey and Its Marketing Parallels 05:06 Strategic vs. Tactical Marketing for Nonprofits 10:50 Foundations of a Great Marketing Strategy 17:01 The Role of AI in Nonprofit Marketing 17:38 The Rise of AI Search Platforms 18:35 Positioning Nonprofits in the AI Era 21:59 The Power of Storytelling for Nonprofits Meet the Guest Lou Kotsinis is CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency focused exclusively on the nonprofit and educational communities. Since co-founding BCS in 2011, Lou leads a team of designers, technologists, and strategists that have helped organizations such as The World Childhood Foundation, The Seeing Eye, and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation craft authentic stories, showcase their impact, and grow their causes. Prior to co-founding BCS Interactive, Lou was marketing manager at Time Warner Trade Publishing, the book-publishing arm of Time Warner. Lou graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a B.A. in English and History. His interests include hiking, reading, and practicing yoga. He's deeply passionate about political reform and pro-democracy efforts and is an advocate of initiatives such as FairVote and the Institute for Political Innovation. A life-long musician, Lou plays drums in a jazz trio and participates in local symphonies as an orchestral drummer. He lives in Westfield, NJ with his wife and two daughters. Connect with Lou: http://bcsinteractive.com/sign-up https://www.linkedin.com/company/bcs-interactive https://bcsinteractive.com/ Sponsored Resource Join the Inspired Nonprofit Leadership Newsletter for weekly tips and inspiration for leading your nonprofit! Access it here >> Be sure to subscribe to Inspired Nonprofit Leadership so that you don't miss a single episode, and while you're at it, won't you take a moment to write a short review and rate our show? It would be greatly appreciated! Let us know the topics or questions you would like to hear about in a future episode. You can do that and follow us on LinkedIn.

The Nicole Sandler Show
20250320 Politics & Music with Howie Klein & Danny Goldberg on the Nicole Sandler Show

The Nicole Sandler Show

Play Episode Listen Later Mar 20, 2025 59:59


Howie Klein has been my regular Thursday guest for over a dozen years now, but our friendship goes back further to the early 90s, when I was doing rock radio in Los Angeles and he was president of Reprise Records. When Howie left Reprise and Warner Brothers as Time Warner and AOL merged, he began devoting all of his time to progressive politics, launching Down with Tyranny and the Blue America PAC.Danny Goldberg also worked in the music industry as a personal manager, record company president, public relations man and journalist since the late 1960s. When Howie and I first met, Danny managed Nirvana, Hole, Sonic Youth, Bonnie Raitt, The Allman Brothers, Rickie Lee Jones and more. From 2005-2006, Danny was CEO of Air America Radio. That was a few years before I joined the network and hosted a nightly show there.All three of us share the common experience of working in the music industry and being very involved in progressive politics. Today, we're all dealing with our current political situation as best we can. Admittedly, I am not handling it well.Two weeks ago on the show, Howie mentioned that he had dinner with his dear old friend Danny Goldberg, and told me that Danny had some very important and insightful thoughts on surviving these dark days and fighting back, and suggested we have Danny join us on the show. So he is doing that today. They'll be here for the second half-hour.Tonight, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio Cortez will be in my neck of the woods. They're heading out west as part of Bernie's Fighting Oligarchy tour. I will be there and will bring you coverage tomorrow and Monday. They're leading the way of the resistance, but it's up to all of us. At the top of the show, I'll share some more constructive ways we can and are fighting back. It's all in our hands right now...

Go To Market Grit
#229 Former CEO Activision Blizzard, Bobby Kotick w/ Bing Gordon: Change the Game

Go To Market Grit

Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2025 119:32


Guest: Bobby Kotick, former CEO of Activision Blizzard; and Bing Gordon, general partner at Kleiner PerkinsIn 2020, when President Trump signed the executive order that would ban TikTok in the U.S., Bobby Kotick called his old friend Steven Mnuchin. The former Secretary of the Treasury told him that, if TikTok's U.S. operations were to be sold to an American company, Microsoft would be the only bidder.A couple calls later, he reached ByteDance founder and CEO Zhang Yiming, who said he'd rather sell to Bobby than Microsoft. Concerned about his ability to get the deal done solo, Bobby called Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and offered to make a joint bid. Nadella declined, but added, “ if the deal doesn't get done, we should sit down and talk about us buying Activision.” TikTok currently remains Chinese-owned, but three years later, Microsoft paid $75 billion for Activision Blizzard.Chapters:Mentioned in this episode: Harvard-Westlake School, Alison Ressler, Vivendi, Berkshire Hathaway, Bruce Hack and Arnaud de Puyfontaine, John Riccitiello and EA, Call of Duty, Bizarre Creations, Atari, Apple II, Commodore 64, Jean-Louis Gassée, Apple Lisa, Howard Lincoln, Philips, Magnavox Odyssey, Sutter Hill Ventures, Infocom and Zork, Toys-R-Us, Howard Hughes, E. Parry Thomas, Sun Valley, Thom Weisel, William Morris Endeavor, Guitar Hero, Davidson & Associates, Michael Morhaime, Allen Adham, World of Warcraft, Medal of Honor, Steven Spielberg, Michael Crichton, Chris Roberts, Overwatch, Tencent, Time Warner, Jeff Bewkes, Sheryl Sandberg, Lean In, Lina Khan, Samsung, Elon Musk, James L. Jones, UFC, E. Floyd Kvamme, Toy Story 2, Procter & Gamble, Ron Doornik, John Lasseter, Xerox PARC, Shigeru Miyamoto, Satoru Iwata, Goldeneye 007, James Bond, Barbara Broccoli, Oculus, Apple Vision Pro, Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, Sam Altman, Mustafa Suleyman, Spotify, Candy Crush Saga, Disney, Phil Spencer, Clarence Avant and Motown Records. Links:Connect with BobbyTwitterLinkedInConnect with BingTwitterLinkedInConnect with JoubinTwitterLinkedInEmail: grit@kleinerperkins.com Learn more about Kleiner PerkinsThis episode was edited by Eric Johnson from LightningPod.fm

The John Batchelor Show
#FLASHBACK: The AOL and Time Warner fiasco. . Simon Constable, Occitanie

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 4:26


#FLASHBACK: The AOL and Time Warner fiasco. . Simon Constable, Occitanie 1829 Five Points

The John Batchelor Show
GOOD E: The show begins in the Pacific Palisades destroyed by wind and fire

The John Batchelor Show

Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 7:03


GOOD E: The show begins in the Pacific Palisades destroyed by wind and fire 1940 Ice Plant in Bloom on the Pallisades, Santa Monica, California Postcard of an Ice Plant in Bloom on the Pallisades [sic], Santa Monica, California.  CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR FIRST HOUR 9-9:15 1/2: PACIFICWATCH: LA wildfires "unprecedented." Jeff Bliss 9:15-9:30 2/2: PACIFICWATCH: LA wildfires "unprecedented." Jeff Bliss 9:30-9:45 MOSCOW: Hard year ahead even if the war stops. Ekaterina Zolotova, @GPFutures 9:45-10:00 RUSSIA: ARMENIA GOLDFINGER. Michael Bernstam, Hoover Institution SECOND HOUR 10-10:15 PRC: Discounts handling in old rice pots to spur the consumer. Anne Stevenson-Yang, Gordon Chang 10:15-10:30 PRC: Beijing reels. Alan Tonelson, Gordon Chang 10:30-10:45 Trudeau intends to resign. Charles Burton, Senior Fellow at Sinopsis 10:45-11:00 PRC: Proscriptions. Brandon Weichert, author of "Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower" THIRD HOUR 11:00-11:15 NewWorldReport: Venezuela brutality. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis, U.S. Army War College Strategic Studies Institute. @revanellis 11:15-11:30 NewWorldReport: Fragile Ecuador. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis 11:30-11:45 NewWorldReport: Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis 11:45-12:00 NewWorldReport: Panama under scrutiny as a security risk. Latin American Research Professor Evan Ellis FOURTH HOUR 12-12:15 FRANCE: The bourgeois commodities soar. Simon Constable, Occitanie 12:15-12:30 FLASHBACK: The AOL and Time Warner fiasco. Simon Constable, Occitanie 12:30-12:45 SPACEX: The FAA remains the cop on the beat. Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com 12:45-1:00 am SUN: Double peak maximum? Bob Zimmerman, BehindtheBlack.com

Jay's Analysis
Dialectical Marxism & the Real Alchemical Plan: Jay Dyer on Afternoon Commute

Jay's Analysis

Play Episode Listen Later Dec 27, 2024 129:00


Flahback! John and Myself (Chris) welcome returning guest and stellar researcher, Jay Dyer to Afternoon Commute to discuss: Carol Quigley, Tragedy and Hope, Russia, Nukes, Nuclear Politics, Edward Teller, Robert Oppenheimer, Communism, The Police State, East Germany under the Stasi, Statecraft and Politics, Perception Management, The Panopticon, Kissinger, The Soviet Union, VICE Network, Lord of War, Nicholas Cage, Black Ops Video Games, Black Mirror, Gamification, Smart Cities, Minority Report, Sentient World Simulation, Ginni Rometty, Pre Crime, Google Books, Facebook, AT&T and Time Warner, Wikileaks, Edward Snowden, Pamela Anderson, Julian Assange, Hillary Clinton, George W. Bush.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/jay-sanalysis--1423846/support.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show
Overcoming the Odds:  The Hurdles of the Breaking Into the Beauty Industry.

The Steve Harvey Morning Show

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 26:46 Transcription Available


Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Damon Haley. He has delved into the beauty industry by acquiring and transforming existing beauty businesses. His beauty brand ‘Glow + Flow Beauty' is reimagining the shopping experience for black and brown communities.    Gone are the days of poor service, fractured relationships and harmful products. Damon's goal is to create a healthy environment for women, men, girls and boys to shop, learn and grow as their needs change. He is also launching multiple product lines and is franchising the business model. They Intelligently and Excellently (1). Buy Cost Effective & High Demand Products, (2)Sell Product at a High Velocity Pace, (3) Attract Volumes Of & Diverse Customers (4) Serve the Beauty Community THE BEST. We are a beauty retail concept that provides manufacturers of color an opportunity to share, socialize and sell its products to women of color directly. We also reinvent the shopping experience by providing best in class service with a connective twist. We are the future of beauty. They believe the program will help us obtain retail excellence in the form of new trends, best practices and scalability. With our franchise model and opportunity, we want Glow + Flow in every community and to create generational wealth from people that over index on purchasing beauty products. Business excellence is vital to allowing franchise owners to believe in the idea. And, greater access to capital 'models' will allow us to scale the business across the country and abroad. Prior to his entrepreneurial pursuits, he served as Sports Marketing Director at TroikaTV, launched Nike's Western Region Marketing Office and rose through the ranks at Chevron in its Treasury, Overseas, Corporate Planning and Investment Strategy Groups. Damon has mastered the art of designing, developing and implementing campaigns that appeal to consumers, sponsors, clients, partners and investors, all the while attracting targeted audiences and promoting the brand as well as delivering millions in impressions and revenues. Damon formed his own 'communication solution' agency for several years, where he focused on launching new products, consumer activations, theatrical film releases, affinity programs and sports experiences. His portfolio of clients included Nike, Pepsi, Time Warner, Viacom and Turner Broadcasting Family of Brands and Networks spanning North America, South America, Europe and Asia. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSupport the show: https://www.steveharveyfm.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Strawberry Letter
Overcoming the Odds:  The Hurdles of the Breaking Into the Beauty Industry.

Strawberry Letter

Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 26:46 Transcription Available


Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Damon Haley. He has delved into the beauty industry by acquiring and transforming existing beauty businesses. His beauty brand ‘Glow + Flow Beauty' is reimagining the shopping experience for black and brown communities.    Gone are the days of poor service, fractured relationships and harmful products. Damon's goal is to create a healthy environment for women, men, girls and boys to shop, learn and grow as their needs change. He is also launching multiple product lines and is franchising the business model. They Intelligently and Excellently (1). Buy Cost Effective & High Demand Products, (2)Sell Product at a High Velocity Pace, (3) Attract Volumes Of & Diverse Customers (4) Serve the Beauty Community THE BEST. We are a beauty retail concept that provides manufacturers of color an opportunity to share, socialize and sell its products to women of color directly. We also reinvent the shopping experience by providing best in class service with a connective twist. We are the future of beauty. They believe the program will help us obtain retail excellence in the form of new trends, best practices and scalability. With our franchise model and opportunity, we want Glow + Flow in every community and to create generational wealth from people that over index on purchasing beauty products. Business excellence is vital to allowing franchise owners to believe in the idea. And, greater access to capital 'models' will allow us to scale the business across the country and abroad. Prior to his entrepreneurial pursuits, he served as Sports Marketing Director at TroikaTV, launched Nike's Western Region Marketing Office and rose through the ranks at Chevron in its Treasury, Overseas, Corporate Planning and Investment Strategy Groups. Damon has mastered the art of designing, developing and implementing campaigns that appeal to consumers, sponsors, clients, partners and investors, all the while attracting targeted audiences and promoting the brand as well as delivering millions in impressions and revenues. Damon formed his own 'communication solution' agency for several years, where he focused on launching new products, consumer activations, theatrical film releases, affinity programs and sports experiences. His portfolio of clients included Nike, Pepsi, Time Warner, Viacom and Turner Broadcasting Family of Brands and Networks spanning North America, South America, Europe and Asia. #STRAW #BEST #SHMSSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Business Wars
Fox News vs CNN | Cable Clash | 2

Business Wars

Play Episode Listen Later Aug 21, 2024 40:21


It's 1996 and Fox News is getting ready to launch, but when CNN owner Time Warner tries to block it, Rupert Murdoch seeks help from New York mayor Rudy Giuliani. Then, a scandal rocks the White House and proves to be a ratings magnet for both channels. And CNN takes a major hit when its reporting comes into question. Listen to Business Wars on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App or on Apple Podcasts. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/business-wars/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.