Kara Swisher and Mark Cuban discuss the lack of women in Burn Book, why TikTok's algorithm may deter buyers, and the challenges in the tech industry. They reflect on personal identity decisions, diversity in Silicon Valley, and the impact of influential women like Sheryl Sandberg.
Lateral organizational structures promote faster market entry over traditional hierarchies, fostering teamwork and maximizing outcomes.
Mark Cuban's evolution from tech bro to healthcare influencer reflects the changing American healthcare landscape and his entrepreneurial journey.
Recognition of women's significant contributions in tech, exemplified by leaders like Mackenzie Scott, Meg Whitman, and Susan Wojcicki, underscores the importance of empowering women in the industry.
Deep dives
Impact of Organizational Structure on Speed to Market
Companies with a lateral organizational approach often exhibit faster speed to market compared to those with traditional hierarchical structures. Atlassian emphasizes the importance of looking across the organization for collaboration rather than focusing solely on vertical hierarchy. This lateral approach fosters effective teamwork and communication, maximizing outcomes.
Evolution of Mark Cuban and Technological Influence
The podcast delves into the transformation of entrepreneur Mark Cuban from his tech bro days pre-Shark Tank fame to his current ventures like Cosplus Drugs. The discussion, showcased at South by Southwest and sponsored by Atlassian, reflects on Cuban's journey and the changing landscape of American healthcare he is aiming to influence.
Prominent Women Impacting the Tech Industry
The episode highlights the significant contributions of women in tech, often overshadowed by male figures. Examples include Mackenzie Scott's impactful philanthropy post her divorce, Meg Whitman's leadership at HP and eBay, and Susan Wojcicki's pivotal role at Google and YouTube. The conversation underscores the importance of recognizing and empowering women in tech.
Navigating Challenges in Tech Industry Leadership
The discussion delves into the complexities of leadership dynamics in tech, emphasizing the need for stabilizing influences like Cheryl Sandberg at Facebook. Sandberg's strategic contributions in organizational structuring and business systems underscore the vital role of effective management in tech companies, addressing challenges and fostering growth.
Media Entrepreneurship and Pathways in Innovation
Carrie Swisher's entrepreneurial journey in media is explored, reflecting on past choices and potential pathways. The podcast sheds light on the media industry's dynamics, highlighting the evolution of content creation and the intersecting realms of technology and journalism. Swisher's candid insights offer a glimpse into the challenges and opportunities in media entrepreneurship.
We're continuing book tour week in this bonus episode of “On.” Kara takes the SXSW stage with Mark Cuban, the entrepreneur turned "Shark Tank" star who is currently focused on his healthcare venture CostPlus Drug Company. The two have known each other for decades and Cuban was even featured in the "Mensch" chapter of Burn Book — a short chapter at that. On stage, Mark grills Kara on how few women are featured in her book, what makes her so successful and why she didn't just call the book "told you so." Plus, Cuban shares his theory on why a possible forced divestiture of TikTok by the US government may not yield many buyers – he suggests that the social media giant isn't worth much as long as the algorithm is not for sale.
This episode was recorded on March 10, 2024 at SXSW.
Questions? Comments? Email us at on@voxmedia.com or find us on social media. We’re on Instagram/Threads as @karaswisher and @nayeemaraza