Tony Fadell, the "father of the iPod," discusses his journey from revolutionizing music with pocket-sized devices to leading climate tech innovations. He shares insights on Apple's need to embrace broader ideas beyond cars, critiques Google's innovation struggles, and highlights the hopeful future of companies that address climate change. Fadell also entertains a candid debate on whether being an "asshole" is essential for success in tech, while advocating for responsible design in battling tech addiction.
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insights INSIGHT
Decentralized Innovation
Silicon Valley no longer holds a monopoly on innovation.
Tony Fadell observes innovation flourishing globally, especially in climate tech.
insights INSIGHT
Apple's Platform Advantage
Apple's strength lies in its integrated ecosystem and platform leadership.
Their cohesive approach, unlike Android's fragmented system, gives them a significant advantage.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Reduce China Dependence
Reduce over-reliance on China for manufacturing and logistics.
Diversify to other countries like India and Vietnam for improved resilience.
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This book is an advice encyclopedia and a mentor in a box, written for anyone looking to grow at work, from young graduates to CEOs. It charts Tony Fadell's personal journey from a product designer to a leader, startup founder, executive, and mentor. The book includes captivating examples, such as the development of the first iPod and iPhone, and offers practical advice on various aspects of product development, leadership, and entrepreneurship. It emphasizes the importance of human relationships, continuous learning, and caring deeply about the work you do.
Less screen time: it’s on everyone’s list of new year’s resolutions — or, at least, it’s on ours! Today, Kara and Nayeema discuss the addictiveness of tech and social media, before Kara dives into a conversation about the present and future of tech with a person who’s been around Silicon Valley for decades: engineer and designer Tony Fadell. The “father of the iPod,” as he’s known, helped bring the famous 5,000 songs to your pocket before helping design the iPhone, co-founding Nest ( selling it to Google for $3.2 billion) and writing the bestselling book, “Build: An Unorthodox Guide to Making Things Worth Making.” These days, he is bullish on climate tech and excited about the newest product he's designed: Stax, a crypto hard wallet.
Kara and Tony trade notes on Silicon Valley, including why Apple should think beyond four-wheel cars, why Google struggles to innovate (coddling employees is part of it) and how the next Fortune 500 companies will be the ones who help solve climate change. Oh, and they talk about the different types of assholes — and whether you need to be an one in order to build something great.
You can find Kara and Nayeema on Twitter @karaswisher and @nayeema.
On with Kara Swisher 
