Attention Shift

What does it take to make the bold switch from a successful career in comms to venture investing? We sit down with Ashley Mayer to find out why and how she made her career transition. We talk about those early Twitter days—when social media was still uncharted territory—and how Ashley helped her then-CEO build a voice online while simultaneously growing her own presence. She even revisits that unforgettable “AirPod subway rescue” moment, a reminder of how randomness and relatability can shape what resonates online. We dig into the art of storytelling in both media and business. Ashley makes a compelling case for why founders should prioritize narrative clarity and strategic intent over the allure of personal branding or chasing viral fame. It's about substance, not just splash. Ashley also opens up about the challenges of early-stage investing—from evaluating founders’ visions to navigating uncertainty—and shares how she made the leap from communications to venture capital. Her reflections on timing, serendipity, and career evolution are refreshingly candid. And of course, we get into her latest venture: the podcast Great Chat. Ashley gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build something authentic from the ground up—why experimentation matters, how to stay patient, and what it really means to engage with an audience. Join us for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about tech, media, and building with intention. About Ashley MayerAshley Mayer is the cofounder and GP of Coalition Operators, where she and her partners back early-stage founders. She began her career at enterprise software company Box, where she led global communications from a 50-person startup through IPO. She then moved to Social Capital, where she led all things marketing and communications for three years, helping to launch new capital products and working with founders spanning healthcare, aerospace, climate, fintech, enterprise and education. Most recently, she led communications at a New York-based beauty company, Glossier. Ashley has also been a key advisor to Mixing Board since before its official inception and serves on the organization’s operating council. Sponsored by:Delve.“Delve is an insight engine that transforms how brands understand their world.”It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.Learn more at delve.news/shiftResources discussed in this episode:BoxGlossierGreat Chat podcastChat GPT - Open AIBrian Johnson - New York Times articleMagenticPlatformerHard Fork podcastLingoAuraContact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: MixingBoard.coLinkedIn: Allison BraleyLinkedIn: Sean GarrettLinkedIn: Mixing BoardContact Ashley Mayer: Website: coalitionoperators.comX: @ashleymayerLinkedIn: Ashley Mayer

What does it take to write words that move a nation—and still feel deeply personal? We sit down with Cody Keenan, former chief speechwriter for President Barack Obama, to pull back the curtain on the craft of writing speeches that don’t just inform, but inspire. From Obama’s electrifying 2004 DNC address to poignant eulogies and everyday policy remarks, we explore how structure, storytelling, and emotional clarity come together to leave a lasting mark. Cody walks us through his process, emphasizing why every great speech needs a clear beginning, middle, and end—and how tapping into values and real human experiences makes a message resonate long after the applause fades. We talk about the pressure and privilege of writing during high-stakes, high-emotion moments, and how Cody learned to write like it might be the only chance the audience would ever hear the speaker’s voice. We also dive into how social media has completely reshaped the way speeches are received. How do you strike the balance between crafting a thoughtful message and creating a moment that cuts through the noise? Cody brings a grounded, behind-the-scenes perspective on that constant creative tension. Plus, we explore where speechwriting is headed next—from AI’s growing presence in the writing world to Cody’s work mentoring the next generation of communicators at Northwestern. He even gives us a peek into his life outside the spotlight—raising kids and staying inspired by the writers of tomorrow. About Cody KeenanCody Keenan is Barack Obama’s former chief speechwriter and a current partner at Fenway Strategies. He spent over a decade crafting some of the most memorable speeches of the Obama presidency and now teaches political speechwriting at Northwestern University. Cody’s work has been featured on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Morning Joe, The Circus, and Pod Save America. A Chicago native and die-hard Cubs fan, he lives in New York City with his wife and two kids.Sponsored by:Delve.“Delve is an insight engine that transforms how brands understand their world.”It ingests every public mention across your online universe, then decodes and pushes it past the top-level insights to create real, usable intelligence. Top global companies and agencies already use Delve to stay ahead.Learn more at delve.news/shiftResources discussed in this episode:Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America by Cody KeenanBetween Two Ferns with Barack ObamaContact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: MixingBoard.coLinkedIn: Allison BraleyLinkedIn: Sean GarrettLinkedIn: Mixing BoardContact Cody Keenan | Fenway Strategies: Website: codykeenan.comWebsite: fenwaystrategies.comInstagram: @codykeenanX: @codykeenanFacebook: Cody KeenanLinkedIn: Cody Keenan

Hosts Allison Braley and Sean Garrett welcome you to Attention Shift, the podcast about communications and connection, where they discuss what gets our attention and why. With industry expert interviews, in-depth explorations of how we communicate and grab focus, and investigation into what we really care about, Attention Shift keeps us on track in the shifting sands of attention.  —Contact Allison Braley and Sean Garrett: MixingBoard.coLinkedIn: Allison BraleyLinkedIn: Sean GarrettLinkedin: Mixing Board—TranscriptAllison Braley: [00:00:00] Every story, every thread, every meme. There's a battle for our attention happening every second. So what actually sticks? What do we really care about? I'm Allison Braley. Sean Garrett: [00:00:11] And I'm Sean Garrett. Welcome to Attention Shift, where we dive into the ever-evolving world of communications, who's grabbing attention, how they're doing it, and why it matters. Allison Braley: [00:00:22] We'll talk to the people shaping the future of how we connect, communicate, and, let's be honest, get totally distracted. Sean Garrett: [00:00:29] So if you want to keep up with the shifting tides of attention, hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Allison Braley: [00:00:36] Don't miss an episode because, let's face it, there's already way too much to catch up on.