Decoder with Nilay Patel

Jodi Kantor and Megan Twohey, both New York Times investigative reporters and co-authors of 'She Said,' delve into their groundbreaking work uncovering sexual harassment, particularly focusing on the Harvey Weinstein allegations. They discuss the impact of non-disclosure agreements and the silence surrounding victims. The duo reflects on the emotional toll of investigative journalism, shares insights on key moments like Christine Blasey Ford's testimony, and explores the ongoing challenges and complexities of the Me Too movement.

Steve Schwarzman, CEO of The Blackstone Group and author of "What It Takes: Lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence", shares his insights on leadership and investment strategies. He delves into his Schwarzman Scholars program, designed to enhance U.S.-China relations through education. Schwarzman emphasizes navigating economic trends and the role of technology, especially AI, in shaping business dynamics. He also addresses the urgent need for stakeholder inclusivity and proposes initiatives to tackle public discontent and bridge societal divides.

Bill de Blasio, Mayor of New York City and 2020 presidential candidate, dives into the challenges of his campaign, emphasizing the importance of connecting with working-class voters. He discusses the proposed 'robot tax' aimed at addressing job displacement due to automation, and shares insights on transportation issues in NYC, including scooters and rideshare services. De Blasio also reflects on the contentious fallout from Amazon's failed HQ2 plan, advocating for stronger privacy regulations and antitrust action against tech giants like Facebook and Google.

Marianne Williamson, a spiritual teacher and bestselling author, shares insights from her 2020 presidential campaign. She discusses the challenges of being an outsider in politics, confronting negativity on social media, and the need for diverse voices in democracy. Williamson reflects on the ethics of tech monopolies and the role of compassion in politics. She also delves into the misconceptions surrounding vaccination and how spirituality intersects with political discourse, advocating for a more equitable future driven by love and understanding.

Audrey Gelman, the co-founder and CEO of The Wing, shares insights on creating a digital hiring network aimed at reducing bias in hiring. She discusses her journey from politics to launching a women-focused coworking space, emphasizing community support and childcare needs. Gelman also highlights the unique challenges female entrepreneurs face in a male-dominated market and the importance of fostering inclusive environments. The conversation also touches on the innovative initiatives that empower women both personally and professionally.

Brad Smith, President of Microsoft and co-author of "Tools and Weapons," examines the dual nature of technology and the essential need for responsibility among tech firms. He reflects on lessons from the 2001 antitrust case and critiques Silicon Valley's 'move fast and break things' mentality. Smith discusses the fallout from events like the Cambridge Analytica scandal and advocates for a national privacy bill by 2024. This insightful conversation touches on the importance of ethical governance and the role tech companies play in societal challenges.

In this discussion, Steve Greenhouse, a former New York Times labor reporter and author of "Beaten Down, Worked Up," sheds light on the decline of worker power since World War II. He highlights how globalization and the gig economy threaten labor rights and fair compensation. The conversation dives into the issues of corporate accountability, like DoorDash's treatment of tips, and explores the urgent need for worker representation in discussions about Universal Basic Income and the challenges posed by AI and automation.

James O'Toole, a professor emeritus at USC and author of "The Enlightened Capitalists," discusses the evolution of ethical leadership in business. He delves into historical figures like Robert Owen and the struggles modern CEOs face against shareholder primacy. O'Toole analyzes Whole Foods' John Mackey's battles with shareholders and the rise of legally binding ethical values among small companies. The conversation emphasizes the need for genuine corporate responsibility, balancing profit with social impact, especially in today's gig economy.

Jennifer Eberhardt, a Stanford psychology professor and author of "Biased," dives into the origins and impacts of racial bias in society. She discusses how biases stem from both conscious and unconscious perceptions and highlights startling statistics on racial profiling in law enforcement. Eberhardt emphasizes technology’s role in reinforcing these biases while presenting a case study on how a social media platform significantly reduced racial profiling. Her insights propel the conversation on accountability and awareness in tackling prejudice.

Joe Kraus, President of Lime, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a robust background in startups and venture capital. In this conversation, he shares Lime's evolution from bikes to electric scooters and the unbundling of car ownership. Kraus highlights the significant impact of scooters on urban transit and discusses the competitive landscape of the scooter-sharing market. He also addresses the challenges Lime faces amidst changing user preferences and his company's vision for public offerings, despite the rocky IPOs of rivals like Uber and Lyft.