Decoder with Nilay Patel

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.

Sara Menker, founder and CEO of Gro Intelligence, discusses her journey from Wall Street oil trading to revolutionizing agriculture with data and AI. She emphasizes the critical role of big data in improving farming practices and overcoming financial barriers faced by farmers. Menker highlights the impact of geopolitical events like the US-China trade war on agricultural markets. The conversation also touches on the complexities of fresh produce markets and the rise of meat alternatives, underscoring the need for innovation and diversity in the ag-tech industry.

Andy Purdy, Chief Security Officer for Huawei USA and a former official in the White House and Homeland Security, dives deep into the fraught U.S.-China tech relationship. He discusses the impacts of ongoing trade tensions on Huawei, as well as the escalating cybersecurity threats facing the U.S. Purdy advocates for better public-private collaboration to combat these threats. He also sheds light on the significant potential of 5G technology, addressing concerns over foreign tech ties and how they influence national security.