Decoder with Nilay Patel

In this engaging talk, Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, delves into the intriguing concept of 'founder mode.' Known for revolutionizing hospitality, he shares how this approach involves hands-on leadership and innovative hiring practices. Chesky also discusses Airbnb's latest winter update, addressing new features for hosts and user experiences. The conversation highlights the company's unique moderation strategies that prioritize authenticity and the balance between involvement and delegation in effective leadership.

In a fascinating discussion, Kylie Robison, a Senior AI reporter at The Verge, delves into the race to develop superintelligent AI. She breaks down pivotal claims from OpenAI and Anthropic’s leaders about the future of AI by 2026. The conversation uncovers the contrasting visions of progress and safety within the industry. They also explore the competitive dynamics between emerging firms and tech giants, highlighting the urgent need for trust and regulation as AI impacts decision-making in businesses and society.

Sasan Goodarzi, CEO of Intuit, chats about his leadership in transforming Intuit into a powerhouse in business software through strategic acquisitions like TurboTax and Mailchimp. He dives into the controversial lobbying efforts around TurboTax and the ethical dilemmas tied to free tax filing services. The discussion also covers Intuit's integration challenges post-acquisitions and how they're leveraging AI to innovate customer experiences. Expect candid insights and a glimpse into the future of TurboTax amidst evolving services.

Amy Lanzi, CEO of Digitas, shares her expertise on the shifting advertising landscape, focusing on the growing impact of influencers and creators. She discusses how brands are moving away from traditional advertising towards authentic partnerships with content creators. Lanzi emphasizes the importance of data intelligence in understanding younger audiences and the challenges posed by AI. She also explores the evolving definitions of creators versus influencers, highlighting the critical need for brands to maintain authenticity in a crowded digital space.

Luis Von Ahn, the co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, shares insights on revolutionizing language learning through gamification and AI. He discusses how Duolingo adapts to diverse user needs globally and details the expansion into teaching math and music. The innovative 'Adventures' feature gamifies real-world tasks, enhancing engagement. Von Ahn also talks about navigating the company's transition to public, balancing quality with investor expectations, and the complexities of effective feature rollouts across platforms.

In this conversation, David Pierce, co-host of Vergecast and editor-at-large for The Verge, dives into the complexities of workplace software. They discuss how AI is reshaping productivity tools and the challenges that come with modern collaboration methods, including the frustrations with platforms like Slack. The duo reflects on the enduring popularity of Excel and how the pandemic has altered communication dynamics. They also speculate on the future of AI in the workplace and its potential to revolutionize how we manage tasks and data.

Jesse Lyu, the Founder and CEO of Rabbit, discusses the challenges faced by their AI-powered gadget, the R1, including disappointing early reviews. He explains the newly launched LAM Playground feature and its implications for user engagement. Lyu also delves into the economic sustainability of Rabbit's business model, exploring potential subscription services. As they navigate the complex AI landscape, he shares insights on innovation, legal challenges, and Rabbit's unique team dynamics.

Jason Schreier, a Bloomberg journalist and author of "Play Nice," delves into the tumultuous saga of Blizzard Entertainment, the giant behind beloved games like Warcraft. He highlights the stark transition from a creative powerhouse to a company marred by workplace scandals and mismanagement. The discussion covers crucial topics, including the impact of the Activision merger, a toxic workplace culture, and how Microsoft’s acquisition reshaped the company amid layoffs and corporate challenges. Jason’s insights reveal the intricate balance between creativity and corporate pressures in the gaming industry.

Matt Strauss, the Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer at NBCUniversal, shares his insights on the streaming revolution. He discusses how Peacock is navigating the shift from cable, emphasizing the growth of direct-to-consumer services. Strauss explains the importance of live sports and strategic partnerships in retaining subscribers. He also dives into financial challenges facing streaming services and the effects of rising content costs. With major events like the Olympics reshaping viewer habits, he offers a glimpse into the future of entertainment.

In this discussion, Alex Heath, deputy editor at Verge, interviews Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, highlighting his ambition to revolutionize consumer tech with innovative AR glasses called Orion. They explore Meta's investment in augmented reality and its departure from political focus. Mark shares his candid views on teen mental health linked to social media and defends his leadership against past controversies. The conversation paints a picture of a future where smart glasses may replace smartphones, reshaping our digital interactions.