Big Technology Podcast

Kyle Vogt, CEO of Cruise, leads the charge on self-driving technology, sharing insights on its rapid expansion. He discusses the impressive 49% month-over-month growth in autonomous rides and the innovative pod design enhancing passenger experience. Vogt addresses urban challenges as self-driving cars navigate diverse cities, examining safety, regulatory hurdles, and societal acceptance. The conversation also touches on the future landscape of autonomous vehicles and their coexistence with traditional rides, revealing fascinating data and forward-thinking strategies.

Julia Boorstin, CNBC's senior media and tech correspondent and author of 'When Women Lead,' joins the discussion to dive into the shifting landscape of media. She explores X's ambition to evolve into an 'everything app' and the challenges advertisers face in the age of AI. The concept of 'streamflation' is unpacked, highlighting Disney's new strategies. Julia also emphasizes the importance of female leadership in driving positive financial outcomes and addresses the biases female CEOs face in the media.

David Risher, Lyft's new CEO, brings a wealth of experience from Amazon and Microsoft as he discusses revamping the ride-hailing company. He candidly addresses the financial missteps made during the pandemic and his strategic plans to regain market share. Risher also shares insights on the critical role of customer safety and feedback, as well as integrating innovative approaches from his Amazon days. The discussion touches on the future of autonomous driving and the importance of fostering meaningful social interactions through Lyft.

Brian McCullough and Chris Messina, co-founders of a new AI investment fund, dive into the evolving landscape of AI investment strategies. They discuss their $15 million fund focusing on early-stage AI companies and the opportunities they see despite skepticism. The duo explores the impact of generative AI on creative workflows, the shifting dynamics of the creator economy, and the ethical implications of AI in warfare, revealing the crucial intersections of technology and society.

Sarah Kunst, managing director at Cleo Capital and venture capital expert, joins for a dynamic discussion on the tech landscape. She shares insights on the rapid growth of self-driving technology and its societal implications, particularly with companies like Waymo and Cruise. The conversation shifts to Meta's innovative AI chatbots and the challenges facing Threads. Kunst also delves into Sam Altman's Worldcoin and its unique identity solutions, alongside the evolving dating app scene. The implications of upcoming IPOs on the tech market are explored too.

Matt Wood, VP of Product at Amazon Web Services, shares insights on Amazon's ambitious AI strategy. He emphasizes the company's commitment to supporting diverse AI models and simplifying integration for developers. The discussion dives into the evolution of Alexa, the ethical implications of AI usage, and the 'pirate mentality' required for innovation. Wood also highlights the collaboration to create Bloomberg GPT and the impacts of generative AI across industries, alongside navigating the challenges of privacy and security in an AI-driven world.

Ranjan Roy, a tech analyst from Margins, joins for a lively discussion on the latest tech hurdles. He dives into Snapchat's disappointing earnings and the unexpectedly strong rebound of the advertising market. The decline of Threads and Twitter’s rebranding to 'X' takes center stage, alongside TikTok's ambitious e-commerce strategies. They also tackle Adobe's fears around AI and the fascinating topic of room temperature superconductors, all while pondering society's indifference to the notion of aliens walking among us.

Ethan Mollick, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School and author known for his insights on generative AI, explores the transformative role of AI in education and the workplace. He discusses his bold decision to have students use ChatGPT, highlighting both its potential to enhance learning and the challenges it presents, such as plagiarism. Mollick dives into the slow evolution of educational systems and how AI can drive significant change, while balancing productivity benefits against the risks of job displacement in corporate settings.

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, shares insights on the rapid evolution of AI technologies. He discusses Meta’s decision to open source its Llama 2 AI model and its potential to revolutionize user interactions. The conversation also covers people's mixed feelings about chatbots and the practical applications of AI in enterprise settings. Levie speculates on Apple's AI ambitions and critiques whether ChatGPT is losing its sharpness. Ultimately, he emphasizes AI's role in enhancing creativity and improving the job market.

Eugene Wei, a tech analyst with a rich background at Meta, Amazon, and Hulu, dives into the shifting landscape of social media. He discusses TikTok's innovative algorithm and the challenges of platforms like Threads amidst user fatigue. Wei explores the transient nature of social media and its dual role as a connector and a source of toxicity. He also touches on the absence of a 'super app' in the U.S. and reflects on leadership changes at major tech firms, shedding light on the future of AR and VR technologies.