Big Technology Podcast

Kate Rooney, a CNBC star reporter who has closely covered the crypto industry, shares her insights on the collapse of FTX and its implications for the future of cryptocurrency. She discusses the crumbling promise of 'trustless' finance and the critical need for consumer trust. Rooney explores the struggles of reporting in a volatile space, the financial fallout from the scandal, and the ripple effects on firms like Binance. Her perspective sheds light on the urgent lessons for investors and the industry as a whole.

Ranjan Roy, co-author of Margins and a savvy expert in business and finance, joins the conversation to dissect the week's biggest news in tech and economics. He dives into the Federal Reserve's monetary maneuvers and their broad implications, alongside the curious media dynamics surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried and his narratives. The chat also touches on the evolving creator economy—highlighting challenges and opportunities in a landscape influenced by AI and shifting marketing strategies. Plus, reflections on a new podcasting journey wrap up the discussion!

Eliot Brown, a Wall Street Journal reporter and co-author of "The Cult of We," shares sharp insights on the tech industry's transformation as frothy valuations recede. He discusses the implications of rising interest rates and explores whether the end of excess was ultimately productive. Delve into the troubled journey of SoftBank and the strategic risks of Palantir's SPAC investments. Brown also tackles Twitter's debt crisis post-Musk acquisition and the effects of declining Tesla stock on his finances. A thought-provoking conversation on the future of tech investments!

Andy Yen, CEO of Proton, shares insights on the surge of encrypted email services like ProtonMail. He debates the necessity of encryption in our digital lives and discusses how privacy awareness has shifted post-Snowden. Yen contrasts traditional email platforms with privacy-first solutions, emphasizing user trust and sustainable practices. The conversation also delves into Apple's encryption strategies, exploring the tension between corporate interests and user privacy. Lastly, he predicts a growing demand for privacy-focused communication as digital privacy becomes paramount.

Casey Newton, editor of Platformer and co-host of Hard Fork, brings his sharp insights to reflect on the wild tech year of 2022. He dives into Twitter's turbulent transformation post-Elon Musk's acquisition, predicting a challenging future for the platform. The decline of cryptocurrency and Meta’s metaverse struggles also take the spotlight. Newton discusses the impact of AI on education and social media, pondering over new revenue models and regulatory changes that might shape the tech landscape ahead.

Stephanie Link, Chief Investment Strategist at Hightower Advisors and CNBC contributor, shares her insights on the tech industry's rocky road in 2023. She discusses the impact of rising interest rates on stock valuations and highlights major players like Meta and Amazon maneuvering through economic turbulence. Link evaluates emerging trends in deglobalization and its implications for the market, particularly focusing on supply chain challenges faced by Apple and the evolving landscape of Tesla. Her expert analysis promises a thoughtful look into the future of technology investing.

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box, sheds light on the tech landscape, diving into the revolutionary influence of ChatGPT on workplace productivity and efficiency. He critiques Elon Musk’s management of Twitter and explores the unpredictable terrain of Web3 following the FTX collapse. The discussion also ventures into the evolving worker empowerment movement, questioning its future amidst rising challenges for fair compensation and remote work dynamics. Levie offers insight into leadership shifts at Salesforce and the impact of economic changes on tech companies.

Peggy Johnson, CEO of Magic Leap and former executive at Microsoft and Qualcomm, discusses the future of augmented reality (AR) in enterprises. She shares Magic Leap's journey from consumer products to focusing on business applications. The conversation highlights how AR can enhance training and operational efficiency in industries like manufacturing and healthcare. Johnson also emphasizes the unique challenges faced by competitors like Meta, underscoring why AR's potential lies primarily within companies and non-profits in the near term.

Ryan Petersen, Founder and Co-CEO of Flexport, dives into the evolving landscape of the supply chain and its impact on inflation. He discusses the significant drop in shipping rates and how it aligns with decreasing inflation, reshaping consumer habits. Explore insights into how globalization and deglobalization affect trade, the prioritization of experiences over material gifts during the holiday season, and the environmental sustainability of shipping practices. Petersen also shares unique approaches like silent meetings that enhance communication in the logistics industry.

Roy Bahat, head of Bloomberg Beta and advocate for future work technologies, shares insights on the evolution of labor organizing. He discusses the mistakes that VCs made with FTX and the lessons learned for future investments. The conversation dives into Elon Musk’s ambitious plans for Twitter and how they might reshape user engagement. Bahat explores how the pandemic has shifted the tech landscape and emphasizes the growing importance of labor movements, especially within tech, highlighting their potential to drive systemic change.