The Next Next

Mike Salguero, Founder and CEO of ButcherBox, shares his inspiring journey from the failure of CustomMade to successfully scaling a $500 million meat delivery business. He emphasizes the critical importance of work-life balance and how mindful choices in both personal and professional spheres can lead to fulfillment. The conversation also delves into leveraging AI for customer experience and navigating industry challenges such as sustainable meat production and worker welfare. Salguero's insights highlight how values can shape a thriving company culture.

This episode of 'The Next Next' features Chris Savage, co-founder and CEO of Wistia, a video marketing and analytics platform. Host Jason Jacobs explores Chris's journey in establishing Wistia in 2006 with Brendan Schwartz, navigating its growth into a multi-million dollar business, and making the critical decision to maintain company independence by taking on debt to buy back equity. Chris shares insights on running a profitable business, handling external growth advice, and staying focused. Post-pandemic transitions to remote work, the reintroduction of equity, and the integration of AI into Wistia are also discussed. Additionally, Jason shares his idea for a potential series called 'Fogey Founders,' and Chris offers valuable advice on leveraging video content for podcasts. 00:00 Introduction to Chris Savage and Wistia 00:44 The Journey of Wistia: Early Challenges and Decisions 01:27 Personal Insights and AI Integration 01:56 Host's Personal Journey and Goals 02:32 Chris Savage Joins the Conversation 03:14 Balancing Family and Ambitious Goals 05:05 Wistia's Growth and Key Insights 07:15 Navigating Financial Decisions and Market Challenges 24:05 Reflecting on Stress and Family Dynamics 29:41 Balancing Remote Work and Team Dynamics 30:08 Navigating Remote Hiring Challenges 30:47 Adapting to Remote Work Systems 31:14 In-Person Collaboration and Planning 34:05 The Impact of AI on Business Operations 35:13 AI-Driven Product Enhancements 39:58 AI in Internal Operations 43:41 Future of Work and AI Integration 50:13 Exploring New Content Creation Strategies 55:35 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Sahil Lavingia, founder and CEO of Gumroad and Antiwork, shares his journey from employee at Pinterest to leading two innovative companies. He discusses the transformative impact of AI on work dynamics and how it's reshaping traditional employment models into project-based structures. Lavingia emphasizes finding balance between ambition and personal life amidst rapid changes in the tech landscape. The conversation also touches on AI's role in enhancing productivity and shifting venture capital focus toward unconventional fields.

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs interviews Kayla Comalli, co-founder and CEO of Lovelace Studio. The studio is pioneering the creation of 3D worlds using their generative AI platform, Nyric, which allows users to build and explore interactive realms. The conversation delves into Kayla's diverse background in biology, marketing, and systems engineering, leading to her current venture. They discuss the challenges Lovelace Studio faces in the market, their strategies for scaling, and the transformative role of AI in game development and beyond. Kayla also shares insights on her personal journey, and how the confluence of gaming and AI is shaping the future of digital experiences. Jason reflects on how AI tools are enabling more efficient development processes, and explores how this could impact the gaming industry and beyond. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:07 Meet Kayla Comalli and Lovelace Studio 00:55 Jason Jacobs' Learning Journey 01:40 Kayla's Background and Career Shift 02:19 The Vision and Gameplay of Lovelace Studio 04:42 Kayla's Coding Journey and Robotics Experience 08:59 Combining Gaming and Coding 11:15 Building Lovelace Studio 24:32 The Future of AI in Gaming 30:16 Going to Market and Business Strategy 32:49 Leveraging AI in Development 39:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Navigating Transitions with Steve SchlafmanHosted by Jason Jacobs, this episode of The Next Next features Steve Schlafman, founder of Downshift, a professional transition coach. The discussion delves into Steve's shift from venture capital to coaching, the philosophy behind Downshift which aids executives and founders transitioning out of demanding careers, and recovering from burnout. Steve discusses the common struggles of highly ambitious professionals, the process of reconnecting with personal values, and the importance of intentional transitions. The conversation also covers the evolving nature of work, the potential of AI, and achieving a balanced life while maintaining professional excellence. 00:00 Introduction to Steve Schlafman 00:26 Steve's Journey from VC to Coach 00:43 The Concept of Downshift 01:15 Discussion on Life Transitions 01:46 Jason's Introduction and Show Purpose 03:43 Steve's Work and Personal Evolution 05:03 The Birth of Downshift 07:13 Navigating Transitions and Coaching 14:27 The Importance of Slowing Down 15:00 Client Experiences and Success Stories 18:17 Changing Work Dynamics and AI 27:46 Balancing Ambition and Happiness 31:21 Balancing Ambition and Family Life 33:20 Navigating Resentment and Creative Juices 34:25 Exploring Ambition in Personal and Professional Life 36:48 Advice for Those in Transition 40:33 Downshift Program Overview 45:36 Future Plans and Personal Values 48:49 Innovative Ideas and Closing Thoughts

AI Frontiers: Leveraging Technology for Founders with Rob May In the inaugural episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs speaks with Rob May, a seasoned entrepreneur and AI investor with four startups and over a hundred AI investments. The discussion covers Rob's journey into AI, the evolution of AI, the implications of AI on various industries, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for startups. Rob also shares his insights on the future of expertise, the changing landscape of business funding, and the shifting paradigms in technology development. Jason grapples with how these advancements might impact his journey as a founder aiming for ambitious goals while maintaining personal and family balance. 00:00 Introduction to Rob May and the Episode 01:01 Jason Jacobs' New Show and Its Purpose 01:46 Rob May's Background and Career Journey 04:38 Rob's AI Journey and Early Ventures 07:44 Challenges and Insights in AI Development 10:52 The Future of AI and Human Expertise 12:10 Navigating the Rapidly Evolving AI Landscape 22:36 The Role of AI in Creative Fields 23:34 The Future of Creativity in the Age of AI 23:57 The Rise of Virtual Influencers 24:21 Branding in the AI Era 25:02 The Impact of AI on Media and Culture 26:16 Automation and Intimacy in Social Media 29:34 The Evolution of Talent and Earnings 31:12 Challenges for Investors in the AI Landscape 31:48 The Future of Business Moats and Defensibility 37:30 Starting Companies in the AI Age 41:21 The Role of Judgment and Experience in an AI-Driven World 44:52 Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook

An overview of why I started this crazy new journey, what I am hoping to achieve, the role that this show plays, and what to expect from it each week. LFG!