Getting2Alpha

Raph Koster is an entrepreneur, game designer, and author of a Theory of Fun for Game Design. He is currently CEO of playable worlds. He was Lead Designer on pioneering MMO Ultima Online, and Creative Director of Star Wars Galaxies. He founded Metaplace in 2006, which was acquired by the social gaming company Playdom.

Amy Bucher is Chief behavioral officer at the digital health company Lirio. She is the author of Engaged: Designing for Behavior Change, and has a Ph.D. in Psychology from University of Michigan.

John Linden is CEO of Mythical Games, creators of the pioneering NFT collectible game Blanko’s Block Party. John has a deep background in gaming, leading AAA titles like Call of Duty, and helping develop the Millenium Falcon ride at Disneyland.

Chris Spiek, Chief Product Officer at Autobooks and co-founder of the Re-Wired Group, dives deep into the Jobs to be Done framework. He shares his journey from computer enthusiast to innovator, highlighting how understanding customer struggles can lead to better product design. The conversation explores how Autobooks empowers small businesses and the importance of asking 'when' instead of 'why' to grasp consumer behavior. Chris emphasizes creating genuine conversations over assumptions, showcasing how this approach drives meaningful innovation.

John Hagel, a leading business strategist and head of Deloitte's Center for the Edge, shares profound insights on the future of work. He discusses the critical role of trust in community and marketplace dynamics. Hagel explores innovative models like Li and Fung's network-driven approach in the clothing industry, highlighting the significance of long-term relationships. The conversation also touches on the transformative potential of AI and blockchain, advocating for collaboration and new questions that can spark creativity and innovation.

Schwark Satyavolu is a serial entrepreneur and early-stage  investor at Trinity Ventures. After founding and growing several innovative startups in the fintech space - a journey that included a stint as an executive at Mastercard - Schwark is now building up the fintech practice at Trinity.  His background as an entrepreneur makes him empathetic  to the realities of what startup life is life -- a great quality for an investor to have. I also loved hearing Schwark’s perspective on the future of crypto - because it  comes from such a deeply informed perspective. Listen in and find out how this  successful entrepreneur-turned-investor is shaping the next generation of fintech innovators. 

Siqi Chen, President and Chief Product Officer of Sandbox VR, dives into his entrepreneurial journey from Zynga to the forefront of virtual reality. He discusses the delicate balance between holding a strong product vision and adapting to market feedback. Siqi shares insights from his experiences in both the West and China, reflecting on the rapid technological advancements in entertainment. He also highlights emerging VR trends and the potential of innovation to reshape consumer experiences, making the future of virtual reality an exciting frontier.

BJ Fogg, a behavioral scientist at Stanford and author of "Tiny Habits," dives into the world of behavior design and its impact on technology. He shares his journey from the Facebook Platform explosion to developing the Tiny Habits program, emphasizing simplicity in fostering behavior change. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between creativity and productivity, discussing his upcoming projects and the importance of nurturing self-efficacy. Fogg also reflects on how a near-miss plane crash ignited his drive for truth and creativity.

Tracy Rosenthal Newsom is an award-winning game producer and product leader who brought you hits like Rock Band and Dance Central. I worked with Tracy in the early days of bringing Rock Band to life - and learned so much from her.  In many ways, we've traveled parallel paths - moving through the worlds of gaming, digital healthcare and humanistic product design. The common thread is a deep, abiding interest in creating experiences that connect with people in a deep and positive way. And I'll tell you - Tracy knows how to do that. Join us and discover the key practices that led this innovative creative powerhouse towards success.Check out the video here: https://youtu.be/PbTCRDxUZT4

Jeri Ellsworth is a tinkerer, inventor, and entrepreneur who grew up fixing toasters and building race cars - then moved on to inventing the future of AR at Valve, CastAR and now Tilt Five. Jeri’s got a unique take on bringing innovation to market - and a healthy appreciation for the human side of technology development. Listen in and discover how a quirky kid from rural Oregon transformed herself into a Silicon Valley powerhouse.Check out the episode here: https://youtu.be/a6NRfwmSoFE