a16z Podcast

In this engaging discussion, Usman "Oz" Azam, CEO of Tmunity and former head of Cell and Gene Therapies at Novartis, dives deep into CAR-T therapy's revolutionary impact on cancer treatment. He unveils the intricacies of engineering T cells to combat solid tumors and contrasts this innovation with traditional therapies. The conversation also touches on the importance of scaling production and overcoming ethical challenges in biotech, providing valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the field.

Francesca Gino, a Harvard Business School professor and author of "Rebel Talent," explores the positive side of rebellious behavior in organizations. She discusses how embracing rebel talent can stimulate creativity and innovation while challenging traditional norms. Gino shares insights on leadership vulnerability, highlighting how admitting weaknesses fosters trust. The conversation also delves into the Pygmalion effect, showing how expectations shape performance, and the importance of authenticity in nurturing collaboration and personal growth.

Judy Savitskaya, a bioengineering expert from the a16z Bio team, shares her insights on the novel coronavirus 2019-nCoV. She explains the unique characteristics and spread of coronaviruses compared to past outbreaks like SARS and MERS. Savitskaya highlights the rapid genomic sequencing advancements that are revolutionizing treatments and epidemic responses. The discussion also unwraps the virus's origins, R0 measurement, and the urgency behind vaccine development, all crucial in navigating this fast-evolving situation.

Kevin Kelly, the founding executive editor of Wired Magazine and a prominent author, shares his insights on cultivating a core audience with the '1000 true fans' concept. He discusses how creators can thrive by focusing on dedicated fans instead of chasing millions. The conversation also touches on innovative ways to monetize attention, challenging traditional advertising models. Kelly explores the potential of decentralized advertising using blockchain, urging a reimagining of consumer engagement with media in today's digital economy.

Join Robert Cottrell, founder of The Browser, Chris Best, CEO of Substack, and Andrew Chen, a general partner at a16z, as they dive into the evolving publishing landscape. They discuss the power shift from traditional media to individual creators, highlighting the importance of quality over brand loyalty. The conversation touches on the reader's role in navigating a noisy digital space and the potential of technology, like machine learning, to enhance the reading experience. Community and personal engagement emerge as key themes in this exciting media revolution.

Chris Dixon, a general partner at a16z and co-leader of the a16z crypto fund, dives into the future of the internet with Jonah Peretti, founder of BuzzFeed. They discuss the evolution from early web days to the potential of a community-owned internet. Key topics include the impact of technologies like blockchain on privacy, security, and decentralization, and how these innovations could reshape our digital experience. They highlight the persistent 'wild west' nature of the web, suggesting we're still navigating uncharted territory.

Stuart Russell, a leading expert in artificial intelligence and founder of the Center for Human-Compatible AI, discusses the pressing challenges in achieving artificial general intelligence (AGI). He outlines the importance of designing AI to be controllable, contrasting its potential as a 'perfect butler' with the Hollywood portrayal of rogue AI. The conversation covers the nuances of navigating control challenges, aligning AI with human values, and ensuring transparency in decision-making, making a compelling case for responsible AI development.

Vijay Pande, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, dives into the evolution of the FDA since its inception over 100 years ago. He discusses how the agency is adapting to radical innovations like CRISPR and AI in healthcare. Pande highlights the importance of balancing risk management with the need for swift access to effective treatments, especially in crises like the opioid epidemic. He also touches on the future of healthcare privacy and the transformative potential of gene-editing technologies, showcasing a landscape where regulation meets innovation.

Vas Narasimhan, CEO of Novartis and leader at the world's largest medicine producer, shares insights on the pharmaceutical landscape. He discusses the balancing act of innovating while managing costs and the importance of early market signals for both big companies and startups. The conversation also explores advancements in gene therapies, the role of digital medicine in behavioral health, and the cultural shifts needed in pharma to embrace innovative therapies like RNA-based treatments. Narasimhan emphasizes collaboration between biotech startups and large firms for future success.

Explore the exciting yet complex world of personal genomics. Discover the gap between our genetic curiosity and the reality of its insights. Delve into the ethical concerns of genomic privacy and the decentralized approaches to data management. Learn about advancements from companies like 23andMe in drug discovery and the balancing act between collective benefits and individual rights. Finally, uncover the future of personalized medicine with multi-omics and the challenges in applying genetic data while safeguarding privacy.