The Khanversation with Imran Khan

In this episode of The Khanversation with Imran Khan, Imran speaks with Nima Ghamsari, founder and head of Blend Labs, Inc., a company transforming how financial institutions serve customers. Nima shares his path from nearly joining a quant desk to working at Palantir, where he learned to prioritize customer ROI, and then founding Blend to modernize mortgage technology. They discuss Blend’s unique outcome-based pricing model, product expansion beyond mortgages, and the company’s disciplined approach to growth and hiring. Nima also offers candid advice for entrepreneurs, explains why Blend avoids traditional C-suite titles, and explores how domain-specific AI can reshape the financial industry over the next decade.

In this episode of The Khanversation with Imran Khan, Imran sits down with longtime friend and serial entrepreneur David Steinberg, founder and CEO of Zeta Global. David recounts his evolution from selling insurance post-college to building a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that powers marketing for Fortune 100 giants. The discussion covers his early ventures in wireless communications, the inception of Zeta Global, and the strategy behind its expansive data cloud and AI-powered marketing platform. David also reflects on the principles that shaped his leadership style and offers practical advice on entrepreneurship, risk, and business intelligence.

Will Wu, former VP of Product at Snap and CTO at Match Group, shares his fascinating journey from a tech-savvy childhood to shaping beloved apps like Snapchat and Tinder. He highlights how small design tweaks can significantly enhance user engagement and discusses the cultural shifts between Snap and Match Group. Wu also delves into the transformative power of AI in consumer products and explores its potential to revolutionize online dating, improving match compatibility and reshaping personal connections.

Join former Sotheby's and Madison Square Garden CEO Tad Smith, now a partner at 1RoundTable Partners and 10T Holdings, as he dives into the complexities of value in art and sports. He discusses how scarcity drives sports valuations and the economic implications of money printing on assets like Bitcoin. Tad sheds light on the commoditization of knowledge in the AI era, drawing parallels to historical shifts. His reflections on financial literacy and the importance of continuous learning provide insightful takeaways for today's digital economy.

Evan Spiegel, the co-founder and CEO of Snap Inc., dives deep into Snapchat's transformative journey, starting with the early days at Stanford. He shares insights on pioneering features like Stories and AR Lenses that reshaped social media. The conversation shifts to his vision for Spectacles and making computing more human-centric. Spiegel discusses the challenges of rapid growth, the significance of company culture, and strategic decisions leading to their early IPO, all while emphasizing long-term innovation over short-term gains.

Scott McNealy, co-founder and former CEO of Sun Microsystems, shares his journey navigating the tech landscape. He discusses the pioneering work behind Java and the significance of open-source platforms. Reflecting on leadership, he reveals how Sun's unique culture produced over 200 future CEOs. McNealy also addresses the delicate balance between innovation and regulation in Silicon Valley, offering candid advice for today’s entrepreneurs. Plus, he shares his insights on the bittersweet lessons learned from past mistakes and what the future holds.

In this conversation, Dave Penski, CEO of Publicis Connected Media, shares his journey from politics to leading a major media group. He discusses the seismic shifts in advertising, from print to AI-driven digital strategies. Topics include the evolution of video advertising, the changing landscape of streaming, and the crucial role of brand safety. Penski also highlights the impact of AI on creativity and media, along with insights on industry mergers and the future of global agencies.

Jeremy Liew, a top consumer venture capitalist and nine-time Midas List investor, shares his journey from the early internet to significant bets on companies like Snap and Giphy. The discussion dives into the transformative role of AI in consumer tech, comparing it to the dawn of the internet. Liew discusses crucial investment strategies, the importance of understanding evolving consumer behaviors, and lessons learned from his two-decade career, including missed opportunities with Zynga and Jet that shaped his view on the changing landscape of venture capital.

Jason Wilk, Founder and CEO of Dave, shares his entrepreneurial journey from selling golf gear to redefining neobanking. He dives into the unique micro-lending model that avoids credit checks and how he harnessed AI to enhance customer support. Wilk also reflects on the rollercoaster of going public, discussing the challenges of a stock collapse and the strategic decisions that fueled his comeback. His insights on resilience and building a remote team offer valuable lessons for aspiring founders.

In this discussion, Andy Browne, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and former China Editor at The Wall Street Journal, takes a deep dive into China's evolution from isolation to a global economic powerhouse. He explores Xi Jinping's rise to power and the nationalistic policies reshaping China's global influence. The conversation also addresses the challenges in U.S.-China relations, the complexities surrounding Taiwan, and the strategic approaches companies are taking to navigate this competitive landscape. Insights from Browne’s unique experiences offer a nuanced perspective on these critical issues.