Minus One

Mike Schroepfer, former CTO of Facebook and now Co-founder of Gigascale Capital, dives into his transition from tech leader to climate tech investor. He discusses the massive business potential of addressing climate change while emphasizing the importance of engineering culture and collaborative innovation. Schroepfer shares insights on integrating market understanding with technical solutions, particularly in home energy efficiency. He also reflects on the challenges of investing in climate technology and the resilience needed to pursue groundbreaking ideas, despite skepticism.

Kevin McCarthy, former Republican Congressman and Speaker of the House, reflects on his unexpected journey through the highest echelons of US politics. He discusses the historic challenges of being removed from his position and the importance of resilience. McCarthy emphasizes the need for reforming the toxic political culture and offers insights on how to inspire bipartisan cooperation. He also delves into how artificial intelligence could reshape the political landscape, urging adaptability amidst ongoing change.

Tyler Cowen, a renowned economist and co-founder of Emergent Ventures, shares his expertise on identifying talent at its nascent stage. He discusses the innovative fusion of venture capital and philanthropy, emphasizing the impact of small grants in nurturing emerging talents. The conversation touches on the power of charisma in securing funding and creating networks. Cowen also highlights how AI tools are transforming education, making it more accessible, while stressing the importance of mentorship and supportive environments for talent development.

Jessica Lessin, founder and CEO of The Information, shares her journey of establishing a media company in the AI era, sparked by frustrations with traditional news. She dives into the relationship between tech and journalism and the challenges of career transitions in a rapidly changing landscape. Lessin discusses the dynamic AI startup ecosystem, highlighting the importance of financial independence for startups. Additionally, she emphasizes fostering curiosity in the next generation and the challenges of creating scalable media storytelling.

Reid Hoffman, a serial founder and prolific investor known for co-founding LinkedIn and his ties to the PayPal mafia, shares insights from his tech journey. He discusses viewing AI as a tool for human enhancement and the importance of adaptability in this fast-changing landscape. The conversation touches on navigating the minimum viable product, the emotional hurdles of success, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI. Hoffman also emphasizes contrarian thinking and the need for caution in business decisions, all while encouraging proactive engagement with innovation.

Scott Wu, co-founder of Cognition AI and a gold medal-winning competitive programmer, shares his journey from coding champion to AI innovator. He discusses the evolution of AI in software development and the necessity for human oversight in code generation. Wu emphasizes the balance between data-driven decisions and creativity in startups. He reminisces about unconventional recruitment tactics and the transformative potential of AI in enhancing productivity. The conversation highlights the importance of finding the right co-founders and adapting to the rapidly changing tech landscape.

Kanjun Qiu, co-founder of Imbue and former Dropbox leader, shares her exciting transition to entrepreneurship. She emphasizes the importance of play in enhancing both human and AI agency. The discussion highlights AI as a reflection of humanity, the transformative potential of AI in creative spaces, and the significance of community in fostering innovation. Kanjun also dives into her early days at Dropbox, navigating challenges and adapting processes to support rapid growth, showcasing the spirit of collaboration in the tech world.

Luis von Ahn, Co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, shares his fascinating journey from creating CAPTCHA to launching a billion-dollar language app. He discusses his early computer fascination in Guatemala and how those experiences shaped Duolingo's engaging and gamified approach to learning. The conversation dives into the evolution of CAPTCHA technology, the impacts of AI, and the importance of unexpected connections in seizing opportunities. Von Ahn also reveals how humor and personality drive Duolingo's unique brand identity.

Mark Zuckerberg, co-founder and CEO of Meta, shares insights on his journey from Facebook's origin to building a tech powerhouse. He discusses the importance of open source in AI and how community-driven development plays a crucial role in Llama. Ruchi Sanghvi and Aditya Agarwal, both early Facebook employees, explore the challenges of fostering innovation and the critical role of teamwork and adaptability in startup culture. They reflect on personal growth through sports and the lessons learned from past challenges, emphasizing the value of people in achieving success.

In this fascinating discussion, Lloyd Blankfein, former CEO of Goldman Sachs, shares insights from his career, including navigating the turbulent waters of the 2008 financial crisis. He emphasizes the critical role of decisive action and clear communication during crises, revealing how leadership challenges shape character. Blankfein also reflects on the balance between risk and regulation in banking and discusses his journey from a high-profile career to finding new purpose and curiosity in life post-Goldman.