Pivot – Inside Elon’s New Bio, A.I. Goes to Washington and Guest Kristi Coulter

Intro

In this episode of the “Pivot” podcast, hosts Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway discuss a wide range of topics, including user testing, the US Open, AI regulation, antitrust issues, Elon Musk’s new biography, and the inner workings of Amazon. They also address the need for universal childcare and the impact of recreational drug use in the tech industry. Listeners are encouraged to submit questions to the show at nymag.com/pivot or by calling 855-51-PIVOT.

Main Takeaways

User Testing and IPO Risks

• User Testing allows for direct customer feedback at every stage of product development, leading to higher confidence decisions earlier and faster
• SOFI Invest allows individual retail investors access to IPOs at IPO prices, but investing in IPOs comes with risk of loss

Sports Highlights

• Ben Stiller was gracious and excited to meet fans at the US Open, despite being identified as Derek Zoolander on the big screen
• Ben Stiller’s diverse career and legendary parents make him an impressive figure in Hollywood
• The US Open had impressive crowds and fun atmosphere, with the USDA doing well largely due to pickleball
• Carlos Alcaraz was an amazing young player in the US Open semis
• 19-year-old Coco Gauff won the tournament, youngest American since Serena Williams in 1999
• Novak Djokovic won the US Open, marking his 24th major championship

Tech and AI Insights

• Smartless podcast hosted by Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and Sean Hayes featured a discussion about Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet
• Today’s episode includes revelations from the new Elon Musk biography by Walter Isaacson and AI’s big week on Capitol Hill
• Disney and Charter have reached a deal, ending the blackout fight
• Senate hearings on AI focus on oversight, safeguards, and transparency
• Proposed framework for regulating AI includes licensing, federal oversight, data transparency, and security standards
• Google has learned from past mistakes and is addressing antitrust issues through lobbying efforts

Amazon’s Inner Workings

• Christie Colter will discuss the inner workings of Amazon in her new book, Exit Interview
• Amazon’s culture can be tough and relentless, with the pressure to never be doing enough
• Amazon is a company where you can reinvent yourself
• Amazon’s return to office plan has been all stick and no carrot
• Monopoly power: speaker thinks Amazon should be broken up methodically due to its excessive power
• Need for subsidized or supported daycare: women at Amazon have been asking for this for a long time and it would be an economic boom to society

Summary

User Testing and IPO Risks

User Testing is a valuable tool that allows companies to gather direct customer feedback at every stage of product development. This helps in making more confident decisions earlier and faster. On the other hand, SOFI Invest provides individual retail investors with access to IPOs at IPO prices. However, investing in IPOs comes with the risk of potential loss.

Sports Highlights

The hosts discuss the US Open and highlight various notable moments from the tournament. Ben Stiller’s graciousness and excitement in meeting fans despite being recognized as his iconic character, Derek Zoolander, is commendable. The US Open had impressive crowds and a fun atmosphere, with pickleball contributing to the success of the USDA. Young tennis player Carlos Alcaraz’s performance in the semifinals was exceptional. Coco Gauff’s victory at the age of 19 made her the youngest American to win since Serena Williams in 1999. Novak Djokovic’s win marked his 24th major championship.

Tech and AI Insights

The hosts discuss the Smartless podcast episode featuring a discussion about Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet. They also delve into the revelations from the new Elon Musk biography by Walter Isaacson and the recent focus on AI in Senate hearings. Proposed frameworks for regulating AI include licensing, federal oversight, data transparency, and security standards. The hosts also touch on the resolution of the blackout fight between Disney and Charter. Additionally, they highlight Google’s efforts to address antitrust issues through lobbying.

Amazon’s Inner Workings

Christie Colter’s new book, Exit Interview, offers insights into the inner workings of Amazon. The hosts discuss the tough and relentless culture at Amazon, where employees are constantly under pressure to do more. Despite the challenges, Amazon provides opportunities for reinvention. However, the return-to-office plan at Amazon has been criticized for its lack of incentives. The hosts also discuss the need for subsidized or supported daycare at Amazon, as women have been advocating for this for a long time. They suggest that Amazon’s excessive power should be addressed by breaking up the company methodically.

Conclusion

This episode of the “Pivot” podcast covers a wide range of topics, including user testing, sports highlights from the US Open, tech and AI insights, and the inner workings of Amazon. The hosts provide valuable insights and perspectives on these subjects, offering listeners a well-rounded discussion. They also touch on the need for universal childcare and the impact of recreational drug use in the tech industry. Listeners are encouraged to submit their questions to the show for future episodes.