Best Brian Mackenzie Podcasts (2025)

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Europe is Gutting Its Tech Regulations w/ Aline Blankertz 57:20

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4d ago57:20

57:20

Paris Marx is joined by Aline Blankertz to discuss how right-wing governments and international corporations in the European Union are pushing to gut tech regulations with the goal of boosting AI development in hope of improving economic growth and geopolitical standing. Aline Blankertz is a cofounder of Structural Integrity. Tech Won’t Save Us off…

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Data Centers Are a Climate Enemy w/ Ketan Joshi 58:30

11d ago58:30

58:30

Paris Marx is joined by Ketan Joshi to discuss how hyperscale data centers are fueling the consumption of more oil and gas, what that means for climate targets, and the insidious relationship between the tech and fossil fuel industries. Ketan Joshi is a climate writer and data analyst based in Oslo working with climate and environmental groups. Tec…

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Monique Lee, Group Vice President, Sales, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Interviewed by Dorothy Dowling 34:22

15d ago34:22

34:22

Monique Lee, Group VP Sales, at Wyndham Hotels, shares her career journey from unforgettable childhood hospitality experiences to leading roles. She emphasizes the impact of mentors and the importance of intentional, authentic leadership. Her story highlights resilience, balancing work-life challenges, and leveraging AI for success in today's dynam…

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David Mililli, Founder & Host, Modern Hotelier Podcast, interviewed by David Kong 32:06

17d ago32:06

32:06

David Mililli's career began as a busboy but grew into leadership roles across hospitality and technology. His journey highlights the power of staying open-minded, surrounding yourself with people you trust, and having the humility to listen. He reminds us that “if you keep your intelligence over your emotions, you’ll always be successful.” His sto…

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Peter Thiel is the Real Antichrist w/ Gil Duran 1:01:04

18d ago1:01:04

1:01:04

Paris Marx is joined by Gil Duran to discuss how Peter Thiel’s bizarre obsession with the antichrist is really a desperate and embarrassing attempt to divert attention from his own misdeeds. Gil Duran writes The Nerd Reich and is working on his first book, The Nerd Reich: Silicon Valley Fascism and the War on Global Democracy. Tech Won’t Save Us of…

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Nancy Mendelson, Founder CEO, NEM Global LLC | Co-Founder, hertelier, Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 30:37

20d ago30:37

30:37

Nancy shares how the road to connection has become a recurring theme in her leadership journey. She discusses the importance of listening, knowing your self worth, and trusting your gut. Nancy also shares details about her personal board of directors, what she's learned from working internationally, and about her experiences with self doubt and adv…

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Saudi Arabia is Using Games to Improve Its Image w/ Nathan Grayson 56:02

25d ago56:02

56:02

Paris Marx is joined by Nathan Grayson to discuss how Saudi Arabia is buying its way into the sports, comedy, and video game industries in order to broaden its investment portfolio and launder its international reputation. Nathan Grayson is a cofounder of Aftermath and the author of Stream Big: The Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch and the Stars Behi…

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Josiah Mackenzie, Head of Marketing, Actabl, Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 32:29

25d ago32:29

32:29

Josiah shares how his public speaking journey started with a panel at a conference years ago. He discusses how his leadership has evolved, how he develops new skills with each role, and the biggest lessons he's learned over the past few years. He talks about his curiosity, including what he was curious about as a child and the things he's most curi…

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Roger Hill, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman of The Gettys Group and Ridgeline Development Partners, interviewed by Lan Elliott 33:13

26d ago33:13

33:13

Roger describes how overcoming adversity made his companies stronger, and how rewarding others with the opportunity to lead provides continuity. He also explains how preparation and hard work can turn calculated risks into success. In addition to sharing how one builds a strong career, Roger discusses the benefits of becoming a hotel owner as soon …

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Betsy O'Rourke, Commercial Advisor, former Chief Commercial Officer, Xanterra Travel Collection interviewed by Dorothy Dowling 37:24

28d ago37:24

37:24

In this interview, Betsy O’Rourke, former Chief Commercial Officer at Xanterra Travel Collection, reflects on her lifelong journey in travel and hospitality—from crewing on boats in Malta to leading global brands. She discusses strategic leadership, resilience through crises, and mentoring future leaders. Betsy emphasizes curiosity, agility, and em…

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Why We Need a War on Cars w/ Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear 1:02:46

1M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Paris Marx is joined by Doug Gordon and Sarah Goodyear to discuss the many ways cars have negatively affected society, how tech companies seek to entrench those problems, and what can really be done to improve mobility in our communities. Doug Gordon is a TV producer and writer. Sarah Goodyear is a journalist and author. They are the co-hosts of Th…

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We Need to Cut Our Dependence on US Tech. Here’s How to Start. 46:07

1M ago46:07

46:07

Paris Marx celebrates the 300th episode of Tech Won’t Save Us by sharing his reasons to push for digital sovereignty and get off US tech. On top of explaining how that dependence gives the US governments and its tech companies power over us, Paris also provides tips of alternative services to consider migrating to. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a criti…

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Silicon Valley Doesn’t Know What Makes a Good City w/ Joanne McNeil 55:08

2M ago55:08

55:08

Paris Marx is joined by Joanne McNeil to discuss the proliferation of delivery bots and robotaxis and how they recycle disproven claims about how technology will improve transportation. Joanne McNeil is a freelance writer and the author of Wrong Way and Lurking: How a Person Became a User. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, i…

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Brad Rahinsky, Chairman, Hotel Equities, Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 31:11

2M ago31:11

31:11

Brad shares how his leadership style has evolved over time, including what has gotten better and worse, and how he views team sports playing a role in developing leaders. He discusses what he's learned from board service, how he stays physically and mentally healthy, and why surrounding yourself with the best people, personally and professionally, …

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Smart Glasses Are Ushering In An Anti-Social World w/ Chris Gilliard 55:18

2M ago55:18

55:18

Paris Marx is joined by Chris Gilliard to discuss how tech CEOs are pushing a new generation of AI-powered smart glasses by promising they’ll be stylish and indispensable to workers in a desperate attempt to convince us we should want their luxury surveillance gadgets. Chris Gilliard is the co-director of the Critical Internet Studies Institute and…

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Sarah Dandashy, Ask A Concierge, interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 31:41

2M ago31:41

31:41

Sarah shares why she trusts her instincts when it comes to evaluating risks and the impact her preparation and practice have on her public speaking. She discusses the importance of the outdoors and physical activity on her overall performance and why curiosity is important. She talks about how developing human connections can help you feel more at …

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Rafat Ali, CEO & Founder, Skift, interviewed by David Kong 29:04

2M ago29:04

29:04

Rafat Ali shares his journey from engineer-turned-journalist to serial media entrepreneur, reflecting on the choices, setbacks, and grit behind building Skift. We explore the most admired leadership qualities, founder-led passion, and customer empathy. Don’t miss his parting advice on career compounding, travel, embracing contrarian views, and the …

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The Gilded Rage of Tech Billionaires w/ Jacob Silverman 55:01

2M ago55:01

55:01

Paris Marx is joined by Jacob Silverman to discuss Jacob’s new book Gilded Rage, which explores the radicalization of Silicon Valley leaders, who are exerting their growing influence to shape our society for the worse. Jacob Silverman is an independent journalist and the author of Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicalization of Silicon Valley. Tec…

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Brian Proctor, Founder, Leeds Hospitality Group, interviewed by Lan Elliott 35:00

2M ago35:00

35:00

Brian shares why investing time upfront is one of the keys to building high-performing teams. He also explains how his The Power of Gratitude at Work program helps transform organizations – and why it’s easy to do. Brian underscores the importance of public speaking and why loving what you do, saying Yes, and raising your hand for more opportunitie…

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Baron Ah Moo, Senior Vice President of Asset Management, IndoChina Kajima, interviewed by Lan Elliott 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

Baron shares how he approaches taking major risks, including moving to 5 countries on 3 continents, and the opportunities created by working in emerging markets, plus how those experiences enhanced his career in the U.S. He also explains why one should not pursue a mentor simply because they occupy a role you aspire to as well as the two key qualit…

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The Growing Divide Between MAGA and Big Tech w/ Tina Nguyen 58:26

2M ago58:26

58:26

Paris Marx is joined by Tina Nguyen to discuss the divisions within the American far-right between the Trump administration, the wider MAGA movement, and the tech executives trying to show they’re on their side. Tina Nguyen is a senior reporter at The Verge and author of The MAGA Diaries: My Surreal Adventures Inside the Right-Wing (And How I Got O…

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Is Tesla Still a Car Company? w/ Ed Niedermeyer 1:00:28

2M ago1:00:28

1:00:28

Paris Marx is joined by Ed Niedermeyer to discuss the mission to turn Elon Musk into the world’s first trillionaire, Tesla’s growing interest in making robots instead of cars, and how other automakers are coming for the EV market it once dominated. Ed Niedermeyer is the author of Ludicrous and co-host of the Autonocast. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a …

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Leora Halpern Lanz, Associate Professor of the Practice, Boston University, School of Hospitality Administration 36:22

2M ago36:22

36:22

Leora reveals opportunities to attract and retain the next generation, and she debunks myths about them. Leora also shares tips for developing one’s network into friendships and why doing great work is only Part A of what’s needed to succeed. Plus, she discusses ageism in our industry and why young people should say Yes to opportunities.…

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Palantir is Thriving Under Trump w/ Caroline Haskins 49:52

3M ago49:52

49:52

Paris Marx is joined by Caroline Haskins to discuss what Palantir actually does and the growing influence it has within the US government and many large corporations. Caroline Haskins is a staff writer at Wired. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with the goal of inspiring people to demand bet…

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Jan Freitag, National Director, Hospitality Analytics, CoStar Group, interviewed by Lan Elliott 35:04

3M ago35:04

35:04

One of hospitality’s most prolific, well-respected presenters, Jan shares his public speaking journey, including specific things to do before, during, and after your presentation to elevate your public speaking. He also shares how raising your hand can help you to be “seen” by senior leaders, how he navigates tremendous ambiguity, and why acknowled…

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A New Economy Will Deliver Better Technology w/ Aaron Benanav 1:00:35

3M ago1:00:35

1:00:35

Paris Marx is joined by Aaron Benanav to discuss his vision for a multi-criterial economy and how it would alter the type of technology our society creates. It’s a plan to center human experience through democratic discourse while driving true social and technological innovation. Aaron Benanav is an Assistant Professor at Cornell University and the…

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Rod Clough_ President_ HVS interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 30:40

3M ago30:40

30:40

Rod shares his journey from working in high school catering services to becoming President of HVS. He reflects on his growth as a public speaker and his preparation, his approach to leadership, and why he prioritizes and models wellness and self-care. As an openly gay, Latino senior executive, Rob highlights the critical role that workplace culture…

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Will AI Kill Your Job? w/ Brian Merchant 59:52

3M ago59:52

59:52

Paris Marx is joined by Brian Merchant to discuss whether the AI bubble is about to burst and how bosses are deploying AI tools to kill jobs and degrade work. Brian Merchant is the author of Blood in the Machine and writes a newsletter of the same name. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective on tech, its worldview, and wider society with …

1
Jacob Messina, CEO, Stayntouch, interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 26:43

3M ago26:43

26:43

Jacob shares how an early love of video games led to a career in technology and the hospitality industry. He discusses why trust is critical in leadership, reflects on his own leadership evolution and philosophies, and why anticipating and learning from challenges is more important than being perfect. Jacob also talks about cooking as a form of sel…

1
How China’s Renewable Push Upends Geopolitics w/ Kate Mackenzie & Tim Sahay 1:01:19

3M ago1:01:19

1:01:19

Paris Marx is joined by Kate Mackenzie and Tim Sahay to discuss the geopolitics behind China’s investments in green tech and electrification, and how it presents the prospect of a new development model based on renewables instead of fossil fuels. Kate Mackenzie is an adjunct fellow at Macquarie University. Tim Sahay is co-director of the Net Zero I…

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Why Countries Must Fight For Digital Sovereignty w/ Cecilia Rikap 59:38

4M ago59:38

59:38

Paris Marx is joined by Cecilia Rikap to discuss how countries’ dependence on US tech companies is harming them and why they need to get serious about digital sovereignty. Cecilia Rikap is Associate Professor in Economics at University College London and Head of Research at the Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose. Tech Won’t Save Us offers …

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Carolyne Doyon, President & CEO, Club Med N. America and Caribbean, interviewed by David Kong 27:20

4M ago27:20

27:20

From proving doubters wrong early on to leading with determination and kindness, Carolyne reminds us that “success doesn’t come easy, but small wins build confidence and influence.” She also shared candidly about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people, and why sometimes the best advice is simple: …

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Petra Deuter, Global Board Director & Interim CEO, interviewed by Lan Elliott 31:06

4M ago31:06

31:06

Having worked in over 25 countries, Petra career has been built on taking risks and leaning into the resilience she’s built along the way. In this interview, she explains the advantages of interim executive roles and shares the key factors that drove her success. In addition, she details the three things to keep in mind when advocating for oneself.…

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Will the Pope Be An Ally Against AI? w/ Paolo Benanti 56:22

4M ago56:22

56:22

Paris Marx is joined by Paolo Benanti to discuss what Pope Leo XIV’s statements on AI, the publications under Pope Francis, and the ethics of AI from a theological perspective. Paolo Benanti is an author, academic, and priest. He teaches at the Pontifical Gregorian University and was an advisor to Pope Francis on artificial intelligence and technol…

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Brian Hicks, CEO HSMAI interviewed by Dorothy Dowling 36:09

4M ago36:09

36:09

Dorothy Dowling interviews Brian Hicks, CEO of the Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International. They discuss Brian's career journey, the importance of intentional career paths, effective team leadership, the significance of networking, and the evolving landscape of technology and innovation in the hospitality industry. “Understand you…

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What Google Zero Means for Journalism w/ Matt Pearce 1:01:21

4M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Paris Marx is joined by Matt Pearce to discuss how Google’s use of generative AI is sending far less traffic to all manner of websites, but especially news publications, and what that might mean for the future of journalism. Matt Pearce is Director of Policy at Rebuild Local News and a former reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Tech Won’t Save Us of…

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Tedd Evers, Global Partner Leader, Travel and Hospitality AWS interviewed by Dorothy Dowling 34:41

4M ago34:41

34:41

Dorothy Dowling interviews Tedd Evers, Global Partner, Lead for Travel and Hospitality at AWS, discussing his career journey, leadership during crises, prioritization, and future innovations in hospitality. Tedd emphasizes curiosity, agile thinking, empathy, personal balance, and the critical role of data strategy in transforming the industry.…

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Trump’s Crypto Profiteering Is Worse Than You Think w/ Jacob Silverman 1:00:12

4M ago1:00:12

1:00:12

Paris Marx is joined by Jacob Silverman to discuss Sequoia partner Shaun Maguire’s Islamophobic attack on Zohran Mamdani, what it tells us about the state of tech’s politics, and how Donald Trump is enriching himself through crypto scams. Jacob Silverman is a journalist and the author of the forthcoming book Gilded Rage: Elon Musk and the Radicaliz…

1
David Mansbach, Managing Partner, Global Hospitality & Leisure, DHR Global interviewed by Lan Elliott 36:12

4M ago36:12

36:12

Dave shares the importance for both career and joy to collide. An accomplished Executive Recruiter, he discusses the Top 2 Tips for negotiating an offer letter, which most people rarely do, and 3 Traits that make current candidates stand out, which differ from the past. He also explains why everyone in hospitality has an obligation to make our indu…

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Decomputing For a Better Future w/ Dan McQuillan 58:22

5M ago58:22

58:22

Paris Marx is joined by Dan McQuillan to discuss the global push by governments to rapidly adopt AI at all costs and how citizens can critically rethink our dependence on these technologies while imagining a collective future that benefits everyone. Dan McQuillan is a lecturer at Goldsmiths College, University of London and the author of Resisting …

1
Heather Carnes, Director and Founder, Carnes Agency Interviewed by Rachel Humphrey 31:02

5M ago31:02

31:02

Heather shares how she views taking risks as pushing boundaries and the quote that helps propel her every day in her personal and professional lives. She talks about how she leaned into compassion and adaptability as key leadership traits during the pandemic. She discusses how public speaking has built her confidence and that she overcomes self dou…

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Brie Wolfson: Learning to Love Flounder Mode from Kevin Kelly (Hyperlegible 013) 1:01:21

5M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

How do I introduce Brie Wolfson? Brie's website – briewolfson.com – is a good place to start. It's a treasure trove. She launched Stripe Press. She started The Kool-Aid Factory. Today, she's the CMO of Positive Sum and Colossus. And there's so much more! She told a story on The Moth! She's written two novels. Everyone is now obsessed with "taste." …

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Microsoft is Gutting the Video Game Industry w/ Nathan Grayson 55:09

5M ago55:09

55:09

Paris Marx is joined by Nathan Grayson to discuss the latest round of Microsoft layoffs and how the company’s ambition to remake the video game industry around its streaming service has had significant consequences. Nathan Grayson is a co-founder of Aftermath and author of Stream Big: The Triumphs and Turmoils of Twitch and the Stars Behind the Scr…

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How the US Weaponizes Tech in the Middle East w/ Laleh Khalili 53:32

5M ago53:32

53:32

Paris Marx is joined by Laleh Khalili to discuss how the United States uses its control of key technologies to shift global power dynamics, and how that specifically plays out in the Middle East. Laleh Khalili is Professor of Gulf Studies at the University of Exeter and author of the forthcoming book Extractive Capitalism. Tech Won’t Save Us offers…

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Mario Gabriele: The Gospel of Peter Thiel and Founders Fund (Hyperlegible 012) 1:24:42

5M ago1:24:42

1:24:42

There is no venture capital firm like Founders Fund, and there is no writer who tells venture capital firms' stories like Mario Gabriele. In their respective crafts, both have No Rivals. That is the title of Mario's epic four-part series on how Peter Thiel turned Founders Fund into one of the world's top venture firms, and its most unique. If you h…

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American Dynamism Meets the American Dream with Ambrook CEO Mackenzie Burnett 52:47

5M ago52:47

52:47

Mackenzie Burnett is the co-founder and CEO of Ambrook, an all-in-one bookkeeping, invoicing and payment tools that help family‑run businesses improve margins and stay independent. This week, Abrook announced that it's raised $29 million, including a $26.1 million Series A from Josh Kushner at Thrive Capital and Figma CEO Dylan Field at Field Capit…

1
The Geopolitical Fight Over Huawei w/ Yangyang Cheng 54:05

5M ago54:05

54:05

Paris Marx is joined by Yangyang Cheng to discuss how Huawei became one of the most powerful companies in China and how current geopolitical narratives distract from the issues at the heart of surveillance capitalism in the US and China. Yangyang Cheng is a Research Scholar in Law and Fellow at Yale Law School’s Paul Tsai China Center. Tech Won’t S…

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Chatbots Are Repeating Social Media’s Harms w/ Nitasha Tiku 53:48

5M ago53:48

53:48

Paris Marx is joined by Nitasha Tiku to discuss how AI companies are preying on users to drive engagement and how that’s repeating many of the problems we’re belatedly trying to address with social media companies at an accelerated pace. Nitasha Tiku is a technology reporter at the Washington Post. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a critical perspective o…

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Brazil's Battle to Rein In Big Tech w/ Laís Martins 57:52

6M ago57:52

57:52

Paris Marx is joined by Laís Martins to discuss the recent enforcement measures against tech companies like X and Rumble in Brazil, how the country is grappling with the overreach of US tech companies, and the wider discussion about tech policy in Brazil. Laís Martins is a technology reporter at The Intercept Brasil. Tech Won’t Save Us offers a cri…

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Becoming unLLMable with Sari Azout (Hyperlegible 011) 54:06

6M ago54:06

54:06

Sari Azout is a former VC, the founder of Sublime, a friend, and a writer whose work I've long admired. We actually co-wrote the first piece I ever wrote on crypto about a company called Fairmint. Sari is one of the most thoughtful and tasteful people on the world wide web, something that comes across in her writing, in the product she's building a…