Episoder
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This week, I talk with Steph Smith, someone I consider a true curator of the internet. Steph is a writer, podcaster, and currently the host of the A16Z Podcast for the venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz. She’s built an incredible online presence with her viral articles on remote work, productivity, and more, which have stood the test of time. Steph’s work has led her to opportunities like running the Trends Newsletter for The Hustle and creating projects like Internet Pipes and her podcast, The Shit You Don’t Learn in School. I admire Steph for her ability to expose people to new ideas and possibilities in their careers and lives. In this episode, we discuss her journey, her philosophy on impact, and how she approaches building her unique and impactful career. I think you’ll find her story and insights as inspiring as I did. Let’s get to it!
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:53) - Building community through shared experiences
(07:16) - Documentary screenings
(11:28) - How exposure to new things shapes your experiences
(15:27) - Balancing specialization and exploration
(18:50) - The nomadic lifestyle and remote work
(22:55) - Personal growth through travel and learning
(29:46) - How Steph’s nomadic lifestyle has changed
(33:48) - How marriage impacts life and work
(42:23) - Settling down and building roots
(45:41) - Pandemic reflections
(49:20) - Multicultural upbringing and identity
(56:06) - What led to Steph’s creative explosion in 2019
(01:03:30) - How to break through the noise
(01:14:52) - How Steph has approached podcasting as a full-time job
(01:27:57) - What makes a great podcast host
(01:37:25) - Untranslatable words: Capturing unique experiences
(01:48:54) - Steph’s beautiful future
(01:51:50) - Who Steph is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
This week, I talk with Laura Behrens Wu, co-founder and CEO of Shippo, a company that’s transforming the way e-commerce businesses handle shipping logistics. If you’re not in the e-commerce world, you may not have heard of Shippo, but for those who are, it’s a big deal. They help businesses seamlessly get products from A to B with some of the simplest, most elegant shipping solutions out there. Laura’s story is especially remarkable—she’s one of the few female CEOs of a billion-dollar company, and Shippo has grown into a powerhouse, serving more than 50,000 businesses. We dive into how she’s led this growth, the values that drive her and her team, and how they turned a boring problem into something extraordinary. Join me as we explore Laura’s journey, her leadership, and what it really takes to build and scale a company like Shippo. Let’s get to it!
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:40) - How Laura became the “stick figure girl”
(07:45) - How optimism serves Laura and her team
(11:14) - Handling customer feedback and roadmaps
(21:14) - The complexities of shipping logistics
(33:49) - Laura’s vision for Shippo and empowering SMBs
(39:21) - Improving customer experience
(44:13) - Adding personality to a brand
(46:52) - Building a strong co-founder relationship
(57:42) - Company culture and values
(01:06:19) - Leading with authenticity
(01:12:09) - Lessons learned from managing remote teams
(01:18:03) - How Laura’s global upbringing has shaped her
(01:21:57) - The role of community and personal growth
(01:25:55) - Reflections on immigration and personal identity
(01:29:52) - Laura’s beautiful future
(01:32:07) - Who Laura is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
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Emily McDowell is an advisor, thought partner, and coach to creative entrepreneurs in the product space, helping to save their time, money, and sanity. As founder of the stationery and gift company Em & Friends, she inspired a sea change in the greeting card industry with Empathy Cards, a more honest and supportive alternative to traditional sympathy cards, and for nearly a decade, some element of her work was in a constant state of “viral.” In 2022, Em & Friends was acquired by Union Square & Co / Barnes & Noble, and Emily exited the business. She is also the co-author and illustrator of There Is No Good Card for This: What to Say and Do When Life Gets Scary, Awful, and Unfair to People You Love (HarperOne, 2017), and offers unsolicited advice and cautionary tales in her newsletter, Subject to Change, a Substack Featured Publication of 2023.
This week, Barrett talks with Emily about their mutual experiences of burnout, identity loss, and recovery after leaving significant professional roles. Emily shares her journey from a high-stress advertising career to creating a company focused on empathy cards, driven by her experience surviving cancer. Emily and Barrett discuss the rapid growth and subsequent burnout she experienced, the emotional and mental toll of such high stress, and the importance of reconnecting with one's authentic self amidst professional pressure. They cover a wide range of topics, including personal stories of financial insecurity, the search for purpose, self-acceptance, and the balance of ambition with self-care, emphasizing the significance of internal work and the healing power of genuine human connections and new beginnings.
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(05:19) - Emily’s advertising background and first viral card
(11:30) - Navigating business growth and challenges
(18:42) - Merging with Knock Knock and burnout
(27:04) - Barrett’s story of burnout
(32:06) - The aftermath of leaving a successful role
(39:14) - Embracing quitting and self-discovery
(55:53) - Facing setbacks and choosing a new path
(01:01:55) - Redefining success and ambition
(01:13:53) - A shift in self-perception
(01:16:21) - Embracing vulnerability
(01:18:25) - Letting go of burdens
(01:22:14) - Rediscovering self-worth
(01:24:58) - Navigating new ambitions
(01:40:55) - Emily’s beautiful future
(01:41:48) - Who Emily is becoming
(01:45:41) - Barrett’s poem
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Tamara Winter is the Commissioning Editor at Stripe Press, the publishing imprint of Stripe, and a board member of the Institute for Progress and the Foundation for American Innovation. Previously, she worked as the head of strategy at the Charter Cities Institute, and at the Mercatus Center. She has written for the Chicago Tribune, Works in Progress, and a16z. She also wrote and hosted Beneath the Surface, a limited-run podcast about infrastructure and some of the most complex challenges facing our world. Known for her keen insights and high standards, Tamara is deeply passionate about storytelling, business development, and championing people with big ideas.
This week, Barrett talks with Tamara about her exceptional career journey, from building a presence on Twitter to curating influential works at Stripe Press. Drawing from her upbringing as an African immigrant and the influence of her parents, Tamara reflects on the importance of surrounding oneself with high achievers, the value of curiosity, and the pursuit of excellence. She emphasizes the transformative power of storytelling, her love for tacit knowledge, and her vision for blending tech with story to influence the world. Barrett and Tamara also discuss the nuances of impactful work, the lasting influence of intentional connections, and Tamara's aspiration to inspire others while shaping a meaningful legacy through publishing.
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(03:39) - Tamara’s journey to Stripe Press
(06:47) - Turpentine and provocations
(09:24) - Challenges and innovations in publishing
(13:03) - The role of Stripe Press in Stripe’s ecosystem
(19:02) - The first book that captured Tamara’s imagination
(26:21) - Tamara’s early days at Stripe
(35:22) - Interviewing Jordan Mechner
(37:48) - The duality of Teddy Roosevelt
(40:13) - Remembering Charlie Munger
(48:58) - The influence of mentors and unconventional career paths
(01:04:55) - The value of high-quality authors and books
(01:13:26) - The desire for excellence
(01:16:08) - Family expectations and developing taste
(01:23:54) - Principles for early career success
(01:38:14) - Tamara’s beautiful future
(01:44:11) - Who Tamara is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Kanyi Maqubela is Managing Partner at Kindred Ventures, where he focuses his investment and formation work in theme areas including frontier technology, digital health, e-commerce, financial technology, and supply-chain/logistics. As an entrepreneur and operator, Kanyi is a co-founder at Heartbeat Health, the largest virtual heart health platform in the United States. He has also served as an Adjunct Professor at New York University Tisch School of the Arts. He lives in San Francisco with his family and serves as founding advisor for Screendoor Partners.
This week, Barrett and Kanyi share a wide-ranging conversation about life, business, parenting, and more. They explore Kanyi’s journey from apartheid South Africa to the U.S. venture capital scene, and how his consciously crafted identity influences his approach to work and life. They talk about the impact of COVID-19 on venture capital, the evolution of technology in society, and the role of scientific discovery in innovation. They also discuss the importance of maintaining diverse cultural spaces amidst algorithm-driven content, the balance between mysteries and secrets in business, and the importance of supporting independent creators. They share their reflections on purposeful parenting and its unconscious impact, highlighting themes of identity, creativity, and the intersection of individual and collective progress.
In this episode:
(00:00) - Welcome to Good Work
(02:47) - Hip hop culture and the Kendrick-Drake beef
(09:01) - The importance of identity and teaching
(13:14) - How family history shaped Kanyi’s identity
(18:24) - The role of identity in personal and professional life
(30:59) - Advice for founders
(38:48) - How COVID reshaped the venture capital landscape
(47:03) - On being “American-African”
(01:00:52) - The intersection of neuroscience and technology
(01:08:27) - The value of pseudoscience in innovation
(01:19:16) - Mysteries vs. secrets in business
(01:28:37) - Parenting and personal growth
(01:34:17) - Kanyi’s beautiful future
(01:37:20) - Who Kanyi is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Benji Backer is the Executive Chairman and Founder of the American Conservation Coalition (ACC), the largest right-of-center environmental organization in the country, and the author of The Conservative Environmentalist: Common Sense Solutions for a Sustainable Future. A proud graduate of the University of Washington, Benji has been awarded the Fortune 40 Under 40, Forbes 30 Under 30, GreenBiz 30 Under 30, and Grist 50. He serves as a board member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences' Climate Change Commission, the Wisconsin Conservative Energy Forum, and BridgeUSA. A frequent contributor to national media outlets, Benji is one of the leading youth environmental voices in the country.
This week, Barrett talks with Benji about his early start in political activism inspired by John McCain, the intense bullying he faced in high school, and his efforts to bridge bipartisan divides in environmental advocacy. Benji shares his experiences with burnout and the difficult decision to step down from his leadership role at the ACC while continuing his mission toward nonpartisan environmental solutions. They discuss the dangers of perceived expertise without real experience, the necessity of adapting policies over time, and the importance of building bipartisan coalitions.
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(04:17) - Burnout and stepping down as CEO
(12:35) - Reflecting on leadership and personal growth
(29:22) - The importance of bipartisan climate solutions
(33:17) - Benji's brand of conservatism
(40:24) - Bullying and opposition in school
(56:55) - Bridging the political divide and finding solace in nature
(01:04:38) - Building coalitions in politics
(01:16:48) - Political sensationalism
(01:21:35) - Understanding different perspectives
(01:30:07) - Republicans and environmentalism
(01:33:40) - Start local
(01:40:28) - How to create change
(01:46:51) - Making the environment nonpartisan
(01:47:57) - Who Benji is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Austin Mann is a talented photographer, adventurer, and technology influencer known for his captivating images and storytelling. With a passion for exploring the beauty of creation, Austin has traveled the world, capturing stunning photographs and sharing his experiences through his work. He has gained recognition for his expertise in using Apple products, particularly the iPhone, as powerful tools for photography and has been featured in Apple's "Shot on iPhone" campaign.
This week, Barrett talks with Austin about his journey as a photographer, storyteller, and entrepreneur. They discuss the pivotal moments that shaped Austin’s career, from his early days of hustling for a job at National Geographic to his collaboration with Apple on the groundbreaking "Shot on iPhone" campaign. Austin talks about his relationship with his wife and fellow artist, Esther Havens, and how their shared passion for socially impactful storytelling and empathy-driven photography has guided their work. Austin also discusses the importance of curiosity, determination, and meaningful intent in his work, as well as the power of photography to challenge, inspire, and enable others to explore the beauty of the world around them.
In this episode:
(00:00) Intro
(05:11) - Austin's move to National Geographic
(15:29) - Early influences
(19:29) - The role of technology in photography
(23:50) - The future of photography in the age of AI
(32:47) - Austin’s college years and faith journey
(36:00) - A life-changing moment
(38:45) - Finding purpose through faith and photography
(43:04) - Austin reflects on his lightning photo
(49:20) - Early career and social impact work
(56:27) - First iPhone review and growing recognition
(01:07:34) - The Shot on iPhone campaign
(01:11:58) - The surreal experience of seeing your work on billboards
(01:14:39) - How Austin met his wife
(01:21:05) - Austin's unique proposal
(01:30:51) - Austin's mission and the life plan exercise
(01:36:43) - Who Austin is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Joshua Scott is the creator and president of JHS Pedals. His YouTube series, The JHS Show, has garnered millions of views from audiences spanning the globe. Josh is passionate about the history and stories surrounding guitar technology and teaches in collaboration with museums, companies, and universities. Often considered the historical authority on guitar's sonic evolution from the sixties to the present day, Josh contributes his knowledge to historical archive preservations, auction appraisals, documentaries, and more.
This week, Barrett talks with Josh about his journey from experimenting on YouTube to building a thriving community around guitar pedals and music. Josh shares his deep passion for music history, and how JHS Pedals has grown through authenticity, technology, and community engagement, despite facing rejection and online criticism along the way. They also discuss the importance of authenticity in marketing, the power of history, and the challenge of balancing creativity with business demands.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro
[07:08] - Josh's journey with Ross Pedals
[14:30] - Why excitement is a crucial part of the creative process
[26:32] - Balancing excitement and execution
[39:32] - The role of the team in decision-making
[42:35] - Challenges in communication and collaboration
[50:08] - The importance of story in creativity
[01:05:10] - What makes a brand
[01:16:19] - Staying authentic amidst rejection
[01:21:04] - The shift to YouTube
[01:30:50] - How Josh keeps his show interesting
[01:33:38] - Embracing criticism and personal growth
[01:41:20] - Josh's beautiful future
[01:45:36] - Who Josh is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Josh Kaufman is the bestselling author of books on business, applied psychology, and practical wisdom. His first book, The Personal MBA, is a top-selling business book worldwide, with more than 1 million copies sold. His second book, The First 20 Hours, introduced a universal research-based method of learning fun and useful skills. His third book, How to Fight a Hydra, a "fairy tale for the entrepreneur's journey," debuted at #1 in Modern Philosophy on Amazon.
This week, Barrett and Josh cover a wide range of topics from thoughtful entrepreneurship to heartful parenting. They talk about the profound impact of letting go of assumptions, the trap of pursuing status, and how to live with wisdom and intention. Josh shares his experiences with strategic self-publishing, why he thinks about his books like an investment portfolio, and what it looks like to define success on your own terms. They also discuss how to evaluate priorities, why emotional clarity is necessary for breaking down barriers to creativity and action, the importance of playing the long game, and much more.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro
[03:04] - The chocolate quality debate
[08:03] - Developing taste and preferences
[17:01] - The art of audio and narration
[30:53] - The business of books
[41:20] - Building a book portfolio
[46:27] - Choosing new projects and the paradox of choice
[01:02:07] - Status games and trade-offs
[01:15:49] - Setting the right priorities and dealing with trade-offs
[01:27:44] - The power of questioning assumptions
[01:34:30] - Parenting insights and reflections
[01:41:24] - Building a home with intentionality
[01:47:41] - Josh’s beautiful future
[01:49:28] - Who Josh is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Michelle Tam is the co-creator of the Saveur Award-winning food blog, Nom Nom Paleo. Together with her husband, Henry Fong, they’ve also produced a two-time Webby Award-winning cooking app, authored three New York Times bestselling cookbooks, have been nominated for a James Beard Award, and created a best-selling line of paleo spice blends.
This week, Barrett talks with Michelle about her journey from pharmacist to pioneer in the Paleo community, and her transition to food and wellness. She discusses the creative process of developing cookbooks with her husband Henry Fong, their balanced approach to Paleo eating, and the foundational role of family in their business. Barrett and Michelle cover a wide range of topics including the importance of creative integrity, handling audience feedback, dealing with criticism, the impact of community, and the joys and challenges of running a food blog and app. Michelle also shares her insights on climate change, the importance of professional relationships, maintaining authenticity, and her undying passion for food which continues to drive her work and life.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro
[02:43] - James Beard Award nomination
[06:32] - Family and food philosophy
[08:49] - The journey of Nom Nom Paleo
[15:02] - Cultural reflections and family dynamics
[27:45] - Career choices and immigrant influence
[35:57] - Embracing playfulness in work and life
[37:13] - Balancing passion and partnership
[41:04] - The creative process behind cookbooks
[48:21] - The impact of night shifts and discovering Paleo
[52:23] - Food as medicine and personal growth
[01:00:28] - Reflecting on success and personal standards
[01:11:55] - Learning from trolls and thoughtful feedback
[01:13:03] - Evaluating which opportunities to pursue
[01:18:09] - Connecting with the food community
[01:25:02] - Balancing life between two cities
[01:30:45] - Designing the perfect kitchen
[01:34:02] - Reflecting on personal and professional growth
[01:36:57] - The importance of quality friendships
[01:43:11] - The beautiful future Michelle is trying to create
[01:44:38] - Who Michelle is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Andrew Farah is co-founder and CEO of Density Inc., where he has spent the last 10 years building real-time radar technologies for measuring how people use buildings. The company works with many in the Fortune 500, manufactures its anonymous radar systems in the United States, and has raised $227m in venture capital. Andrew lives near Golden Gate Park in San Francisco with his spouse, three daughters, and English Shepherd.
This week, Barrett talks with Andrew about startup culture, building great teams, reading and contextualizing knowledge, and the essence of enthusiasm in leadership. They discuss the journey of personal and professional growth, the significance of humility in conflict, and the importance of feedback in establishing meaningful relationships and impactful businesses.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro
[02:34] - "Skateboard Andrew"
[07:47] - LLCs and their impact on global GDP
[14:23] - Seriousness vs playfulness in Andrew's career
[18:53] - The practicality of having multiple founders
[22:05] - Density's three core values
[26:49] - Building ambitious and humble teams
[33:30] - Enthusiasm vs passion
[52:30] - Reading in context
[01:01:24] - How boards help you grow as a leader
[01:08:07] - Building rapport with board members
[01:12:34] - Evaluating and responding to feedback
[01:17:41] - Handling negative feedback and the importance of conflict for growth
[01:26:27] - How Andrew would design an office space starting from scratch
[01:35:39] - How Density's success would change the world
[01:36:52] - Who Andrew is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Nathan Barry is the Founder and CEO of ConvertKit. In previous careers, Nathan has been a designer, author, and blogger. After learning the power of email marketing, he gave up a successful blogging career to go all-in on ConvertKit. Outside of work, Nathan spends his time playing soccer, woodworking, and chasing after his three boys.
This week, Barrett and Nathan sit down for a candid conversation about the ups and downs of building a $40M company, and what they wish they had done differently. They also dive into their strategies for growing personal brands, the power of clear roles and communication in projects, building strong team relationships, creating a supportive yet high-performance company culture, and much more.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro
[04:20] - Why Barrett left ConvertKit
[15:18] - Building confidence as a leader
[22:59] - "We should have fired more people"
[37:57] - Creating a healthy feedback culture
[44:13] - Strategies for better communication
[58:14] - Designing comp and benefits
[01:07:46] - What we nailed on the growth side (and what we could have done differently)
[01:23:10] - Lessons learned from Barrett's departure
[01:36:20] - Podcasting for the long haul
[01:52:16] - On brand differentiation
[01:55:52] - Who Nathan is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Fil Aronshtein’s journey is one of boundless curiosity, from his childhood dreams of becoming an inventor, architect, and astronaut, to his present-day mission of shaping the future of manufacturing. As the founder of Dirac, a company revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, he faced persistent rejection before finding his breakthrough.
This week, Barrett talks with Fil about his vision for transforming manufacturing processes, and how that fits into a wider vision for a more expansive version of humanity. They dive into the intricacies of launching a new company and overcoming persistent rejection, as well as the larger implications of Fil’s work for industries such as aerospace and defense. They also discuss the importance of personal agency and the power of community, exploring how Fil’s early influences and passion for creating things fuels his vision for a more integrated and self-reliant future.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
03:21 - Overcoming rejection
14:52 - Fil's transition to software
19:55 - Why Fil believes nothing is impossible
24:05 - Fil’s go-to-market strategy
25:58 - The problem Dirac is solving
30:22 - How manufacturing affects everyone
41:48 - Why preserving the ability to manufacture is so critical
49:14 - Emotional vs logical reactions to nuclear energy: empathy, education, and exposure
56:19 - Fil’s early interest in science and engineering
01:09:37 - Fil's role models and inspirations
01:15:51 - The compounding effect of community
01:27:30 - Fil's unbearably beautiful future
01:30:42 - Who Fil is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Polina Marinova Pompliano is the author of “Hiden Genius” and the founder of The Profile, a media organization that studies successful people and companies. Previously, she spent five years at FORTUNE where she covered technology and venture capital. As the author and editor of Term Sheet, FORTUNE’s industry-leading dealmaking newsletter, Polina interviewed the industry’s most influential dealmakers, including Melinda Gates, Steve Schwarzman, Richard Branson, and more.
This week, Barrett talks with Polina about her career as a storyteller, personal growth, and the sacrifices required to pursue one's passion. Polina reflects on immigrating to the US from Bulgaria, her career in journalism, and the influence of marriage and motherhood on her ambitions. Together, they discuss building the resilience required to handle life's challenges, the importance of humanizing stories, and the pursuit of meaningful work.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
02:48 - What it’s like to publish a very personal book
05:43 - How Polina's book impacted her relationships
08:44 - Communication emotion in different languages
13:58 - How Polina’s early experiences have shaped her
23:00 - Polina’s fullest version of herself
25:42 - How becoming a parent changes you
31:24 - The transition from curator to profiler
39:31 - The value in sharing personal stories
49:42 - Polina’s and Barrett’s experiences at UGA
56:08 - Can ambitious people have successful relationships?
01:03:37 - How Polina and her husband remain humble and connected
01:10:26 - Why resilience is so important
01:21:08 - On dealing with grief
01:26:40 - When success becomes the obstacle
01:31:06 - Making the right career decisions
01:35:02 - Find something and become the best at it
01:39:01 - Polina’s advice to her younger self
01:41:19 - The future Polina is trying to create
01:43:25 - Who Polina is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Matt Mullenweg is co-founder of the open-source publishing platform WordPress, which now powers over 40% of all sites on the web. He is the founder and CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, WooCommerce, Tumblr, WPVIP, Day One, Texts, and Pocket Casts. Additionally, Matt runs Audrey Capital, an investment and research company. He has been recognized for his leadership by Forbes, Bloomberg Businessweek, Inc. Magazine, TechCrunch, Fortune, Fast Company, Wired, University Philosophical Society, and Vanity Fair.
Matt is originally from Houston, Texas, where he attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and studied jazz saxophone. In his spare time, Matt is an avid photographer. He currently splits his time between Houston and San Francisco.
This week, Barrett and Matt dive into a range of topics, from the importance of making informed decisions as a leader to the impact of sabbaticals on personal well-being. Matt shares insights on hiring philosophy, the future of web development, and the significance of human-centered design. He also discusses vulnerability in leadership, his evolving perspectives on technology, including artificial intelligence and decentralized computing, and his commitment to open-source values.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
02:24 - Matt’s trip to Antarctica and the importance of unplugging
07:51 - Matt’s “ABCs”
10:33 - Transitioning from a scarcity to an abundance mindset
14:08 - How being a musician has shaped Matt’s view of the world
18:48 - The value of music as a metaphor for collaboration and synchronization in creative endeavors
26:45 - Why Matt is described as a “learn-it-all”
28:19 - AI and technological evolution
35:07 - Making smart bets on new technologies
40:00 - Why competition is good for you
45:37 - Pace layering and how to optimize for the right things
53:03 - What Matt learned from taking a three-month sabbatical
01:07:11 - Matt’s mission to democratize publishing, commerce, and messaging
01:13:37 - Why security is critical in the age of social media
01:16:19 - The Automattic Creed
01:22:57 - Finding new ideas and testing vs implementation
01:26:37 - Four qualities Matt looks for when hiring
01:32:15 - Matt's unbearably beautiful future
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Matthew Marshall is the Co-Founder and Chief Business Officer of New Story — a nonprofit pioneering solutions to end the global housing crisis. He serves on two nonprofit boards, CNU Atlanta and Citymakers Collective — a nonprofit teaching aspiring citymakers the holistic design principles of resilient, beautiful, and prosperous places. He holds a BBA from the University of Georgia and is a Y Combinator alumni, a World Economic Forum Global Shaper alumni, and Forbes’ 30 Under 30 leader.
This week, Barrett talks with Matthew about his experiences in countries like Haiti, Belize, Ghana, and Peru, and how that led to co-founding a nonprofit focused on the global housing crisis. They discuss New Story’s mission to provide real generational change, and their innovative approach to sustainable housing. They also explore the intricacies of creating a meaningful workplace culture, effective leadership, and how emotional health and authentic connection helps achieve organizational goals.
In this episode:
[00:00] - Intro
[07:22] - The heart and “why” of New Story
[12:30] - How Matthew and his co-founders decided what mission to pursue
[17:34] - Working with purpose
[28:40] - Building a culture of innovation and impact at New Story
[50:30] - Practices and habits of a strong organizational culture
[57:07] - The power of praise in an organization
[59:53] - Defining organizational values and culture
[01:03:18] - Building community through shared experiences
[01:10:28] - Navigating difficult conversations with emotional intelligence
[01:16:52] - Growing as a leader and the importance of voice
[01:29:42] - Foundational habits for sustaining performance
[01:34:59] - The significance of roots and community in personal and professional life
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Julia DeWahl is a talented entrepreneur with a fascinating background in startups. Her roles at companies like Opendoor and SpaceX gave her a wealth of experience in growing companies and solving hard problems. She is currently the Co-Founder and President of Antares, which focuses on making and distributing small modular nuclear reactors. She is a passionate advocate for nuclear energy, which she talks about on her podcast, Age of Miracles.
This week, Barrett talks with Julia about her diverse career trajectory, the nuances of transitioning between major roles, the challenges of shifting from software to hardware, and the exciting potential of nuclear energy. They also discuss leading organizations through massive growth, working with polarizing figures, how creative pursuits shape our careers, and the impact of family and friendship on work and life.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
02:14 - Julia's experience traveling after college
08:49 - How Julia’s creative interests fit into her career path
19:25 - Julia's path into startups
25:33 - Choosing the right problems to work on
31:50 - How financial freedom impacts what projects we work on
43:19 - The transition from software to hardware
51:12 - How family and becoming a parent changes your work
01:08:24 - Joining SpaceX
01:14:32 - Leadership lessons from SpaceX, Elon Musk, and Gwynne Shotwell
01:25:58 - What pulled Julia into the world of nuclear energy
01:32:15 - Why writing in public and launching a podcast is a "Bat Signal"
01:37:03 - Learning more about nuclear
01:42:20 - Launching a nuclear energy startup
01:48:42 - Julia on who she is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Ryan Delk is an entrepreneur and investor with a deep-seated passion for revolutionizing education. As the latest venture in his career, Ryan founded Primer, a company that aims to disrupt the traditional educational model by integrating the personalized, high-agency principles of homeschooling and microschooling with advanced technology. Although he grew up in the South, he has built deep roots in the Bay Area's startup scene and a record of meaningful contributions with companies like Gumroad and Omni. Now, Ryan is focusing his seemingly endless energy on education reform.
This week, Barrett and Ryan dive into a wide array of topics around the current state and future of education, personal growth, and entrepreneurship. They explore Ryan’s homeschooling background and its profound influence on his perspective on learning and efficiency—key principles that now underpin Primer's educational approach. They discuss Ryan’s journey from disillusionment with established bureaucracies to creating a flexible, high-agency learning environment. They also explore the delicate balance between personal ambition and family life, an insider’s view of startup culture, and the critical, sometimes existential, problems that today's founders are choosing to tackle.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
01:45 - The frozen banana stand
06:37 - From college dropout to Silicon Valley innovator
29:26 - The power of networking and adding value in tech
35:05 - Going the extra mile
39:48 - The importance of tackling hard problems
45:41 - Starting earlier on harder problems
56:15 - Micro schools: a revolutionary approach to education
01:07:22 - The role of teachers and unions in education reform
01:12:06 - Empowering teachers and valuing education
01:15:06 - The impact of transforming education
01:21:59 - Building a culture of ambition and agency
01:23:44 - Unlocking potential and undiscovered talent
01:32:29 - Balancing professional aspirations with family life
01:40:34 - Envisioning a future shaped by high agency and motivation
01:44:08 - Reflecting on personal growth and family dynamics
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Packy McCormick is known for his unique insights into technology and startups. As the founder of Not Boring, he’s built a passionate audience of more than 200,000 people through his knack for deep analysis and genuine storytelling. Packy is a vibe-setter with a career spanning writing, investing, and podcasting (to name a few). Over the past four years, Packy has built Not Boring into one of the most trusted, hilarious, and unique publications covering the bleeding edge of deep tech startups working to solve hard but important problems.
This week, Barrett talks with Packy about everything from the complexities of creating content that remains true to its roots while expanding to new audiences, to the personal growth that comes from never giving up. They discuss the financial and societal implications of investing in futuristic ideas, the significance of intellectual honesty in storytelling, particularly with contentious topics like nuclear energy, and the importance of optimism despite market downturns and societal challenges. Packy shares his optimistic vision for the future, fueled by technology and innovation, and his dedication to contributing to a world where work not only shapes individuals but drives prosperity for everyone.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
02:12 - Packy’s take on Not Boring’s strategy
09:15 - The personal side of professional growth
15:11 - Embracing change and reflecting on success and the journey ahead
33:48 - An optimistic outlook in a downturn
36:32 - Reflecting on missed opportunities and fundraising challenges
38:20 - Rethinking venture capital
41:43 - VC vs charity for societal impact
47:05 - Imagining the future evolution of Not Boring
53:45 - Building an audience today
01:01:40 - The roots of optimism and its impact on entrepreneurship
01:10:43 - The state of journalism and public perception
01:13:57 - Exploring nuclear energy through podcasting
01:20:46 - Financial and creative dynamics of podcasting
01:24:53 - Reflections on nuclear energy and public sentiment
01:35:40 - Personal growth through creative work
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. -
Sophie Purdom has built her career in the climate tech industry, helping to bridge the gap between environmentalism and business. As the co-founder of CTVC and the founder and managing partner of Planeteer Capital, Sophie’s work focuses on educating, enabling, and orchestrating significant change within the world of venture capital and companies tackling the climate crisis.
This week, Barrett talks with Sophie about a wide range of topics from the personal to the professional. They dive into the desire to make an impact with their careers, the importance of establishing meaningful relationships and partnerships, and the evolution of climate tech. Sophie shares her perspective on the various sectors influenced by the climate crisis and the importance of the right skillset for founders in the industry. Emphasizing the compounding effects of incremental actions and the significance of aiming for long-term relevance, Barrett and Sohpie explore the intersection between personal values, the journey of entrepreneurship, and the collective endeavor to move toward a sustainable future.
In this episode:
00:00 - Intro
02:19 - Sophie's unique path to climate tech
04:56 - The intersection of business and environmentalism
05:35 - The power of curiosity and diverse interests
09:45 - Aligning capitalism with environmental goals
12:17 - Sophie's approach to building a sustainable future
17:05 - Navigating challenges and opportunities in climate tech
37:26 - Community building and the value of networks
42:39 - Reflecting on personal wellbeing and professional goals
49:49 - The personal cost of sacrifice and finding balance
52:00 - The early days of CTVC
54:20 - Exploring business, leadership, and impact
01:07:02 - Navigating the climate tech landscape
01:18:32 - Envisioning the future and personal growth
Connect with Sophie
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiepurdom
X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/SophiePurdom
Planeteer Capital: https://planeteercapital.com
Connect with Barrett
Barrett’s newsletter: https://BarrettBrooks.com
X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/barrettabrooks
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrettabrooks
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks. - Vis mere
