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The Adam Jackson Show

The Adam Jackson Show

By Adam Jackson

I'm a 4x entrepreneur, investor in hundreds of tech startups , LP in a dozen funds, co-founder of one (Cambrian Asset Management), and co-founder of a large and fast-growing decentralized talent network, Braintrust.

I have tons of fascinating conversations and learn a lot of (mostly hard!) lessons during the course of each week.

In this podcast I'll share the good (and bad) stuff each week for 10-15 min.

I'm not selling or promoting anything - just looking to have some fun sharing these crazy weeks.
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Ep 16: The Hard and Valuable Lessons of 2023 + 2024 Predictions

The Adam Jackson ShowJan 09, 2024

00:00
26:55
Ep 16: The Hard and Valuable Lessons of 2023 + 2024 Predictions

Ep 16: The Hard and Valuable Lessons of 2023 + 2024 Predictions

With only 6 days remaining in 2023, it's time to take stock. On this week's episode of The Adam Jackson Show, I open source my annual professional year-in-review, in hopes it can help other CEOs or professionals on their journey or inspire them to do a similar reflection. And, based on what I learned, I also jot down some of my predictions for the year ahead. I would love to hear what you learned this year, and any predictions you have for the year ahead - send me a DM @adamjacksonsf (1:56) Guiding principles for leading through a down economy (6:08) What you need to know about remote work and AI (10:32) Crypto’s tough year, and what’s next from an innovation + regulatory perspective (15:28) The future is user owned (17:05) Adam’s heroes of 2023 (book recommendations included!) (18:50) Economic outlook and what to expect in the year ahead (23:05) What’s hot in tech: wearables, crypto, NFT’s + more Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTD... Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksons... About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

Jan 09, 202426:55
EP 15: Top 10 Technologies Through 2024

EP 15: Top 10 Technologies Through 2024

Who doesn’t love a top 10 list? On this week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show I share the ideas, products, services, and vices I’m most excited about right now. This idea came from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong who just released his list of most promising startup ideas (and mentions Braintrust!) Unsurprisingly, crypto and AI technology top my list, but I also share some investments I’ve made recently that I am really bullish on, new productivity tools (hint: it’s not Asana) and some everyday consumer goods making life a little more fun (and no, this is not sponsored!) I hope you listen and enjoy. And, if you have anything you are excited about, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf - I love learning about and trying new things


(0:00) Intro

(0:30) Top 10

(0:40) AI powered tools

(3:26) Productivity tools

(7:42) Crypto technology

(13:50) New things for personal, professional growth


Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠


Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠


Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠


About the host:

Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.


Sep 19, 202314:44
EP14: From Rut to Renewal - StemCells, Hyperbaric Oxygen, Fasting, and a Change of Scenery

EP14: From Rut to Renewal - StemCells, Hyperbaric Oxygen, Fasting, and a Change of Scenery

This week on the Adam Jackson Show, I share my recent experience of undergoing regenerative medicine at the RENUE Clinic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Throughout the week I received stem cells, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, fasting, and a much-needed change of scenery. From rejuvenating treatments to cognitive improvements, this was one hell of a transformative trip. I also answer some skeptical questions from my beloved chief of staff, Anne.


If you have anything you’d like me to discuss or answer on my next episode, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf


(0:00) Hello from Puerto Vallarta

(2:08) Treatment with stem cells

(3:08) More caveats and stigmas

(5:34) My itinerary for the week

(8:12) Hyperbaric oxygen therapy

(10:35) Sleeping well, meditating, exercising

(13:23) Skeptical Q&A from Anne


Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠


Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠


Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠


About the host:

Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

Aug 10, 202317:29
EP 13: What a Tech CEO Reads, Watches, and Listens to Every Week

EP 13: What a Tech CEO Reads, Watches, and Listens to Every Week

This week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show is going to be a little different. I'll be giving you a peek into my world, showing you what I read, watch, and listen to—all the ways I gather information to steer the ship in this fast-paced economy. Of course, I'll share insights on crypto and AI, but I also need some leisure time away from computers and money, so we'll talk about that too.

If you have anything you’d like me to discuss or answer on my next episode, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf 


(0:00) Intro

(2:14) Daily Podcasts

(3:54) Weekly Podcasts

(7:48) Longer-form content

(9:28) News Outlets

(11:40) Books and Audiobooks

(16:23) Longer-form essays

(16:56) YouTube


Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠

Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠


About the host:

Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

Jul 20, 202321:48
EP 12: How to Navigate Layoffs as a CEO and Make Them Transformative Moments for Your Company

EP 12: How to Navigate Layoffs as a CEO and Make Them Transformative Moments for Your Company

On this week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show, I discuss the recent painful decision to lay off 40% of the workforce at Braintrust. It doesn't matter how many times you do it - it's never easy. I go into the thought process behind the decision, the steps taken, and what's next. I also answer a couple of listener Q&As. Leave a comment below or tweet me @adamjacksonsf to get your questions answered on future episodes. (0:00) Intro (0:47) Difficult layoffs at Braintrust (1:36) Why have layoffs? (3:43) How do we get to this point? (5:05) The steps I took to handle them (8:04) What are the outcomes to look for? (10:03) "If you're a company, how do you avoid doing riffs?" (10:42) "Have you ever rehired someone you'd laid off or helped them find another job?" Show Notes: https://www.wsj.com/articles/ai-jobs-replace-tech-workers-8f3dc92?st=kc0u9y4c1xm1ogt&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠ Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠ Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

Jul 07, 202311:46
EP 11: Your New Career Secret Weapon - The Professional Network

EP 11: Your New Career Secret Weapon - The Professional Network

In our first-ever live episode we're joined by Elena Luneva, the General Manager at Braintrust. Elena is a seasoned product leader with an impressive background, having served in leadership roles at Nextdoor, LiquidSpace, and Opentable. Together, we discuss the creation of The Professional Network and its purpose, highlighting the importance of personal connections, on-the-job training, and adapting to new skill demands in the ever-evolving tech landscape. If you have anything you’d like me to discuss or answer on my next episode, send me a DM @adamjacksonsf (0:00) Intro (2:20) What is the Professional Network? (4:08) Introducing Elana Luneva (16:18) Q&A Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠ Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠ Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

Jun 15, 202323:57
EP 10: What I learned founding Doctor On Demand with Dr. Phil McGraw
Jun 01, 202321:49
EP09: AI Doomerism, Intel From the True Ventures LP Summit, & Founder Mental Health

EP09: AI Doomerism, Intel From the True Ventures LP Summit, & Founder Mental Health

This week on The Adam Jackson Show I share the interactions I experienced while traveling to NYC last week, including highlights from the True Ventures LP Summit and my birthday dinner. I also answer some great questions from listeners. Send me a DM @adamjacksonsf to get your question answered on another episode. (0:00) Intro (3:11) Birthday dinner discussion (6:47) True Ventures LP Summit (12:47) This week's Q&A


Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠ Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠ Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

May 25, 202318:36
EP 08: No Desks to Hide Under - the Usefulness of Hiring Fast, Firing Fast

EP 08: No Desks to Hide Under - the Usefulness of Hiring Fast, Firing Fast

In this week’s episode, “No Desks to Hide Under,” I share insights on how AI and the changing job landscape are shifting the way we work. I also discuss mistakes I’ve made and seen, changes hiring managers need to make, and the usefulness of hiring fast, firing fast. Plus I get to some audience Q&As. Send me a DM @adamjacksonsf to get your question answered on another episode. (0:00) Intro (2:52) The current paradigm (5:26) Live and lead by example (7:17) Hiring and firing quickly (10:38) Find a small team that works well together (13:04) Example of firing quickly (13:58) Audience Q&As Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠ Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠ Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠ About the host: Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

May 11, 202317:03
EP 07: Insights from the Front Lines of a Crypto Conference- Why AI is Hot and Crypto is Not (Yet)

EP 07: Insights from the Front Lines of a Crypto Conference- Why AI is Hot and Crypto is Not (Yet)

On this week’s episode of the Adam Jackson Show, I discuss the insights gained from attending the Medici Conference, an exclusive conference on blockchain and cryptocurrency. I also share insights from Brian Armstrong, the CEO of Coinbase, on the state of the cryptocurrency industry and the hype cycle of AI. Plus I answer audience questions from previous episodes. Leave a comment below or tweet me @adamjacksonsf to get your questions answered on future episodes.


(0:00) Intro

(1:23) Medici Conference

(4:03) Brian Armstrong

(5:32) Rep. Patrick McHenry

(7:48) Crypto and AI hype cycle

(12:02) Q&A from the audience


Show Notes:

https://actnow.io/z31xN5P

https://www.politico.com/news/2023/04/18/mchenry-gensler-crypto-hearing-00092531

https://twitter.com/rowancheung/status/1653290999106379777?s=46&t=nMh8XuRI_57dnzKZX8PBkg

https://twitter.com/mhudack/status/1652961476595040256

https://www.token2049.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-winnick-36316a1/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/olafcw/


Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5XL3gTDks8CkCAVRr3ltkg?si=ff9842a4c4824d4a⁠

Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-adam-jackson-show/id1677806381⁠

Watch on YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@adamjacksonshow/⁠


About the host:

Adam Jackson is a 4x venture-backed entrepreneur and the CEO of Braintrust, a user-owned talent network that connects knowledge workers and tech workers with big companies that need them on a contract or full-time basis. He is also an active angel investor in several hundred different companies over the last 15 years, all tech startups, and has co-founded a crypto hedge fund called Cambrian.

May 04, 202319:39
EP 06: The Rise and Fall of the Professional Managerial Class in Tech Companies
Apr 27, 202312:35
EP 05: Talent Focus, Who's Hiring on Braintrust, & How Do I Stand Out?

EP 05: Talent Focus, Who's Hiring on Braintrust, & How Do I Stand Out?

Apr 20, 202312:24
EP04 - Lessons on regulation, DeFi, and more from the Pantera Blockchain Summit + this "AI pause" letter nonsense and why you shouldn't fear computers (or my Roomba)

EP04 - Lessons on regulation, DeFi, and more from the Pantera Blockchain Summit + this "AI pause" letter nonsense and why you shouldn't fear computers (or my Roomba)

This week I spoke at the @Pantera Blockchain summit hosted by my friend @Dan Moorhead. It was a packed house featuring speakers from storied institutions like S&P and Goldman Sachs, to start-ups, to investors — and even the regulators joined in the fun!


In the latest episode of the podcast, I share a little bit about what I heard and learned; from regulation to DeFi and everything in between. Plus I offer my two cents on this AI pause letter nonsense. Spoiler alert: dumb idea.


Time Stamp outline:

1:00: Behind the scenes at the Pantera LP event

2:30: Why foreign nations are "foaming at the mouth"

3:35: The regulatory heavy turf war: What Biden could learn from Clinton

4:25: The aging 'conveyor belt' that could ease crypto crackdowns

4:45: The improved investor discourse around crypto usability

5:45: Who cares about hosting? Why we must get past layer wars

6:35: Wall Street's crypto investment & large institutional interest

8:00: Predicting the future of crypto and my bet with Braintrust 8:40: How we move the working class into the ownership class 9:55: The value of provable global identity

11:15: Why I didn't sign the 'AI pause' letter + let's pause IG instead!

12:07: The AI safety bullshit: Inaction is never safer than action

13:00: Why it's important to test AI while it's still not dangerous

14:00: Computers don't kill people; People kill people

14:30: Time to fear my Roomba?

15:10: Responding to reader feedback ... trust me, the feeling is mutual

Apr 06, 202315:56
EP03 - Throwing a dinner for journalists + why Google, not Chat-GPT, is the granddaddy of AI.

EP03 - Throwing a dinner for journalists + why Google, not Chat-GPT, is the granddaddy of AI.

In this episode, tech founder and investor Adam Jackson talks about throwing a dinner for journalists and how to attract attention without saying a word about your company — plus why he believes Google is the granddaddy of AI, why Chat-GPT's market-breaking potential for startups isn't quite here yet, and the NYSE's quiet bet on crypto's longterm longevity.

Mar 31, 202313:32
EP02 - An Investor Relations masterclass. Plus, Balaji's $1M Bitcoin bet, and is the SEC coming for Coinbase?
Mar 23, 202315:47
EP01 - New show: lessons learned from a 4x tech founder, investor & LP: SVB, USDC, web3, investor relations

EP01 - New show: lessons learned from a 4x tech founder, investor & LP: SVB, USDC, web3, investor relations

In this, the first episode, tech founder and investor Adam Jackson shares first hand experience with the SVB bank run, USDC de-pegging, investor relations in crypto winter and more...

Mar 17, 202318:01