Exponential Wisdom

Peter and Dan discuss first principles thinking, demonstrating why the world’s best entrepreneurs use this methodology to set massive goals. Elon Musk is perhaps the foremost example of entrepreneurial success as a direct result of his mindset, problem-solving strategies, and intelligence. In this episode: Peter shares his takeaways from his conversation with Elon Musk, which kicked off their launch of the largest incentive competition in history, the $100M XPRIZE for Carbon Removal. Dan gives insights about the education system and its flaws, and why he believes outliers are rewarded for audacious thinking.  Peter talks about the early days of SpaceX and stories from 2001, when Elon dedicated the entirety of his payout from PayPal’s acquisition to starting the now-skyrocketing (no pun intended) space company.

Peter and Dan talk about the extraordinary progress in human teamwork, how technologies like AI, networks, sensors, allow humans to communicate faster and easier. In this episode: Dan discusses increasing collaboration within his company, starting with focusing on each individual before any teamwork can happen.  Peter talks about the XPRIZE crowdsourced prize designs that happened during the beginning of the pandemic and the speed of the teamwork was amazing. Peter and Dan give examples of how they run their team meetings on zoom including best practices and timing.

Peter and Dan discuss the wide-ranging implications of today’s biotech and longevity breakthroughs, now adding years to the human healthspan. In this episode: Peter mentions the significance of Dr. David Sinclair’s latest cover-featured publication in Nature, which offers groundbreaking evidence for reversal of age-related decline in mice– an advancement now being tested and validated in in vitro human cells. Dan talks about the importance of nurturing friendships with those younger than you, a key step in nurturing a youthful mindset. Peter further shows how such relationships can contribute to a healthier mentality about taking risks. Peter discusses the implications of adding 30 healthy years to one’s life. For one: by the time you are 60 years old, you have accumulated the majority of your wealth, whether in terms of capital, relationships, or intelligence. By extending our healthy years, this vantage point provides a major advantage when starting new companies and sustaining a prosperous life.

Peter and Dan discuss the abundance of capital available to entrepreneurs today, exploring the reasons for a historically unparalleled surge in funding and its accessibility. In 2019, aggregate global crowdfunding — inclusive of peer-to-peer lending — reached $14 billion, with over 2,000 platforms offering access to funding. But as is the case with many digital platforms, this too is experiencing double-digit growth. Experts now project that crowdfunding will reach $30 billion by 2025. In this episode: Peter explains how today’s speed of computation is helping drive an abundance of available capital across industries globally. Between crowdfunding sites, venture funding, ICOs, and SPACs, there is no capital-related excuse to put off pursuing your MTP and Moonshot. Dan discusses the geo-political ramifications of the pandemic and how entrepreneurs have used the last eighteen months to their advantage.  Peter talks about the benefits of Bitcoin and why cryptocurrencies will transform economies for the better.

Peter and Dan discuss the benefits of fostering a Longevity Mindset. Now more than ever — during a new age of exponential medicine — many will no longer have to accept the cards we’re dealt. Technologies like genome sequencing, RNA transcriptomics, Wnt pathway modifiers, novel vaccines, CRISPR, liquid biopsies, CAR-T cells, gene therapy, exosomes, and stem cells are just some of the innovations under development. In this episode: Peter reframes aging as a disease, one that many are beginning to believe can be slowed, stopped and perhaps even reversed. Dan and Peter compare the process of vaccine creation today to methodologies used 10 years ago, exploring how COVID-19 has sped up all parts of the process.  Peter explains why the best thing you can do for your longevity is to optimize sleep, diet and exercise, and to “not die from something stupid.”

Peter and Dan explore the benefits of cultivating an “Exponential Mindset,” an understanding that computation and derivative technologies (AI, VR, 3D Printing, etc.) are growing exponentially. Thirty doublings drive a billion-fold improvement that the human (linear) brain finds difficult to grasp. In this episode: Peter discusses how humans evolved to be linear thinkers, yet the power of our technology has long been doubling every 18 months. And the power of exponential doublings can be extraordinarily hard to wrap our heads around: 10 doublings = ~1,000x growth… 20 doublings = ~1,000,000x growth…  30 doublings = ~1,000,000,000x growth. Dan covers the history of the steam engine, examining how this specific innovation saw an exponential boom in global mobility. Peter outlines how exponential technologies are converging, disrupting, and transforming business models and industries, enabling even small teams to compete successfully with large corporations.

Peter and Dan discuss the benefits of cultivating an “Abundance Mindset,” through which we more readily see how exponential technologies — computation, AI, 3D printing, robotics, VR, and others — can dematerialize, demonetize, and democratize products and services. What was once available only to the richest and most elite, is increasingly accessible to almost anyone on the planet. In this episode: Peter talks about growing up with a “Scarcity Mindset.” In a world of scarcity, we entertain the paradigm of a finite pie. If your neighbor gets a slice, you necessarily get a smaller slice. This is a perceived world of limited resources and fierce competition. When geared with an Abundance mindset, however, rather than slicing the pie into thinner and thinner pieces, we simply bake more pies… millions more pies.  Dan talks about the importance of a positive mindset and how he trains his by cutting out TV (a cognitive “fast” he has now sustained for 3 years) and carefully selecting the news he follows online. Peter talks about looking at the positive possibilities in every scenario and challenge, illustrating ways in which you might use the pandemic to transform your business and lifestyle.

Peter and Dan discuss the abundance of capital and growth of the global economy, including crowdfunding, venture funding, and SPACs. In this Episode: Peter talks about global venture funding hitting an all-time record high, despite the pandemic.  With all this investment, the seeds have been planted and he expects successful new startups in 2022 or 2023.  Peter and Dan discuss the phenomenon of special-purpose acquisition company (SPACs) and how more and more companies are going public using new methods.  Dan talks about the mindset shift he saw during the last year of the pandemic, where people are experimenting more and more. 

Peter and Dan discuss the now-booming world of blockchain and the latest phenomenon of non-fungible tokens (NFTs). In this episode:  Peter makes the case for his belief that blockchain will play a key role in detecting deepfakes, a growing concern recently fueled by Tom Cruise deepfake videos that have gone viral on TikTok. Dan envisions the role that blockchain will play during the next election cycle, projecting how it will interact with voting systems and help detect inaccurate news.  Peter and Dan talk about the recent NFT craze and why people are willing to pay millions for these new digital art forms. 

Peter and Dan explore the technology of AI avatars. Diving into a fun conversation about intelligent digital humans that are now surfacing in certain industries, Peter and Dan envision how these AI avatars might also influence human interactions in business. In this episode: Peter talks about his experiments with three companies he’s excited about in the AI avatar space, namely LifeKind, HourOne, and Futureloop. Having fed his own blogs, books and podcast episodes into such AIs as training data, Peter talks about the successes of these experiments, which have surprised him with extraordinarily lifelike audio and visuals.  Dan talks about how the pandemic and its accompanying work-from-home Zoom culture will accelerate people’s willingness to use and interact with virtual avatars, particularly as meetings continue to remain virtual. Peter and Dan discuss AI avatars used in filmmaking, and how these might serve to immortalize deceased actors and singers. For instance, digital avatars with the likeness of Marilyn Monroe or Elvis Presley could one day even converse with live audiences.

Peter and Dan discuss recent breakthroughs in the commercial space industry, highlighting a slew of new startups entering the marketplace, whether in analytics or rocket engineering. As we witness the shift from a heavily government-funded space industry to one propelled by privately funded companies, the world will soon see more and more access to space. In this episode: Peter gives an update on the commercial space industry, as well as the challenges and opportunities of mining precious metals and rocket fuels on asteroids and the Moon. Dan narrates the story of two great historical inventions that allowed for deep water navigation: the sextant and chronometer, which enabled accurate measurements of latitude and longitude, respectively. These tools were critical to expanding the reach of human exploration across our largely water-coated planet. Fast-forward roughly 250 years, and Peter shows how they serve as a useful analogue for some of today’s pioneering commercial space rockets. Peter demonstrates how pioneering companies’ opening of the space frontier is unlocking a new abundance mindset in the commercial space sector… One in which we’re now witnessing a surge in capabilities and new opportunities.

Peter and Dan discuss the record-breaking speed of technological change and why the pandemic has accelerated rates of innovation. They also showcase the critical importance of honing your mindset during this time, as the pandemic continues to shape our industries, requiring us to adapt. In this episode: Peter shares one of his biggest lessons learned over the past year: to “never let a good crisis go to waste.” He explains why now is the most opportune moment to make changes in your organization, to internalize that we are not returning to “normal,” but must rather propel our businesses towards a future of new paradigms and novel markets.  Dan talks about the concept of being a hero to others during times of crisis, explaining why entrepreneurs naturally think this way, and why such an instinct is more relevant than ever. Peter emphasizes the increased velocity of communications and deal-making in a business world of virtual meetings, decimating the time previously needed to fly and meet face-to-face. Dan further highlights the value of virtual events and environments to help more people and collaborate more quickly on ideas.

Peter and Dan discuss how the pandemic has changed our educational system forever. As countless schools have turned to fully online curriculums, entrepreneurs and educators are experimenting with a “new normal,” innovating novel platforms for learning from home. In this episode: Peter gives an update on being a parent as his kids attend school online. Dan explains why the school system must increasingly accommodate the individual, and Peter outlines the need for educational platforms to help children find their passions. Dan remarks that this is the first time in 50 years that most children know what their parents do for a living. As a result, children are interacting in the domain of working adults more than ever before. Exploring implications, Peter elaborates on the real-time education now afforded to children through exposure to their parents’ day-to-day working lives. Peter and Dan illustrate why skills are the most pivotal asset for getting hired in today’s job market. Where you went to school is ultimately far less important than being equipped with the skills required for a given task or position. Emphasizing this phenomenon and its application to the gaming world, Peter highlights the rate at which his (and other) kids can learn a game and become experts.

Peter and Dan discuss transformations in healthcare as a result of the pandemic and consequent stay-at-home orders. Peter envisions a future wherein people don’t go to the hospital when they get sick, but instead have a hospital at their fingertips thanks to sensors, wearables, and an abundance of personalized medical data. In this episode: Peter gives an update on COVAXX and a number of other vaccines developed for COVID-19.  Dan delves into tele-health transformations within our modern-day healthcare system.  Peter and Dan discuss why they believe the pandemic will speed up healthcare transformations, including: AI collaboration with physicians; drugs customized and designed for the individual; and rapid improvements in wearable hardware and commercial viability.

Peter and Dan continue their conversation about the Abundance Platinum Longevity trip, where Peter and a select group of entrepreneurs, executives and investors spent five days learning from the top longevity and immunology experts in two of California’s top biotech hubs. In this episode: Peter talks about the importance of two technologies, vaccines and gene therapy, both with incredible medical benefits. In particular he mentions a company called Vaxxinity who is democratizing healthcare using vaccines against chronic diseases. Another company Gordion Biotechnology is using a gene therapy based discovery platform to radically improve therapeutic R&D for complex diseases of aging.  Dan and Peter discuss the importance of having a longevity mindset in order to be on the content lookout for new technology breakthroughs that will allow us to live longer healthier lives.  Peter gives a rapid overview of twenty companies and his biggest takeaways from his chat with the CEOs including technologies like brain computer interface, synalytic medicines for senescent cells and AI drug discovery.

Peter and Dan continue their conversation about the recent Abundance Platinum Longevity trip, where Peter and a select group of entrepreneurs, executives and investors spent five days learning from the top longevity and immunology experts in two of California’s top biotech hubs. In this episode: Peter and Dan discuss the explosion of sensors and preventive medicine breakthroughs now emerging at the helm of today’s healthcare market. As smartphone apps and AI more seamlessly enable personalized medicine, consumers will soon be able to monitor and act upon their own health data in real-time. Peter explores his biggest takeaways in the field of CRISPR and genetic engineering. Most notably, Peter showcases Mammoth Biosciences, a pioneering startup on a mission to democratize access to next-generation CRISPR tools for diagnostics and therapeutics.  Peter highlights the importance of cutting out sugar from your diet, a shift critically conducive to improving longevity outcomes. He similarly emphasizes his belief that the biggest contributor to living past 80 is to not die from something stupid.

Peter and Dan recap the recent Abundance Platinum Longevity trip, where Peter and a select group spent five days learning from the top longevity and immunity experts in two of California’s top biotech hubs. In this episode: Peter offers his biggest takeaways from the trip, including one insight from Dr. Deepak Srivastava, President of the Gladstone Institutes, who explained why heart disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the U.S. A tremendous feat, Dr. Srivastava’s recent discovery involves using gene therapy to convert fibroblasts into heart myocytes, reversing scar tissue in the heart, and helping heart attack victims rapidly recover to live healthy lives.  Dan and Peter agree that mindset is one of the most important pillars of living a long and healthy life. Peter explains why the most important goal is to “not die from something stupid,” as advances in longevity technology will have dramatic impacts on the human healthspan in the next 5-10 years.  Peter talks about the power of intermittent fasting, citing a majority of featured scientists who have touted its health benefits. 

Peter and Dan discuss the recent launch and recovery of the SpaceX Crew Dragon, which carried humans in a commercially built spacecraft to and from the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley splashed down on August 2, 2020 making it the first water landing since 1975. In this episode: Peter gives a quick history of the U.S. and Soviet Union space race, spanning the launch of Sputnik in 1957 to the recent 2020 launch of the SpaceX Crew Dragon. Peter breaks down the cost of a rocket launch and explains how SpaceX brought this cost down 10X by making the rockets reusable.  Dan and Peter discuss why the next 10-20 years will be the era in human history wherein humans move irreversibly off planet Earth and into space.

Peter and Dan discuss one of Dan’s latest concepts: are you a Simplifier or a Multiplier? Every great entrepreneur is primarily one or the other, and identifying which category you most fall into offers meaningful insight into the way you instinctively create value. In this episode: Dan talks about his book Simplifier-Multiplier Collaboration and one of the strategies it highlights: once you identify as either a simplifier or multiplier, you can find the perfect collaborator: your opposite. Simplifier-Multiplier collaborations often lead to unprecedented breakthroughs and results, giving entrepreneurs the freedom to focus exclusively on what they do best. Peter discusses the challenge wherein entrepreneurs attempt to play both roles out of necessity, but emphasizes that entrepreneurs tend to add greatest value when left to act on their natural affinities.  Dan elaborates on the problems that arise when a simplifier tries to play the role of a multiplier, or vice versa. In this scenario, each type becomes a “complicator,” and hence departs from one’s most useful state. 

Peter and Dan discuss a number of longevity and pharmaceutical companies that are working to crack the vitality code of life. Exponential technologies, from machine learning to CRISPR, are enabling scientists to probe medical data, understand aging, and reverse its processes like never before. In this episode: Peter discusses a startup he’s tracking that uses gene therapy to treat age and age-related diseases afflicting animals, extending pets’ healthy lifespans by nearly a decade, with no side effects. Dan discusses a major paradigm shift in financial planning, whereby financial advisors that embrace technology are beginning to use forecasts of 120 years instead of conventional actuary tables that take by default a life expectancy of 90 years. Peter and Dan emphasize the importance of a resilient mindset, purpose and long-term inspiration for individuals striving to maximize their longevity journeys.

Peter and Dan discuss the ways in which today’s pandemic will fundamentally reshape a handful of industries, from commercial aviation to education. For most of us, we will not be returning to business as usual. Rather, we will see the emergence of redefined and reorganized companies, made resilient by their need to adapt to new market conditions. In this episode: Peter and Dan evaluate a number of possible outcomes for the airplane and travel industries, as countless businesses adapt to the new paradigm of working-from-home. Dan makes the case for his prediction that while technology will continue to globalize, almost every other aspect of everyday life will localize. Peter and Dan delve into the future of education. As schools determine whether to pursue an additional semester of online learning, and parents play an increasingly pedagogical role, how will tomorrow’s classrooms adapt, and what impacts will we see on learning?

Peter and Dan discuss how evolutionary pressures speed up innovation, agreeing that the pandemic will accelerate technological progress and change our lives forever. In the arc of contemporary history, we will remember a clear distinction between life “Pre-COVID-19” and “Post-COVID-19.” To this effect, Peter and Dan demonstrate how business model innovation is at an all-time high, fueling historic levels of productivity and creativity for entrepreneurs in our new “work-from-home” economy. In this episode: Peter talks about the search for grand challenges — problems that make you angry, or new phenomena you can’t live without — and the process by which you can turn these into solutions or new business models. Dan argues that “scary times” should not be so scary for tenacious entrepreneurs. As the most successful CEOs constantly face risks and unknowns, COVID-19’s uncertainties provide the perfect conditions for entrepreneurs to fail, learn, and thrive… Because building a successful business requires grit, perseverance, and trial by fire. Peter illustrates how intense pressure speeds up the inevitable. In a pre-COVID marketplace, when business owners knew they needed to downsize a department or kill a venture, most put it off “until tomorrow.” Yet as COVID-19 drives businesses to the edge, there is no debating, and one must take action. 

Peter and Dan discuss Software as a Service (SaaS) and AIaaS, both vital tools for businesses seeking to scale with a leaner organization. Particularly as workforces become distributed and companies race to digitize, cloud computing is now more important than ever before. In this episode: Dan talks about the historic opportunity to use our current global pause and newfound free time to brainstorm with customers and collaborate on new capabilities. Peter examines the potential of exponential technologies to help track viruses in the future. Offering a number of possible scenarios, he considers the example of genome sequencing tools built into air ports, as well as other mechanisms for the detection and tracking of novel viruses.  Dan and Peter discuss how COVID-19 will transform life as we know it, and why humanity is yet to face other existential threats. 

Peter and Dan discuss working-from-home (WFH) dynamics and how they’ve simplified their daily routines as the COVID-19 pandemic upends business-as-usual and forces us to adapt. Making longer-term projections, they illustrate how industries will transform during this global pause, and what implications we’ll see in our everyday lives. In this episode: Peter emphasizes the importance of treating every problem like an opportunity. By adapting to new (and projected) “normals,” Peter discusses his process for writing down all the problems he faces working from home, and then turning these into opportunities ripe for business. Dan talks about leveraging Zoom across his meetings and workshops, expressing why he is more excited than ever to reinvent business models and common company practices.  Peter features the newly launched FutureLoop “Pandemic Edition,” a daily update on how exponential technologies are impacting the detection, prevention and cure of COVID-19. (Check out the link here!)

Peter and Dan discuss the power of Artificial Intelligence as a Service (AIaaS) and its utility to thousands of companies in both traditional and non-traditional sectors. By adding an AI layer to your organization, AIaaS tools can help any company achieve scale with minimal increases in headcount, fueling data-driven business decisions, personalized marketing efforts, team efficiency, and countless other benefits. In this episode: Dan elaborates on a quote by Gino Wickman — “Systemize the predictable so you can humanize the exceptional” — and uses it as a framework for understanding AI-human collaboration.  Illustrating several examples (e.g. AIs that help doctors diagnose patients in real time), Peter discusses how he is using “AI as his ‘WHO’” to run experiments across his organizations.  Dan delves into the importance of teamwork between humans and technology, a partnership he claims will be key for competitive businesses in decades to come.

Peter and Dan showcase a number of entrepreneurs working on wireless power, virtual workplaces, and educational platforms with built-in facial recognition.  In this episode: Peter discusses Guru, a company that has built a wireless charging system that transmits electricity using high-frequency radio waves. By combining this technology with 5G, businesses like Guru might soon usher in a wireless world.  Peter gives an update on eXp Realty, which has zero physical offices yet thousands of real estate agents, all of whom engage in virtual workplaces for meetings, training sessions, and the like.  Dan and Peter discuss David Sinclair’s “information theory of aging,” a compelling theory regarding why we age.

Peter and Dan discuss the state of quantum computing and Google’s announcement that they achieved ‘quantum supremacy’ in October 2019.  In this episode: Peter gives a general overview of what quantum computing is and why this matters to entrepreneurs.  Dan and Peter discuss the skill of asking great questions and why general AI’s will soon assist every aspect of our lives.  Peter mentions a few unexpected consequences of converging technologies like 5G, broadband satellites, and quantum computing available on the cloud for free.

Peter and Dan discuss entrepreneurial breakthrough stories specifically in the energy industry. They talk about the importance of timing in launching a new venture and why the 2020’s will be the decade of exponential energy. In this episode: Peter mentions a company “Energy Vault” that is specializing in gravitational energy storage. Its primary product is a gravity battery that utilizes a multi-headed crane to store energy in a stacked tower of heavy blocks made from concrete. Dan mentions that energy is becoming exponential, because as more and more energy is available, human aspirations for using energy increases.  Peter discusses another company “Heliogen” that is using concentrated solar energy to exceed temperatures greater than 1,000 degrees Celsius, transforming sunlight to create and replace fuels.

Peter and Dan discuss an effective strategy whereby entrepreneurs and established companies eliminate competition, not by overtaking competitors, but rather by building new partnerships through collaborative opportunities. In this episode: Dan defines and illustrates his concept of the “free zone frontier.” By establishing a partnership between two well-positioned capabilities, one party–the designated “simplifier”–provides a new solution while its counterpart serves as a massive “multiplier.”  Peter offers the example of Amazon’s open sourcing of its internal company software platforms, allowing competitors to use its services and, in turn, make them cheaper for Amazon. By purchasing Amazon fulfillment and customer service, for instance, firms gives Amazon far more data, improving their services while making them cheaper. Dan and Peter highlight numerous cases of entrepreneurs that provide value to clients without anything in return, and thereby validate the products of their business partners. This eventually leads to massive revenue streams and sustainable, trusted businesses.

Peter and Dan discuss the oncoming wave of 3D-printed homes, soon to grant us far cheaper, more accessible, and environmentally sound alternatives to traditional housing. Offering numerous implications across materials science, market competition and the wealth gap, Peter and Dan demonstrate how both the construction and real estate industries will experience monumental disruption in the coming decade. In this episode: Peter emphasizes the need to constantly experiment with emerging technologies and novel materials exiting the R&D stage, as well as the importance of integrating 3D printing into your own business. Dan analyzes his concept “don’t compete when you can collaborate,” explaining the benefits of seeking out and constantly building new partnerships. Peter showcases the company New Story, an innovative nonprofit founded in 2015 that pioneers solutions to end global homelessness.

Peter and Dan discuss the first-order implications of artificial intelligence. As technologies like AR/VR, AI and blockchain converge to disrupt traditional business models and processes, countless tasks will become far easier, reducing business costs and time expenditures.   In this episode: Peter discusses the latest breakthroughs in augmented reality, validating his belief that AR will become ubiquitous by 2030. Dan emphasizes the importance of skills training, and justifies why AI will transform the education industry. Peter projects AI’s trajectory of becoming more and more knowledgeable. As data explodes in both quality and quantity, middlemen will no longer be needed in most industries.

With the rise of exponential health technologies, Peter and Dan investigate newly available business opportunities using their “first order implications” framework. When biotech advancements turn sickcare into healthcare, and science adds an additional 20-30 healthy years to our lifespans, what new markets emerge (and which ones disappear)? Peter and Dan discuss the implications to businesses, customers, and society as a whole. In this episode: Dan delves into the social implications of people having longer professional lives, predicting that mandatory retirement will be moved back by at least 10 years. Peter discusses education industry transformations that will result from people having 2-3 careers. Similarly, once people begin to have far more free time, implications within the travel, tourism, and entertainment industries will unlock new challenges and business opportunities. Peter forecasts our increased food demand over coming decades as people live longer. Consequently, he and Dan project a surge in the lab-grown meat market, which will lead to better-tasting, lower-waste, and far more environmentally sound food production.

Peter and Dan launch into a comprehensive update on space exploration. As governments and corporations alike pursue reusable spacecraft, extra-planetary manufacturing tools and cheaper launch systems, this discussion focuses on the remarkable initiatives of private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, now eclipsing government capabilities in speed and scale. In this episode: Peter examines the primary reasons for which today’s space companies focus on reusable launch systems and landing large payloads on the Moon. Dan and Peter discuss how the human body reacts to long-term, zero-gravity environments, as well as the precautions needed when living on the Moon or in extra-planetary colonies. Peter describes three convergences that, while yet to materialize, will open trillion-dollar assets in space over the next few decades.

Peter and Dan discuss the transformation of construction and real estate, as solar energy, 3D printing, augmented reality (AR) and new materials science breakthroughs begin to permeate every facet of the way we design, construct and inhabit built spaces.   In this episode: Dan uses historical examples to demonstrate the notion that process has often defined the real estate and construction industries (think: the premade Sears house kits, which democratized home design for American consumers). He further teases the question: how will today’s explosion of versatile and autonomous construction methods redefine architecture and interior design? Peter depicts a future wherein homes are designed as both functional spaces and augmented reality canvases, unlocking virtual living for AR users. White walls might become the day’s scenery of choice; compact homes allow for multi-use efficiency; and sensor-embedded walls allow homeowners and office managers to monitor everything constantly. Dan and Peter agree on AI’s collaborative role in designing, beautifying, and optimizing human homes. Our new creative assistants, AIs will serve to both enhance our aesthetic and streamline energy-efficient construction.

Location. Location. Location. Physical proximity has long been the name of the game. Yet as autonomous vehicles, virtual offices, and gigabit connection speeds transform our everyday lives, real estate markets are about to experience the massive waves created by these disruptions. Peter and Dan discuss the implications for real estate as convergence reshapes how we live, work, and play. In this episode: Peter illustrates how today’s low-value, long-distance real estate becomes far more attractive as air taxis and autonomous vehicle fleets make physical distance immaterial. Dan discusses the legal ramifications as regulators attempt to catch up to technological advances, and entrepreneurs gain an unprecedented opportunity to participate in drafting new laws. Peter explores the critical role of AI: fast approaching (near) human-level intelligence, AIs will soon begin to replace middlemen across countless industries, disrupting traditional real estate brokers and personalizing our physical — and virtual — spaces.

Peter and Dan examine one of the most challenging decisions faced by serial entrepreneurs: when is the right time to kill a company? Illustrating firsthand stories of past company failures, they discuss the most tell-tale signs of dwindling passion and poor long-term prospects. If only plowing ahead out of obligation to investors, you might have reached the optimal time to kill an idea. Whether burning through cash with no profits in sight, or fast losing enthusiasm for a venture’s mission, these revelatory flags can help you pull the plug early and move on to stronger ventures. In this episode: Peter delves into the story of building Zero Gravity Corporation, his struggles with the FAA, and creative maneuvers for launch after 11 long years. Dan discusses the respective roles of excitement, disappointment, and fluctuating mental resolve in determining your commitment to an idea, and discerning when to let it go. Peter and Dan agree that a critical step in launching any startup involves testing your idea against the marketplace early. In a similar vein, Dan explains why he only talks to “check-writers” when determining the validity of an idea.

Peter and Dan discuss continuous education as critical in the 21st century to take advantage of new opportunities and develop new capabilities. With technology changing every month, week and even day, your agility as an entrepreneur depends on your ability to learn new skills and instantly apply this knowledge. In this episode: Peter talks about the fundamentally broken global education system and his belief that exponential technology will completely transform how we learn in the next decade. He gives an example of AI-driven education curating an AR experience, in which digital avatars have conversations with you to create the most impactful experience you’d never be able to have from reading a book. Dan and Peter agree the old system was not a system of inspiration or creativity, but a system of doing what you’re told. The new system will be customized education, where AI is helping people learn in the best ways for them. Peter talks about the gamification of learning and gives an example of an unemployed workforce playing games all day and learning. Once they master a certain level, an employer can offer then a job or a higher paying position.

Peter and Dan continue their hiring discussion with a focus on higher education and the ongoing debate of apprenticeships versus business school. As millennials represent more and more of the job market, should the next generation of leaders go into debt pursuing a degree or acquire business acumen through various forms of apprenticeship? In this episode: Peter talks about interviewing a recent employee who decided to get an MBA at Stanford Business school and his takeaways in a recent blog. As an employer who has hired hundreds of candidates, Dan shares tips as we head towards a world where you can know anything you want, anytime you want. Peter and Dan discuss why the rapid rate of technological change, a booming job market, and the digitization of education are chipping away at the traditional graduate-level business program, as we’re seeing with the decline of graduate school admissions.

Peter and Dan discuss one of the biggest problems with the hiring process: most of the time, a job description doesn’t provide enough information to create a successful relationship between an employer and a new employee. In Episode 67, they shared best practices within their own companies; in this follow-up episode, Peter and Dan discuss a specific agreement that communicates expectations to a new team member. In this episode: Dan explains his dislike of team management meetings and why he developed a new tool called the 4×4. This thinking process helps you clarify and then communicate your expectations to team members. Peter talks about the importance of ensuring his team loves what they are doing and feels fulfilled, while still providing the support needed to meet company objectives. Dan shares a successful example of hiring a recent employee with a 4×4, and discusses how your organization can use this upfront communication tool for better results.

Peter and Dan talk about the history of insurance, and why this age-old industry is ripe for disruption. They discuss which exponential technologies will help inefficiencies and the new business models they see in the near future.   In this episode: Peter believes insurance will start to disappear for most people as tech companies begin covering costs (i.e. autonomous car companies like Waymo offering free insurance to their riders). Dan talks about how AI will disrupt the middleman. He outlines a future scenario in which most individuals will purchase life insurance from a robot online, because the process will be that instant, easy and accurate. Peter and Dan discuss how insurance companies should flip the business model from retrospectively protecting from risk to proactively protecting you from risk. This would force insurance companies to keep customers alive longer to retain their business.

Peter and Dan discuss one of the most important aspects in any organization: hiring. They discuss best practices in their own companies, and Dan shares tools that have helped Strategic Coach retain team members for over 25 years.   In this episode: Peter and Dan discuss the idea that most of the talented professionals on Earth aren’t looking for you and your business. To attract their attention, you must show them your ethos, what you stand for, and the type of world you want to create. Peter says the term “work” has a bad connotation, and should be redefined as a cause to which you want to contribute, or someone to whom you want to be a hero. As Dan says, “Properly structured, working is one the great sources of meaning and pleasure in a lifetime.” Dan discusses hiring people for roles that align with their Unique Ability — an individual’s distinct set of mindsets and capabilities. A core tenet of Strategic Coach is helping entrepreneurs and team members alike focus on their Unique Ability and effectively collaborate.

Peter and Dan discuss Dan’s new book, “My Plan for Living to 156,” and their shared belief that mindset is critical to longevity. You’ll hear about one of the book’s key themes — “everyone’s got a number” — and learn why a longevity goal is extremely important in enabling a long, healthy lifespan.   In this episode: Dan gives his biggest takeaways from the book (pick up your copy here), starting with a special tool he calls “The Lifetime Extender” and an idea to eliminate retirement. Peter discusses why purpose is fundamental to longevity, and why humans are purpose-driven animals. Dan and Peter describe your mindset as a skill like a muscle; just as you’d go to the gym to build muscle, you must always train your mindset. Reinventing who you are in the present when new technology comes online is critical for a happy, long life.

Peter and Dan discuss the recent bankruptcy of retail giant Sears. After being in business for 132 years, converging exponential technologies ultimately led to Sears’ downfall. They discuss the future of retail, in which AI knows everything and the experience is “automagical.” As the world is automated, AI will be able to leverage large data sets to predict exactly what you want. In this episode: Peter describes the transformation of the retail experience. In the past, you might think of something you need, look it up in the Yellow Pages and then go to the store to see if it was in stock. In the future, you might instead have a frictionless conversation with your AI, which is always listening and knows your preferences. Dan and Peter talk about the fact that every company will eventually go bankrupt. If you’re not constantly trying to fundamentally reinvent your company now, how can you make a massive change? Peter gives the example of ExP Worldwide, a company that went from the 2008 real estate crisis to reinventing as a fully virtual company with zero offices and a virtual campus for staff to meet online.

Peter and Dan discuss the idea of privacy and how it is a recent human invention. A thousand years ago, people didn’t assume the level of privacy we enjoy today. Do we assume privacy is a right, when it never existed?   In this episode: Peter discusses how wrongdoing becomes harder in a world without privacy. When everyone is watching, you’re more likely to think about the consequences of your planned actions. Dan believes blockchain will become ubiquitous because of public demand. He outlines a future business model in which companies that make money on someone’s personal information will pay users a small percentage of the profits their data earn. Peter discusses a future scenario with an AI software shell that watches everything all the time. As owners of this technology, we will give it permission to watch us and collect every piece of data on us so that it can make decisions that improve our lives.

Peter and Dan discuss one of the undeniable human needs — shelter and a sense of safety — and how the real estate and property ownership industry will transform in the next decade as exponential technologies disrupt the “middleman.”   In this episode: Peter describes technologies changing the real estate game, including aerial ridesharing and transportation-as-a-service, VR office headquarters, and 3D-printing personalized houses in days. Dan mentions that humans will always crave a sense of “home,” a place where you want to relax, and how virtual houses won’t be able to replicate this feeling. Peter described the process of buying a new house and why “Smart Houses” connected to the IoT, imbuing the house with intelligence and making it responsive, will change the way we interact.

Dan and Peter discuss a common theme in theme in Silicon Valley — namely, that most people have no idea how quickly things are changing. The world is accelerating for a multitude of reasons, and the rate of acceleration is itself accelerating. In Peter’s words, this means, “We’re headed towards an amazing adventure in the next few decades.” In this episode: Peter and Dan discuss the accelerating technologies and innovation happening in China, and reasons why this is happening now. Dan discusses his book “My Plan for Living to 156” and why an innovation mindset is critical not only for entrepreneurs, but for life extension. Peter discusses a realization he had watching his kids play: experience matters. The way something is packaged, and the process getting to the final payoff, are critical in product design.

Peter and Dan discuss a mindset that is missing from most technologists: one of gratitude and appreciation for past generations’ accomplishments in a non-technological age. These breakthroughs have enabled today’s entrepreneurs to take advantage of exponential technologies.   In this episode: Dan reflects on the topic of proactive gratitude. How do you get a sense of appreciation for an experience in a world where everything is continuously provided for you, at low cost, fast and easy… especially when you don’t have to do anything to earn or deserve this efficiency? Peter shares his gratitude that we have the ability to even discuss solving world problems. Before, only governments or heads of state could have these discussions. Today, anyone can ‘call their own shot’ at global impact. Peter and Dan discuss shifting their mindset from expectation to appreciation and gratitude. They reflect on travel technology and how people complain about a short 45-minute flight delay. If put into perspective, the same trip 100 years ago would have taken months, with the potential of death.

Storytelling is universal, and there will always be room in entertainment for a great storyteller. In this episode, Peter and Dan examine the entertainment industry, and specifically how the 6 D’s of Exponentials can be used to see where the entertainment industry will go next.   In this episode: Peter and Dan discuss entertainment business models and why there is massive opportunity in the area of how money is made. Dan discusses the evolution of moviemaking, from the early Hollywood studio days to Netflix spending more money on original content than all studios combined today. Peter articulates a future where AI is creating personalized content that is specific to each person, and why he believes the entertainment world is heading towards virtual worlds.

Peter and Dan discuss the disintermediation of the insurance industry, and specifically how AI will disrupt the middleman in all industries.     In this episode: Peter and Dan talk about using technology to gather and evaluate increasingly more data. When will tech companies who know the most about you enter the insurance industry? Peter gives his view of the future of health insurance, where big data is so personalized that you will only pay for your exact needs instead of covering the masses. Peter and Dan discuss a range of ideas: what happens to life insurance when you live 30 extra years? What becomes of auto insurance when autonomous cars don’t have accidents?

Peter and Dan discuss an exciting new experience using virtual reality technology to attend live presentations anywhere in the world. Peter also describes his experience after a 90-minute VR presentation, taking off his headset and snapping back into the real world at the XPRIZE office.   In this episode: Peter tells the story of meeting High Fidelity founder Philip Rosedale in a virtual world with a live audience of 200 people watching as he gave a talk on exponential technology. Peter describes the moment seeing his digital avatar and the VR space created with a replica of SpaceShip One in the Mojave desert behind the stage. To see the video of Peter’s VR experience, click here: https://youtu.be/JugTHzUq4FE Dan talks about his idea that as technology goes global, everything else stays local — and how this might affect your business model.