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January 23, 2025 • 3hr 5min
#790: Chris Sacca — How to Succeed by Living on Your Own Terms and Getting Into Good Trouble
The Tim Ferriss Show
Chris Sacca is the co-founder of Lowercarbon Capital and an accomplished venture investor who previously founded Lowercase Capital, known for early investments in companies like Twitter, Uber, Instagram and others. In this wide-ranging conversation with Tim Ferriss, Chris discusses everything from the impact of AI on society to raising children in the digital age to climate technology investments.
#790: Chris Sacca — How to Succeed by Living on Your Own Terms and Getting Into Good Trouble
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Key Takeaways
- On AI and the Future of Work: AI is advancing much faster than previous technological revolutions and will eliminate many white-collar jobs within single-digit years, not decades
- On Building Community: There's a growing need for authentic human connection and analog experiences as an antidote to digital isolation
- On Raising Kids: The current generation lacks opportunities for calculated risk-taking and developing real-world problem-solving skills
- On Climate Technology: Clean energy solutions are becoming economically viable without subsidies, creating massive business opportunities
- On Personal Growth: Making mistakes and learning to navigate difficult situations is crucial for developing resilience and entrepreneurial skills
Introduction
Chris Sacca is the co-founder of Lowercarbon Capital and an accomplished venture investor who previously founded Lowercase Capital, known for early investments in companies like Twitter, Uber, Instagram and others. In this wide-ranging conversation with Tim Ferriss, Chris discusses everything from the impact of AI on society to raising children in the digital age to climate technology investments.
Topics Discussed
Early Life and Background (11:27)
- Grew up in Lockport, NY, a middle-class working town north of Buffalo
- Witnessed firsthand the impact of factory closures and economic decline on communities
- Started trading commodities at age 13-14 using a pager with delayed quotes
- Always had entrepreneurial side hustles from a young age
The Impact of AI on Society and Work (1:38:21)
- Job Displacement: AI is eliminating white-collar jobs at an unprecedented pace
- Speed of Change: "This time is different because it's so much faster...humans suck at understanding the slope of an exponential curve"
- Skills Obsolescence: Many traditional career paths like coding, law, and accounting are becoming automated
- Social Impact: Concerns about massive displacement of educated workers who "played by the rules"
Raising Children in the Digital Age (1:13:04)
- His children don't have phones - they see the negative impact on their peers
- Emphasis on outdoor activities and real-world problem solving
- Importance of allowing kids to take calculated risks and learn from mistakes
- "I worry that we have a generation of kids who haven't been given the chance to f**k up"
Lowercarbon Capital and Climate Technology (2:02:16)
- Invests in companies that are making money while reducing emissions or removing carbon
- Focus on economically viable solutions rather than purely charitable endeavors
- Examples include fusion energy, industrial chemicals, and climate adaptation technologies
- Works with traditional energy companies rather than taking an adversarial approach
Building Community in the Digital Age (1:54:46)
- Growing backlash against digital isolation and social media
- Importance of physical spaces for community gathering
- Value of face-to-face interactions and shared experiences
- Need for activities that bring unlike-minded people together
Personal Growth and Character Development (2:24:59)
- Value of making mistakes and learning from them
- Importance of developing social skills through real-world interactions
- Role of unpredictability and authenticity in success
- Learning to navigate difficult situations builds resilience
Book Recommendations (2:40:29)
- "Anxious Generation" and "Coddling of the American Mind"
- "The Coming Wave" by Mustafa Suleyman
- "End of the World is Just the Beginning" by Peter Zeihan
- "Stolen Focus" by Johann Hari
- "Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel
Conclusion
This wide-ranging conversation touched on crucial themes about technology, society, and human development. Chris Sacca emphasizes the importance of maintaining our humanity and building real connections in an increasingly digital world, while also highlighting the massive changes and opportunities brought by AI and climate technology. His insights on raising children and building character through real-world experiences provide valuable perspective on preparing for an uncertain future.