Ep 16 – Dr. Laura Esserman, Professor of Surgery and Radiology UCSF, Director of the UCSF Breast Care Clinic

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by John Rossman, author of four books on leadership and business innovation, including The Amazon Way and his new book Big Bet Leadership. He is an early Amazon executive who played a key role in launching the Amazon marketplace business in 2002. Today, he is a leading keynote speaker on leadership for innovation and transformation. He has served as the senior technology advisor at the Gates Foundation and senior innovation advisor at T-Mobile and is the founder of Rossman Partners, a strategy & leadership solutions firm.John and Jeffrey discuss how corporate titans like Amazon sculpt their industry-dominating strategies. John Rossman helped mold Amazon's colossal marketplace. John tells Jeffrey his six cardinal rules for skillfully navigating Amazon’s early days and the pivotal role of trust in accelerating one's career. John also shares insights into using memo crafting as a clarity tool and customer happiness as the central dogma. Check out this episode for some real insight on navigating corporate power. 00:00 Welcome to Pfeffer on Power: Introducing Jon Rossman02:42 Jon Rossman's Journey: From Amazon to Author06:37 Rules to Navigating Corporate America: Rule 1: Earn Trust07:53 Rule 2: Be an Active and Early Risk Manager09:54 Rule 3: You Have to Manage Dependencies12:19 Rule 4: Having the Right Sense of Urgency14:50 Rule 5: Manage Up17:04 Rule 6: Clarify in Your Communications21:29 Amazon as a Political Place23:26 Why Jon Left Amazon25:11 Wrapping Up: The Essence of Power and AutonomyPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:You have to manage dependencies10:00: So, the 14th leadership principle at Amazon is "deliver results." And the other ones tend to get the fanfare, but I'm telling you, the 14th is the one that differentiates Amazon. Like, you have to deliver results. Well, most things are not within your control; then you're really managing dependencies, and so you see this very active dependency management process. And so it's all based off of kind of "trust, but verify," like, you're always featuring the bad news. You're always having check-in meetings. You don't trust what they say. You ask more for proof points and demonstrations, and you don't assume anything. And so, sometimes, that gets into hedging and creating alternate paths. But people that are successful at Amazon are extremely good at managing dependencies upon others.Why clear expectations are the cornerstone of trust06:42: Trust and transparency sound like such great attributes to have, but most people don't really understand what trust is. Trust is about setting expectations and hitting expectations. And if you can trust that somebody sets good expectations and then hits those expectations, you can work together through almost anything. And most people don't actually understand what that word "trust" is; they think it means something like, you know, trustworthy or something like that, but you can actually create a formula. And what most people don't do well is they don't set expectations very well. And when you don't set expectations very well, then you each have a vague understanding of what the expectation is. And that's where so many things go sideways.Without risk, there are no new innovations08:20: Alpha risk is where we create new innovations. And so, you have to be extremely good at communicating your concept and where it's going. You also have to be very good at teaming networks and internal negotiating relative to this. So, this builds off of the trust aspect of setting expectations.Show Links:JohnRossman.comProfile on LinkedinAmazon Author PageBig Bet Leadership: Your Transformation Playbook for Winning in the Hyper-Digital EraThe Amazon Way: Amazon's 14 Leadership PrinciplesThink Like Amazon: 50 1/2 Ideas to Become a Digital LeaderThe Amazon Way on IoT: 10 Principles for Every Leader from the World's Leading Internet of Things Strategies

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Deborah Gruenfeld, professor at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business and author of the book Acting with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We Believe.Deborah emphasizes the impact of physical body language and personal presence on the perception of power. The discussion further delves into the utilization of 'outside-in' and 'inside-out' techniques for asserting power and the notion of differentiating between status and power. Deborah argues that possessing power comes with responsibilities that may not appeal to all while striving for status is universal. From the width of your stance to the tempo of your speech, the nuances of body language speak volumes about your place in the social hierarchy. Deborah and Jeff examine the choreography of power—how to enter a room, how to take up space, and how to pace your movements to nonverbally assert dominance. For those who've ever felt overlooked or underestimated, this episode is a toolbox for crafting the presence you deserve.00:00 Introduction00:53 Understanding Power and Body Language01:42 The Evolution of the 'Acting with Power' Class and Book02:20 The Impact of Visuals and Nonverbal Cues on Power03:22 The Role of Personal Growth in Power08:50 The Power of Imagination in Power Dynamics11:46 The Importance of Taking Up Space22:31 The Role of Status and Power in Hierarchies23:53 Overcoming Fear and Embracing Power27:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:A technique on how to show up more powerful06:31: One set of tactics or techniques is what I call outside-in techniques, and they have to do with just changing how you carry yourself: your physical body, how you stand, how you use your arms, how you use your eyes, and how you sit. The other set of tactics that I really think is equally important, maybe even more important in some cases, is what I call inside-out tactics. The inside-out tactics have to do with having ways to reframe situations and our role in those situations that are empowering. One of the things I like to say in my classes is that there are a lot of things about power and social life that are not under our control. We can't, for example, control directly how people perceive us, but we can always control, once we know how, where our attention goes.How do you act powerful?12:26: Being open in some ways feels very vulnerable, and it is. But when you have a lot of power, you can afford to be vulnerable. This is why the alpha gorillas sit with everything exposed because nobody's coming for them. It's the lower-down-ranking animals that have to protect their bodies. So having an open chest, in particular, conveys a lot of authority and power. That's an especially important technique for people who are smaller in stature. People always ask me if I can't carry myself like a tall person and I can't dominate someone physically with my height, what options do I have? I often tell them that the most important thing is that you carry yourself with an open chest because what you're communicating when your arms are capable of moving away from your body is that you are ready to fight for whatever you want, regardless of how big you are. On being comfortable with power23:25: There are people who just feel that it's not who they are to carry themselves in a way that takes ownership of superiority, authority, control, or having interests, experiences, and expertise that are privileged above other people. They're just people who feel like they can't do that. And I think it's one of the big challenges that a lot of executives face. In this way, I think we're really aligned, which is that most people realize they need to be comfortable with power in order to be successful. But they have to get past this fear of being held accountable, fear of losing status, fear of making enemies, and also fear of failing to show up as an authentic, powerful person when how you really feel is a little bit smaller.Show Links:Faculty Profile at Stanford School of BusinessProfile on LinkedInActing with Power: Why We Are More Powerful Than We BelieveWikipedia Page

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Steve Westly, a venture capitalist and entrepreneur - he was employee number 22 at Ebay, lecturer in Management at Stanford University, and politician. He is also the former State Controller of California and can call some of the most powerful people in the world his friend.In this episode, Steve unpacks the stark contrasts and surprising similarities of power's role in both the private and public spheres and discusses why today's brightest stars are shying away from public service—a trend he believes is crucial to reverse.What has Steve learned about power from working closely with notable figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barack Obama, and Meg Whitman, and the personal sacrifices they made on their paths to success? From the indispensable value of determination and the wisdom that you only get from defeat to the essence of intelligent communication and ambition, Steve and Jeffrey go over the essential qualities that forge a successful leader—be it in the worlds of tech or politics.01:51 Public vs Private Sector Power02:42 Steve's Personal Journey and Motivation05:51 Lessons from Powerful Figures11:41 Determination and Ambition18:55 Insights into Biden's Campaign22:14 Public and Private Sector Leadership: Differences and Similarities24:13 Closing RemarksPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Are the public and private sector leadership qualities more similar than we think?22:45: Private sector and public sector require you to be not just a good communicator, but a great communicator. And I think the best leaders in the public and the private sectors are people who are not only great communicators. They have the rarest of all personal traits, and that's the ability to inspire people. Tenacity in both sectors. It is tough. You've got board issues. You've got employee issues, legal issues, labor issues, and politics. You got all the issues. You have to be incredibly tenacious.What makes a successful politician?12:19: It's not just persistence and determination; it is insane determination. It is the willingness to sit in a small room hour after hour, calling people, begging for money, and to go out the next day and have people beat the living shit out of you. In the public and with your family, my opponent for the gubernatorial race not only ran hit ads on me but managed to get my wife and two and three-year-old children into the hit pieces. It's not easy. Winston Churchill once said, in war, you can only die once. But in political life, you can die many times over again, and it's true. It's hard. It's tough.What Steve learned from Meg Whitman of Ebay?18:07: I think there are three things. I mean, one of them—it's where I was starting—Pierre and Jeff really handed the keys to a rocket ship to her. It was the first thing with a community growing like crazy that was, you know, there's always a little bit of good luck in the long term success. Second, look, Meg's just very smart. She's a Princeton grad. She was an athlete. She has a degree from Harvard, a background at Disney. She was smart. She was experienced. And third, I would say she's just a great communicator. And I think she worked hard at listening. She had a lot of superb traits.12:19: Leadership has a lot of facets for students out there. I'd urge you to look broadly, and it goes beyond the standard pedigree.Relevant Links:Profile on WestlyGroup.comFaculty Profile at Stanford UniversitySteve Westly LinkedInWikipedia Page

In this episode of the 'Pfeffer on Power' podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, is joined by Matt Abrahams, a lecturer at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, podcast host of Think Fast, Talk Smart, and author of both 'Speaking Up Without Freaking Out' and 'Think Faster, Talk Smarter.' The discussion centers around effective communication strategies to navigate through challenging situations and accelerate career growth. Topics include managing anxiety during public speaking, shifting communication mindset, being present-oriented, the importance of preparation, and leveraging structure in spontaneous speaking situations.01:06 Introducing the Guest: Matt Abrahams02:59 Matt’s Career Journey05:09 Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking10:37 Tips for Effective Communication15:18 Spontaneous Speaking and Its Importance21:47 Conclusion and FarewellPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Communication is about connection, not perfection17:52: Many of us worry about not doing our communication right. We want to be perfect. We want to do it right. And I'm here to tell you, after doing this for decades, there is no right way to communicate. There are better ways and worse ways, but there is no one right way. And by fixating on trying to do it right, we actually get in the way of doing it well at all. It's all a bandwidth issue. Cognitive bandwidth. We only have so much bandwidth, and if part of that bandwidth is dedicated to hyper judgment, hyper-evaluation, we have less effort to put into what we're saying. So it's about connection, not perfection. Communication is about connection, making it relevant. So after we manage anxiety, that's where we have to go.What are the keys to speaking better?20:03: If we manage anxiety, we connect rather than worry about being perfect. Make sure that we see things as opportunities, not threats. We listen well, and we use structure. Those are the keys to being better at speaking in the moment.How do we get over the fear of public speaking?05:09 [Jeffrey Pfeffer]: What is your advice to help people get over this fear of public speaking? 05:17[Matt Abrahams]: We have some evidence that upwards of 75-85 percent of people report it as a major issue that they have. And quite frankly, I think the rest of the people are lying. I think we could create a situation that would make them nervous too. The goal, I don't think, is to overcome it. I don't think we ever truly can overcome it. Those of us who study this believe it's innate to being human to have this anxiety, but there are certainly things we can do to manage it. When it comes to managing anxiety, you can look at it as a two-pronged approach. First, you have to deal with the symptoms that we experience—the rapid rate, the sweaty brow, the shakiness—but you also have to address the sources of anxiety—the things that initiate and exacerbate it. It's a two-pronged approach.Relevant Links:MattAbrahams.comThink Fast Talk Smart PodcastLinkedIn ProfileNoFreakingSpeaking.comFaculty Profile at StanfordSpeaking Up Without Freaking OutThink Faster, Talk Smarter

In this episode of the Pfeffer on Power podcast, host Jeffrey Pfeffer is joined by Tony Levitan, CEO of InWhack and the co-founder of Egreetings. The discussion delves into Levitan's experiences as a startup founder, specifically the challenges faced during his journey with Egreetings which ended up transforming from a 300 million-dollar business to a 30 million-dollar one. Levitan speaks about the lessons he learned and the importance of retaining the company’s culture even amidst leadership changes. Pfeffer and Levitan also shed light on 'imposter syndrome,' the need for behavioral interviewing during executive searches, and the pivotal role of effective coaching in personal and professional development.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:29 Guest Introduction: Tony Levitan00:57 Tony's Journey with Egreetings01:36 The Challenges of Startup Founders03:19 Tony's Personal Experience and Lessons Learned04:06 Tony's Reflection on His Time at Egreetings08:43 The Impact of Leadership Changes on Company Culture12:23 The Importance of Effective Hiring and Recruitment16:56 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome21:23 The Role of an Executive Coach24:29 Conclusion and FarewellPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:On the importance of inquiry18:26: One of the things that is the easiest door in for many is we all are asked to make business decisions off of data. And yet, when it comes to two things, we don't tend to bias towards data. One is people. We don't tend to have as much data on people, right? We make decisions off of gut feel and things like that. The other is being able to take an external view of ourselves and our competency, right? So I have a couple of clients who are wrestling with their identity as a competent leader, and yet they're surrounded by data that says, "You are making a difference. You are delivering impact." They just have a hard time seeing it, and they don't have people around them who are helping them see it on a daily basis.On the importance of having a coach22:41: When I made the shift at InWhack, Inc., it took me a while to figure out where my sweet spot was going to be because I think, just like I had to figure out where I could deliver as a coach, people who look for a coach need to do some reflection on what would be helpful to them.What references should really tell you14:17:  One of the mistakes we made at Egreetings is, we actually—I feel embarrassed to share this because it's so obvious, but we had the executive search firm do the reference checking. And I mean, you want to talk about misaligned incentives, right? I mean, their incentive is to close the search. Our incentive is to have deep insight into who's coming to work in our company. So, that's one of the things I always mention. The other thing is that References aren't so much about, should I hire this person or not. References really ought to be about how do we most effectively work with this person. What does this person need to be effective in working with us?Relevant Links:Profile on LinkedInProfile on X

In this episode of 'Pfeffer on Power,' host Jeffrey Pfeffer, a Stanford University professor, converses with education expert and influential figure, Dr. Rudy Crew. Dr. Crew is the Clinical Education Professor at USC Rossier School of Education, and has had notable former roles as Chancellor of New York City Schools, superintendent of the Miami-Dade County School District, and Chief Education Officer for the State of Oregon. After having a long successful career in the education sector in these prestigious roles, Dr. Crew shares insights on navigating the sphere of power, the cost that comes with it, and the wisdom necessary to make careful choices. The talk explores aspects of power like ego, greed, the lure of linking to powerful individuals, and the personal, professional, and political consequences of the pursuit of power. Dr. Crew emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, maintaining humane leadership, and being observant of warning signs in a volatile political environment. Significantly, he stresses that ethical leadership rooted in keeping the welfare of students at the forefront has helped him navigate these challenges.00:01 Introduction and Guest Presentation01:53 The Price of Power: A Discussion with Dr. Rudy Crew03:30 The Pitfalls of Power: Ego, Lack of Ideas, and Wrong Associations05:52 Recognizing Danger Signs in Power Pursuits08:03 Navigating Political Challenges in Power Positions10:51 The Consequences of Tough Decisions in Power Positions17:20 Avoiding the Pitfalls of Power: Advice and Insights20:57 Staying Grounded in Power Positions: A Personal Anecdote22:52 Conclusion and FarewellLearn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and his work on JeffreyPfeffer.comPfeffer on Power is produced by University FM.Episode Quotes:Lead by the kind of quality work your provide18:25: I remember having to make budget cuts, and those budget cuts were going to be pretty deep. But there's goodwill in the culture. If there are other things that you did or have done traditionally that made people feel like this was not a vendetta, unfortunately, this was a bad fiscal year in the state of California, and we had to make budget cuts. But the fact of the matter is, there was humanism brought to the table. There was a sense of honor brought to the table. There was transparency and a sense of humility brought to this that no one enjoyed watching people walk out the door and be without a job. You can create a cultural wave of positivity and yet do some things that are very, very, very unpopular and sometimes very uncomfortable.There’s no good deed that gets unpunished17:05: My advice has always been, pay the price. Don't do the wrong thing, but just understand that by doing the right thing, you will still accrue a consequence. There's no good deed that goes unpunished.Every job comes with a quid pro quo15:57:  When you get the job, be prepared to lose the job. That would be the first of many commandments, right? Be prepared to lose it, and by losing it, I mean, it may be gradual, but the fact of the matter is every decision you make comes with a consequence, and that consequence generally is added up in political terms, and the accumulation of that is what I would say to you is quid pro quo. That is the giant quid pro quo. It's the one that you're going to ultimately pay permanently for.Relevant Links:Faculty Profile at USC Rossier  Wikipedia ProfileLinkedIn ProfileAPB Speakers page

Welcome to the Pfeffer on Power podcast. I'm your host, Jeffrey Pfeffer, a professor at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, where I teach a popular course on developing and using your power and organizations to get things done and advance your career. In this podcast, we interview people who have successfully implemented power principles to accelerate their career successes. We include startup founders and people from diverse backgrounds working around the globe. We talk about building helpful social relationships, creating resources, how to develop the qualities that produce power and success, what those qualities are and how to enlist others in achieving your goals. Check out our previous season of more than 20 episodes at pfefferonpower.com, and stay tuned for new episodes and interviews every other week with people who have used these ideas to do remarkable things, just like you can.

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 25 – Dana Carney, Professor & Director of the Institute for Personality and Social Research at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business SHOW NOTES: Dana Carney, a world-leading expert on body language, is a professor at the Haas School at UC Berkeley who also runs the Institute of Personality and Social Research. She shares the most up-to-date tips on the strategic use of body language and facial gestures to persuade other people about your power or an issue. In this episode, you’ll learn about: Why people respond to others based on how they look The data shows that taller and good-looking people make more money The why and how people look and come across through gestures The 43 cues that have nothing to do with power The 9 cues that have everything to do with power How to differentiate between who has power and who does not What, in addition to access to and control over resources, creates power What to be careful of if you’re taller or bigger Non-selfish, pro-social reasons for mastering your body language Myths and facts around eye contact Why Anna Wintour wears sunglasses to fashion shows The visual dominance ratio Behavioral nudge action planning Physiognomic cues that influence power Why body language, how people look, and the gestures they make are so important Nonverbal communication within the animal kingdom GUEST BIO: Dana R. Carney is a Professor and the Director of the Institute for Personality and Social Research at the University of California, Berkeley in the Haas School of Business. She is also an affiliate Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Cognitive Sciences. Carney is one of the world’s leading experts on nonverbal behavior.  Professor Carney’s fresh, modern approach to nonverbal behavior has made her the go-to figure in this space, serving as a consultant for corporate seminars, and academic gatherings. From Blackrock Advisors to the Los Alamos National Lab, Carney has consulted private equity, tech firms, and small businesses alike, in addition to speaking at many academic conferences and at most major Universities in the U.S. and beyond. Carney’s catchy and informative videos on nonverbal behavior have skyrocketed her account practically overnight, @danarosecarney, to 64K followers over a half a million total likes. She has been featured in Men’s Health, Time Magazine, Forbes India, Reader’s Digest, Quartz, World Bank Blogs, Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Muse and many more (NYT, WSJ, etc.). Prior to serving on the faculty at UC Berkeley, Carney was an Assistant Professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Business. She was a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard in the Psychology Department working with esteemed colleagues such as Mahzarin Banaji (implicit bias expert and author of the bestselling book Blindspot) and Wendy Berry Mendes. She received her PhD in Experimental Psychology from Northeastern University (working with the world’s expert on the link between nonverbal communication and power, Judith A. Hall) and her master's degree at California State University (working with the world’s experts on the link between nonverbal communication and each anxiety and social skills, Jinni A. Harrigan and Ronald E. Riggio, respectively). She received her B.A. from the University of San Francisco (working with one-half of the team of Maureen O’Sullivan and Paul Ekman—the world’s leading experts for over 60 years on the nonverbal cues associated with and accurate detection of deception). Professor Carney is currently in the final stages of writing a popular book on nonverbal behavior. Nonverbal communication is, at once, much more complex and much more interesting than the media would have the public believe. https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarosecarney   Produced by The MunnAvenuePress.com  

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 24 – Tosin Joel, Founder, GTBOOL SHOW NOTES: Meet Tosin Joel, a leader of businesses, organizations and cross-functional leadership teams who, using the 7 Rules of Power, creates centers of change for herself and others around her. A Nigerian-born woman who was the first in her city to attend university, Joel has learned how to leverage her differences and become successful in the oil industry and beyond. In this episode, you’ll learn about: How her growing, education, and first jobs impacted her career at Eni How she applies the 7 Rules of Power to overcome challenges Why knowing she wants to be a center of change shapes her decisions How she went from being an outlier to having a seat at the table Ways to differentiate a career to set a precedent Ways of managing pressure The value in leveraging human capitol Turning obstacles into opportunities The birth of her nonprofit company GTBOOL (and what it stands for) Her passion for creating awareness and connecting people The power of networking and keys to her success Mission, purpose, and legacy goals Where her self-confidence, boldness, and willingness to ask come from Her goals around creating opportunities for others Balancing her professional and personal lives Practical relationship advice GUEST BIO: Tosin Joel partners with executive teams, and boards to transform organizations and drive step changes in performance. As a Senior Program Manager at Amazon, she reinvents operational efficiency to maximize value capture, and leads business process optimization for competitive advantages. She was Project Head and Geodata Country representative for the Italian multinational giant Eni. She helped the energy operator to maximize the production efficiency of their assets to boost value and reduce costs. With both consulting and operating experience, she is able to help executives see the potential in their operations. Step by step, she led companies through transformational initiatives that result in a stronger operational and financial profile. Tosin worked with major oil-and-gas independents in Europe, Americas, Sub-Saharan Africa. Joel is the founder of GTBOOL (www.gtbool.com), a networking organization centered on personal growth and sponsorship of high talent professionals in big corporates and mentorship of startups. She has been named amongst 100 most Influential People of African Descent and has served on the board as country director. Tosin is an alum of MIT Sloan and Stanford LEAD, where she built unique networks to create global impact projects. She facilitated Silicon Valley design thinking club entrepreneurs. Post Stanford LEAD, She has climbed several corporate ladders, established a unique brand, and receives numerous invites to speak during international conferences. She has also won many awards, including MIT Sloan Alum Volunteer Award, Best International Humanitarians, International contribution award for Women in tech, Humanity 100, Intellectual contribution awards for leadership and contributions. https://www.linkedin.com/in/tosinjoel   Produced by The MunnAvenuePress.com    

Learn more about Jeffrey Pfeffer and where you can buy or listen to his books: JeffreyPfeffer.com EPISODE 23 – Michael Gruen, Co-Founder & CSO, DominateX SHOW NOTES: Meet the amazing and insightful Michael Gruen, a prodigy and social influencer who has started companies by breaking the rules, not getting in his own way, and only following what he knows to be true. His questioning of the status quo and not taking anything for granted are just two of the traits this free thinker employs to create a compelling level of success for himself and those he advises. In this episode, discover: Michael’s career trajectory and his influence on the internet Why he doesn’t believe anything as it is stated to him How the link between power and money works Reasons to not fear polarizing responses The value in making yourself a scarce asset What patience, persistence, and providing value create The flywheel effect His secret to getting into exclusive rooms The differences between egotists and narcissists in relation to business The surprising statement he told Donald Trump in the Oval Office Advice on how to become powerful What he sees as a harmful problem in society The uniquely powerful style of his emails The number of winners in a good negotiation The principles of generosity, gratitude, loyalty, and appreciation His philosophy on removing judgments and receiving feedback Why knowing your flaws and having no ego are superpowers GUEST BIO: Michael Gruen is a dynamic and accomplished Gen Z entrepreneur, investor, and media personality who has significantly impacted various industries in his young career. His drive, creativity, and innovative vision have made him a rising star in entrepreneurship and investment. Gruen's journey began at a young age. He enrolled in college at 14 and quickly developed a passion for finance and entrepreneurship. He co-founded Frax, the world's first fractional stablecoin and crypto native consumer price index. The Frax Protocol introduced the concept of a cryptocurrency partially backed by collateral. It stabilized algorithmically to create highly scalable, decentralized money in place of fixed-supply digital assets like BTC. As a co-founder, Gruen played a pivotal role in the development and growth of Frax, which quickly became one of the most popular stablecoins in the world with a peak market cap of $2.9B. He was responsible for developing Frax's vision and strategy and overseeing the company's day-to-day operations. In addition to his work with Frax, Gruen has a proven track record of success in various industries, including finance, sports management, and entertainment media production. He co-founded and served on the board of directors for several successful companies, including Sway House, TalentX Entertainment, TalentX Gaming, Ani Energy, CrossCheck Studios, and Animal Capital, a venture capital fund. His work with these companies has helped him develop a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and business. Gruen has also been recognized for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He was the first to secure an overall deal at a major studio for an influencer, Josh Richards, at CrossCheck Studios. He procured a comprehensive agreement for Nickelodeon star Jace Norman at ViacomCBS, working directly with Brian Robbins, now CEO of Paramount. In addition, he has played an integral role in transforming Creator Edge Media into a premier talent management agency for top influencers, helping them build long-term partnerships with some of the world's biggest brands. Leading publications, including Forbes, Business Insider, and Variety, have recognized Gruen's impressive achievements. He was named a member of Forbes' 30 Under 30 class of 2022 and has been featured as one of the top 29 up-and-comers changing the world of venture capital, one of the 24 power players transforming the music industry through TikTok, and one of the 19 talent representatives helping creators turn social-media fame into diversified businesses by Business Insider. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Gruen is committed to positively impacting the world. He has given some of his company's profits to charity. He has also given a lot of his time and money to help with education and to help young people. With his entrepreneurial spirit, innovative vision, and commitment to creating a better world, Michael Gruen is a trailblazer and thought leader in entrepreneurship and investment.   Produced by The MunnAvenuePress.com