In today’s episode, we get together with David Jilk, a serial entrepreneur, software engineer, startup advisor, and author. We talk about David’s latest book The Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche: A Book for Disruptors which he co-wrote with his longtime friend and colleague Brad Feld, and how he transitioned into the field of writing.
David talks about his writing process and how it differs when writing poetry versus constructing essays. He explains that rather than writing another business book they wrote a resource to facilitate the contemplation of situations, especially since entrepreneurs are notoriously people of action.
“It’s a lot like the Buddhist notion of beginner mind, where you have to be almost playful to think about how the world could be different and come up with a vision for changing the world and disrupting it in a way that will actually work and catch on.” — @djilk [0:13:14]
Later we talk about David’s background in entrepreneurship and technology, and hear his thoughts on the current use of AI and how he expects it to unfold in the future. We discuss David’s interest in neuromorphic computing and delve into his views on AI safety, from racial bias in automation to the likelihood of computers riding out Moore’s law and becoming superior to humans.
Tuning in, listeners will also hear valuable advice born from many years of experience on how to do due diligence in acquiring technology companies. We also discuss the factors one should consider when looking for an investor, and David shares why he believes that the best investor for an entrepreneur to partner up with is one who doesn’t panic easily and will remain supportive during challenging periods.
This episode is supercharged with knowledge and an interesting approach to entrepreneurship and how to identify the ideal investors for your business or project.
KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Introducing David Jilk and his book The Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche: A Book for Disruptors.
How David transitioned from computer science and coding entrepreneurship into writing.
David talks about his writing process and how it varies depending on the genre or form.
David recounts some of his experiences working with Brad Feld.
The relationship between Frederich Nietzsche, a philosopher from the 1800s, and cutting-edge technology.
Why David and Brad’s book is not necessarily a playbook, rather a tool to help the entrepreneur stop and think about problems and scenarios.
David shares an anecdote about the etymology of the terms ‘passion’ and ‘obsession’, how their meanings differ, and how it applies to entrepreneurship today.
How David and Brad’s personalities were complementary in the writing process.
David delves into neuromorphic computing and his views on AI safety.
David recounts starting one of the world’s first deep learning companies, eCortex, with Randy Riley.
David breaks down the different safety threats of AI, from racial bias in automation to the likelihood of computers riding out Moore’s law and becoming superior to humans.
David explains why AI would need human-style cognition to be a threat to humanity.
Why David predicts that neuromorphic AI is the most likely to reach high levels of cognition first.
David’s advice for entrepreneurs on AI use and how to include it in pitches in a credible manner.
How to position AI and data analytics to create value now and in the future.
Which traits entrepreneurs should look out for when partnering with an investor.
How to do due diligence as an acquirer in the computer science industries and understanding technology debt.
Why David believes Agile has been taken too far.
Sign up for our FREE 5-part master class Investor Marketing 2.0
The Entrepreneur’s Weekly Nietzsche: A Book for Disruptors The Startup Playbook: Secrets of the Fastest-Growing Startups from Their Founding Entrepreneurs Feld Thoughts eCortex Human All Too Human Living With Music Journal of a Plague Year The Great Reset Jilk David Jilk Amazon Author Page David Jilk on LinkedIn