Conversations about mobility, live from Aspen
Monday’s Marketplace was broadcast live from the Belly Up in Aspen, Colorado, and the Aspen Ideas Festival. We took a break from the usual Marketplace format for a series of conversations all around one theme: mobility and the economy.
Economic mobility (or lack thereof) in Greece (starts at 01:10)
First things first: we had to talk about Greece. The European Central Bank froze funding to Greek banks. As the latest deadline for the country looms over its creditors and citizens, tensions are understandably high.
Some business owners, like gourmet sandwich shop owner Nick Voglis, have voiced their concerns.
“They implemented capital control here in Athens, and people started getting a little worried,” Voglis told our reporter. “They have panicked a little bit.”
To help better understand the current situation, Kai Ryssdal spoke to David Leonhardt, managing editor for The Upshot from The New York Times.
Mobility in education (starts at 6:15)
Next up, Knewton CEO Jose Ferreira and Veniam CEO Robin Chase, who chatted with us about the intersection of technology and education. The ever growing number of technology platforms makes it easier for people to use data. As a consequence, this makes it easier for students all over the world to expand their opportunities.
The bottom line when it comes to education and technology: “Get on board, or get left behind.”
Mobile content (starts at 14:55)
Netflix has revolutionized the way television content is distributed and consumed. Ted Sarandos, the company’s chief content officer, says that he doesn’t care how people watch the content of the service, even if it means watching “Lawrence of Arabia” on an iPhone.
“We just want you to have the best experience possible,” Sarandos says. “For some, that experience is defined by convenience and watching a movie on your iPad. Or it’s defined by wanting to see it on your big TV in 4K.”
Brand mobility (starts at 20:12)
Among the leaders and thinkers at the Aspen Ideas Festival were some unexpected guests. Entrepreneur and two-time world champion skier Chris Davenport talked with us about what it takes to change your brand when you’re an athlete.
First things first, why does anyone choose to hike up dangerous mountains and ski down them? Chris says, “because it’s there.”
As of now, Chris is an athlete. But someday he’ll have to make the transition away from that. Of course, whether it’s a physical risk or a reputation-based risk, being brand mobile can be tricky. Chris says one of the keys to keeping himself on the right track is that he “can’t be afraid to fail.”
He says, “I’m out there putting one foot in front of the other … always have to be willing and able to turn around and find another way.… In my business, there has to be another day, I can’t afford to risk it all.”
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