a16z Podcast: Collectively Driving Change

Key takeaways

Laurene Powell Jobs founded Emerson Collective to tackle systemic social issues through a holistic, interconnected approach.
Education is a key area where Laurene aims to make an impact, exemplified by her founding of College Track, which supports first-generation college students.
The XQ Project seeks to innovate and redesign high school education to better prepare students for the future.
Success is measured through data-driven outcomes and personal stories that reflect the impact of social initiatives.
Laurene advocates for taking immediate action on pressing social issues, underscoring the urgency of the current moment.

Summary

Introduction to Laurene Powell Jobs and Emerson Collective

In this episode of the a16z podcast, Ben Horowitz interviews Laurene Powell Jobs, founder and president of the Emerson Collective, a social impact firm she established to drive change through investments in education, immigration, and environmental issues. Laurene shares insights from her upbringing in rural New Jersey, discussing how her childhood experiences shaped her values and work ethic. The conversation explores the founding of the Emerson Collective and its guiding principles in addressing social issues.

Childhood and Early Influences

Laurene reflects on her upbringing in West Milford, New Jersey, highlighting the blend of a rugged natural environment and a close-knit family life with three brothers. She describes how these formative experiences instilled core values such as hard work, dedication, and a deep passion for education and knowledge. Notably, Laurene notes her early philanthropic efforts, such as donating to the Southern Poverty Law Center—a pivotal moment that introduced her to social justice advocacy.

The Birth of College Track

The discussion transitions to Laurene’s initiative, College Track, which provides comprehensive support to underprivileged students navigating the education system. Laurene recounts her experience volunteering as a college counselor, revealing the disconnection between students' academic preparedness and college readiness. Motivated by observed inequities, she founded College Track to equip first-generation college students with the necessary tools and resources for success in higher education.

Emerson Collective’s Holistic Approach

Laurene elaborates on the Emerson Collective's multifaceted mission, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various social issues—education, immigration reform, and environmental justice. She explains how the organization utilizes a 'collective' approach to tackle these complex systems, highlighting that alleviating one problem often involves addressing many others. Laurene’s goal is to develop solutions that are not just temporary fixes but lasting changes to the challenges facing marginalized communities.

Innovation in Education: XQ Project

The podcast dives into Emerson Collective's involvement in educational reform via the XQ Project, an initiative aimed at redesigning high schools across America. Laurene discusses how the XQ Project encourages local communities to develop personalized education models that respond to student needs. By involving students, parents, and educational advocates in the redesign process, Laurene hopes to foster an educational system that is equitable and future-proof.

Measuring Success and Impact

In concluding thoughts, Laurene shares insights on measuring the success of their initiatives. She emphasizes the importance of both quantitative data and qualitative stories from individuals impacted by their programs. This dual approach allows Emerson Collective to assess progress while remaining connected to the real-life implications of their work. Laurene calls for urgency and commitment to drive change, urging others to take action within their communities.

Show notes

with Laurene Powell Jobs (@LaurenePowell) and Ben Horowitz (@bhorowitz)

Laurene Powell Jobs is, among many other things, founder and President of the Emerson Collective -- the social impact firm she founded to drive change and reform through philanthropy, investing, and policy solutions. In this episode of the a16z Podcast, Ben Horowitz interviews Powell Jobs on everything from what made her who she was, growing up in the working class rural hills of New Jersey, to how the Emerson Collective does what it does (and why it's a collective, for that matter). What motivates the investments the Emerson Collective makes—and what do they all share in common, across such a broad range of areas, from education to immigration to media?

This conversation originally took place at our annual innovation a16z Summit in November 2018 — which features a16z speakers and invited experts from various organizations discussing innovation at companies small and large.

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