Future Optimist Ross Palmer

Mark Atkeson is the author of 'Risky Business in Rising China', a book chronicalling three decades of business, tech, and politics in China.
TikTok, ByteDance... China seems to be always in the news. Sometimes for good, sometimes for... less than good? Either way, I wanted to explore the real truth of China's rise and its role in shaping the world of today and tomorrow.
In this episode, Mark shares his unique experiences and observations from his extensive career, highlighting the significant lift of 800 million people out of poverty, the rise of China's private sector, and the critical economic ties between the U.S. and China. This episode covers a range of compelling topics including the transformation of China's automotive industry, the cultural work ethics of Silicon Valley and China, the great firewall, and the future of U.S.-China relations. 
➡️ https://www.markatkeson.com
➡️ Work with my digital agency, Aloa.
➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer

David Wakerley is the co-founder and CTO of Dioxycle—a truly mind-blowing tech company that turns factory emissions back into usable plastic.
Dioxycle has raised over $17 million in funding to date, and focuses on repurposing carbon emissions into ethylene, an essential chemical in many products. David teaches me the environmental challenges associated with ethylene production, the carbon-intensive processes currently used, and about Dioxycle's groundbreaking electrolyzer technology. Their goal is to create sustainable solutions that could prevent 800 million tons of emissions and recycle 600 megatons of CO2 per year by 2050. Join David as he explores the potential to revolutionize the industry and make a positive impact on the planet.
➡️ https://dioxycle.com
➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer
 

David Brown is the CEO of CounterCraft, deception-powered cybersecurity solutions that go beyond detection and response. 
In this talk, David tells me about the challenges and opportunities within the cybersecurity landscape. Although he's optimistic about humanity's capacity to overcome adversity, David also expresses concerns about the potential for global conflict and the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.
Whether we realize it or not, David Brown's work is at the heart of one of the most important and underdiscussed issues of our time.
➡️ https://www.countercraftsec.com
➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer
➡️ Watch this Episode on YouTube: @therosspalmer

Chris Tolles is the CEO of Yardstick, an eco-tech company focused on measuring soil carbon that just raised $12MM in Series A funding.
In this episode, we talk about climate challenges, and the potential of addressing climate change through improved agricultural practices. Exploring a niche within a niche, Yardstick aims to create a market by offering a method to measure soil carbon cheaply and effectively, thereby enabling better carbon dioxide removal techniques. 
My talk with Chris Tolles covers the importance of accurate measurement in soil health, the financial and environmental incentives for sustainable agriculture, and how Yardstick navigates the complexities of market creation and the voluntary carbon market. Featuring customer success stories and insights into the startup’s journey, this script unfolds the intersection of climate science, agriculture, and entrepreneurship towards a more sustainable future.
➡️ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mvVrjyMCsx0
➡️ https://www.useyardstick.com
 
 

Nik Ershov is  the CEO of Waverox, makers of brain-monitoring headphones and headbands that help you de-stress and be more productive.
Nik Ershov shares his journey from experiencing severe burnout in the advertising and marketing industry to founding a startup focused on combating stress and increasing productivity through a mind-tracking device and wellness app.
He explains how his personal battle with burnout, depression, and anxiety led him to explore neuroscience and develop a technology that utilizes EEG to monitor and improve mental states. We talk about the Waverox device, including tracking brain activity, emotional states, and offering personalized training sessions to enhance stress resilience and productivity.
Ourconversation touches on broader topics such as the impact of AI on jobs, the importance of self-care, and philosophical questions about work/life balance.
➡️ https://waverox.com
➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer
➡️ Subscribe on YouTube: @therosspalmer

Dr. Gordon Chiu has 41 patents and recently won Harvard Business School's "Tough Tech" Prize in 2023. He is a graphene pioneer, investor, AI entrepreneur and deep tech expert.
In this episode, we discuss various topics including a utopian/dystopian future, the importance of authenticity, the future of technology, and the healing power of music.
Join me for a deep philosophical conversation with a man who has raised many millions of dollars in his life for a staggering number of influential projects, including work on the combination of graphene and AI and the possibilities it presents.
➡️ https://phenegra.com
➡️ Follow me on Instagram: @therosspalmer
➡️ Subscribe on YouTube: @therosspalmer