S3E7: Judging The Experiment Not The Outcome with Dr. Astro Teller

Paint & Pipette: The Art & Science of Innovation

Ever wondered what it takes to revolutionize the world through innovation and moonshot thinking? We are joined today by Dr. Astro Teller, co-founder and captain at X, Alphabet's renowned moonshot factory, where they're on a mission to invent and launch technologies that can change the world for the better. In this enlightening episode, Dr. Teller gives listeners a fascinating peek behind the curtain of the moonshot factory and how they design their environment to foster creative thinking and innovation. Tuning in, you’ll hear Dr. Teller share his expert insights on the power of intellectual honesty, the art of unlearning limiting beliefs, and the essential skill of judging experiments rather than outcomes. We explore the strategies that foster creativity, the delicate balance between audacity and humility, and the value of maintaining a beginner's mindset in the journey of innovation. Dr. Teller also shares his thoughts on how to create internal urgency, his predictions for generative AI, and why he would love to see more companies with a moonshot division, like X. Join us as we embark on a fascinating exploration of the transformative power of innovation with a true visionary, Dr. Astro Teller!
Key Points From This Episode:

• Dr. Teller’s work at X, Alphabet's moonshot factory for developing breakthrough technologies.
• The deep-rooted beliefs that most people need to unlearn after they arrive at X.
• ‘Bad idea’ brainstorming and other exercises to help overcome limiting beliefs and habits.
• Dr. Teller’s strategy for getting people to be honest with him as a CEO.
• Why innovation is not a game for loners.
• How to judge the experiment, not the outcome, and why this is essential.
• A breakdown of how Dr. Teller grades experiments.
• The five principles at X for ensuring intellectual honesty and innovation.
• Insights into the criteria that X institutes for their projects.
• How they approach quarterly reviews for an X project.
• Understanding X’s role at Alphabet and how they monitor their pipeline.
• Dr. Teller’s approach to balancing a “beginner’s mind” with input from experts.
• How he determines whether someone is a good fit for a learning intervention.
• Why having high audacity and high humility is such a powerful combo.
• Using processes to innovate reliably and how it differs from gambling.
• Why being willing to let go of a project at X is crucial.
• Dr. Teller’s answers to our rapid-fire questions!

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Astro Teller

Astro Teller TED Speaker

Astro Teller on X

X, the moonshot factory

Wing

Deviate: The Science of Seeing Differently
Jeremy Utley

Jeremy Utley Email

Jeremy Utley on X

Jeremy Utley on LinkedIn