#383 Deborah Perry Piscione: From Power Plays to Pay-It-Forward—How Work Got Rewritten — Part One

What happens when a political insider, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and a bestselling author walk into a podcast? You get Deborah Perry Piscione.

In Part One of this two-part series, Deborah shares her wild career ride—from shaping policy in Washington to pioneering bottoms-up innovation in tech. She breaks down why fear is a tool in politics, but collaboration fuels real change—and how a chance encounter in a coffee shop led to her first startup and a new lens on what work could be.

From co-founding six ventures to co-authoring Employment is Dead, Deborah’s story is a masterclass in trusting your instincts, failing fast, and knowing when to break the rules. Part Two will dive deeper into AI, upskilling, and why Gen Z might be the smartest workforce we’ve ever had.

Key Highlights of Our Interview:

From Capitol Hill to Palo Alto

“In D.C., I learned how to divide people. In Silicon Valley, I learned how to bring them together.”

The Starbucks That Changed Everything

“A stranger asked, ‘How can I help you?’ Three weeks later, I had venture capital.”

Six Companies, Six Books, No Master Plan

“I didn’t have a big strategy—just instincts, observation, and the nerve to try.”

Innovation Isn’t Top-Down Anymore

“The best ideas often come from the people with the smallest paychecks.”

Risk Is the Real Skill

“You can throw ten ideas at the wall. One might stick. The rest will teach you.”

Founders Dilemma: Know When to Let Go

“Sometimes it’s not about the perfect number—it’s about moving the mission forward.”

Why She Launched Work3 Institute

“People spend most of their waking hours at work. So why do so many feel terrible doing it?”

Old Model, New World

“I never understood why finishing work early meant I had to sit until 6 p.m. Taylorism still haunts us.”

Empowering Workers, Not Just Employers

“We’re not just talking to companies—we’re telling workers: you have choices now.”

Gen Z Knows More Than the Bosses

“For the first time, a generation entering the workforce understands the future of work better than the people in charge.”

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Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Deborah Perry Piscione

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