This episode features Sam Stephenson, co-founder of ⁠Granola⁠ - one of the standout UK success stories in AI product building.

Sam and I discussed his background as a designer, his journey to becoming a founder, the trajectory of the company so far, and shares his thoughts on designing for human agency and the future of work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Granola and Its Purpose

02:33 Sam's Background and Design Journey

05:19 Influences from Communal Living

09:36 The Origin of Granola and Co-founder Dynamics

12:01 The Messy Process of Finding the Right Project

16:12 Simplicity in Product Design

19:11 Growth Trajectory and User Experience

21:45 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals

24:12 Navigating AI Development Challenges

26:50 Balancing Innovation and Practicality in AI

29:16 The Pressure of Rapid Growth in AI Startups

32:43 The Future of Work with AI Assistance

36:51 Reducing Coordination Complexity in Organizations

38:28 The Human Element in AI Interactions

41:01 Agency and Control in the Age of AI

43:31 Envisioning a High-Leverage Future with AI