Scott Galloway on Crypto Ads, Hollywood’s Decline, & Making Friends | Office Hours

Episode Overview

• An inside look at how Prof G Media vets its sponsorships and which industries they avoid partnering with.
• Advice for navigating a significant career pivot, particularly for those in industries facing structural decline like Hollywood production.
• Practical strategies for making meaningful, non-transactional friendships as an adult in a large city.

Key Concepts

• Prof G Media vets sponsorships by avoiding categories they believe are harmful or speculative, specifically cryptocurrency and gambling ads. They focus on credible, established brands and have a more rigorous process for financial services companies they are not familiar with.
• The content production industry, especially for big-screen formats like movies, is in structural decline. The high cost of production in cities like Los Angeles is causing jobs to move elsewhere, and content budgets are shifting towards smaller screens (mobile).
• To make friends as an adult, it's crucial to be proactive and intentional. This involves getting out of the house, joining groups based on interests (e.g., sports leagues, volunteer groups), being open to meeting new people, and not being afraid to express a desire to connect further.

Quotes

• At 01:23 - "99% of the tokens are shitcoins and just speculation with no underlying cash flow or scarcity value." - Explaining why Prof G Media does not accept cryptocurrency sponsorships, viewing them as preying on young men.
• At 07:25 - "If you're in the business of trying to make content on a big screen... you're fucked." - Providing a stark assessment of the future of the traditional film industry due to shifting economics and production moving to smaller screens.
• At 15:51 - "Give it a second coffee and you'll never know how it might develop." - Advising that new friendships may not have immediate sparks and require giving people a chance to see if a connection can grow over time.

Takeaways

• To maintain credibility as a creator or brand, be selective with sponsorships and align with partners whose values and products you genuinely support. Avoid promoting industries that could harm your audience's trust.
• When facing a career pivot due to industry shifts, identify your core transferable skills and explore how they can be applied in adjacent or growing fields. Don't be afraid to leave a declining industry, even if it's one you love.
• Making friends as an adult requires being proactive. Step outside your comfort zone, join activities you enjoy, and take the initiative to follow up with people you connect with to build a relationship beyond a single meeting.