Linda Yaccarino defends Elon Musk, X, and herself at Code 2023 [FULL INTERVIEW]
The Verge
38 min, 15 sec
Linda Ocarino, CEO of X, addresses various topics including company changes, election integrity, free speech, and advertiser relationships.
Summary
- Linda Ocarino, CEO of X, discusses the company's transformation and commitment to free speech, election integrity, and user experience.
- Despite significant layoffs prior to Ocarino's tenure, she emphasizes the hiring of new leadership and the increased focus on product updates and brand safety.
- Ocarino defends X's approach to election integrity, indicating a robust team is in place and new hires are being made.
- She addresses concerns over advertiser relationships and misinformation, reinforcing the progress made in content moderation and brand safety tools.
- Ocarino reiterates the platform's foundation on free expression and disagrees with characterizations that do not acknowledge the company's progress.
Chapter 1
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Linda Ocarino, CEO of X, begins her interview addressing comments made by Joel Roth and discussing her role in the company.
- Linda is introduced and makes her way to the stage for the interview.
- She is given a chance to respond to comments made by Joel Roth, who left the company shortly after Elon Musk's acquisition.
- Linda explains she joined the company after Roth's departure and emphasizes the different ideologies between the previous and current leadership at X.
- She chuckles when asked about Roth's comments, preparing to address them.

Chapter 2

Linda Ocarino shares her history with the interviewer and her perspective on X's new direction under her leadership.
- Linda and the interviewer, Julia, have known each other for a long time and share a strong relationship.
- Linda emphasizes the company's shift towards free expression and freedom of speech, distancing X from the previous operations of Twitter.
- She addresses her and Joel Roth's differing experiences with the company and their lack of personal acquaintance.
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Chapter 3
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Linda discusses her personal security and the impact of public scrutiny on her and her family.
- Linda feels well-protected and secure in her position, despite public scrutiny and recognition.
- She expresses that public figures often face security concerns but receives support from peers and the community.
- She humorously recounts a bet made with the security team regarding challenges unique to her being an identical twin.
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Chapter 4
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Linda addresses claims about content posting decline and engagement on X, citing progress and new features.
- Linda refutes claims of a decline in content posting and states that there are days with more content than before despite efforts to fight spam and bots.
- She points out X's new advertiser products and brand safety tools, highlighting company progress within her first hundred days.

Chapter 5
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Linda emphasizes the unique pace of innovation at X and compares it to other companies.
- She compares the ambition and change at X to other platforms and companies, claiming there is no analog for the progress being made.
- Linda credits Elon Musk for inspiring innovation and pushing the company towards significant achievements in a short period.

Chapter 6
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Linda elaborates on her role as CEO and the foundational principles of X.
- She explains that Elon Musk brought her to X to deliver the best user experience and to keep up with consumer behavior.
- Linda discusses X's future as a platform that offers a full experience, including video content and transaction capabilities.

Chapter 7

Linda Ocarino shares metrics on daily active users and the company's path to profitability.
- She reveals that X is nearing operating cash flow break-even and anticipates turning a profit in early 2024.
- Linda clarifies that 90 of the top 100 advertisers have returned to the platform, indicating renewed confidence in X.

Chapter 8
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Linda discusses engagement metrics and app usage data, responding to various reports and data points.
- Linda addresses reports of declining app downloads and user engagement, maintaining that key metrics are trending very positively.
- She highlights the initiatives put in place to improve brand safety and content moderation.

Chapter 9

Linda addresses Elon Musk's comments about moving to a subscription-based service for X.
- Linda discusses the possibility of X moving to a subscription-based model, emphasizing the importance of user experience.
- She suggests that Musk brought her into the company for her expertise in delivering consumer-centric services.

Chapter 10
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Linda reflects on her leadership style, her relationship with Elon Musk, and the culture of debate and innovation at X.
- Linda describes her leadership style as candid and partnership-oriented, built upon transparency and hard work.
- She expresses admiration for Musk's availability and support, highlighting the importance of debate for innovation.

Chapter 11

Linda discusses the election integrity team at X and addresses recent layoffs reported in the media.
- She confirms that X has a growing team dedicated to election integrity and combating disinformation.
- Linda comments on the drastic staff reductions prior to her tenure and the company's continued hiring in key areas.

Chapter 12

Linda concludes the interview emphasizing the importance of truth and partnership in her role at X.
- She reiterates the importance of open and honest partnerships and the need for proactive solutions in addressing issues like disinformation.
- Linda concludes by stating that X values all opinions, including those of Elon Musk, as part of its commitment to free speech.

Chapter 13
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Linda addresses the relationship with the ADL and Elon Musk's threat to sue the organization.
- Linda talks about the productive meeting with the ADL and their ongoing conversations about platform progress.
- She clarifies the misrepresentation of the situation with the ADL and emphasizes the company's commitment to partnership and solution-finding.
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Chapter 14
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Linda hints at upcoming announcements related to X's media business development.
- Linda teases that forthcoming announcements will detail the media business being built at X.
- She discusses the company's hiring in content and leadership roles, indicating growth and expansion.

Chapter 15
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Linda ends the interview with final thoughts on the company's commitment to its users and the truth.
- Linda reiterates the company's focus on user experience and the proactive approach to partnerships and solutions.
- She closes the interview by emphasizing the company's dedication to truth and the ability for all voices, including Musk's, to express opinions freely.
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