How Scott Gallaway Supports Young Talent with his Podcast
The Prof G Show is a podcast and YouTube show where Scott Gallaway, the popular NYU professor, investor, entrepreneur, shares his takes on various stories and trends in tech and business.
What stands out to me is the effective way in which he leverages and supports young talented people as co-hosts, researchers and technical staff. His setup strikes me as a particularly great template that other established experts should consider to implement.
The Co-Host of the Prof G Markets show is Ed Elson, who's official job title is analyst at Prof G media. It feels like Ed's responsibilities go far beyond being an analyst. He prepares the show topics, conducts research, and guides the show's flow as co-host. It allows for Scott to just appear in the call and start the conversation. Scott can focus on what he does best: engaging in professional conversations and sharing his expertise. Their conversation often include fun banter, with Scott in dry humor making jokes at Ed’s expense. Still, to me it comes through that Scott is in a mentorship role, nurturing Ed's talents. Over time I find that Ed brings in more and more expertise and interesting viewpoints.
The result is a clear win-win. Scott remains the expert in the room, seen in contrast to his far less experienced co-host. He has in Ed someone that does the grunt work and digital production. In addition, Ed's emerging perspective provides a rich, varied dialogue that enhances the show's quality. As a non-expert listener, I often identify with Ed, which improves the listening experience for me.
Still, the whole setup must be an exceptional opportunity for Ed. Being visible in front of so many industry experts, with the help and guidance of Scott, learning and growing in the process. I'm sure Ed is hugely motivated and incentivized to giving it his best. Usually an apprentices is hidden behind the scenes but here Ed is front and center and I personally only see it benefiting Scott, Ed, and the audience in general.