World Eaters and the Real Cost of Venture Capital with Catherine Bracy
Explicit content warning
04/24/25 • 63 min
What happens when a movement built on innovation starts to eat itself? In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Bracy—CEO of TechEquity Collaborative and author of World Eaters—for a bold, unflinching conversation on the state of tech, venture capital, AI, and what it really means to build an equitable future.
We get into:
- How blitzscaling became a blueprint for burnout
- Why “disruption” often means sidelining equity
- What it takes to re-center people in an industry built for profit
We also dig into the pressures of chasing VC money, the cost of tech’s villain era, and how automation is reshaping labor—often without worker protection in mind. Catherine brings the receipts and the vision. If you care about inclusion, the future of work, or just want a little more honesty in your tech podcasts, this one’s for you.
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Felicia and Rachel Intro
Workplace inclusion meets AI and ethics. Reflecting on 10 years of Inclusion Geeks—and why this convo couldn’t come at a better time.
12:25 – Progress or Plateau? A Decade of Tech Equity
Catherine reflects on founding TechEquity Collaborative and whether the industry’s progress has lived up to the promise.
18:38 – Disruption: Buzzword or Barrier?
We question who really benefits from “disruption” and how venture-backed growth often sidelines human-centered practices.
29:52 – VC or Bust? Rethinking Startup Success
Why the pressure to raise VC has become toxic—and what alternative paths to success can look like.
36:18 – Blitzscaling and the Cost of Speed
The culture of growth-at-all-costs, the real meaning behind “blitzscaling,” and how it erodes sustainability and dignity.
41:14 – Silicon Valley’s Villain Era
We unpack tech’s political shift, culture wars, and the industry’s growing identity crisis.
50:28 – Automation and the New Labor Divide
How AI is reshaping the workforce—and what it means for those with (and without) agency over technology.
58:33 – What We Build Next
Imagining a tech future grounded in equity, creativity, and human dignity. Catherine shares what gives her hope.
Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.
What happens when a movement built on innovation starts to eat itself? In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Bracy—CEO of TechEquity Collaborative and author of World Eaters—for a bold, unflinching conversation on the state of tech, venture capital, AI, and what it really means to build an equitable future.
We get into:
- How blitzscaling became a blueprint for burnout
- Why “disruption” often means sidelining equity
- What it takes to re-center people in an industry built for profit
We also dig into the pressures of chasing VC money, the cost of tech’s villain era, and how automation is reshaping labor—often without worker protection in mind. Catherine brings the receipts and the vision. If you care about inclusion, the future of work, or just want a little more honesty in your tech podcasts, this one’s for you.
Episode Chapters
00:00 – Felicia and Rachel Intro
Workplace inclusion meets AI and ethics. Reflecting on 10 years of Inclusion Geeks—and why this convo couldn’t come at a better time.
12:25 – Progress or Plateau? A Decade of Tech Equity
Catherine reflects on founding TechEquity Collaborative and whether the industry’s progress has lived up to the promise.
18:38 – Disruption: Buzzword or Barrier?
We question who really benefits from “disruption” and how venture-backed growth often sidelines human-centered practices.
29:52 – VC or Bust? Rethinking Startup Success
Why the pressure to raise VC has become toxic—and what alternative paths to success can look like.
36:18 – Blitzscaling and the Cost of Speed
The culture of growth-at-all-costs, the real meaning behind “blitzscaling,” and how it erodes sustainability and dignity.
41:14 – Silicon Valley’s Villain Era
We unpack tech’s political shift, culture wars, and the industry’s growing identity crisis.
50:28 – Automation and the New Labor Divide
How AI is reshaping the workforce—and what it means for those with (and without) agency over technology.
58:33 – What We Build Next
Imagining a tech future grounded in equity, creativity, and human dignity. Catherine shares what gives her hope.
Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.
Previous Episode
The Art of Humaning Well with Amber Cabral
Amber Cabral, a celebrated leadership strategist and author, joins us to share her insights on the art of "humaning well" in both the workplace and in life. Amber guides us on how to maintain the delicate balance between supporting others and ensuring our own well-being. She challenges the traditional nine-to-five grind, advocating for alternative ways of working that align better with personal productivity and mental health. Her personal journey through grief after the loss of her father provides profound lessons on self-care and living authentically, encouraging us to embrace our emotions and grow in the areas where we feel most vulnerable.
Our exploration with Amber extends into the intricate world of equity work, highlighting the emotional labor it demands and the pitfalls of guilt and performative allyship. By introducing the concept of "humaning," Amber emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our own needs and relationships before extending support to others. Put your oxygen mask on first! We critically examine performative actions and the necessity for genuine engagement, advocating for authenticity and self-care in sustaining meaningful equity work. Amber's perspective urges us to redefine health, wealth, relationships, and growth as the core pillars of resilience and authentic living.
Our discussion also navigates the complex interplay of privilege, responsibility, and emotional processing. From personal anecdotes about navigating privilege during a crisis to understanding diverse emotional responses in grief, we dive into the challenges of maintaining a full "cup" to effectively handle life's unexpected turns. We stress the importance of setting boundaries amidst the pressures of modern life, particularly in the digital age where constant information can be overwhelming. Join us for this enriching conversation filled with warmth, wisdom, and practical strategies for living and working with authenticity and resilience.
LINKS
EPISODE CHAPTERS
(0:00:07) - Felicia and Rachel Chat
(0:13:34) - Welcome, Amber!
(0:24:08) - Embracing Humaning for Equity
(0:31:56) - The Labor of Equity Work
(0:37:17) - Navigating Privilege and Responsibility
(0:41:25) - The Four Pillars of Humaning
(0:47:28) - Exploring Emotional Processing and Grief
(1:00:28) - Navigating Boundaries and Self-Care
Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.
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