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Recode Decode: Steve Hilton, CEO, Crowdpac

Decoder with Nilay Patel · with Steve Hilton · April 19, 2017 · 65 min

Summary

This episode focuses on Crowdpac, a platform revolutionizing political engagement by simplifying the process for individuals to run for office and fund campaigns. It delves into how technology can democratize politics by reducing reliance on traditional, opaque funding, thereby fostering a more diverse political landscape. Learn how to leverage digital platforms to streamline fundraising and engagement, critically important for any direct-to-consumer brand navigating community building.

Key takeaways

Topics covered

political technologycampaign finance reformdemocratizing politicsdigital fundraisingcitizen engagementdisrupting traditional systems

Episode description

Crowdpac CEO Steve Hilton talks with Recode’s Kara Swisher about how his website is making it easier for anyone to explore running for office and to collect donations for political causes and campaigns. Hilton, a former advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, says the need to raise money “underpins a huge proportion of what’s wrong with politics,” and wants more diverse voices in the fray. A supporter of both Brexit and candidate Trump, he says the U.S. president needs to stop listening to Republicans in Congress and focus on “positive populism” — meaning solutions to the anxiety over jobs and the economic growth that helped Trump beat Hillary Clinton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Frequently asked about this episode

What's takeaway #1 from this episode?
Crowdpac enables aspiring politicians to explore running for office and collect donations, showcasing a model for simplifying complex processes through technology.
What's takeaway #2 from this episode?
The episode highlights how traditional fundraising methods can hinder diverse participation, a concept applicable to any business seeking to broaden its customer or stakeholder base by removing friction.
What's takeaway #3 from this episode?
Steve Hilton's "positive populism" concept emphasizes addressing core anxieties like job security and economic growth, which translates to businesses focusing on real-world customer problems for genuine engagement.
What's takeaway #4 from this episode?
The discussion on disrupting established political funding channels offers a parallel for DTC brands looking to innovate business models and challenge industry norms.

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