#175 Deborah Perry Piscione: The End of Traditional Work Begins — Part One

What happens when a political insider, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, and a bestselling author walk into a podcast? You get Deborah Perry Piscione. She’s gone from shaping policy in Washington, D.C., to writing Employment is Dead , and she’s here to unpack why work as we know it is crumbling. In Part 1 of this two-part series, Deborah takes us on a wild career ride—working in the White House, pivoting to Silicon Valley, and learning that fear and division drive politics, but collaboration fuels innovation. She shares how a single conversation at a Starbucks led to her first venture funding (yes, really), why failing fast is a non-negotiable skill, and how risk-taking has shaped her entrepreneurial journey. Key Highlights of Our Interview: From Capitol Hill to Silicon Valley – “In D.C., I learned how to divide people. In Silicon Valley, I learned how to bring them together.” Deborah reflects on her 18 years in Washington and how moving west flipped her worldview on work, collaboration, and success. The Starbucks Moment – “I was in line at Starbucks when a stranger asked, ‘How can I help you?’ Three weeks later, I was sitting with a top venture capitalist who said, ‘I like you. Figure out something to do. I’ll fund you.’” Deborah’s introduction to Silicon Valley’s pay-it-forward culture changed everything. Entrepreneurial Instincts – “Most of my companies weren’t grand plans—I just saw a problem and built a solution.” From launching a networking platform for women in venture capital to creating a sweat-proof undershirt on a speaking tour, Deborah proves that the best businesses start with simple observations. Work is Changing—Are You? – “We’re moving into a bifurcated workforce—traditional employment will still exist, but the smartest workers are creating their own playbook.” Why the old career paths are fading, and how the next generation is redefining success. _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Deborah Perry Piscione -- Chief Change Officer -- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Deep Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives, Visionary Underdogs, Transformation Gurus & Bold Hearts. 6 Million+ All-Time Downloads. Reaching 80+ Countries Daily. Global Top 3% Podcast. Top 10 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>> 100,000+ subscribers are outgrowing. Act Today.<<< --Chief Change Officer-- Change Ambitiously. Outgrow Yourself. Open a World of Expansive Human Intelligence for Transformation Gurus, Black Sheep, Unsung Visionaries & Bold Hearts. EdTech Leadership Awards 2025 Finalist. 20 Million+ All-Time Downloads. 80+ Countries Reached Daily. Global Top 1% Podcast. Top 5 US Business. Top 1 US Careers. >>>180,000+ are outgrowing. Act Today.<<<