In this episode, I speak with YouTube CEO Neal Mohan about what defines the platform today and where it’s headed. We discuss why audiences now trust podcasters over traditional news, and what the next decade of content consumption might look like.

For me, this wasn’t just a chat. It was a chance to question the shifting boundaries between passion, talent, identity, and influence. We also dug into how algorithms shape what people see. If you’ve ever wondered what drives YouTube behind the screen, this conversation peels back the curtain.

#NikhilKamath - Investor & EntrepreneurTwitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio

LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/

#NealMohan - CEO, YouTubeTwitter: https://x.com/nealmohanLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-mohan/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/neal_mohanFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NealMohanCEO/

00:00 - Intro

01:25 - Defining WAVES’ vision for the creative industry

3:10 - Creators & politics: More linked than ever?

04:50 - Did YouTube shape the US election?

08:49 - Are podcasts replacing traditional news?

13:12 - Defining YouTube

17:21 - The future of content consumption

22:50 - YouTube movie releases: Fighting piracy

24:53 - Influencer vs Entrepreneur

28:19 - Tips to crack YouTube’s algorithm

31:15 - Neal on passion: Input vs output

36:54 - Growing up between cross-cultural content

41:16 - Navigating identity & Indian market

46:33 - Where should investors bet?

50:54 - Building YouTube’s competitor

53:54 - Who owns the most data?

57:16 - Attention spans: Shrinking or growing?

59:05 - Learning: YouTube’s core use case

1:04:37 - Final thoughts: The rise of India’s creator economy

I’ve always been curious to know why people are the way they are. After reading Bill’s memoir, Source Code, it felt more like peeling back layers than simply asking questions. Part 2 of our chat, I got to know him in a way I haven’t before.

In this episode of People by WTF, Bill talks about the drive and curiosity that keeps him active, playing ‘Crennis’ with Sachin Tendulkar, his childhood, how AI can reshape capitalism, and many more.

Is success in today’s capitalistic world bred by some form of adversity in childhood? Ten years from now, will a huge population be a boon or a bane from this capitalistic lens?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

01:12 - Bill’s frequent visits to India

02:22 - Bill’s memoir Source Code, childhood and family dynamics

07:51 - Success in today’s capitalistic world

09:28 - What's the secret to Bill’s focus?

11:58 - Is vulnerability the new heroic trait?

14:50 - How tough is Bill on himself?

17:33 - Huge population: burden or advantage with AI?

20:55 - What would we do if we didn't have to work?

24:35 - Insights from being the world’s richest

29:05 - Money: Motivation to make it v/s be Altruistic?

34:25 - How Bill relates to the youth

39:15 - Nikhil's attempt to pitch for a job in the A.I world (he's serious)

#NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha and Gruhas Host of 'WTF is' & 'People By WTF' Podcast

Twitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/

#BillGates Co-founder of Microsoft , Co-chair The Gates Foundation

Twitter : https://twitter.com/BillGates

Linkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamhgates/

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Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/BillGates/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@billgates

#PeopleByWTF #WTFiswithnikhilkamath #WTFOnline

A conversation that veers from unexpected childhood confessions to what still drives him after decades at the top. Stay tuned for Part 2 of my conversation with Bill Gates.#NikhilKamath Co-founder of Zerodha and Gruhas Host of 'WTF is' & 'People By WTF' Podcast Twitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_appFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/#BillGates Co-founder of Microsoft , Co-chair The Gates FoundationTwitter : https://twitter.com/BillGatesLinkedin : https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamhgates/Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/thisisbillgates/Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/BillGates/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@billgatesWatch 'WTF is' Podcast on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/4nsm4eznWatch 'People by WTF' Podcast on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/yme92c59Watch 'WTF Online' on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/4tjua4th #PeopleByWTF #WTFiswithnikhilkamath #WTFOnline