E72: Eoghan McCabe on San Francisco, Tech Leadership, and Optimistic Media

"Upstream" with Erik Torenberg

In this episode of Upstream, Erik Torenberg sits down with Eoghan McCabe who opens up about his journey entering Silicon Valley, leading Intercom, shifting company culture, and becoming politically engaged. This episode offers a frank look at the complexities of building and scaling a tech company, coming back from personal and professional defeat, and what it will take — politically — to empower the next generation of techno-optimist builders.

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FOLLOW ON X:

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TIMESTAMPS:

(00:00) Intro

(00:48) San Francisco's tech scene

(02:11) Moving to San Francisco

(03:32) Challenges and changes in San Francisco

(06:57) Political dynamics and tech's role

(11:43) Sponsors: WorkOS | Brave

(14:08) Intercom's journey and leadership challenges

(20:02) Reinventing Intercom

(22:10) Resetting company culture and values

(24:49) Implementing performance management systems

(28:33) Sponsors: Babbel | Squad

(30:54) Dealing with setbacks and personal growth

(32:49) The importance of therapy and self-care

(35:55) Reflections on failure and growth

(38:58) Eoghan's journey from apolitical to politically engaged

(40:45) Views on capitalism, freedom, and the Western world

(48:11) Navigating political discussions in the tech industry

(50:27) Eoghan’s Vision for more positive tech media

(51:02) Importance of inspiring young builders and innovators

(53:16) Wrap