NEW 🚨 The Tech Leader Who Is Shrinking Government, Exposing Billions in Waste & Bringing Back Merit @JTLonsdale sits down with a16z Managing Partner-turned-OPM Director @skupor at @uaustinorg - Why leave tech to be attacked in DC? - How did he reduce the size of government for the first time in generations? - How is he bringing merit back to the civil service? - What is he doing to incentivize our best minds to serve in government? - Who should join the U.S. Tech Force? Episode 165 out now! (00:00) Episode intro (01:40) a16z's first employee; why leave tech to be attacked in DC? (06:27) Biggest federal workforce reduction in modern history (08:45) How the left killed merit-based hiring (14:40) How Scott is bringing merit back to DC (15:50) Lessons from DOGE (18:20) Hidden costs of outdated systems; Billions for contractors (23:40) Building a US Tech Force and hiring for skills (26:20) Eliminating degree requirement to get the best talent (27:16) Why should a young talented person serve in government? (30:28) Optimism for DC; rejecting the blackpill