World Eaters and the Real Cost of Venture Capital with Catherine Bracy

What happens when a movement built on innovation starts to eat itself? In this episode, we’re joined by Catherine Bracy—CEO of TechEquity Collaborative and author of World Eaters—for a bold, unflinching conversation on the state of tech, venture capital, AI, and what it really means to build an equitable future. We get into:How blitzscaling became a blueprint for burnoutWhy “disruption” often means sidelining equityWhat it takes to re-center people in an industry built for profit We also dig into the pressures of chasing VC money, the cost of tech’s villain era, and how automation is reshaping labor—often without worker protection in mind. Catherine brings the receipts and the vision. If you care about inclusion, the future of work, or just want a little more honesty in your tech podcasts, this one’s for you. Episode Chapters 00:00 – Felicia and Rachel Intro Workplace inclusion meets AI and ethics. Reflecting on 10 years of Inclusion Geeks—and why this convo couldn’t come at a better time. 12:25 – Progress or Plateau? A Decade of Tech Equity Catherine reflects on founding TechEquity Collaborative and whether the industry’s progress has lived up to the promise. 18:38 – Disruption: Buzzword or Barrier? We question who really benefits from “disruption” and how venture-backed growth often sidelines human-centered practices. 29:52 – VC or Bust? Rethinking Startup Success Why the pressure to raise VC has become toxic—and what alternative paths to success can look like. 36:18 – Blitzscaling and the Cost of Speed The culture of growth-at-all-costs, the real meaning behind “blitzscaling,” and how it erodes sustainability and dignity. 41:14 – Silicon Valley’s Villain Era We unpack tech’s political shift, culture wars, and the industry’s growing identity crisis. 50:28 – Automation and the New Labor Divide How AI is reshaping the workforce—and what it means for those with (and without) agency over technology. 58:33 – What We Build Next Imagining a tech future grounded in equity, creativity, and human dignity. Catherine shares what gives her hope. Visit us at InclusionGeeks.com to stay up to date on all the ways you can make the workplace work for everyone! Check out Inclusion Geeks Academy and InclusionGeeks.com/podcast for the code to get a free mini course.