1 00:00:10,198 --> 00:00:13,957 Please join me in welcoming our new chair of the Board of 2 00:00:13,957 --> 00:00:17,728 Trustees, Dr. Elizabeth Wako, President and CEO of 3 00:00:17,728 --> 00:00:19,859 Swedish Health Services. 4 00:00:19,859 --> 00:00:25,620 [audience applauding] 5 00:00:29,600 --> 00:00:34,640 - All right, I didn't know I was gonna get a walk-up song 6 00:00:34,640 --> 00:00:38,240 and I kinda love that I had a walk-up song. 7 00:00:38,240 --> 00:00:41,118 Okay, Teresa, thank you, thank you, thank you. 8 00:00:41,118 --> 00:00:44,399 I know that I have incredibly big shoes to fill. 9 00:00:44,399 --> 00:00:47,380 You have been amazing for us in the chamber, 10 00:00:47,380 --> 00:00:50,079 certainly amazing for me. 11 00:00:50,079 --> 00:00:52,420 Thank you for all of the collaboration 12 00:00:52,420 --> 00:00:54,298 that you have inspired, the partnership that 13 00:00:54,298 --> 00:00:55,060 you have inspired. 14 00:00:55,060 --> 00:00:58,298 You have made the chamber a better place with your presence. 15 00:00:58,298 --> 00:00:59,020 So thank you. 16 00:00:59,020 --> 00:01:00,240 We so appreciate you. 17 00:01:00,240 --> 00:01:02,960 I know the flowers are probably not enough 18 00:01:02,960 --> 00:01:05,340 to celebrate all you've done, but it is all we have. 19 00:01:05,340 --> 00:01:06,358 So thank you. 20 00:01:06,358 --> 00:01:07,400 - Thank you. 21 00:01:07,400 --> 00:01:08,879 [audience applauding] 22 00:01:13,459 --> 00:01:14,938 - I get a gavel. 23 00:01:17,180 --> 00:01:19,159 I don't think I've ever used a gavel before. 24 00:01:19,159 --> 00:01:21,299 All right, so thank you. 25 00:01:21,299 --> 00:01:24,938 I'm so excited to be standing up here as the chair. 26 00:01:24,938 --> 00:01:26,480 Who would have ever thought? 27 00:01:26,480 --> 00:01:28,120 Certainly not me. 28 00:01:28,120 --> 00:01:33,000 Many people have asked me why and maybe even how 29 00:01:33,000 --> 00:01:39,000 because I'm in healthcare and being the CEO of Swedish 30 00:01:40,040 --> 00:01:41,959 is a fair amount of work, especially because healthcare 31 00:01:41,959 --> 00:01:43,680 is incredibly challenging right now. 32 00:01:43,680 --> 00:01:46,980 We all know that 2027 is gonna be a difficult year. 33 00:01:46,980 --> 00:01:48,578 We're building a new tower. 34 00:01:48,578 --> 00:01:51,840 So with all of this going on in my day job, 35 00:01:51,840 --> 00:01:54,858 why take on a second job? 36 00:01:54,858 --> 00:01:56,840 Well, I can tell you why. 37 00:01:56,840 --> 00:02:01,400 Why? because I love this city. 38 00:02:01,400 --> 00:02:04,078 I love this city. 39 00:02:04,078 --> 00:02:06,400 [audience applauding] 40 00:02:08,919 --> 00:02:13,217 This city adopted me at the age of 20. 41 00:02:13,217 --> 00:02:17,560 Every memorable event in my life has happened 42 00:02:17,560 --> 00:02:20,360 within miles of this location. 43 00:02:20,360 --> 00:02:23,240 So I graduated from the University of Washington. 44 00:02:23,240 --> 00:02:26,038 I met my husband at Belltown Billiards. 45 00:02:26,038 --> 00:02:28,060 [audience laughing] 46 00:02:28,060 --> 00:02:29,818 Sure, a claim to fame. 47 00:02:29,818 --> 00:02:33,979 I raised my children on the Seattle Aquarium, 48 00:02:33,979 --> 00:02:37,520 the Woodland Park Zoo, the Pacific Science Center, 49 00:02:37,520 --> 00:02:39,840 with - any of you remember the grocery store, 50 00:02:39,840 --> 00:02:40,740 that fake grocery store? 51 00:02:40,740 --> 00:02:44,877 We shopped the heck out of that fake grocery store. 52 00:02:44,877 --> 00:02:47,889 I celebrated Christmas by attending the 53 00:02:47,889 --> 00:02:49,657 Nutcracker every year. 54 00:02:49,657 --> 00:02:51,437 I've seen every version of the Nutcracker 55 00:02:51,437 --> 00:02:53,157 that there is to see. 56 00:02:53,157 --> 00:02:57,538 And much like every other Seattleite in July, 57 00:02:57,538 --> 00:03:01,758 I much anticipated the Nordstrom anniversary sale. 58 00:03:02,780 --> 00:03:05,840 Where I shopped the heck out of that store also. 59 00:03:05,840 --> 00:03:07,258 Unfortunately it came with a real bill 60 00:03:07,258 --> 00:03:09,639 that you had to pay at the end. 61 00:03:09,639 --> 00:03:13,060 That being said, loving a city is not enough. 62 00:03:13,060 --> 00:03:16,258 And as a chair, I have goals. 63 00:03:16,258 --> 00:03:18,038 And I have things that I want to accomplish. 64 00:03:18,038 --> 00:03:20,300 And I have things that I want for this city. 65 00:03:20,300 --> 00:03:21,979 And I want to be a great chair. 66 00:03:21,979 --> 00:03:23,699 So I'm going to share them with you. 67 00:03:23,699 --> 00:03:26,318 I made three goals for us. 68 00:03:26,318 --> 00:03:31,098 The first, a city that is bold enough to keep score. 69 00:03:31,098 --> 00:03:32,979 So I'm a physician. 70 00:03:32,979 --> 00:03:35,800 And when I take care of patients, if they come in, 71 00:03:35,800 --> 00:03:36,979 they have a blood pressure issue, 72 00:03:36,979 --> 00:03:38,437 I'm going to talk to them about their blood pressure. 73 00:03:38,437 --> 00:03:40,258 We're going to set a goal about what blood pressure we're 74 00:03:40,258 --> 00:03:41,360 shooting for. 75 00:03:41,360 --> 00:03:45,258 We'll set up a treatment plan or an action plan and it will be 76 00:03:45,258 --> 00:03:47,780 diet medications whatever. 77 00:03:47,780 --> 00:03:49,560 And then I'm going to have them come back and we're going to 78 00:03:49,560 --> 00:03:52,340 check their blood sugar their blood pressure and make sure 79 00:03:52,340 --> 00:03:53,900 that it has improved. 80 00:03:53,900 --> 00:03:55,340 So that is what I want for the city. 81 00:03:55,340 --> 00:03:59,937 I want us to set a goal about where we want to go and action 82 00:03:59,937 --> 00:04:01,038 plan how to get there. 83 00:04:01,038 --> 00:04:04,580 And then I want us to be humble enough to say you know what it's 84 00:04:04,580 --> 00:04:05,400 not working. 85 00:04:05,400 --> 00:04:08,538 Maybe we need to revisit it because ultimately the goal is 86 00:04:08,538 --> 00:04:11,360 to get to the end. 87 00:04:11,360 --> 00:04:17,920 Second, I want a downtown where every day is like game day. 88 00:04:17,920 --> 00:04:20,680 Because you know what game day is like downtown. 89 00:04:20,680 --> 00:04:23,879 Yeah, it is our best day. 90 00:04:23,879 --> 00:04:26,180 And that is one of the things that I love about our city. 91 00:04:26,180 --> 00:04:29,699 And this last year brought us some pretty amazing 92 00:04:29,699 --> 00:04:31,500 opportunities to celebrate game day. 93 00:04:31,500 --> 00:04:33,100 So if you remember, at the beginning of the year, 94 00:04:33,100 --> 00:04:35,699 We started with the Mariners, right? 95 00:04:35,699 --> 00:04:38,519 So, so close to the World Series. 96 00:04:38,519 --> 00:04:39,639 We will get there though. 97 00:04:39,639 --> 00:04:42,439 But the city just rallied together. 98 00:04:42,439 --> 00:04:47,278 There was this kind of electric, collective belief 99 00:04:47,278 --> 00:04:51,300 that we could do it, that hometown pride that we had. 100 00:04:51,300 --> 00:04:52,680 That is what I love. 101 00:04:52,680 --> 00:04:56,180 And then we ended the year on the World Cup. 102 00:04:56,180 --> 00:05:00,259 Can I just tell you, we, hands down, in my opinion, 103 00:05:00,259 --> 00:05:02,680 were the best host city. 104 00:05:02,680 --> 00:05:04,838 The best. 105 00:05:04,838 --> 00:05:08,800 We had unforgettable celebrations, 106 00:05:08,800 --> 00:05:13,278 unmatched fan energy, and we got to display 107 00:05:13,278 --> 00:05:16,740 our stunning, stunning Pacific Northwest 108 00:05:16,740 --> 00:05:19,459 geography to the whole world. 109 00:05:19,459 --> 00:05:23,100 And then my favorite, the Seahawks. 110 00:05:24,240 --> 00:05:25,838 Yeah, the Super Bowl. 111 00:05:25,838 --> 00:05:29,300 But what I loved about it was the parade. 112 00:05:29,300 --> 00:05:34,439 And the parade I loved because 600,000 people 113 00:05:35,740 --> 00:05:40,319 flooded Fourth Avenue to celebrate our Seahawks. 114 00:05:40,319 --> 00:05:42,740 We were together as one. 115 00:05:42,740 --> 00:05:46,939 And why it's my favorite is because those 600,000 people, 116 00:05:46,939 --> 00:05:48,300 they were us. 117 00:05:48,300 --> 00:05:50,160 They were Seattleites. 118 00:05:50,160 --> 00:05:52,060 They were people from the Pacific Northwest. 119 00:05:52,060 --> 00:05:54,420 They were people from Washington State. 120 00:05:54,420 --> 00:05:56,860 They were us. 121 00:05:56,860 --> 00:05:59,420 We are what make this city amazing. 122 00:05:59,420 --> 00:06:02,160 And when we show up, and when the city is safe, 123 00:06:02,160 --> 00:06:04,338 and when the city is alive, that's 124 00:06:04,338 --> 00:06:06,220 what makes the city thrive. 125 00:06:06,220 --> 00:06:09,220 Because that's what businesses live off of. 126 00:06:09,220 --> 00:06:12,019 That's what restaurants live off of. 127 00:06:12,019 --> 00:06:14,660 Families and public spaces, people spilling out 128 00:06:14,660 --> 00:06:16,319 of the restaurants into the streets, 129 00:06:16,319 --> 00:06:19,660 That is the vision that I have for our city. 130 00:06:19,660 --> 00:06:23,060 Every day is game day. 131 00:06:23,060 --> 00:06:28,100 Okay, the third is a city that adopts the next person 132 00:06:28,100 --> 00:06:29,959 much like I was adopted. 133 00:06:29,959 --> 00:06:33,975 So that means I want a city where the next young 134 00:06:33,975 --> 00:06:36,903 person can come, the next immigrant, 135 00:06:36,903 --> 00:06:39,516 the next founder can come and build 136 00:06:39,516 --> 00:06:40,860 a life in this city. 137 00:06:40,860 --> 00:06:44,139 And so that means being able to find a job, 138 00:06:44,139 --> 00:06:46,278 being able to find affordable housing, 139 00:06:46,278 --> 00:06:49,379 to have the very best education. 140 00:06:49,379 --> 00:06:52,959 That makes a city someplace you live, 141 00:06:52,959 --> 00:06:56,180 someplace you love, someplace you belong, 142 00:06:56,180 --> 00:06:57,860 and that city belongs to you. 143 00:06:57,860 --> 00:07:00,600 And so those are my hopes for this city. 144 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:04,060 Three things-- a city bold enough to keep score, 145 00:07:04,060 --> 00:07:07,060 a city where every day is like game day, 146 00:07:07,060 --> 00:07:10,620 and a city that adopts the next person. 147 00:07:10,620 --> 00:07:14,459 So that's my goal for myself, that's my goal for the chamber. 148 00:07:14,459 --> 00:07:16,639 I think it is a lot for us to achieve, 149 00:07:16,639 --> 00:07:19,959 but what I do know is that all of you, 150 00:07:19,959 --> 00:07:22,240 every single one of us in the room, 151 00:07:22,240 --> 00:07:25,576 working towards the same goal, will absolutely 152 00:07:25,576 --> 00:07:27,300 make that possible. 153 00:07:27,300 --> 00:07:30,100 So I am excited for this next year, 154 00:07:30,100 --> 00:07:32,680 and I hope you are just as excited as I am. 155 00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:33,819 Thank you. 156 00:07:33,819 --> 00:07:39,660 [APPLAUSE] 157 00:07:41,000 --> 00:07:44,500 And now, please welcome the president and CEO 158 00:07:44,500 --> 00:07:50,899 of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce, Joe Nguyen. 159 00:07:50,899 --> 00:07:53,838 ♪♪ 160 00:07:56,459 --> 00:07:57,199 Hello, everybody. 161 00:07:57,199 --> 00:08:00,060 Good afternoon. 162 00:08:00,060 --> 00:08:02,319 I think it's very fitting that our next chamber 163 00:08:04,060 --> 00:08:07,459 chair is a physician, because if you watch the Seahawks, 164 00:08:07,459 --> 00:08:11,980 I feel like having a person on call might be helpful, right? 165 00:08:11,980 --> 00:08:13,778 Go Hawks, by the way. 166 00:08:16,278 --> 00:08:19,040 I think the only thing better than watching the Seahawks win 167 00:08:19,040 --> 00:08:23,004 is being able to celebrate that with a room full of people 168 00:08:23,004 --> 00:08:27,300 who are just as invested in seeing this region win as well. 169 00:08:27,300 --> 00:08:30,286 And I feel like it's only right to start by thanking a few 170 00:08:30,286 --> 00:08:33,134 of the people who have given so much of their time 171 00:08:33,134 --> 00:08:36,004 and leadership to the Chamber and then also 172 00:08:36,004 --> 00:08:37,677 our business community. 173 00:08:37,677 --> 00:08:41,254 Obviously, first, our new Board Chair, Dr. Elizabeth 174 00:08:41,254 --> 00:08:44,557 Wako, our outgoing Board Chair, Teresa Hudson. 175 00:08:44,557 --> 00:08:47,167 You've heard from both of them today, and you know that 176 00:08:47,167 --> 00:08:50,100 the chamber is going to be in very good hands. 177 00:08:50,100 --> 00:08:53,557 And I do want to say a special thank you to Teresa. 178 00:08:53,557 --> 00:08:56,057 I would not be here today without your leadership, 179 00:08:56,057 --> 00:08:58,139 along with Susan Loosemore as well during 180 00:08:58,139 --> 00:08:59,557 the transition. 181 00:08:59,557 --> 00:09:02,720 I think you both kept us on very solid grounds. 182 00:09:02,720 --> 00:09:05,220 And I also want to recognize the board members 183 00:09:05,220 --> 00:09:07,960 completing their service today as well. 184 00:09:07,960 --> 00:09:11,519 Susan Loosmore, Patrick Bannon, Joey Burgess, 185 00:09:11,519 --> 00:09:15,620 Laura Clise, Laura MacNeil, and John Murray. 186 00:09:15,620 --> 00:09:19,524 Thank you for your leadership and your commitment 187 00:09:19,524 --> 00:09:21,120 to this region. 188 00:09:21,120 --> 00:09:23,720 [audience applauding] 189 00:09:25,677 --> 00:09:28,259 And then of course, we are a chamber, 190 00:09:28,259 --> 00:09:31,191 So I want to make sure that we thank very much 191 00:09:31,191 --> 00:09:32,820 our sponsors for today. 192 00:09:32,820 --> 00:09:35,951 A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, 193 00:09:35,951 --> 00:09:37,320 Kaiser Permanente. 194 00:09:37,320 --> 00:09:40,653 Kaiser is an extraordinary partner to the chamber and this 195 00:09:40,653 --> 00:09:44,096 region, helping build healthier people and healthier 196 00:09:44,096 --> 00:09:46,908 communities. I also want to recognize 197 00:09:46,908 --> 00:09:49,951 our featured sponsors, Advanced Professionals 198 00:09:49,951 --> 00:09:53,402 Insurance and Benefit Solutions, Alaska Airlines, Arnold 199 00:09:53,402 --> 00:09:56,403 and Porter, Battelle, BECU, Business 200 00:09:56,403 --> 00:10:00,820 Health Trust, Encore, JPMorgan Chase, Lime, 201 00:10:00,820 --> 00:10:02,220 Northwest Healthcare Response Network, 202 00:10:02,220 --> 00:10:06,365 I'm not done yet, PNC Bank, Premera Blue Cross, Providence 203 00:10:06,365 --> 00:10:08,038 Swedish, and Seneca Group. 204 00:10:08,038 --> 00:10:10,200 I think that's a pretty good snapshot 205 00:10:10,200 --> 00:10:12,798 of the economy that we have here right now. 206 00:10:12,798 --> 00:10:14,158 And as you can see on the screen, 207 00:10:14,158 --> 00:10:15,600 there are many more organizations 208 00:10:15,600 --> 00:10:17,720 that have really stepped up to support 209 00:10:17,720 --> 00:10:21,278 this 144th annual meeting. 210 00:10:21,278 --> 00:10:25,940 We've got people helping us fly, move around town, manage money, 211 00:10:25,940 --> 00:10:28,580 navigate the law, and generally just keeps 212 00:10:28,580 --> 00:10:30,980 the whole economy going. 213 00:10:30,980 --> 00:10:33,100 Some of you have supported the chamber for years. 214 00:10:33,100 --> 00:10:35,519 Some have stepped up in new ways this year. 215 00:10:35,519 --> 00:10:38,379 But all of you are working to make this possible. 216 00:10:38,379 --> 00:10:40,700 So thank you for investing in us. 217 00:10:40,700 --> 00:10:43,000 And more importantly, thank you so much for investing 218 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:44,019 in this region as well. 219 00:10:44,019 --> 00:10:48,418 So can we give them all a round of applause? 220 00:10:48,418 --> 00:10:50,557 [APPLAUSE] 221 00:10:53,000 --> 00:10:55,504 Perfect. And for those I have not 222 00:10:55,504 --> 00:10:57,298 yet met, I'm Joe Nguyen. 223 00:10:57,298 --> 00:11:00,340 I have the incredible privilege of serving 224 00:11:00,340 --> 00:11:04,000 as the president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan 225 00:11:04,000 --> 00:11:05,668 Chamber of Commerce. 226 00:11:05,668 --> 00:11:08,076 This is my first annual meeting 227 00:11:08,076 --> 00:11:11,440 as CEO, so before I talk about what we've accomplished 228 00:11:11,440 --> 00:11:13,840 or where we are going, I want to tell you a little 229 00:11:13,840 --> 00:11:17,840 bit why this work is so personal to me. 230 00:11:17,840 --> 00:11:21,840 This is my family on the boat they used 231 00:11:21,840 --> 00:11:23,465 to escape Vietnam. 232 00:11:23,465 --> 00:11:26,004 If you look at this picture for 233 00:11:26,004 --> 00:11:30,600 a moment, they left behind almost everything they knew. 234 00:11:30,600 --> 00:11:32,980 They did not know what would happen next. 235 00:11:32,980 --> 00:11:36,740 They did not know where they would live, 236 00:11:36,740 --> 00:11:40,464 how they would make a living, or whether their children 237 00:11:40,464 --> 00:11:42,340 would ever feel at home. 238 00:11:42,340 --> 00:11:46,418 And they arrived in Seattle with very little, 239 00:11:46,418 --> 00:11:52,918 but they carried something powerful with them, hope. 240 00:11:52,918 --> 00:11:58,677 And this region gave that hope somewhere to take root. 241 00:11:58,677 --> 00:12:01,778 And like many immigrant and refugee families, 242 00:12:01,778 --> 00:12:04,918 one of the first footholds was a small business, 243 00:12:04,918 --> 00:12:07,220 a billiards hall in White Center. 244 00:12:07,220 --> 00:12:09,440 My father also worked as a mechanic, 245 00:12:09,440 --> 00:12:12,740 and at night he took shifts moving containers at the port. 246 00:12:12,740 --> 00:12:15,057 My mother was a seamstress at JanSport, 247 00:12:15,057 --> 00:12:17,019 and then later Feathered Friends. 248 00:12:17,019 --> 00:12:18,759 And we even tried the restaurant business 249 00:12:18,759 --> 00:12:21,038 and learned a classic immigrant lesson, 250 00:12:21,038 --> 00:12:22,557 just because you can cook does not mean 251 00:12:22,557 --> 00:12:23,700 you should open a restaurant. 252 00:12:24,899 --> 00:12:26,379 In case you didn't know. 253 00:12:26,379 --> 00:12:29,399 And while attending Seattle University on Capitol Hill, 254 00:12:29,399 --> 00:12:32,440 I waited tables, I washed dishes, 255 00:12:32,440 --> 00:12:36,557 all while I was serving as student body president. 256 00:12:36,557 --> 00:12:39,519 Eventually, my older sister began her career at Boeing 257 00:12:39,519 --> 00:12:42,440 and now owns her own civil engineering firm. 258 00:12:42,440 --> 00:12:44,798 My youngest sister is an IT specialist 259 00:12:44,798 --> 00:12:47,220 serving some of the largest companies in this region, 260 00:12:47,220 --> 00:12:49,340 many of whom are in this room. 261 00:12:49,340 --> 00:12:51,177 My brother is a physician. 262 00:12:51,177 --> 00:12:54,298 He's at Kaiser Permanente on Capitol Hill. 263 00:12:54,298 --> 00:12:56,700 So I do want to thank again our presenting 264 00:12:56,700 --> 00:13:00,759 and featured sponsors for both supporting this region 265 00:13:00,759 --> 00:13:04,418 and also my family and keeping us employed. 266 00:13:04,418 --> 00:13:07,220 And I eventually found my way to Microsoft. 267 00:13:07,220 --> 00:13:09,720 And Microsoft was an excellent preparation for me 268 00:13:09,720 --> 00:13:12,298 to get into politics, if you know Microsoft. 269 00:13:12,298 --> 00:13:15,759 See, Teresa's laughing already. 270 00:13:15,759 --> 00:13:17,940 You know, everybody has an opinion, 271 00:13:17,940 --> 00:13:21,700 lots of meetings, and everybody has a PowerPoint. 272 00:13:21,700 --> 00:13:24,240 But the larger lesson from my family's story 273 00:13:24,240 --> 00:13:27,918 is not about any one company or career. 274 00:13:27,918 --> 00:13:30,974 It is about what's possible when a region 275 00:13:30,974 --> 00:13:33,519 creates opportunity. 276 00:13:33,519 --> 00:13:36,764 Microsoft opened doors for me that I never knew was 277 00:13:36,764 --> 00:13:40,820 even possible as a kid growing up in White Center. 278 00:13:40,820 --> 00:13:44,778 The employer community did more than employ my family. 279 00:13:44,778 --> 00:13:48,440 It changed the trajectory of our lives. 280 00:13:48,440 --> 00:13:52,418 That is what business does at its best. 281 00:13:52,418 --> 00:13:55,700 It turns risk into possibility. 282 00:13:55,700 --> 00:13:59,038 It turns an idea into a paycheck. 283 00:13:59,038 --> 00:14:02,480 It gives someone their first job or the confidence to 284 00:14:02,480 --> 00:14:05,533 imagine a different future for their children. 285 00:14:05,533 --> 00:14:07,745 And my time leading the Washington 286 00:14:07,745 --> 00:14:10,244 State Department of Commerce in Governor 287 00:14:10,244 --> 00:14:12,918 Ferguson's administration only deepened that 288 00:14:12,918 --> 00:14:18,475 conviction. During that time I drove 19,000 miles 289 00:14:18,475 --> 00:14:20,062 on a state car. 290 00:14:20,062 --> 00:14:23,302 I visited communities across Washington 291 00:14:23,302 --> 00:14:26,379 State and I stayed in some of the finest motels 292 00:14:26,379 --> 00:14:29,177 the state has to offer as well. 293 00:14:29,177 --> 00:14:31,557 And every community was a little bit different, 294 00:14:31,557 --> 00:14:37,278 but everywhere I went, people wanted the same basic things. 295 00:14:37,278 --> 00:14:39,379 They wanted good jobs. 296 00:14:39,379 --> 00:14:42,038 They wanted housing they could afford. 297 00:14:42,038 --> 00:14:45,100 They wanted safe communities. 298 00:14:45,100 --> 00:14:46,778 And they wanted government to understand 299 00:14:46,778 --> 00:14:49,840 that when someone takes a risk or builds something, 300 00:14:49,840 --> 00:14:52,000 we should help them succeed. 301 00:14:52,000 --> 00:14:56,157 And I came away from that experience with a conviction 302 00:14:56,157 --> 00:14:57,820 that drives me today. 303 00:14:57,820 --> 00:15:02,259 Seattle matters far beyond Seattle. 304 00:15:02,259 --> 00:15:06,398 We saw that this summer when the World Cup brought 305 00:15:06,398 --> 00:15:08,720 the world to our doorsteps. 306 00:15:08,720 --> 00:15:11,340 Our businesses showed up. 307 00:15:11,340 --> 00:15:13,557 Our workers showed up. 308 00:15:13,557 --> 00:15:18,418 Our neighborhoods and civic institutions showed up. 309 00:15:18,418 --> 00:15:21,120 Visitors experienced Seattle not through a headline 310 00:15:21,120 --> 00:15:25,778 or a social media post, but by actually being here. 311 00:15:25,778 --> 00:15:27,538 They walked our beautiful waterfront, 312 00:15:27,538 --> 00:15:29,639 ate in our incredible restaurants, 313 00:15:29,639 --> 00:15:32,759 and met the people who make this region work. 314 00:15:32,759 --> 00:15:36,259 They experienced firsthand the beauty and generosity 315 00:15:36,259 --> 00:15:39,500 that makes this place so special. 316 00:15:39,500 --> 00:15:45,057 The world came to Seattle and Seattle showed up for the world. 317 00:15:45,057 --> 00:15:48,038 Because what we do here can change it. 318 00:15:48,038 --> 00:15:51,720 People fly on airplanes built here by Boeing. 319 00:15:51,720 --> 00:15:55,500 They drink Starbucks coffee born right here in Seattle. 320 00:15:55,500 --> 00:15:59,057 They use software created here by Microsoft. 321 00:15:59,057 --> 00:16:01,639 They can order almost anything through Amazon 322 00:16:01,639 --> 00:16:07,000 and it arrives on their door in two days or less, usually less. 323 00:16:07,000 --> 00:16:09,960 Our scientists advance medicine. 324 00:16:09,960 --> 00:16:13,000 Our maritime industry connects global markets. 325 00:16:13,000 --> 00:16:15,552 Our innovators are helping define the future of 326 00:16:15,552 --> 00:16:19,288 artificial intelligence, clean energy, aerospace, 327 00:16:19,288 --> 00:16:20,940 and life sciences. 328 00:16:20,940 --> 00:16:25,278 There are very few places on earth that have created so many 329 00:16:25,278 --> 00:16:28,937 products or ideas and institutions that have become 330 00:16:28,937 --> 00:16:32,418 a part of everyday life around the globe and that 331 00:16:32,418 --> 00:16:34,500 did not happen by accident. 332 00:16:34,500 --> 00:16:37,932 It happened because this region attracted people 333 00:16:37,932 --> 00:16:41,220 with ambition, rewarded people willing to take risks 334 00:16:41,220 --> 00:16:44,692 and built a culture that believed the future could 335 00:16:44,692 --> 00:16:45,932 be invented here. 336 00:16:45,932 --> 00:16:48,014 The Seattle metropolitan 337 00:16:48,014 --> 00:16:51,100 area is the engine of Washington's economy. 338 00:16:51,100 --> 00:16:55,634 This region generates $600 billion of economic 339 00:16:55,634 --> 00:17:00,057 activity each year, making it the 10th largest 340 00:17:00,057 --> 00:17:02,177 metro economy in the United States. 341 00:17:02,177 --> 00:17:06,930 In fact, Pierce, King, and Snohomish generates 71% of 342 00:17:06,930 --> 00:17:09,778 Washington's economic output. 343 00:17:09,778 --> 00:17:12,980 That is an extraordinary level of productivity, 344 00:17:12,980 --> 00:17:15,057 and it reflects the talent of our people 345 00:17:15,057 --> 00:17:17,720 and the strength of our employers. 346 00:17:17,720 --> 00:17:20,615 And think about what that means. 347 00:17:20,615 --> 00:17:24,019 When this region succeeds, the benefits 348 00:17:24,019 --> 00:17:27,615 reach every corner of Washington state. 349 00:17:27,615 --> 00:17:31,940 But when this region struggles, the consequences 350 00:17:31,940 --> 00:17:34,616 travel just as far. 351 00:17:34,616 --> 00:17:39,420 Here in Seattle, economic activity generates nearly 70% 352 00:17:39,420 --> 00:17:42,660 of the revenue funding our city budget. 353 00:17:42,660 --> 00:17:45,778 The same is true statewide where employers, 354 00:17:45,778 --> 00:17:48,576 many of them concentrated in this region, 355 00:17:48,576 --> 00:17:51,308 generate most of the revenue that supports the 356 00:17:51,308 --> 00:17:53,057 Washington state budget. 357 00:17:53,057 --> 00:17:56,140 And that means the strength of our economy 358 00:17:56,140 --> 00:17:59,856 directly affects our ability to fund schools, 359 00:17:59,856 --> 00:18:03,832 to fund housing, public safety, transportation, 360 00:18:03,832 --> 00:18:05,440 and human services. 361 00:18:05,440 --> 00:18:09,356 Having a healthy business community is not up for debate. 362 00:18:09,356 --> 00:18:11,856 It is a requirement. 363 00:18:11,856 --> 00:18:15,307 When employers succeed, they create jobs and 364 00:18:15,307 --> 00:18:18,750 generate tax revenue that pays for the public 365 00:18:18,750 --> 00:18:21,200 services that we all care about. 366 00:18:21,200 --> 00:18:23,317 So I want to be very clear. 367 00:18:23,317 --> 00:18:30,875 The progressive values in this region depends on the 368 00:18:30,875 --> 00:18:39,116 economic activity and jobs created by strong employers. 369 00:18:39,116 --> 00:18:40,680 Housing doesn't fund itself. 370 00:18:40,680 --> 00:18:42,900 Human services do not fund themselves. 371 00:18:42,900 --> 00:18:46,298 Public safety or parks do not fund themselves. 372 00:18:46,298 --> 00:18:50,538 They are made possible by people creating companies, 373 00:18:50,538 --> 00:18:53,817 making payroll, and hiring workers. 374 00:18:53,817 --> 00:18:58,576 When businesses succeed, our values get funded. 375 00:18:58,576 --> 00:19:01,336 Economic growth is not separate from social progress. 376 00:19:01,336 --> 00:19:07,057 In fact, economic growth makes social progress possible. 377 00:19:07,057 --> 00:19:10,480 You cannot fund compassion from an empty treasury. 378 00:19:10,480 --> 00:19:13,856 You cannot create opportunity by driving opportunity away, 379 00:19:13,856 --> 00:19:16,720 and you cannot take an economic engine for granted 380 00:19:16,720 --> 00:19:19,440 while asking for it to do more. 381 00:19:19,440 --> 00:19:22,000 That is why these are challenging times 382 00:19:22,000 --> 00:19:24,440 for the employer community. 383 00:19:24,440 --> 00:19:27,980 Companies have a choice, talent has choices, 384 00:19:27,980 --> 00:19:31,420 other regions are competing aggressively against us. 385 00:19:31,420 --> 00:19:35,640 And meanwhile, employers are confronting rising costs, 386 00:19:35,640 --> 00:19:38,710 public safety concerns, and the cumulative 387 00:19:38,710 --> 00:19:40,740 impact of policies that are shaped 388 00:19:40,740 --> 00:19:43,086 without considering how they affect the 389 00:19:43,086 --> 00:19:44,460 broader community. 390 00:19:44,460 --> 00:19:47,038 So we cannot treat the employer community 391 00:19:47,038 --> 00:19:49,140 as an endless resource. 392 00:19:49,140 --> 00:19:52,903 And we cannot assume that the companies that are here 393 00:19:52,903 --> 00:19:54,960 today will be here tomorrow. 394 00:19:54,960 --> 00:19:58,220 Because prosperity is not permanent. 395 00:19:58,220 --> 00:20:01,836 It is not part of the scenery like Mount Rainier. 396 00:20:01,836 --> 00:20:06,856 It is something a region must earn, protect, and renew. 397 00:20:06,856 --> 00:20:10,207 And that means being honest about things like taxes and 398 00:20:10,207 --> 00:20:11,880 the cost of doing business. 399 00:20:11,880 --> 00:20:15,057 It means understanding that when an employer leaves, 400 00:20:15,057 --> 00:20:19,356 we lose jobs, we lose customers for nearby small businesses, 401 00:20:19,356 --> 00:20:22,240 we lose charitable giving, we lose future investments, 402 00:20:22,240 --> 00:20:24,440 and we lose the public revenue that 403 00:20:24,440 --> 00:20:27,460 sustains our shared priorities. 404 00:20:27,460 --> 00:20:29,960 So this year, the chamber has worked very hard 405 00:20:29,960 --> 00:20:32,720 to put economic development back at the center 406 00:20:32,720 --> 00:20:34,740 of civic conversations. 407 00:20:34,740 --> 00:20:37,940 And we have some progress to show for it. 408 00:20:37,940 --> 00:20:41,798 Olympia now has a stronger focus on economic development. 409 00:20:41,798 --> 00:20:44,048 For the first time in years, there is an Economic 410 00:20:44,048 --> 00:20:46,596 Development Committee in the legislature. 411 00:20:46,596 --> 00:20:48,980 The governor has created a business council 412 00:20:48,980 --> 00:20:51,067 to bring the employer perspective into 413 00:20:51,067 --> 00:20:52,019 decision making. 414 00:20:52,019 --> 00:20:54,038 And then just yesterday, the mayor signed 415 00:20:54,038 --> 00:20:56,471 an executive order forming an Economic 416 00:20:56,471 --> 00:20:57,960 Development Council. 417 00:20:57,960 --> 00:20:59,616 And the business community's voice 418 00:20:59,616 --> 00:21:01,596 is increasingly supporting the city's budget 419 00:21:01,596 --> 00:21:03,221 and policy conversations. 420 00:21:03,221 --> 00:21:05,480 We are pushing for faster permitting, 421 00:21:05,480 --> 00:21:08,720 more housing, and to make the case that public safety is both 422 00:21:08,720 --> 00:21:13,160 a quality of life and also an economic imperative issue. 423 00:21:13,160 --> 00:21:16,778 We are putting our ideas on the table earlier, using research 424 00:21:16,778 --> 00:21:19,316 and focusing on results. 425 00:21:19,316 --> 00:21:23,057 That is the chamber our members, you, 426 00:21:23,057 --> 00:21:27,920 have asked for, a chamber that leads, a chamber that brings 427 00:21:27,920 --> 00:21:31,336 solutions, a chamber that understands that advocacy is not 428 00:21:31,336 --> 00:21:33,603 about making a statement. 429 00:21:33,603 --> 00:21:36,380 It is about producing outcomes. 430 00:21:36,380 --> 00:21:40,498 We will partner when partnership produces results. 431 00:21:40,498 --> 00:21:43,220 We will push when pushing is necessary. 432 00:21:43,220 --> 00:21:47,124 We will be constructive, but we will not be passive. 433 00:21:47,124 --> 00:21:49,836 And we will never apologize for 434 00:21:49,836 --> 00:21:53,490 standing up for the employers and workers who 435 00:21:53,490 --> 00:21:55,700 make this region possible. 436 00:21:55,700 --> 00:22:00,048 So even in these challenging times, I remain deeply 437 00:22:00,048 --> 00:22:04,267 optimistic. I am optimistic because I see people 438 00:22:04,267 --> 00:22:07,520 betting on Seattle every single day. 439 00:22:07,520 --> 00:22:09,611 I see it in Bob Donegan, who remained 440 00:22:09,611 --> 00:22:12,057 committed to the waterfront through years of construction 441 00:22:12,057 --> 00:22:16,420 and uncertainty and helped bring that vision to life. 442 00:22:16,420 --> 00:22:19,173 I see it in Angela Dunleavy, who looked at Elliott Bay 443 00:22:19,173 --> 00:22:22,298 during the World Cup and said, "You know what we need? 444 00:22:22,298 --> 00:22:23,480 A floating soccer barge." 445 00:22:24,720 --> 00:22:26,640 And then did it. 446 00:22:26,640 --> 00:22:29,500 I see it in Peter Tomozawa and his team, who spent 447 00:22:29,500 --> 00:22:31,856 years bringing the World Cup to Seattle 448 00:22:32,880 --> 00:22:36,226 and delivered one of the greatest events the state 449 00:22:36,226 --> 00:22:37,182 has ever seen. 450 00:22:37,182 --> 00:22:39,269 And I saw it traveling in India with 451 00:22:39,269 --> 00:22:42,419 Bill McSherry, reminded that Boeing and the companies 452 00:22:42,420 --> 00:22:46,698 represented in this room do not just shape our region, 453 00:22:46,698 --> 00:22:48,409 they shape the world. 454 00:22:48,409 --> 00:22:50,355 So optimism is not pretending 455 00:22:50,355 --> 00:22:52,192 that everything is perfect. 456 00:22:52,192 --> 00:22:54,143 Optimism is investing anyway. 457 00:22:54,143 --> 00:22:56,065 It is hiring someone, building 458 00:22:56,065 --> 00:22:58,394 something that did not exist before. 459 00:22:58,394 --> 00:23:01,423 Optimism is betting on Seattle and then doing 460 00:23:01,423 --> 00:23:03,709 the work to make that bet pay off. 461 00:23:03,709 --> 00:23:07,346 So I believe that Seattle is at an inflection 462 00:23:07,346 --> 00:23:10,836 point. We can give in to complacency and assume that 463 00:23:10,836 --> 00:23:13,538 the great companies are already here, the great 464 00:23:13,538 --> 00:23:15,469 ideas have already happened, and that prosperity 465 00:23:15,469 --> 00:23:16,480 might just continue on its 466 00:23:18,076 --> 00:23:21,471 or we can decide that our next chapter will be even 467 00:23:21,471 --> 00:23:23,538 more ambitious than the last. 468 00:23:23,538 --> 00:23:26,880 I know which Seattle I believe in. 469 00:23:26,880 --> 00:23:29,969 I believe in the Seattle that welcomed a refugee 470 00:23:29,969 --> 00:23:32,509 family from Vietnam, where a mechanic and a 471 00:23:32,509 --> 00:23:34,746 seamstress could work hard enough to send 472 00:23:34,746 --> 00:23:37,257 their kids to college, where one could become an 473 00:23:37,257 --> 00:23:40,067 engineer, another a doctor, and the other go from 474 00:23:40,067 --> 00:23:43,266 washing dishes to Microsoft, to the State Senate, to 475 00:23:43,266 --> 00:23:46,903 the Department of Commerce, and eventually here as 476 00:23:46,903 --> 00:23:49,076 the CEO of this chamber. 477 00:23:49,076 --> 00:23:52,038 That is the promise of this region, 478 00:23:52,038 --> 00:23:54,160 and that promise must remain possible 479 00:23:54,160 --> 00:23:57,700 for the next family and the next generation. 480 00:23:57,700 --> 00:24:00,759 Seattle's best days are not behind us. 481 00:24:00,759 --> 00:24:03,420 Our greatest companies have not all been created. 482 00:24:03,420 --> 00:24:07,159 Our biggest breakthroughs have not all happened. 483 00:24:07,160 --> 00:24:11,057 Our most important ideas have not all been imagined. 484 00:24:11,057 --> 00:24:12,880 Somewhere in this region, an entrepreneur 485 00:24:12,880 --> 00:24:15,278 is building our next great company. 486 00:24:15,278 --> 00:24:18,140 A scientist is making a discovery that will save lives. 487 00:24:18,140 --> 00:24:20,200 And a young person in White Center 488 00:24:20,200 --> 00:24:23,700 is imagining a future none of us can see yet. 489 00:24:23,700 --> 00:24:28,298 And it is our responsibility to give them that chance. 490 00:24:28,298 --> 00:24:30,336 So thank you for your membership. 491 00:24:30,336 --> 00:24:35,009 Thank you for investing here, employing people here 492 00:24:35,009 --> 00:24:37,356 and taking risks here. 493 00:24:37,356 --> 00:24:39,298 Thank you for supporting our nonprofits, 494 00:24:39,298 --> 00:24:41,460 our neighborhoods and our communities. 495 00:24:41,460 --> 00:24:43,336 And thank you for believing in Seattle, 496 00:24:43,336 --> 00:24:47,076 even when believing in Seattle can feel harder than it should. 497 00:24:47,076 --> 00:24:51,220 This region is the economic engine of our entire state. 498 00:24:51,220 --> 00:24:54,880 It is the place where innovation becomes opportunity, 499 00:24:54,880 --> 00:24:59,220 where ideas born here go on to change the world. 500 00:24:59,220 --> 00:25:03,057 A thriving economy and a more just, compassionate community 501 00:25:03,057 --> 00:25:05,057 are not competing visions. 502 00:25:05,057 --> 00:25:07,875 Our job is to prove that, once again, 503 00:25:07,880 --> 00:25:10,856 Seattle can lead the world in both. 504 00:25:10,856 --> 00:25:12,856 I am proud of what we have started, 505 00:25:12,856 --> 00:25:16,038 and I cannot wait to see what we build next. 506 00:25:16,038 --> 00:25:17,660 Thank you so much. 507 00:25:17,660 --> 00:25:20,720 [audience applauding] 508 00:25:23,259 --> 00:25:27,807 Please welcome Cynthia Dold, Regional President of Kaiser 509 00:25:27,807 --> 00:25:29,680 Permanente Washington. 510 00:25:29,680 --> 00:25:33,836 ♪♪ 511 00:25:33,836 --> 00:25:36,817 - Hello everyone, hello, hello. 512 00:25:36,817 --> 00:25:40,000 Thank you very much, it's a pleasure to be here. 513 00:25:40,000 --> 00:25:42,576 I work for Kaiser Permanente Washington 514 00:25:42,576 --> 00:25:46,278 and we are so happy to be a sponsor of the chamber. 515 00:25:46,278 --> 00:25:49,836 I'm gonna start by doing some thank yous. 516 00:25:49,836 --> 00:25:52,836 Thank you, Joe, for sharing such an inspirational story 517 00:25:52,836 --> 00:25:54,460 with all of us. 518 00:25:54,460 --> 00:25:56,616 It's really, you only have to talk to Joe 519 00:25:56,616 --> 00:25:59,038 for about five minutes and you realize the passion 520 00:25:59,038 --> 00:26:00,940 that he's bringing to this role. 521 00:26:00,940 --> 00:26:03,480 So I think on behalf of everyone in this room, Joe, 522 00:26:03,480 --> 00:26:05,160 a huge thank you for everything you're doing 523 00:26:05,160 --> 00:26:06,798 for our city, really. 524 00:26:06,798 --> 00:26:11,019 I also want to thank Dr. Wako and Teresa for raising their 525 00:26:11,019 --> 00:26:14,640 hand to do what is a ton of work I'm sure for all of us. 526 00:26:14,640 --> 00:26:16,991 So thank you both for the commitment you're making 527 00:26:16,991 --> 00:26:18,057 as well to the chamber. 528 00:26:18,057 --> 00:26:20,778 We really appreciate it. 529 00:26:20,778 --> 00:26:24,789 I grew up in California and so I've finally flipped to living 530 00:26:24,789 --> 00:26:26,960 here more than where I grew up. 531 00:26:26,960 --> 00:26:29,836 I'm sure there's other transplants in here as well. 532 00:26:29,836 --> 00:26:33,538 It is such an amazing city, and to spend the time this summer 533 00:26:33,538 --> 00:26:36,356 relishing in the magic that was the World Cup, 534 00:26:36,356 --> 00:26:39,660 I know was something that so many people participated in. 535 00:26:39,660 --> 00:26:42,220 And so again, it's such an amazing city. 536 00:26:42,220 --> 00:26:45,395 As you share, Joe, we have so much reason to be optimistic, 537 00:26:45,400 --> 00:26:48,116 but it does mean that every single person in this room 538 00:26:48,116 --> 00:26:51,000 needs to show up to make sure we do our part 539 00:26:51,000 --> 00:26:53,180 to help continue to make this city thrive. 540 00:26:53,180 --> 00:26:55,298 So I know Kaiser Permanente Washington 541 00:26:55,298 --> 00:26:57,096 is going to do what it can to show up, 542 00:26:57,096 --> 00:27:00,076 and I know everyone else in this room well as well. 543 00:27:00,076 --> 00:27:03,900 When I first got into this role a little over a year ago, 544 00:27:03,900 --> 00:27:05,960 I wanted to take a minute to look 545 00:27:05,960 --> 00:27:08,940 at what has Kaiser Permanente Washington done for the city 546 00:27:08,940 --> 00:27:10,298 or for this area. 547 00:27:10,298 --> 00:27:12,680 And so we did a little bit of work 548 00:27:12,680 --> 00:27:16,420 to go into the history books to understand that. 549 00:27:16,420 --> 00:27:18,557 As I shared, I grew up in California, 550 00:27:18,557 --> 00:27:21,096 and so I grew up on that health care there. 551 00:27:21,096 --> 00:27:23,500 So I knew KP was from California. 552 00:27:23,500 --> 00:27:26,440 But what we found out by doing some interviews 553 00:27:26,440 --> 00:27:30,880 is that really Kaiser Permanente began here in Washington. 554 00:27:30,880 --> 00:27:35,440 In 1937, an American industrialist, Henry Kaiser, 555 00:27:35,440 --> 00:27:39,000 won the contract to build the upper portion of the Grand 556 00:27:39,000 --> 00:27:41,759 Coulee Dam along the Columbia River 557 00:27:41,759 --> 00:27:44,057 right here in eastern Washington. 558 00:27:44,057 --> 00:27:46,596 It was an enormous undertaking, and Kaiser 559 00:27:46,596 --> 00:27:50,298 knew its success would depend on more than engineering. 560 00:27:50,298 --> 00:27:54,380 It would depend on people, healthy, fit people. 561 00:27:54,380 --> 00:27:57,673 To care for the workers building the dam and their families, 562 00:27:57,673 --> 00:28:01,278 Kaiser found a partner in Dr. Sidney Garfield. 563 00:28:01,278 --> 00:28:04,778 He believed healthcare should focus not just on treating 564 00:28:04,778 --> 00:28:08,180 illness, but on keeping people healthy in the first place. 565 00:28:08,180 --> 00:28:12,336 It's really what we all know as preventative care. 566 00:28:12,336 --> 00:28:15,836 As thousands came to work for Kaiser shipyards 567 00:28:15,836 --> 00:28:18,096 during World War II, Dr. Garfield 568 00:28:18,096 --> 00:28:20,460 brought together teams of doctors, 569 00:28:20,460 --> 00:28:22,356 like your brother Joe, and nurses 570 00:28:22,356 --> 00:28:24,798 to care for those workers and their families. 571 00:28:24,798 --> 00:28:27,355 And in 1945, they laid the foundation 572 00:28:27,356 --> 00:28:30,336 for one of the nation's first integrated health care system. 573 00:28:30,336 --> 00:28:33,019 It's the same model of care that many in Washington 574 00:28:33,019 --> 00:28:34,759 are receiving today. 575 00:28:34,759 --> 00:28:38,087 I share this story similar to what Joe was talking about, 576 00:28:38,087 --> 00:28:41,278 which is to say connections happen between people and 577 00:28:41,278 --> 00:28:43,798 from that problems get solved and 578 00:28:43,798 --> 00:28:44,923 Communities get better. 579 00:28:44,923 --> 00:28:45,778 They get healthier 580 00:28:47,000 --> 00:28:48,278 They bring magic like the World Cup 581 00:28:49,380 --> 00:28:52,920 So really it's another thank you to all of you for taking 582 00:28:52,920 --> 00:28:55,919 the time out of your days away from your computers, 583 00:28:55,919 --> 00:28:58,028 out of your office, to come here and show 584 00:28:58,028 --> 00:29:00,940 up for the chamber and to show up for our city. 585 00:29:00,940 --> 00:29:04,365 We're thrilled to be here, and I get the pleasure now 586 00:29:04,365 --> 00:29:07,894 of introducing Dr. Wako and the CEO of Expedia 587 00:29:07,894 --> 00:29:10,586 Group, Ariane Gorin, to spend some time with 588 00:29:10,586 --> 00:29:13,192 us to talk a little bit about what it feels like to 589 00:29:13,192 --> 00:29:15,519 innovate, to collaborate, and to show up 590 00:29:15,519 --> 00:29:16,538 for the community. 591 00:29:16,538 --> 00:29:17,220 Thank you. 592 00:29:17,220 --> 00:29:19,180 Welcome. 593 00:29:19,180 --> 00:29:19,259 [audience applauding] 594 00:29:19,259 --> 00:29:29,259 ♪♪ 595 00:29:41,180 --> 00:29:45,480 Hello. Oh my gosh. 596 00:29:45,480 --> 00:29:46,278 Well, that was quite the walk. 597 00:29:46,278 --> 00:29:48,576 I'm a little short of breath right now. 598 00:29:48,576 --> 00:29:50,759 Take in some warm water. 599 00:29:50,759 --> 00:29:56,836 All right, so a few years ago, my guest was living in London, 600 00:29:56,836 --> 00:30:00,499 living probably her best life, running Expedia's 601 00:30:00,499 --> 00:30:05,259 global business, 23 years into a life in Europe. 602 00:30:05,259 --> 00:30:08,356 And then she made a choice that most people, 603 00:30:08,356 --> 00:30:11,123 many people would not have, and that would have been 604 00:30:11,123 --> 00:30:12,076 make a bet on Seattle. 605 00:30:12,076 --> 00:30:15,239 She packed up and she moved her family here. 606 00:30:15,239 --> 00:30:18,596 Ariane Gorin is the CEO of Expedia Group. 607 00:30:18,596 --> 00:30:21,940 She started a Boston Consulting Group, moved to Paris, 608 00:30:21,940 --> 00:30:24,999 then made a transition to working for Microsoft, 609 00:30:24,999 --> 00:30:28,635 and then ultimately ended up in London with Expedia. 610 00:30:28,635 --> 00:30:32,499 But what I love about her story is that it did not 611 00:30:32,499 --> 00:30:34,135 start in a boardroom. 612 00:30:34,135 --> 00:30:37,000 It started on a mother-daughter road trip 613 00:30:37,000 --> 00:30:41,346 that ended with her sleeping in a car on the 614 00:30:41,346 --> 00:30:46,480 side of the road in Italy, and a young girl deciding that 615 00:30:46,480 --> 00:30:51,115 travel should probably look a little better than that. 616 00:30:51,115 --> 00:30:55,239 So she is a Berkeley kid, a crossword devotee, 617 00:30:55,239 --> 00:30:58,553 and someone who says the best way to know 618 00:30:58,553 --> 00:31:00,160 a city is to walk it. 619 00:31:00,160 --> 00:31:02,259 So, Ariane, let's take a walk. 620 00:31:02,259 --> 00:31:05,278 Please welcome Ariane Gorin. 621 00:31:05,278 --> 00:31:08,096 [audience applauding] 622 00:31:08,096 --> 00:31:09,420 - Thank you for having me. 623 00:31:09,420 --> 00:31:11,116 Is my mic, okay, you can hear me all? 624 00:31:11,116 --> 00:31:11,895 - Yes, we can. 625 00:31:11,895 --> 00:31:13,038 - Thank you for having me. 626 00:31:13,038 --> 00:31:14,096 - Of course. 627 00:31:14,096 --> 00:31:19,230 All right, before we travel, is it true that your dream 628 00:31:19,230 --> 00:31:21,395 job was running the NFL? 629 00:31:21,395 --> 00:31:22,317 Like, tell me. 630 00:31:22,317 --> 00:31:25,239 - You know what, someone dug that up from somewhere. 631 00:31:25,239 --> 00:31:25,979 It is true. 632 00:31:25,979 --> 00:31:28,440 When I was in college, I said to a friend, 633 00:31:28,440 --> 00:31:30,759 my dream would be to be commissioner of the NFL. 634 00:31:30,759 --> 00:31:32,759 Although a friend of mine told me, she said, 635 00:31:32,759 --> 00:31:34,680 Ariane, you said you either wanted to be commissioner 636 00:31:34,680 --> 00:31:37,699 of the NFL or CEO of a public company. 637 00:31:37,699 --> 00:31:39,634 I do not remember saying that, but I definitely 638 00:31:39,634 --> 00:31:40,640 remember wanting to be 639 00:31:41,778 --> 00:31:44,057 commissioner of the NFL because I grew up, 640 00:31:44,057 --> 00:31:47,875 as you said, in Berkeley, and in California in the 1980s, 641 00:31:47,875 --> 00:31:49,499 I don't know if anybody remembers, 642 00:31:49,499 --> 00:31:51,900 but the 49ers were quite a thing. 643 00:31:51,900 --> 00:31:56,076 And so in my household, we were just diehard 49ers fans. 644 00:31:56,076 --> 00:31:59,336 And I thought being involved in football would be amazing. 645 00:31:59,336 --> 00:32:00,057 Well, I don't know. 646 00:32:00,057 --> 00:32:02,660 I think you might have made the better choice. 647 00:32:06,479 --> 00:32:10,219 OK, so you said your whole career starts one night. 648 00:32:10,219 --> 00:32:12,576 That was the sleeping in a car on the side 649 00:32:12,576 --> 00:32:13,798 of the road in Italy. 650 00:32:13,798 --> 00:32:14,538 Take us there. 651 00:32:14,538 --> 00:32:15,900 Well, I don't know if my whole career, 652 00:32:15,900 --> 00:32:20,159 but it's actually a story that I think about a lot at work. 653 00:32:20,159 --> 00:32:22,317 So this was back, I was 13 years old. 654 00:32:22,317 --> 00:32:28,159 It was 1987, and my mom had taken my sister and I 655 00:32:28,159 --> 00:32:29,875 on a trip to Europe. 656 00:32:29,875 --> 00:32:32,133 So we were together in France, and my sister flew 657 00:32:32,133 --> 00:32:34,201 back to the US, and my mom and I did 658 00:32:34,201 --> 00:32:35,700 a road trip to Italy. 659 00:32:35,700 --> 00:32:39,375 And at the time, there was no phone app, 660 00:32:39,375 --> 00:32:41,200 There was no OTA. 661 00:32:41,200 --> 00:32:45,817 We had our guidebooks, and we would call a city 662 00:32:45,817 --> 00:32:47,459 ahead of arriving and book something, 663 00:32:47,459 --> 00:32:50,759 or else just go walk into a hotel or book something. 664 00:32:50,759 --> 00:32:53,116 My mother was very last minute about everything. 665 00:32:53,116 --> 00:32:55,200 And so one night, I remember we were driving 666 00:32:55,200 --> 00:32:57,440 through the Mont Blanc tunnel into Italy. 667 00:32:57,440 --> 00:32:59,355 It was pouring rain. 668 00:32:59,355 --> 00:33:02,817 We got to Italy, and we pulled over the side of the road, 669 00:33:02,817 --> 00:33:06,836 and I started calling hotels that were in the next town. 670 00:33:06,836 --> 00:33:09,459 There weren't any, so we kept on driving. 671 00:33:09,459 --> 00:33:12,659 And finally, we realized we're not gonna find a hotel. 672 00:33:12,659 --> 00:33:15,135 So we pulled over on the side of the road 673 00:33:15,135 --> 00:33:18,019 and slept in this little car under the rain. 674 00:33:18,019 --> 00:33:21,336 And now, when I think about Expedia and what we do, 675 00:33:21,336 --> 00:33:23,557 I think no one has to do that any longer 676 00:33:23,557 --> 00:33:25,259 because they can just look on their app 677 00:33:25,259 --> 00:33:27,460 and see is there a hotel available, where can I go? 678 00:33:27,460 --> 00:33:29,576 And there's no more, hopefully, sleeping in cars 679 00:33:29,576 --> 00:33:31,356 for people who are looking for hotels. 680 00:33:31,356 --> 00:33:33,440 - That is a fantastic story. 681 00:33:33,440 --> 00:33:35,980 And ironically, I just took a mother-daughter trip 682 00:33:35,980 --> 00:33:38,038 with my daughter, the youngest. 683 00:33:38,038 --> 00:33:39,979 We went to Italy. 684 00:33:39,979 --> 00:33:42,596 We found ourselves-- Did you work on Expedia? 685 00:33:42,596 --> 00:33:43,375 Well, no. 686 00:33:43,375 --> 00:33:44,336 But wait, wait. 687 00:33:44,336 --> 00:33:45,135 I'm leaving. 688 00:33:45,135 --> 00:33:47,538 Wait. We're getting there. 689 00:33:47,538 --> 00:33:50,439 So we found ourselves, because of a delayed flight, 690 00:33:50,439 --> 00:33:53,038 stuck in Paris overnight. 691 00:33:53,038 --> 00:33:54,355 Which I know you're saying stuck in Paris, 692 00:33:54,355 --> 00:33:56,159 but I was on my way home. 693 00:33:56,159 --> 00:34:00,317 I had 24 hours set up to relax before I go back to my job. 694 00:34:00,317 --> 00:34:03,200 And so I was not happy, to say the least. 695 00:34:03,200 --> 00:34:06,112 And then I found out that I was stuck there 696 00:34:06,112 --> 00:34:08,838 for an 18-hour layover in Paris before they could 697 00:34:08,838 --> 00:34:10,039 get us on the next flight out. 698 00:34:10,039 --> 00:34:12,599 >> Please tell me you went into the city to do something. 699 00:34:12,599 --> 00:34:17,539 >> They booked me in a comped hotel that was, I don't know, 700 00:34:17,539 --> 00:34:20,739 three stars and right outside of the airport. 701 00:34:20,739 --> 00:34:24,059 So I grabbed my phone. 702 00:34:24,059 --> 00:34:25,699 I went to Expedia. 703 00:34:26,759 --> 00:34:30,998 I put in for a five-star hotel right by Paris, 704 00:34:30,998 --> 00:34:33,039 right by the Eiffel Tower. 705 00:34:33,039 --> 00:34:34,277 And we got an amazing hotel. 706 00:34:34,277 --> 00:34:37,679 We went in, and literally the most memorable night 707 00:34:37,679 --> 00:34:39,300 of our trip, because my daughter had never 708 00:34:39,300 --> 00:34:40,179 seen the Eiffel Tower. 709 00:34:40,179 --> 00:34:43,059 So you did that. 710 00:34:43,059 --> 00:34:44,958 Thank you for using Expedia. 711 00:34:44,960 --> 00:34:47,777 We did not prepare this at all, so this is a wonderful story. 712 00:34:47,777 --> 00:34:49,079 No, but you did that. 713 00:34:49,079 --> 00:34:51,440 So you have definitely been successful, 714 00:34:51,440 --> 00:34:53,858 and Expedia has been successful. 715 00:34:53,858 --> 00:34:58,139 That being said, with success comes failure. 716 00:34:58,139 --> 00:35:02,018 So you talk about a time when you were at Microsoft. 717 00:35:02,018 --> 00:35:03,980 You had just transitioned to Microsoft 718 00:35:03,980 --> 00:35:06,356 from Boston Consulting Group, and you had some 719 00:35:06,356 --> 00:35:08,418 challenges transitioning. 720 00:35:08,420 --> 00:35:09,759 So tell us the story. 721 00:35:09,759 --> 00:35:12,759 - So by the way, I may have just moved 722 00:35:12,759 --> 00:35:15,829 to Seattle two years ago, but I spent two decades 723 00:35:15,829 --> 00:35:17,818 living in Europe up working for 724 00:35:17,818 --> 00:35:19,159 Seattle-based companies. 725 00:35:19,159 --> 00:35:21,599 10 years at Microsoft, 10 years in Seattle. 726 00:35:21,599 --> 00:35:23,059 Sorry, 10 years at Expedia. 727 00:35:23,059 --> 00:35:24,440 So I think it was a bit inevitable 728 00:35:24,440 --> 00:35:27,639 that at some point I was going to come live here. 729 00:35:27,639 --> 00:35:31,018 So I was a few years into working at Microsoft. 730 00:35:31,018 --> 00:35:33,920 And I had this great mentor who said to me, 731 00:35:33,920 --> 00:35:37,059 Ariane, if at some point you want a job running a business, 732 00:35:37,059 --> 00:35:38,797 you have to go do sales. 733 00:35:38,797 --> 00:35:40,498 At the time, I'd done strategy. 734 00:35:40,498 --> 00:35:41,958 I'd done marketing. 735 00:35:41,960 --> 00:35:44,239 But he was running the French subsidiary at the time. 736 00:35:44,239 --> 00:35:45,719 And he said, you need to go do sales, 737 00:35:45,719 --> 00:35:48,429 which I didn't want to do, but he was a very good 738 00:35:48,429 --> 00:35:50,139 mentor and I listened to him. 739 00:35:50,139 --> 00:35:53,603 And so I went to take the sales job and the advice 740 00:35:53,603 --> 00:35:56,465 people had given me was, "Oh, you know, Ariane, 741 00:35:56,465 --> 00:35:58,639 if you do sales, you have to have sharp elbows. 742 00:35:58,639 --> 00:35:59,958 You know, you have to be... 743 00:35:59,960 --> 00:36:02,739 Everybody's going to be trying to steal your territory." 744 00:36:02,739 --> 00:36:05,659 And so I went in and I started doing the job. 745 00:36:05,659 --> 00:36:08,856 And after the first two months, my team and I, we 746 00:36:08,856 --> 00:36:10,659 were missing our numbers. 747 00:36:10,659 --> 00:36:13,797 I was exhausted when I got home every night, 748 00:36:13,797 --> 00:36:15,659 and I wasn't really getting along very well 749 00:36:15,659 --> 00:36:17,699 with my colleagues. 750 00:36:17,699 --> 00:36:20,018 And I thought to myself, you know what? 751 00:36:20,018 --> 00:36:22,119 If I'm going to fail at this, I'm 752 00:36:22,119 --> 00:36:24,759 going to fail at being myself, like being authentically 753 00:36:24,759 --> 00:36:25,980 who I am. 754 00:36:25,980 --> 00:36:28,480 And so I went in the next day, and I 755 00:36:28,480 --> 00:36:30,780 stopped trying to have sharp elbows 756 00:36:30,780 --> 00:36:33,420 and competing with my colleagues. 757 00:36:33,420 --> 00:36:35,498 And more said, OK, we're going to collaborate. 758 00:36:35,498 --> 00:36:38,820 and how can I figure out how to hit our numbers, 759 00:36:38,820 --> 00:36:42,719 but in a way that was more trusting and more myself. 760 00:36:42,719 --> 00:36:44,719 And I was fortunate, it all worked out, 761 00:36:44,719 --> 00:36:46,739 and we ended up doing quite well. 762 00:36:46,739 --> 00:36:49,858 But it was a reminder to myself of, 763 00:36:49,860 --> 00:36:51,559 one, you have to bet on yourself, 764 00:36:51,559 --> 00:36:55,079 but two, just be authentically yourself 765 00:36:55,079 --> 00:36:56,679 and the way you wanna do things. 766 00:36:56,679 --> 00:36:59,659 And if you're failing at something, 767 00:36:59,659 --> 00:37:03,139 just ask yourself, am I doing it authentically or not? 768 00:37:03,139 --> 00:37:06,380 - Well, you must have done it really well authentically 769 00:37:06,380 --> 00:37:08,898 to end up where you are today. 770 00:37:08,900 --> 00:37:12,838 So, 23 years in Europe, you're now in Seattle. 771 00:37:12,838 --> 00:37:15,659 You always say the best way to know a city 772 00:37:15,659 --> 00:37:18,259 is to walk a city. 773 00:37:18,259 --> 00:37:20,059 I know you've been walking Seattle. 774 00:37:20,059 --> 00:37:23,777 Tell us what you found and maybe a little bit 775 00:37:23,777 --> 00:37:27,599 about what Seattle does not know about itself? 776 00:37:27,599 --> 00:37:32,838 - So I assume many of you know the Expedia campus, 777 00:37:32,838 --> 00:37:34,719 which is over in Elliott Bay. 778 00:37:34,719 --> 00:37:37,440 And we have the most amazing, I mean the waterfront 779 00:37:37,440 --> 00:37:38,559 there is incredible. 780 00:37:38,559 --> 00:37:41,059 We were part of doing a renovation of it. 781 00:37:41,059 --> 00:37:43,797 But my favorite place to walk in Seattle 782 00:37:43,797 --> 00:37:46,159 is just the waterfront in front of the office. 783 00:37:46,159 --> 00:37:48,277 I was actually there at one o'clock this afternoon 784 00:37:48,277 --> 00:37:50,280 after lunch, I did a walking one-on-one. 785 00:37:50,280 --> 00:37:53,739 and I love doing a walking one-on-one. 786 00:37:53,739 --> 00:37:55,259 I think it clears your mind. 787 00:37:55,259 --> 00:37:57,797 I really believe that these walks are great. 788 00:37:57,797 --> 00:38:00,777 So I love that waterfront walk. 789 00:38:00,777 --> 00:38:02,518 I love going on walks with Green Lake. 790 00:38:02,518 --> 00:38:04,777 In fact, I have a couple of people here, 791 00:38:04,777 --> 00:38:07,139 Bev and Pallaby, who are my walking buddies. 792 00:38:07,139 --> 00:38:09,818 We do our weekend walks together and discover new places 793 00:38:09,818 --> 00:38:12,099 to walk around Seattle, which is amazing. 794 00:38:12,099 --> 00:38:15,259 I've been on a bunch of hikes over at Twin Falls. 795 00:38:15,259 --> 00:38:18,393 So it just, I think this area, And we heard it 796 00:38:18,393 --> 00:38:21,639 earlier from Joe, it is so blessed with 797 00:38:21,639 --> 00:38:25,219 incredible nature, incredible sort of, 798 00:38:25,219 --> 00:38:27,885 whether it's hikes, whether it's being on the 799 00:38:27,885 --> 00:38:30,797 water, whatever it is, it is amazing. 800 00:38:30,797 --> 00:38:32,400 - That is one thing I would say. 801 00:38:32,400 --> 00:38:36,132 We have a lot of natural beauty that we, I think 802 00:38:36,132 --> 00:38:38,887 sometimes maybe don't see because we live in 803 00:38:38,887 --> 00:38:39,760 it every single day. 804 00:38:39,760 --> 00:38:41,840 - Although it is easier to appreciate 805 00:38:41,840 --> 00:38:44,847 during the spring and summer than maybe in the middle 806 00:38:44,847 --> 00:38:46,259 of winter in the rain. 807 00:38:46,259 --> 00:38:48,858 - Okay, she is not a Seattleite yet. 808 00:38:48,860 --> 00:38:50,838 Not yet. 809 00:38:50,838 --> 00:38:52,358 - I lived in London for 10 years, 810 00:38:52,360 --> 00:38:55,880 so I got used to dark and rain, but someone did tell 811 00:38:55,880 --> 00:38:58,259 me when I got here, they said, "Ariane, the winter, 812 00:38:58,259 --> 00:39:02,719 "sort of between October and March is the great dark." 813 00:39:02,719 --> 00:39:04,878 That was what they described. 814 00:39:04,880 --> 00:39:06,639 But I didn't find it was that dark. 815 00:39:06,639 --> 00:39:09,659 - No, yes, you are true, especially coming from London, 816 00:39:09,659 --> 00:39:11,179 it does help a little bit to have, 817 00:39:11,179 --> 00:39:14,039 you eased your way into the city. 818 00:39:14,039 --> 00:39:19,297 Okay, so Expedia, like you said, built 40 acres of waterfront 819 00:39:19,297 --> 00:39:21,900 and then opened it to the public. 820 00:39:21,900 --> 00:39:25,498 Would you make that same investment today? 821 00:39:25,498 --> 00:39:30,039 - Yeah, I mean, it's, to me, it is such a gift. 822 00:39:30,039 --> 00:39:31,838 Well, first, I would say for Expedia, 823 00:39:31,838 --> 00:39:34,059 it's a gift to be able to have the location 824 00:39:34,059 --> 00:39:36,179 of our office that we have. 825 00:39:36,179 --> 00:39:38,500 And it's a gift to be in a position to give 826 00:39:38,500 --> 00:39:41,101 back to the community in the way that we have. 827 00:39:41,101 --> 00:39:44,739 And I'm sure a lot of companies here have done the same. 828 00:39:44,739 --> 00:39:48,179 Now, if you ask me, there's clearly a lot going on, 829 00:39:48,179 --> 00:39:49,940 on taxes, on regulation. 830 00:39:50,940 --> 00:39:53,692 Seattle needs to compete to be a place that 831 00:39:53,692 --> 00:39:55,579 employers want to invest in. 832 00:39:55,579 --> 00:39:58,637 But I can tell you the emotion of it is, what an 833 00:39:58,637 --> 00:40:01,777 honor to be able to give back to the community. 834 00:40:01,777 --> 00:40:04,759 well, we certainly appreciate what Expedia has done. 835 00:40:04,759 --> 00:40:07,239 It is beautiful, and if you all have not made it 836 00:40:07,239 --> 00:40:09,219 to see their headquarters and kind of start 837 00:40:09,219 --> 00:40:12,630 the waterfront walk at Expedia, it is something you 838 00:40:12,630 --> 00:40:14,784 should absolutely do, and you should take guests 839 00:40:14,784 --> 00:40:17,139 there, or visitors if you have, because it is lovely. 840 00:40:17,139 --> 00:40:19,297 It really shows our city off. 841 00:40:19,297 --> 00:40:22,818 Okay, so this would not be a very good talk 842 00:40:22,818 --> 00:40:26,418 if I did not mention AI. 843 00:40:26,420 --> 00:40:28,085 So. - That's good, I was in an 844 00:40:28,085 --> 00:40:30,103 investor conference yesterday You're talking about it 845 00:40:30,103 --> 00:40:31,039 all day, so I'm all set. 846 00:40:31,039 --> 00:40:32,320 - You're good. 847 00:40:32,320 --> 00:40:34,320 But I think our group would want to know 848 00:40:34,320 --> 00:40:36,099 a little bit about AI. 849 00:40:36,099 --> 00:40:39,699 So you have called AI Expedia's third chapter. 850 00:40:39,699 --> 00:40:42,318 I think the first chapter was the computer. 851 00:40:42,318 --> 00:40:43,920 The second chapter was going mobile. 852 00:40:43,920 --> 00:40:46,539 So AI, this is the third chapter. 853 00:40:46,539 --> 00:40:50,940 You also killed an AI product that didn't work. 854 00:40:50,940 --> 00:40:55,119 So tell us a little bit about what that failure taught you, 855 00:40:55,119 --> 00:40:58,900 and then maybe a prediction, if you can, 856 00:40:58,900 --> 00:41:00,920 of how AI might help us travel better. 857 00:41:00,920 --> 00:41:04,539 - Sure, so this year was Expedia's 30 year anniversary. 858 00:41:04,539 --> 00:41:08,458 It was founded in this region 30 years ago. 859 00:41:08,460 --> 00:41:10,599 And it's true, the way I think about it is 860 00:41:10,599 --> 00:41:12,018 we're on our third chapter. 861 00:41:12,018 --> 00:41:15,219 The first chapter was on the web, 862 00:41:15,219 --> 00:41:18,478 the second was mobile, and the third is really AI. 863 00:41:18,480 --> 00:41:21,460 And with AI, we have an opportunity 864 00:41:21,460 --> 00:41:25,639 to truly give people personalized travel agents. 865 00:41:25,639 --> 00:41:27,338 We always used to say OTAs, we're 866 00:41:27,338 --> 00:41:30,838 going to put the agent back in the online travel agent. 867 00:41:30,838 --> 00:41:35,139 But with AI, we can truly be personalized. 868 00:41:35,139 --> 00:41:36,797 The way we think about it is, one 869 00:41:36,797 --> 00:41:39,498 is, how are we using AI in our products 870 00:41:39,498 --> 00:41:42,219 in order to help people go faster from search 871 00:41:42,219 --> 00:41:44,460 to find to book and to know that they're 872 00:41:44,460 --> 00:41:47,539 going to be taken care of all along their trip. 873 00:41:47,539 --> 00:41:49,358 Whether that's just using the data 874 00:41:49,360 --> 00:41:52,719 we have to be more personalized with recommendations, 875 00:41:52,719 --> 00:41:54,797 whether it's putting natural language 876 00:41:54,797 --> 00:41:57,300 search in various places in our product 877 00:41:57,300 --> 00:42:01,699 so that if you want to understand of these three 878 00:42:01,699 --> 00:42:03,599 hotels, which one has breakfast earliest. 879 00:42:03,599 --> 00:42:06,418 My husband, when he used to travel in from Europe, 880 00:42:06,420 --> 00:42:08,219 the most important thing to him was, 881 00:42:08,219 --> 00:42:10,920 who has the earliest breakfast because I'm totally jet lagged. 882 00:42:10,920 --> 00:42:13,159 And so with AI and conversational search, 883 00:42:13,159 --> 00:42:15,579 you no longer have to go searching for that information. 884 00:42:15,579 --> 00:42:18,960 You can just type and talk. 885 00:42:18,960 --> 00:42:21,199 So AI is about how do you make the product more personalized, 886 00:42:21,199 --> 00:42:22,179 number one. 887 00:42:22,179 --> 00:42:26,059 Number two, AI is actually this huge opportunity for us 888 00:42:26,059 --> 00:42:29,719 to go reach new travelers who might be starting their search 889 00:42:29,719 --> 00:42:35,018 with ChatGPT or with Claude or with any of these new AI agents. 890 00:42:35,018 --> 00:42:38,380 How do we make sure that our brands are showing up there? 891 00:42:38,380 --> 00:42:40,679 Because people are searching there. 892 00:42:40,679 --> 00:42:42,659 And then, of course, AI is a way for us 893 00:42:42,659 --> 00:42:45,400 to be able to speed up our innovation. 894 00:42:45,400 --> 00:42:47,079 It won't surprise anyone that we're 895 00:42:47,079 --> 00:42:50,018 able to get up to 40% faster cycle 896 00:42:50,018 --> 00:42:53,998 time through our product and tech teams by using AI. 897 00:42:53,998 --> 00:42:56,219 So I just think it's an amazing opportunity 898 00:42:56,219 --> 00:43:00,079 to reinvent the experience we provide travelers, where we're 899 00:43:00,079 --> 00:43:05,039 driving growth in the company and also how we do things. 900 00:43:05,039 --> 00:43:08,760 The mindset we take to it is really experimentation. 901 00:43:08,760 --> 00:43:11,039 And for years, a lot of companies 902 00:43:11,039 --> 00:43:14,480 will say it's all about experimenting and failing. 903 00:43:14,480 --> 00:43:19,018 This is so much even more true today with how quickly things 904 00:43:19,018 --> 00:43:20,297 are moving. 905 00:43:20,297 --> 00:43:23,318 So two years ago, we came out with a product called Romie. 906 00:43:23,318 --> 00:43:26,360 Romie, it was actually early on in ChatGPT. 907 00:43:26,360 --> 00:43:28,820 We were the first to put that directly in 908 00:43:28,820 --> 00:43:30,239 our product in Romie. 909 00:43:30,239 --> 00:43:33,297 And it was meant to be an agent that was going to help you go, 910 00:43:33,297 --> 00:43:35,943 it was on our home screen, it was going to help you 911 00:43:35,943 --> 00:43:37,853 go from inspiration to discovery all the 912 00:43:37,853 --> 00:43:38,639 way through booking. 913 00:43:39,739 --> 00:43:42,969 What we discovered along the way is we were sort 914 00:43:42,969 --> 00:43:45,119 of biting off too much than we could chew. 915 00:43:45,119 --> 00:43:48,139 We were trying to do the whole thing end to end. 916 00:43:48,139 --> 00:43:51,918 And at the time, the agent wasn't really ready to do that. 917 00:43:51,920 --> 00:43:55,385 And so people had expectations that this interface was going 918 00:43:55,385 --> 00:43:58,373 to be able to help them do all of that from inspiration 919 00:43:58,373 --> 00:44:01,500 all the way down to booking, but it wasn't paying it off. 920 00:44:01,500 --> 00:44:04,940 And what we've realized is actually understanding 921 00:44:04,940 --> 00:44:08,018 what is the traveler's journey and where are those moments 922 00:44:08,018 --> 00:44:10,639 that you want to insert conversational search 923 00:44:10,639 --> 00:44:12,623 versus where are the moments that you actually just 924 00:44:12,623 --> 00:44:14,447 want to allow someone to continue going 925 00:44:14,447 --> 00:44:16,255 through their flow of looking at the 926 00:44:16,255 --> 00:44:18,860 images and the content in the way that they want. 927 00:44:18,860 --> 00:44:22,818 So we will get to that full end-to-end agent, 928 00:44:22,818 --> 00:44:25,481 but sort of this approach of having these 929 00:44:25,481 --> 00:44:28,117 microagents throughout is what we're finding 930 00:44:28,117 --> 00:44:29,539 people are looking for. 931 00:44:29,539 --> 00:44:31,780 Actually, I think it's quite similar to where Amazon 932 00:44:31,780 --> 00:44:35,980 has been with Alexa and Rufus, what they've done as well, 933 00:44:35,980 --> 00:44:38,460 is you just have to test and figure out 934 00:44:38,460 --> 00:44:41,059 where in the product do you wanna use AI. 935 00:44:41,059 --> 00:44:43,619 And I actually think sometimes the most powerful use of AI 936 00:44:43,619 --> 00:44:45,619 are things that people have no idea 937 00:44:45,619 --> 00:44:47,099 is actually AI behind it. 938 00:44:47,099 --> 00:44:50,277 It just makes things easier with less friction. 939 00:44:50,277 --> 00:44:51,539 - Well, it's working. 940 00:44:51,539 --> 00:44:54,739 I don't know if you all have tried to find a hotel 941 00:44:54,739 --> 00:44:59,458 and a location and then you get like the side little window 942 00:44:59,460 --> 00:45:01,400 that pops up and it's an Expedia search. 943 00:45:01,400 --> 00:45:02,318 I just got it. 944 00:45:02,318 --> 00:45:02,880 It works. 945 00:45:02,880 --> 00:45:03,978 It's really kind of cool. 946 00:45:03,980 --> 00:45:06,139 So nice work. 947 00:45:06,139 --> 00:45:09,340 Okay, so we have a lightning round, 948 00:45:09,340 --> 00:45:11,277 which is kind of always my favorite. 949 00:45:11,277 --> 00:45:15,838 So Ariane just has to answer quickly, top of her head, 950 00:45:15,838 --> 00:45:17,980 the first thing she's thinking about. 951 00:45:17,980 --> 00:45:19,119 Okay, ready? 952 00:45:19,119 --> 00:45:19,954 - I'm ready. 953 00:45:19,954 --> 00:45:20,539 - Ready? 954 00:45:20,539 --> 00:45:21,418 Okay, window or aisle? 955 00:45:21,420 --> 00:45:22,659 - I'm gonna ask you the same questions back. 956 00:45:22,659 --> 00:45:23,552 - No! 957 00:45:23,552 --> 00:45:25,338 (laughs) 958 00:45:25,338 --> 00:45:26,579 Okay, window or aisle? 959 00:45:26,579 --> 00:45:27,159 - Window. 960 00:45:27,159 --> 00:45:28,639 - Excellent. 961 00:45:28,639 --> 00:45:30,059 Carry on or check the bag? 962 00:45:30,059 --> 00:45:31,338 - Oh, carry on. 963 00:45:31,338 --> 00:45:33,000 I hate checking in bags. 964 00:45:33,000 --> 00:45:35,378 I'm sort of an impatient person. 965 00:45:35,380 --> 00:45:38,938 So when I travel with people and they check in their bags, 966 00:45:38,938 --> 00:45:41,005 I sort of, I have these like, okay, well maybe I 967 00:45:41,005 --> 00:45:42,498 should wait for them for their luggage 968 00:45:42,498 --> 00:45:43,795 to get delivered or maybe I should just 969 00:45:43,795 --> 00:45:44,679 go straight to the hotel. 970 00:45:44,679 --> 00:45:46,380 - I just don't take them. 971 00:45:46,380 --> 00:45:47,699 >> Oh, there you go. 972 00:45:47,699 --> 00:45:49,518 That's a better answer. 973 00:45:49,518 --> 00:45:51,420 >> Okay, beaches or mountains? 974 00:45:51,420 --> 00:45:52,139 >> Beaches. 975 00:45:52,139 --> 00:45:52,978 >> Excellent. 976 00:45:52,978 --> 00:45:55,239 Oh, favorite candy bar? 977 00:45:55,239 --> 00:45:55,920 >> Twix. 978 00:45:55,920 --> 00:45:57,679 >> Twix, that's mine. 979 00:45:57,679 --> 00:45:58,679 There's nothing to it. 980 00:45:58,679 --> 00:46:01,318 Twix can't fix. 981 00:46:01,318 --> 00:46:02,498 [Laughter] 982 00:46:03,958 --> 00:46:07,360 Okay, what's the book on your bedside table? 983 00:46:07,360 --> 00:46:10,318 >> Oh, I just finished two amazing novels. 984 00:46:10,318 --> 00:46:13,119 One, Theo of Golden. 985 00:46:13,119 --> 00:46:16,824 Amazing. Has anybody read Theo of Golden? 986 00:46:16,824 --> 00:46:18,188 It's so amazing. 987 00:46:18,188 --> 00:46:20,978 And then Whistler by Ann Patchett. 988 00:46:20,978 --> 00:46:22,471 Is it Ann Patchett? 989 00:46:22,471 --> 00:46:23,588 It's amazing. 990 00:46:23,588 --> 00:46:25,641 Yeah? Yeah, Ann Patchett. 991 00:46:25,641 --> 00:46:26,760 I love novels. 992 00:46:26,760 --> 00:46:30,090 Okay, two more for my bedside table. 993 00:46:30,090 --> 00:46:33,199 All right, what's your nickname? 994 00:46:33,199 --> 00:46:35,079 [laughing] 995 00:46:35,079 --> 00:46:36,699 - I don't have a nickname. 996 00:46:36,699 --> 00:46:37,440 - You don't have a nickname? 997 00:46:37,440 --> 00:46:38,277 - No, I don't. 998 00:46:38,277 --> 00:46:40,838 My initials are Average, A-V-G. 999 00:46:40,838 --> 00:46:42,518 [laughing] 1000 00:46:42,518 --> 00:46:43,938 - We are not calling you Average. 1001 00:46:43,938 --> 00:46:46,179 - You know what, I don't know why. 1002 00:46:46,179 --> 00:46:49,275 Maybe I never had a nickname because growing up in the US 1003 00:46:49,275 --> 00:46:52,532 with the first name Ariane, people always had a hard 1004 00:46:52,532 --> 00:46:53,679 time pronouncing it. 1005 00:46:53,679 --> 00:46:55,297 But my answer was not to shorten it 1006 00:46:55,297 --> 00:46:56,679 'cause I didn't like Ari. 1007 00:46:56,679 --> 00:46:58,518 It was just, you know, it's Ariane. 1008 00:46:58,518 --> 00:46:59,340 Figure out how to pronounce it. 1009 00:46:59,340 --> 00:47:01,039 - All right, Ariane. 1010 00:47:01,039 --> 00:47:03,219 Okay, crossword, pen or pencil? 1011 00:47:03,219 --> 00:47:07,059 - You know what, I now do my crosswords on the iPad. 1012 00:47:07,059 --> 00:47:08,099 Sorry. 1013 00:47:08,099 --> 00:47:08,498 [audience laughing] 1014 00:47:08,498 --> 00:47:10,719 But if I were doing the crossword, pencil. 1015 00:47:10,719 --> 00:47:12,219 - Okay, all right. 1016 00:47:12,219 --> 00:47:14,579 What's your coffee order in Seattle? 1017 00:47:14,579 --> 00:47:15,880 - Soy latte. 1018 00:47:15,880 --> 00:47:17,958 - Excellent, okay. 1019 00:47:17,958 --> 00:47:19,139 Paris or London? 1020 00:47:19,139 --> 00:47:20,460 - Oh, Paris. 1021 00:47:20,460 --> 00:47:22,000 Paris is the city of my heart. 1022 00:47:22,000 --> 00:47:24,320 I mean, it's an amazing city. 1023 00:47:24,320 --> 00:47:27,099 - Nah, I'm with you. 1024 00:47:27,099 --> 00:47:29,579 Okay, last one. 1025 00:47:29,579 --> 00:47:33,400 NFL commissioner or the job you have now? 1026 00:47:33,400 --> 00:47:33,920 [laughing] 1027 00:47:33,920 --> 00:47:36,699 - By far, my job, I was actually speaking 1028 00:47:36,699 --> 00:47:39,940 to someone last night who used to work at Expedia a while ago 1029 00:47:39,940 --> 00:47:42,918 and I said, I pinch myself every morning 1030 00:47:42,920 --> 00:47:45,539 and I think I can't believe I get to have my dream job. 1031 00:47:45,539 --> 00:47:49,018 Like I love this company, I love travel, 1032 00:47:49,018 --> 00:47:51,418 it's such an exciting moment with AI, 1033 00:47:51,420 --> 00:47:53,297 I love living in Seattle. 1034 00:47:53,297 --> 00:47:55,219 Like, I just, I feel such gratitude 1035 00:47:55,219 --> 00:47:57,239 to get to have the job that I have. 1036 00:47:57,239 --> 00:47:59,539 So there's no other job in the world I would want. 1037 00:47:59,539 --> 00:48:01,320 - Okay, that's the right answer. 1038 00:48:01,320 --> 00:48:03,838 - I do have a board member in the room, but-- 1039 00:48:03,838 --> 00:48:05,759 [laughing] 1040 00:48:05,759 --> 00:48:08,760 - Okay, last one. 1041 00:48:08,760 --> 00:48:10,478 You have a rule. 1042 00:48:10,478 --> 00:48:13,300 Is my future self going to thank me? 1043 00:48:13,300 --> 00:48:18,438 So if you had to convince one brilliant 25-year-old 1044 00:48:18,438 --> 00:48:21,659 to build their life and company here in Seattle 1045 00:48:21,659 --> 00:48:25,119 instead of anywhere else in the world, including Paris, 1046 00:48:25,119 --> 00:48:27,800 what is the one thing you'd say? 1047 00:48:27,800 --> 00:48:30,838 - I'm gonna say more than one thing. 1048 00:48:30,838 --> 00:48:34,699 I would say one, I would say go where there's growth. 1049 00:48:34,699 --> 00:48:42,239 And if you look at the companies and just the business 1050 00:48:42,239 --> 00:48:44,777 community in Seattle and the innovation here, 1051 00:48:44,777 --> 00:48:47,438 there's inevitably going to be growth. 1052 00:48:47,438 --> 00:48:51,260 Go where there is a great mix of things that you care about. 1053 00:48:51,260 --> 00:48:56,360 So if it's culture and outdoors and sports and all of that, 1054 00:48:56,360 --> 00:48:57,978 Seattle's got it. 1055 00:48:57,978 --> 00:48:59,320 And great people. 1056 00:48:59,320 --> 00:49:03,889 So I would just say growth, amazing culture and things 1057 00:49:03,889 --> 00:49:05,920 to do, and great people. 1058 00:49:05,920 --> 00:49:07,478 What more could you ask for? 1059 00:49:07,478 --> 00:49:09,418 Seattle. Thank you. 1060 00:49:10,739 --> 00:49:11,777 [applause]