Thomas Edison vs Three Teslas in a Trenchcoat
summary
Compares Edison vs Tesla history to concrete engineering practices and prescribes a checklist: a new technology matrix (ease of adoption vs usefulness) used at Stitch Fix, three-phase process (evaluate need, constrained experiment, decision matrix), measurable success criteria, timeboxed rollbacks, and RACI assignments (responsible accountable consulted informed). Cites outcomes: AC hits 61% of generating capacity by 1902, modern consumption ≈157.5 petawatt‑hours, and warns that public failures (the filmed electrocution of Topsy) signal flawed arguments. Emphasizes running a responsible experiment and forming partnerships.
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chapters (13)
- 0:00Intro
- 2:03Meet Our Heroes
- 4:18Electromagnetic Generators
- 6:06War of Currents
- 9:59The Spirit of the Staircase
- 12:20Lone Genius
- 15:50Human Cumulative Culture
- 18:12Which one are you
- 19:19Strategies
- 20:58Evaluation
- 24:43Experiments
- 28:40Final Thoughts
- 29:48Outro
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