Theo Baker, a Stanford University student, has made a name for himself as a journalist and author. His investigative work led to the resignation of Stanford President Marc Tessier-Lavigne, earning him a George Polk Award and attracting the attention of Warner Brothers and producer Amy Pascal, who have optioned the rights to his story. Baker's recent book, How to Rule the World, delves into his experiences at Stanford and the university's complex relationship with the venture capital industry. In this interview, Baker discusses his journey from a coder to a journalist, the Stanford "inside world," and the impact of recent events like the FTX collapse and the launch of ChatGPT on the university's culture and the tech industry.
The Rise of a Journalist
Baker's interest in journalism began with his grandfather's passion for the student paper. Despite initially joining Stanford with a focus on tech and entrepreneurship, he quickly found himself drawn to investigative reporting. His first few stories gained traction, leading him to uncover suspicious research practices involving Stanford's president, Marc Tessier-Lavigne. Despite warnings and pushback, Baker's persistence led to a major story that forced Tessier-Lavigne's resignation.
The Stanford "Inside World"
Baker introduces the concept of the "Stanford inside world," a parallel reality where talented students are identified as potential trillion-dollar startup founders. This elite group gains access to exclusive resources, including yacht parties and slush funds, and networks with influential billionaires. Baker describes a system designed to separate "wantrepreneurs" from "builders," where the primary qualification is who you know rather than genuine talent.
The Secret Class
The book's title, How to Rule the World, is not just a metaphor but also the name of a secret class taught by a Silicon Valley CEO. This class, akin to Skull and Bones, offers lectures and networking opportunities for aspiring tech elites. Baker highlights the mystique surrounding this class and the promise of learning secrets to rule the world, showcasing the lengths to which some go to gain influence and connections.
Talent Scouting and the Tech Industry
Baker describes a talent-scouting system where venture capitalists employ older Stanford students to identify freshmen with potential. This process is kept hidden, and joining entrepreneurship clubs is seen as a sign of authenticity. The author emphasizes the casualness with which some CEOs interact with freshmen, showcasing the development of big frauds through the vesting of authority and power in teenagers without proper safeguards.
Observing Recent Tech Trends
The timing of Baker's arrival at Stanford coincided with the crypto craze and the launch of ChatGPT. He observes how quickly the focus shifted from crypto to AI, with many students trying to capitalize on the new trend. The author discusses the impact of these events on the university's culture and the tech industry, noting the changing nature of entrepreneurship and the increasing value of talent in a rapidly evolving job market.
Advice for Young Students
Baker advises 17-year-olds heading to elite universities to be mindful of their motivations. He emphasizes the importance of doing what one believes in and the right thing, rather than following trends or easy paths. Baker encourages students to pursue their passions and make a difference, rather than seeking wealth as the primary goal.
Future Endeavors
Despite his initial interest in entrepreneurship, Baker has found his true calling in journalism. He expresses a deep love for the craft and believes that his future endeavors will always intersect with journalism, whether in the form of writing, reporting, or other creative avenues.
