Danny Crichton — Player of Games (EP.239)

Danny Crichton is a man of many talents. He’s got a background in computer science, has worked in the worlds of foreign policy, was a managing editor at Techcrunch, and now serves as Head of Editorial at Lux Capital. As Lux’s de-facto games master, Danny also devises their Riskgames: strategic simulations that immerse players in complex scenarios reflecting real-world challenges and dynamics. These games – whose players include senators, major generals, congressmen and, think-tank CEOs – include scenarios like ‘Hamptons at the Cross-Roads’ (that deals with climate change and maritime security) and ‘Powering Up’ (that deals with China’s global EV dominance). Danny and I discuss the origins of Riskgaming and the lessons he’s learned in high-stakes games with tech founders and government officials. Plus, we riff on our shared Minnesotan roots, and discuss ways to combat the uncertain fog of war in our careers. I hope you enjoy this insightful conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, “Hmm, that’s interesting!”, check out our Substack. Important Links: Danny's Twitter Danny's LinkedIn Danny's Personal Website Lux Securities Newsletter The Riskgaming Initiative Show Notes: Origins of Riskgaming The Different Play Styles between Technologists and Policymakers One-off games vs. Iterative games The Game Theoretic Foundations of Riskgaming It’s All About Tough Decisions Parable of the First Mover Disadvantage The Importance of Incentives Why Insurance Companies are Obsessed with Truth in the Market How AIs Can Cut Through Bureaucratic Slog How Danny Builds Scenarios Why Riskgaming Teaches Better Decision Making Danny’s Thoughts on Intellectual Humility Danny and Jim’s Minnesotan Heritage Danny’s experience launching TechCrunch+ Facing the Fog of War The Importance of Agility Danny as Emperor of the World Books Mentioned: Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid; by Douglas Hofstadter Left Behind: A New Economics for Neglected Places; by Paul Collier