The Gstaad Guy sits down with Nick Tran, president of First Round & former CMO of TikTok, and one of the most inventive minds in modern marketing, to explore what it really means to stay true to yourself in a world shaped by algorithms, speed, and constant reinvention. With a career built at the intersection of culture, creativity, and technology, Nick reflects on navigating chaos, solving problems through imagination, and building brand affinity in an era where attention is the most valuable currency.
The conversation dives into how social media rewired culture, the rise of AI as a tool that empowers both creators and consumers, and why authenticity, not perfection, wins in the digital arena. Nick shares lessons from the inside of one of the world’s most influential platforms, offering rare insight into storytelling, community, and the evolving relationship between people and technology. A thoughtful look at the future of content, identity, and creativity in a world where anyone can make anything.
Filmed at Casa Cipriani New York’s Premier River View Suite.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro ✨
(01:17) Social media & TikTok 📱🎵
(02:32) AI social media 🤖📲
(03:18) The most successful lies 🎭⚠️
(06:31) AI servicing creators & consumers 🤖🎨👥
(09:48) Oversupply of AI-generated content 📚🤖🌊
(12:08) Producing campaigns 🎥📈
(12:57) Organic socials 🌱📱
(15:36) Community building 🧑🤝🧑🌐
(18:14) Becoming a CMO 🎓💼
(22:05) Having a calm demeanour 😌🌿
(24:14) Problem solving 🧩💡
(28:45) Brand affinity ❤️🏷️
(32:57) Content strategy 🗂️🎯
(37:08) Whoop ⌚⚡
(41:33) Solving chaos 🔥➡️🧠
(44:03) Building a team 🧱👥
(45:55) Working in lean environments 🪶💼
(54:49) Saily ⛵📱
(56:46 )University 🎓📘
(1:01:36) Screen time 📱⏱️
(1:04:19) Knowledge access vs. acquisition 🔍📚⚖️
(1:08:16) Process matters ⚙️🧠
(1:09:33) “Marketing at the speed of culture” ⚡🎨🌍
(1:15:32) À La Poubelle vs. Fantastique 🗑️✨
(1:18:44) Internet awareness & cultural curiosity 🌐👁️💭
(1:19:41) Freelance vs. full-time 🧑💻↔️🏢
(1:25:30) Small teams 👥✨
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