In this episode of NYNext, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek sits down for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the company’s journey from a scrappy startup to a global audio powerhouse. Ek reflects on Spotify’s mission to empower creators, the platform’s growing role in podcasting and music, and how they're using AI to enhance discovery, personalization, and accessibility for users and artists alike.
From supporting free speech and controversial voices like Joe Rogan, to the company’s ongoing battles over fair competition and Big Tech dominance, Ek doesn’t shy away from tough topics. He also opens up about why he chose New York over Silicon Valley, the value of Scandinavian work-life balance, and what’s currently on his playlist.