How Elite Athletes Perform Under Extreme Pressure

Arianna Simpson interviews big wave surfing pioneer Laird Hamilton and former pro volleyball star Gabby Reece at the a16z crypto Founders Summit. The conversation explores themes of resilience, adaptability, and intuition in both sports and business. Laird recounts a near-death surfing experience and how he got back in the water, while Gabby discusses the importance of believing in one's business and knowing when to pivot. They share insights on managing uncertainty, avoiding burnout, and maintaining a strong partnership, emphasizing the value of community, curiosity, and mutual respect. The discussion touches on their experience taking a company public, forming good habits, and the role of data versus intuition in decision-making, concluding with a lightning round on daily practices and personal scars.