Quartz recently launched a new app for civil discussion by smart people about the news. We’re working hard to build that community and quickly add new features based on how people are using it—and in the coming months will have some big developments on those fronts to share.
One of the app’s features is Quartz Pros, some of the top thinkers and doers in business who have committed to sharing their takes on the news regularly. We’re now expanding the group of Pros, and are excited to introduce you to the newest members of this hand-picked roster of leaders so that you can look out for them and follow them in the app.
Azeem Azhar, entrepreneur, investor and adviser—Azeem runs the email newsletter Exponential View, which covers the societal implications of technology, and is senior advisor on artificial intelligence to the chief technology and innovation officer of Accenture.
Peggy Johnson, executive vice president of business development, Microsoft—Peggy oversees strategic partnerships and transactions, Microsoft’s relationship with the venture capital community, and investments through the company’s corporate venture fund, M12. She spent 24 years at Qualcomm, serving as a member of its executive committee. Peggy is on the board of directors for BlackRock and the international nonprofit PATH.
Natasha Lamb, managing partner and cofounder, Arjuna Capital—Natasha works on impact investing with individuals, families, and institutions, while using shareholder activism to engage major corporations to improve their performance. Her 2014 negotiation with Exxon Mobil led to its first public report on global warming and carbon asset risk. Natasha is a trustee of the Food Project and chair of the Intentional Endowments Network.
Suzy Ryoo, vice president of technology and innovation at Atom Factory—Suzy is a partner at early stage venture capital firm Cross Culture Ventures, alongside her role at Atom Factory, a branding, entertainment, and artist management company. Suzy earlier led innovations and emerging platforms at Omnicom Media Group’s OMD.
Nicole Stott, astronaut and artist—Nicole spent over three months in space on the International Space Station and the Space Shuttle. She is also an aquanaut, having lived underwater for a 3-week mission on the Aquarius undersea habitat. Nicole is the first person to paint a watercolor in space, and is cofounder of the Space for Art Foundation.
Bradley Tusk, founder and CEO of Tusk Ventures—Bradley created the venture-capital fund to focus on startups in regulated industries. He was earlier deputy governor of Illinois, Uber’s first political advisor, and Michael Bloomberg’s campaign advisor. Tusk wrote The Fixer: My Adventures Saving Startups From Death by Politics and hosts the Firewall podcast.
You can follow any of these new Pros in the Quartz app by clicking on their names above. We’ll continue expanding the Pro roster in the coming months and will keep you updated as there are new members.