For decades, Jeffrey Katzenberg has been at the forefront of culture-defining innovation—from revolutionizing Hollywood to investing in transformative technology.

Now, as AI reshapes how we work, create, and connect, WndrCo is identifying and backing the next wave of game-changing companies. 

In this episode of The Speed of Culture podcast, private equity firm WndrCo’s Jeffrey Katzenberg, founder and managing partner, and Justin Wexler, general partner, explore what sets the most successful startups apart and how visionary leadership turns great ideas into lasting impact. 

Whether you’re a brand leader, entrepreneur, or creative, this conversation offers essential insights for navigating the next era of innovation.

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The conversation explores the transformative power of AI in work, storytelling, and venture investment, as well as how it’s reshaping productivity and creativity, why technology is an enabler—not a replacement—for storytelling, and how vision, execution, and exceeding expectations fuel success across industries.

A legend in entertainment and media, Jeffrey Katzenberg has shaped some of the most influential brands in film and television, from revitalizing Disney Animation to co-founding DreamWorks. 

Justin Wexler is a leading investor in AI-driven enterprise software, backing transformative companies like Writer, Airtable, and Webflow. His expertise in SaaS, AI, and the future of work makes him one of the sharpest emerging voices in venture capital today.

Listen to Jeffrey Katzenberg and Justin Wexler on The Speed of Culture Podcast as they break down how AI, storytelling, and strategic investment are shaping the future of work, entertainment, and marketing.

Key takeaways:

[08:41] AI Is Reshaping Work — AI isn’t replacing jobs; it’s eliminating the tedious, time-consuming tasks that hold teams back. WndrCo-backed tools like Orby are automating expense reconciliation, optimizing workflows, and freeing employees to focus on higher-value work. The real future of AI in the workplace? Empowering people to be more creative, strategic, and innovative.

[00:12:49] AI & The Future of Storytelling — Great storytellers have always embraced technology, from CGI to digital animation to streaming. AI is no different. Jeffrey Katzenberg sees AI as the next great creative tool, enabling filmmakers, writers, and artists to build richer, more immersive narratives faster than ever before. The winners won’t be those who resist AI but those who master it to tell bigger, bolder, more dynamic stories.

[20:10] AI Is Finally Cracking Marketing’s Biggest Mystery: Brand Attribution — For decades, brand marketing’s impact was hard to measure—until now. AI-powered attribution models, like those from WndrCo portfolio company Alembic, are turning brand spend into a science. By tracking full-funnel performance across channels, AI is revealing exactly which marketing investments drive long-term business impact—giving CMOs unprecedented clarity and control over their budgets.

[23:51] The Key to Success? Exceeding Expectations — For Jeffrey and Justin, success comes down to one rule: overdeliver. Whether building DreamWorks, scaling billion-dollar startups, or identifying the next disruptive investment, they’ve learned that going beyond what’s expected builds trust, creates opportunity, and sets leaders apart. This mindset has fueled Wexler’s rise in venture capital—proving that exceeding expectations isn’t just a habit; it’s a competitive advantage.

[36:51] Never Let Your Memories Be Better Than Your Dreams — Some leaders dwell on past successes; Jeffrey and Justin focus on the future. Katzenberg built Hollywood powerhouses. Wexler is shaping AI’s next frontier. But neither is resting on past wins. Their philosophy? Stay hungry for what’s next, push boundaries, and never let yesterday’s success outshine tomorrow’s potential. Whether leading a media revolution or backing the next billion-dollar company, the best opportunities always lie ahead—for those bold enough to chase them.