Nikhil Kamath x Netflix Co CEO, Ted Sarandos: Why Local Stories Win Global Audiences | People by WTF | Ep. 10

In this candid deep dive, I sit down with Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos to unpack the company’s remarkable journey from a DVD-by-mail service to a global streaming giant. We revisit Netflix's early battle with Blockbuster, the bold pivot to streaming, the company’s plans for India, and how they cracked the code on turning binge-watching into a universal habit.What was interesting for me was how he spots the next phenomenon before the world catches on. For anyone in media, tech, or entrepreneurship, here’s a masterclass in building and scaling in the entertainment space, and a reminder that you don’t always need a long story, just the right one.#NikhilKamath - Investor & EntrepreneurTwitter: https://x.com/nikhilkamathcioLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikhilkamathcio/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikhilkamathcio/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikhilkamathcio/ #TedSarandos - Co-CEO, NetflixLinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tedsarandos/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tedsarandos Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro01:32 - Ted’s favourite Indian creator02:15 - Netflix’s journey, pivots & vision08:34 - Netflix’s hiring culture11:52 - Ted’s journalism roots14:06 - Ted’s childhood & relationship with money16:39 - Rapid fire & banter18:17 - How much of the world is narrative?19:52 - Competing with Blockbuster25:13 - Content choices, projections & finding tribes28:05 - What defines success for Netflix33:56 - How to best serve your story?37:15 - Career advice & work cultures in India vs. US41:02 - Will Netflix produce theatrical movies?42:20 - Future of the theatre business45:30 - The next big disruption47:40 - Can AI create movies?51:42 - Netflix’s tech & what it’s doing right57:38 - Competing with other distributors1:02:39 - Netflix’s streaming strategy1:03:44 - What happens to conventional TV?1:05:01 - Why people love true crime1:06:11 - Why Netflix isn’t betting on live sports broadcasting1:10:24 - India’s subscription model: why it’s a tough sell1:13:29 - Will Netflix have an ads-only model?1:16:58 - Married life1:18:43 - How important is India for Netflix?1:21:57 - Adapting to country-specific dynamics1:24:28 - How Netflix greenlights projects1:24:53 - A founder’s baggage: filling big shoes1:28:17 - Validation & leadership1:32:11 - Indian personality who left a lasting impression on Ted1:34:11 - Ted’s secret to greenlighting hits1:41:36 - How diversity contributes to Netflix’s success1:42:42 - Can Netflix be global & local in India?1:44:47 - Hollywood vs. Netflix1:45:49 - Netflix’s role in podcasting’s future1:47:16 - Youth & attention span1:48:44 - Netflix’s future in gaming1:51:56 - Closing thoughtsWatch 'WTF is' Podcast on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/4nsm4eznWatch 'People by WTF' Podcast on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/yme92c59Watch 'WTF Online' on Spotify https://tinyurl.com/4tjua4th#WTFiswithnikhilkamath #PeopleByWTF #WTFOnline