The Co-founder Journey: Jiajun Zhu and Dave Ferguson of Nuro

One of One

In this episode of "One of One," you'll hear an incredible conversation with Jiajun Zhu (JZ) and Dave Ferguson, the co-founders of Nuro, a pioneering autonomous vehicle company. They discuss the intricate dynamics of their unique leadership roles as they share candid insights into the way they can operate as co-CEOs, with JZ focusing on technology and people, and Dave handling finance, investment, and partnerships. You’ll hear firsthand how both leaders credit their leadership team for managing the day-to-day operations while they steer the strategic direction of the company.

JZ and Dave also offer a heartfelt discussion on the interplay between parenting and leadership. JZ, a father of two, talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing work with family life, crediting his wife’s support, and draws parallels between the emotional experiences in parenting and running a company. Similarly, Dave, also a parent, views parenting as the original leadership role and shares how emotional management at home complements his professional responsibilities.

The episode takes you through their personal journeys, from their serendipitous meeting at Google’s self-driving car project, Waymo, to the foundation and growth of Nuro. JZ’s lifelong passion for robotics and Dave’s shift from climate interests to robotics reveal their deep-rooted motivations and resilience amidst entrepreneurial challenges. You will appreciate the significance of resilience and persistence in entrepreneurship, recognize the emotional aspects tied to leadership roles, and be inspired by their unwavering optimism and vision for the future of autonomous technology. Join us as we explore the behind-the-scenes journey of two visionary leaders steering Nuro toward a transformative impact on everyday life.