Digital Social Hour Episode Summary: "Why Top Tech Talent is Fleeing the US: CEO Reveals Truth | Anthony Constantino DSH #1086"

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Host: Sean Kelly

Introduction

In episode #1086 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a candid and thought-provoking conversation with Anthony Constantino, the CEO of Sticker Mule. The discussion delves into the pressing issue of top tech talent leaving the United States, exploring the underlying causes, including cultural and political factors. Anthony shares his personal journey, business strategies, and political activism, providing listeners with a comprehensive view of the challenges and triumphs faced by entrepreneurs in today’s socio-political climate.

1. The Exodus of Tech Talent from the US

Anthony Constantino opens the discussion by addressing the significant trend of skilled programmers and tech professionals leaving the United States. He attributes this exodus to the pervasive "woke" culture within the American tech industry, which he believes stifles rational discourse and innovation.

[01:12] Anthony Constantino: "You probably know there's a lot of woke people in tech. Many of the best programmers that are a little more rational are actually in other countries."

He highlights that talented individuals are increasingly seeking opportunities in regions like Europe and South America, where he perceives a more balanced and less ideologically driven work environment.

[04:04] Anthony Constantino: "They're not poisoned with the woke mind viruses as severely as the American developers."

2. Building a Remote-First Company

Sean Kelly acknowledges the difficulty in hiring domestic talent amidst these challenges, prompting Anthony to elaborate on Sticker Mule's growth strategy. Starting from a small town in upstate New York, Anthony emphasized the importance of a remote-first approach to tap into global talent pools.

[03:26] Anthony Constantino: "We were one of the pioneers of remote work. We wanted to get the best people there were to build the company."

This strategy allowed Sticker Mule to expand from a modest team to over 1,200 employees across 39 countries, ensuring access to top-notch talent irrespective of geographical constraints.

3. Business Philosophy: Balance Between Compensation and Work Environment

Anthony emphasizes that attracting and retaining talent requires offering both competitive compensation and an enjoyable work environment. He contrasts his company's approach with others that either pay well but are unpleasant or are fun but underpay their employees.

[05:22] Anthony Constantino: "We pay really well and... we try to let people have a lot of fun."

This philosophy not only enhances employee satisfaction but also drives productivity, as happy employees are more motivated and committed to their work.

4. Political Activism and Support for President Trump

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around Anthony's political activism. He recounts his steadfast support for President Trump, despite facing backlash from certain activist groups aiming to "cancel" him.

[07:42] Anthony Constantino: "I built a company from three or four hundred people to 1,200 people. We're doing really well."

He shares how his public endorsement of Trump, especially after a critical event like the assassination attempt, led to a massive social media response and positive traditional media coverage, reinforcing his commitment to his political beliefs.

5. Confrontation with Democratic Opposition

Anthony narrates a pivotal incident where he erected a giant "Vote for Trump" sign atop his factory building in upstate New York, which drew significant opposition from local Democrats who deemed it a public safety hazard.

[10:08] Anthony Constantino: "They tried to throw me in jail over it, which is crazy."

Despite legal challenges, Anthony successfully defended his right to free speech, turning the controversy into a national story that ultimately bolstered his support base.

[11:56] Anthony Constantino: "Free speech is totally protected in an election year. And a sign isn't a public safety hazard."

6. Campaigning for Congress

Inspired by his experiences and the support garnered from his political actions, Anthony announces his decision to run for Congress. He emphasizes his desire to bring effective leadership and counteract what he perceives as the Democrats' detrimental influence on states like New York and New Jersey.

[15:14] Anthony Constantino: "We need to get people to come back. We have to turn New York red."

He outlines his campaign strategy, which includes leveraging his technological expertise and substantial personal investment in his campaign to maintain independence from traditional fundraising methods.

[18:16] Anthony Constantino: "I have a website, voteforanthony.com... I put $2.6 million in my campaign account thanks to Elon Musk."

7. Vision for Political Change

Anthony envisions significant political shifts in traditionally Democratic strongholds, believing that with strategic efforts, states like New York and New Jersey can tilt towards Republican leadership. He criticizes the current Democratic focus on issues he deems irrelevant, advocating for a return to voter-centric policies.

[15:11] Anthony Constantino: "Turning little boys into little girls is not an issue. People like... that's one of the Democrats’ issues."

He underscores the importance of addressing voter concerns and removing what he perceives as obstructionist tactics like censorship and misuse of government power.

8. Community Engagement and Impact

Anthony shares anecdotes of his community engagement efforts, including hosting bipartisan parties and debates aimed at bridging political divides. These initiatives have reportedly influenced individuals across the political spectrum, encouraging more people to support President Trump and consider shifting their political allegiances.

[17:02] Anthony Constantino: "Every Democrat that came left voting for President Trump... a Manhattan CEO... was very proud to have done it."

9. Future Endeavors and Closing Remarks

In the final segments, Anthony provides listeners with ways to support his campaign, including visiting his website for promotional materials and staying connected through social media platforms. He emphasizes his commitment to integrity and independence in his political aspirations, aiming to serve the best interests of his constituents without external financial pressures.

[19:33] Anthony Constantino: "I don't want to be beholden to anybody. I want to win the seat and... support President Trump."

Sean Kelly concludes the episode by acknowledging Anthony's dedication and providing avenues for listeners to engage with his campaign.

Conclusion

This episode of Digital Social Hour offers a deep dive into the intersection of technology, business strategy, and political activism through the lens of Anthony Constantino. His experiences highlight the broader challenges faced by tech entrepreneurs in navigating a polarized socio-political landscape. Anthony's proactive approach to building a resilient, globally-minded company and his fearless political stance provide valuable insights into leadership and the complexities of fostering growth amidst cultural conflicts.

Notable Quotes:

• Anthony Constantino [01:12]: "Many of the best programmers that are a little more rational are actually in other countries."

• Anthony Constantino [05:22]: "We pay really well and... we try to let people have a lot of fun."

• Anthony Constantino [10:08]: "They tried to throw me in jail over it, which is crazy."

• Anthony Constantino [18:16]: "I have a website, voteforanthony.com... I put $2.6 million in my campaign account thanks to Elon Musk."

Additional Resources:

• Support Anthony Constantino: Visit voteforanthony.com to learn more about his campaign and initiatives.
• Follow on Social Media: Connect with Anthony on various social media platforms through his handle @AC132 for updates and engagement.

Note: The timestamps correspond to the original podcast transcript provided and are included to facilitate reference to specific segments of the conversation.