Why is Yuga Labs' CEO the same guy who produced Lady Gaga's Super Bowl halftime?

Figge went from co-founding POSSIBLE (creative studio behind arena tours for Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Lady Gaga, Paul McCartney and 200 other arena shows) to a 2020 Emmy for the world's first Unreal Engine extended reality stage. Then he created WENEW with Beeple. Then four C-suite roles at Yuga Labs in under four years, now CEO of the company behind Bored Ape Yacht Club, CryptoPunks, and Beeple's HUMAN ONE.

In this episode of #UpgradeMe with Dana Leong, Figge walks through the white hat rescue of millions of dollars in NFTs (29 Bored Apes and 2 CryptoPunks), leadership upgrades, why he hires for curiosity over pedigree, and transitioning to running one of the world's largest digitalized art clubs: Yuga Labs.

CHAPTERS
00:00 Cliffhanger cold open
00:38 Welcome to #UpgradeMe
00:41 Figge intro
02:48 Kanye West Glow in the Dark Tour
11:11 The phone might stop ringing
12:07 Emmy nominations and VMAs
17:49 BAYC — best club on the internet
28:00 2020 Emmy for Unreal Engine XR stage
34:27 The CEO paradox
35:18 The $69 million JPEG at Christie's
1:01:08 Films aren't finished. They're abandoned.
1:03:12 White hat rescue — 29 Bored Apes, 2 CryptoPunks
1:09:33 Pressure is a privilege
1:11:27 9-minute mornings
1:12:07 RPM — Result Purpose Map

ABOUT FIGGE
CEO of Yuga Labs (BAYC, CryptoPunks, Meebits, Otherside, HUMAN ONE). Rose through four C-suite roles in under four years. Co-founder of POSSIBLE, the creative design studio behind 200+ arena-scale shows including Lady Gaga Super Bowl LI halftime, VMAs, Coachella, and tours for Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, Paul McCartney, Childish Gambino. 2020 Emmy for the world's biggest extended reality stage on Unreal Engine. Lead creative on Louis Vuitton's "Louis The Game." Co-founded WENEW with Beeple and Guy Oseary in 2021.

Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/B76Z1Pqt9Ws

Follow Figge: LinkedIn · X @mfigge · IG @mfigge · yuga.com

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Welcome back to #UpgradeMe. It's a podcast about the never ending self improvement journey, ideas and life hacks to help you level up and the people who make it happen! Hosted by Dana Leong, a 2x Grammy Winning Musician, US Music Ambassador and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

Support #UpgradeMe: patreon.com/UpgradeMePod

Join our communities online at:
Instagram: @UpgradeMePod
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Subscribe: bit.ly/upgradeytsub

#UpgradeMe is sponsored by TEKTONIKmusic.org (Harmony Heals)

What does it take to go from sneaking into rumba rehearsals as a kid in Santa Clara, Cuba, to becoming arguably the greatest living drummer on earth?

Dafnis Prieto is a Grammy Award winner, MacArthur "Genius" Fellow and one of the most gifted drummers alive. On faculty at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami, he has three self-published books studied worldwide. Host Dana Leong has known him personally since Dana was 15 and Dafnis was 21. This is the conversation we've been waiting 30 years to have.

Follow Dafnis: https://www.dafnisonmusic.com | https://linktr.ee/DafnisPrieto

Listen and watch everywhere:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@UpgradeMePod
Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/7JPSb9vRaEqHt39hWXBVOY
Apple https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/upgrademe-with-dana-leong/id1751136432
Patreon http://www.patreon.com/UpgradeMePod

Chapters:
0:00 Cold open - "I'm going to become the healthiest person that ever died"
2:15 Meet Dafnis Prieto - Grammy winner, MacArthur Genius, arguably the greatest drummer alive
5:00 Why he always reminds himself of the reason he chose this life
10:20 Inner world vs outer world - separating frustration from purpose
14:45 What every world-class performer actually has in common
17:00 Born in Santa Clara - only child, divorced parents, a mom who said yes
22:30 From guitar to bongos - the House of Culture and a Cuban band
26:00 Eight years of classical training - Santa Clara to Havana's National School
30:15 The Big Bang - Carlos Masa, Hermeto Pascoal, and Ravi Shankar at 14
35:40 First tour at 18 - special school permit, Cuba straight to Paris
40:10 Getting paid in Cuba vs Paris - "a big whale and a sardine"
44:30 The assembly line story - trains, 30 seconds, and Cuban teamwork
51:20 The Village Voice era - how European bookers discovered New York artists
55:00 "If Jesus Christ was in Times Square nobody cares" - social media and the fake artist problem
1:00:10 Marketing vs selling your soul - the tension every serious artist lives with
1:05:30 Why live music still matters - Dana's mom at 80, Taiwan's National Concert Hall
1:10:00 Integrity as a total way of being
1:15:20 The hidden instruments - classical guitar, flamenco, marimba
1:19:45 Why Cuba produces champions - "you do twice the work"
1:23:30 The 24/7 conservatory - living inside the National School of Music
1:28:00 Getting out of Cuba - exit permits, bureaucracy, and the Stanford invitation
1:34:20 Cuba sent one guy - and they sent the right one
1:39:10 Cuban culture as the deep root
1:43:00 The global political climate and what it means for artists
1:47:00 "There is value in the objective but there is potential in the subjective"
1:51:00 Pancho Quinto - tradition as a point of departure
1:57:00 Learning English in New York - a notebook and self-teaching
2:01:00 Mentorship at Frost School - Marcelo Perez, Bob Moses, the drum quartet
2:07:00 Why Dafnis doesn't sign up for teaching - but gives it everything
2:12:00 The frying pan on the drum kit - carnival, sneaking out, Chinatown
2:18:00 Long-term musical relationships - what makes a real band
2:23:00 The social media dilemma - practice vs posting
2:29:00 Building character before the digital age - Coltrane, Chaplin
2:34:00 "Don't wait for anyone to make yourself poor"
2:38:00 Final words - if you have a dream, go for it

UpgradeMe is hosted by Dana Leong, a 2x Grammy Winning Musician, US Music Ambassador and World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Sponsored by https://www.TEKTONIKmusic.org (Harmony Heals).

If you’ve ever said “I just need more time,” this episode is for you.

Dana Leong shares how a weird orchestra dream, a move to Asia, and a market‑entry consultant led him to a three‑block system for his life:

• Health as the first priority

• Creativity split into creating, editing, practice, and learning

• Business development as a weekly non‑negotiable

Along the way he pulls lessons from Leonardo da Vinci’s notebooks, Mozart’s morning routine, Bach’s weekly cantata grind, Steve Jobs’ walking meetings, and even Bryan Johnson’s “discipline over motivation” philosophy.

This is a practical conversation about designing your days so you don’t rely on inspiration or vibes to get important work done.

Listen, take notes, and build your own three‑block system.

Follow / Subscribe: @UpgradeMePod

**This Episode is for entertainment purposes only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. **

💔 Is it love? Or just dopamine with bad lighting?

This Valentine's Day special hits DIFFERENT. Dr. John Tsuang aka JT Love (addiction psychiatrist / human behavior decoder) joins Dana to break down:

✅ Why your "situationship" is a case study

✅ The 50/50 gene-environment split on addiction

✅ Why rebounds are basically relationship relapses

✅ How to NOT marry the first fish you pull out of the MUD

Hollywood lied. Love does NOT conquer all. But compatibility? That's the real MVP.

Hide your exes. This one's gonna sting (in the best way).

#UpgradeMe #DrJTLove #ValentinesDay #Relationships #AddictionScience #Podcast

Dana Leong travels to Hangzhou to join NBA legend Yao Ming for his annual charity basketball weekend—and to find out how Yao turned fame into a platform for rural education, youth sports, and real opportunity. From gala stages to courtside commentary and a powerful moment with a young player on a prosthetic leg, this conversation is a masterclass in quiet, compounding impact.​​

• Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UpgradeMePod

• Support #UpgradeMe on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/UpgradeMePod

#UpgradeMe #YaoMing #Basketball #China #SportsForGood #Inspiration

AI isn’t just a buzzword anymore, it’s quietly wiring itself into every building, airport, and city on the planet. Eric Liu is one of the people actually doing it. As Founder & CEO of TwinMatrix Technologies and a World Economic Forum Tech Pioneer, he builds spatial digital twins that turn real-world spaces into living, intelligent systems.​In this episode, Eric breaks down what digital twins really are, how they helped major infrastructure like airports cut costs and improve safety, and why AI “right now is the worst it will ever be”—because it’s getting better every single day. He also shares how to stay relevant when tech feels like a runaway train, and what skills, mindsets, and habits will matter most in the next 5–10 years.​​Whether you’re a founder, student, city builder, or just AI-curious, this conversation will help you stop feeling behind—and start seeing where your real opportunities are.In this episode:What a “spatial digital twin” is in plain language and why cities and airports are racing to build them​How Eric went from NVIDIA and gaming to smart cities, simulation, and infrastructure​​Why data is the new oil—and how AI turns it into real-time decisions that save money and even lives​How to adapt when AI keeps getting better every dayWhat to focus on if you feel you’re “falling behind” in techIf this episode sparks something in you, comment with your biggest insight, share it with a friend who needs to hear it, and subscribe for more deep dives with world-changing builders.----Welcome back to #UpgradeMe. It’s a podcast about the never ending self improvement journey, ideas and life hacks to help you level up and the people who make it happen! Hosted by Dana Leong, a 2x Grammy Winning Musician, a US Music Ambassador and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Support #UpgradeMe:https://www.patreon.com/UpgradeMePod⁠ Join our communities online at:https://www.Instagram.com/UpgradeMePod IGhttps://www.TikTok.com/@UpgradeMePod TIKTOKhttps://www.Facebook.com/UpgradeMePod FBhttps://www.Youtube.com/@UpgradeMePod⁠ YT⁠https://x.com/PodUpgrade⁠ X⁠https://www.Linkedin.com/in/DanaLeong LinkedInSubscribe to Upgrade Me: https://bit.ly/upgradeytsub#UpgradeMe is sponsored by https://www.TEKTONIKmusic.org (Harmony Heals)

#TwinMatrix #Motivation #CEO #MarkZuckerberg #Apple #ElonMusk

Meet Gene Yu — Green Beret, counter-terror rescue lead, and the real-life action hero behind viral headlines in Asia. Nephew to Taiwan’s former president, he led special ops across Iraq, Southeast Asia and personally orchestrated a high-risk hostage rescue in the wilds of the Philippines.
What drives a warrior to risk everything for others? Discover the secrets of endurance, resilience and leadership from a man whose life reads like a Hollywood script (and yes, there’s a movie in the making).
Listen, comment and subscribe for inspiration on facing adversity, finding your mission and leveling up your own life.From West Point to leading cyber defense, discover how military grit translates into inspiring leadership in business and life.---Welcome back to #UpgradeMe. It’s a podcast about the never ending self improvement journey, ideas and life hacks to help you level up and the people who make it happen! Hosted by Dana Leong, a 2x Grammy Winning Musician, a US Music Ambassador and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader. Support #UpgradeMe:https://www.patreon.com/UpgradeMePod⁠ Join our communities online at:https://www.Instagram.com/UpgradeMePod IGhttps://www.TikTok.com/@UpgradeMePod TIKTOKhttps://www.Facebook.com/UpgradeMePod FBhttps://www.Youtube.com/@UpgradeMePod⁠ YT⁠https://www.x.com/PodUpgrade⁠ X⁠https://www.Linkedin.com/in/DanaLeong LinkedInSubscribe to Upgrade Me: https://bit.ly/upgradeytsub#UpgradeMe is sponsored by https://www.TEKTONIKmusic.org (Harmony Heals)#GeneYu #GreenBeret #WestPoint #RescueMission #Leadership #endurance #upgrademepod #upgradeu #馬英九

#UpgradeMePod 017

Imagine spending a week surrounded by 400 of the world's most powerful leaders, from CEOs and astronauts to Grammy winners & members of royal legacies. This episode takes you inside the World Economic Forum (WEF) Young Global Leaders (YGL) Summit with Dana Leong, filled with stories, lessons, & personal ups and downs that will inspire your own journey. Don’t miss out on what leadership really means and how to upgrade your life.

#YoungGlobalLeaders #GlobalPowerPlayers #DanaLeong #LeadershipLessons #UpgradeMePod #WorldEconomicForum #Inspiration #LifeUpgrade #GlobalSummit #YGLas2025 #MaudyAyunda #Savara #NomzamoMbatha #Netflix

TEKTONIK Music 'Sweet Sleep Meditations' Now Entering the 2026 Grammy Awards Voting Ballot for Best New Age Album! On behalf of our own TEKTONIK Music, please spread the word! We're going for Grammy #3!!

We’re reaching out to ask our UpgradeMePod community to share this with your music industry contacts. Your votes for our milestone album, Sweet Sleep Meditations, mean the world to us as it enters the 2026 Grammy Awards voting process. Take a listen here: https://tr.ee/Lp924VzZCQ

Released November 2024, Sweet Sleep Meditations is a scientifically tested, immersive sonic journey designed to support deep restorative sleep, meditation, and holistic wellbeing. Featuring 11 original tracks blending the Grammy-winning electric cello mastery of Dana Leong with resonant crystal singing bowls and warm, soothing frequencies crafted by Grammy-nominated, multi-gold-recorded, Academy Award-winning engineer Cookie Marenco — founder of Blue Coast Records and a pioneer in high-resolution audio.

Recorded in 1-BIT DSD, the highest digital fidelity available, this album delivers a uniquely calming and transformational soundscape.

Thank you for rallying your networks — together, we’re creating global harmony through music.

Thankfully,
Dana Leong + TEKTONIK + #UpgradeMePod Teams

Welcome back to #UpgradeMe. It’s a podcast about the never ending self improvement journey, ideas and life hacks to help you level up and the people who make it happen! Hosted by Dana Leong, a 2x Grammy Winning Musician, a US Musical Ambassador and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

Join our communities online at:

• ⁠Instagram⁠
• ⁠TikTok⁠
• ⁠Facebook⁠
• ⁠YouTube⁠
• ⁠SoundCloud⁠
• ⁠Twitter⁠
• ⁠LinkedIn⁠

Subscribe to Upgrade Me:

⁠https://bit.ly/upgradeytsub⁠

Upgrade Me is sponsored by ⁠TEKTONIK Music (Harmony Heals)

#HarmonyHeals #Grammy2026 #TEKTONIKMusic #SweetSleepMeditations #DSD

Get ready to explore the future of music and media with Adams Fan, Chief Creative Officer of F5 Shanghai, China’s most awarded independent agency at Cannes Lions. Adams flips the interview with Dana Leong, sharing visionary insights drawn from his trailblazing career leading breakthrough creative campaigns for global giants like Pfizer, Lenovo, Saudi Tourism, and more.

Known for blending technology, storytelling and cultural trends, Adams reveals where the music and media industries are headed, and how creators can stay ahead in a rapidly shifting landscape. Dana also shares why he values Adams as a creative kindred spirit and relentless hustler.

Tune in as these two visionaries break down innovation, creativity, and the evolving business of entertainment.

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Welcome back to #UpgradeMePod. It’s a podcast about the never ending self improvement journey, ideas and life hacks to help you level up and the people who make it happen! Hosted by Dana Leong, a 2x Grammy Winning Musician, a US Musical Ambassador and a World Economic Forum Young Global Leader.

Join our communities online at:

https://www.Instagram.com/UpgradeMePod

https://www.TikTok.com/@UpgradeMePod

https://www.Facebook.com/UpgradeMePod

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz78FK-d4PsebeDbKaArigw

https://www.soundcloud.com/UpgradeMePod

https://x.com/PodUpgrade

https://www.linkedin.com/in/DanaLeong

Subscribe to Upgrade Me:

https://bit.ly/upgradeytsub

#UpgradeMe is sponsored by TEKTONIKmusic.org (Harmony Heals)

#danaleong #grammy #motivation #billionaire #podcast #inspiration #selfimprovement #mentalhealth #Motivation #LifeHacks #Advertising #CEO #AdamsFan #F5