Policy Change, Platform-Building, and Playful Disruption

5 Key Takeaways for Aspiring Policy Entrepreneurs:

1. Policy Entrepreneurship Isn’t Just for Bureaucrats: Vass reclaims the term from academic critiques, framing it as spotting emerging harms, designing creative solutions, and moving fast—just like a startup founder. Policy work doesn’t have to be slow or rigid; it can be messy, adaptive, and impactful.
2. Treat Your Career Like a Scavenger Hunt: Linear career paths are overrated. Vass’ journey includes think tanks, political staffer roles, live radio, and even advising a playwright on a policy-themed drama. Diverse experiences build a unique perspective—don’t be afraid to jump into new fields.
3. Small Changes Add Up: Forget waiting for massive policy overhauls. “Modest but meaningful” tweaks can reshape systems over time. As Vass puts it, success often happens gradually, then all at once.
4. Build a “Kitchen Cabinet” of Trusted Critics: Behind every strong voice is a team. Vass relies on a close group of friends and colleagues to brutally edit drafts, challenge ideas, and keep her sharp. Find your own sounding board—reciprocity is key.
5. Playfulness Makes Policy Stick: From her #FreeBoswell campaign (a parody of #FreeBritney) to hosting a policy-themed radio show, Vass proves serious ideas don’t need dry delivery. Humor and creativity make policy accessible—and memorable.

Show Notes:

[00:01:00] Redefining “policy entrepreneurship” as spotting harms and designing solutions

[00:03:00] Vass’s non-linear career path: think tanks, political staffer roles, and Action Canada

[00:07:00] Chairing the Expert Panel on Youth Employment—intense work, real impact

[00:13:00] Launching Regs to Riches, her Substack on policy and tech

[00:17:00] The #FreeBoswell campaign and using humor in policy advocacy

[00:22:00] Why incremental change matters more than flashy breakthroughs

[00:26:00] Building a platform: writing, experimenting, and embracing criticism

[00:31:00] How to develop a unique voice in policy (and why it matters)

[00:37:00] The myth of “work-life balance” and navigating intense periods

[00:46:00] Why reading critically is key to getting started with op-ed writing

[00:51:00] Working across political divides—being “relentlessly useful”