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Deron Triff
WaitWhat Co-Founder
Professional Background
Deron Triff is a prolific media entrepreneur and co-founder of WaitWhat, a New York-based media invention company recognized for crafting some of the highest quality and most original content in the industry today. With a deep-rooted passion for creativity and innovation, WaitWhat is at the forefront of the media landscape, creating genre-defining works that resonate with global audiences. Under his leadership, WaitWhat’s properties have garnered over 30 million downloads and have won significant accolades such as the Webby Award for MASTERS OF SCALE, a celebrated podcast hosted by Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn.
In addition to MASTERS OF SCALE, WaitWhat has produced other noteworthy programs, including the inspiring MEDITATIVE STORY, created in partnership with Arianna Huffington’s Thrive, and the cutting-edge series SHOULD THIS EXIST?, which is hosted by Silicon Valley internet pioneer Caterina Fake. Triff is committed to expanding the reach and impact of these narratives by extending the company’s offerings into new formats, including live events, television series, higher education initiatives, and much more, showcasing his vision to innovate media experiences.
Prior Experience
Before his tenure at WaitWhat, Deron Triff played an instrumental role at TED, where he was part of the executive team that significantly transformed the organization. He was pivotal in establishing nearly 100 partnerships that amplified TED's audience, which soared to over 100 million monthly viewers. His direction led to incredible initiatives such as the TED Radio Hour on NPR, TED Weekends on The Huffington Post, and TED's foray into streaming platforms with TED Shows on Netflix. Furthermore, Triff facilitated international collaborations that spanned across Asia, Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East, underscoring his global approach to media engagement.
Prior to his exceptional work with TED, Triff served as Vice President of Digital Ventures at PBS, where he launched the successful children’s cable network Sprout and pioneered PBS’s first HD channel. His extensive career also includes various leadership roles at established companies, such as BT, where he worked in international television market development, and Castalia Communications Corp., where he was involved in international sales. His wealth of experience in media partnerships, sales, and strategic development has equipped him with a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of media.
Education and Achievements
Deron Triff is a proud alumnus of McGill University in Montreal, where he completed his MBA with a focus on International Business and Marketing at the prestigious Desautels Faculty of Management. His academic foundation in journalism was laid at The University of Georgia, where he obtained his Bachelor’s degree, cementing his roots in storytelling and media communication. This diverse educational background has played a significant role in shaping his career trajectory, instilling in him a robust understanding of both the creative and business aspects of media.
Notable Contributions and Achievements
Triff's reputation as a visionary leader in the media industry is further enhanced by his remarkable track record of contributions through innovative projects and collaborations. His tenure at TED and PBS is marked by the successful launches of multiple initiatives that have changed the way audiences engage with content. By leveraging his business acumen and understanding of market trends, he has been able to create and nurture high-impact media properties that continue to inspire and educate audiences globally.
Moreover, as the co-founder of WaitWhat, Deron Triff is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what media can deliver. The company's creative approach to content creation ensures that its offerings are not only of the highest quality but also serve to challenge and engage viewers on a deeper level. As he navigates the future of media, Triff continues to explore innovative avenues for storytelling, seeking to inspire change and foster meaningful connections among audiences.
tags':['media invention','premium content','Webby Award winner','podcast creator','international business','digital media','TED executive','PBS producer','children network launch','media partnerships','journalism education','media innovation','digital ventures corporate','new media formats','storytelling expert','entrepreneurial leadership'],
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