TheBridge profile: Jeff Farrah

Name: Jeff Farrah

Current city: Washington, DC

Current job: Chief Executive Officer, Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association

Past job: General Counsel, National Venture Capital Association

Q. How are you currently bridging the gap between innovation and regulation? Autonomous vehicles use advanced technology to perform all aspects of the driving task. To support this generational innovation, policymakers at the federal and state level need to put in place laws and regulations that help the industry thrive. We need autonomous vehicles because Americans are not being served by current transportation options. Autonomous vehicles will make our roads safer, help people physical challenges, and ease constrained supply chains.

Q. Job advice in three words? Be resourceful

Q. What can innovators learn from policymakers? Being public minded. Private sector competition is one of our country's greatest strengths, but there are also win-win scenarios that will help the country.

Q. What can policymakers learn from innovators? How to take a chance. The incentives for policymakers are often to guard against failure and if we had a greater tolerance for policy experimentation, we'd have better policy.

Q. Can you describe a skill you have carried throughout your career that has always proved to be valuable? Grit. The people who really make a difference almost always have it, and I strive to have more of it.

Q. What is the best job interview question you have ever been asked? Tell me about yourself

Q. Favorite spot for a coffee meeting? Cups in the Senate

Q. Favorite book/podcast/long-form article you recommend? "Grit: the Power of Passion and Perseverance" by Angela Duckworth

Q. Why are you part of TheBridge community? Why do you think it's important this community exists for tech, policy and political professionals? The Bridge is an excellent resource for understanding two very different worlds that need to understand each other better.

Q. Everyday is probably different, but are there certain skills you think are essential to your job? Listening, translating, and taking action.

Q. Favorite app? Audible

Q. Morning routine? Coffee, exercise, spending time with my sons before getting them to school.

Q. If you had to live in another city, which would it be? Santa Barbara, CA

Q. Last time you were completely unplugged? In Portugal, last Summer.