AfriBlocks Network
In a recent interview, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Gastón Tourn, Chief Marketing Officer at Curio, a groundbreaking app that allows users to listen to the best journalism from leading publications around the world. With a career that spans marketing roles at Google, Badoo (now Bumble Group), and current pursuit of a Master's in Computer Science at Harvard University, Gastón brings a unique perspective to the intersection of technology and journalism.
A Journey Back to Journalism
Gastón's journey to Curio is marked by a childhood dream. While his peers in Argentina sketched dreams of football stardom, Gastón envisioned himself as a journalist, microphone in hand. Despite initially studying Communication at the University of Buenos Aires, life took him into the world of tech, starting at Google and later leading him through diverse roles in international markets.
"When Curio approached me for the CMO role, it felt like the perfect blend of technology and journalism, my two passions," Gastón shares. "I consider myself incredibly lucky to contribute daily to elevating our public discourse about the most important issues we face."
Rio, The AI for Fact-Checked News
At Curio, Gastón is spearheading the development of Rio, a groundbreaking AI designed to combat misinformation and provide users with a reliable source of news. Gastón expresses concern about the outdated nature of news consumption and the challenges posed by misinformation.
"Rio is your personal news anchor and a lifeline in a sea of fake news," Gastón explains. "It meticulously curates news from top newspapers and magazines, providing information directly from credible sources like The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, and the Financial Times."
Rio is currently in its invite-only phase, with users able to sign up for early free access at www.rionews.ai.
Team Building and Communication Challenges
When asked about the challenges in growing his team, Gastón reflects on the importance of communication, citing George Bernard Shaw's quote: "The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
"Communication can always lead to misunderstandings, and as you scale, those confusions do too," Gastón acknowledges. "That’s why it's crucial to consistently and openly communicate the business priorities, biggest challenges, and team goals."
He emphasizes the significance of trust in team dynamics, stating, "Trust is the key that unlocks everything, and everything becomes easier to achieve when you build trust. But it’s not a quick win. Building trust takes hard work."
Words of Wisdom for Founders
Gastón shares a piece of wisdom passed down from his grandmother: "You can’t put lipstick on a pig." This advice resonates deeply with him, applying it both to business and life.
"You can't market your way out of a bad product. A fantastic product without marketing will not reach its full potential, but you can’t throw make-up on a bad product and expect it to fly," Gastón advises aspiring founders. "The key is to build a house on a solid foundation: a product that truly adds value."
Connect with Gastón
For those interested in following Gastón Tourn and staying updated on Curio's transformative journey, he invites readers to connect with him on LinkedIn.
Gastón Tourn's commitment to marrying technology and journalism through Curio's innovative approach reflects the evolution of the media landscape. As the world grapples with information overload, initiatives like Rio stand as beacons of reliable, fact-checked news, reshaping how we consume information in the digital age.
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