California’s next governor may come from the business world instead of the political class.

In this full-length interview on the So, Does It Matter? Podcast, publisher Jon Fleischman sits down with Jon Slavet, a Republican candidate for governor whose background is rooted in private-sector leadership, entrepreneurship, and large-scale business operations — not career politics.

Slavet discusses why he believes California’s economic, regulatory, and leadership failures stem from a government culture that has lost touch with how real businesses operate. He explains what finally pushed him to enter the race, how his experience managing organizations shapes his governing philosophy, and what he believes must change to restore accountability, affordability, and competence in Sacramento.

We also touch on Slavet’s recently launched State of Gold podcast — a side project that gave him a front-row seat to California’s political and cultural debates, but which ultimately reinforced his decision to move from commentary into direct leadership.

This is a wide-ranging, substantive conversation about leadership, economic policy, public trust, and whether California is finally ready for an outsider with real management experience in the governor’s office.

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✅ CHAPTER MARKERS

00:00 – Introduction

01:45 – Why Jon Slavet entered the race for governor

06:20 – Business leadership vs. career politics

12:05 – California’s regulatory crisis

18:30 – Economic growth and affordability

25:10 – Why Sacramento resists reform

31:40 – The State of Gold podcast and political commentary

36:50 – Public trust and government competence

43:00 – Final message to California voters