"I've seen disgusting excess in business, and I've seen disgusting excess in Washington. But at the same time, I've certainly learned that Washington matters and that you can't ignore it, especially when you get into telecom"

In this quote, Esther Dyson, a popular technology analyst and financier, comments on the intersections in between organization, federal government, and market, highlighting her observations and experiences. The expression "disgusting excess" recommends that Dyson has encountered wastefulness, greed, or unethical habits in both business and political spheres. Such excesses might vary from monetary mismanagement and overindulgence in resources to corruption or the pursuit of power at the expense of ethical standards.

Dyson's usage of the word "disgusting" suggests a strong ethical disapproval of these behaviors, which she considers to be beyond acceptable limits. She implies that in both sectors, there are individuals or organizations that prioritize self-interest over societal welfare or accountable conduct.

The latter part of the quote transitions to an acknowledgment of the importance of government, specifically highlighting that a person "can't overlook" Washington. In this context, Washington describes the U.S. federal government, signifying its regulative and influential power over markets, particularly those like telecommunications that have significant public and financial impacts. Dyson acknowledges that, while the actions and excesses of Washington may be horrible, its function is important, especially in heavily regulated sectors such as telecom.

This acknowledgment recommends a pragmatic understanding that, no matter individual viewpoints about governance, successful navigation of business landscape often needs engaging with political structures and policies. For industries like telecom, government choices can directly affect growth, competition, and technological development. Thus, for organizations within the telecom sector, maintaining awareness and tactical interactions with federal government entities becomes vital to adjust, comply, and potentially influence policy choices that determine market characteristics.

In general, Dyson's quote captures a nuanced point of view: while criticizing the excesses within organization and government, she underscores the requirement of understanding and integrating with the latter for market success, particularly in sectors based on heavy government oversight.