Rapid Response: Navigating a leadership crisis, w/Web Summit CEO Katherine Maher
Nov 30, 2023
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Web Summit's new CEO Katherine Maher discusses navigating a leadership crisis, restoring confidence, and calming partners like Amazon and Google. She shares lessons from her time at the helm of the Wikimedia Foundation and highlights the intertwining of politics and global events with business. The podcast also explores the challenges of running global consumer products, leadership styles, and strategies to engage with podcast listeners.
Katherine Maher successfully navigated a leadership crisis at Web Summit, restoring confidence and enabling the signature event to draw 70,000 attendees.
Maher emphasizes the importance for technology companies to align their values with their actions and meet their social obligations.
Deep dives
Exploring Bernard Arnau's rise to wealth in the fashion industry
This podcast episode delves into the life and success of Bernard Arnau, the chairman of LVFM, a fashion and luxury conglomerate. With brands like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, and Tiffany's under his belt, Arnau has amassed a staggering net worth of over $220 billion. The episode discusses Arnau's journey in the glamorous world of fashion, shedding light on how he achieved such wealth.
Katherine Maher's transition as CEO of Web Summit amidst a crisis
The podcast highlights the crisis faced by Web Summit when the previous CEO, Patty Cosgrave, made controversial comments regarding the Israel-Hamas war. This led to sponsors like Amazon and Google pulling out, and eventually, Cosgrave stepping down as CEO. Katherine Maher, former CEO of Wikimedia Foundation, stepped in as the new CEO. Maher shares her experience in navigating the crisis, discussing the challenges she faced, the strategies she adopted, and how she successfully led Web Summit's signature event in Lisbon, Portugal with over 70,000 attendees.
Jocelyn Wyatt's rebranding of Alight and partnership with Airbnb
The podcast features Jocelyn Wyatt, CEO of Alight, a global humanitarian nonprofit organization. Alight underwent a rebranding process, shifting their perception of the people they serve as 'refugees' to 'customers', with the aim of empowering them and providing outstanding service. This rebranding not only attracted the attention of Airbnb but also led to a partnership. With Airbnb's platform, Alight was able to provide 30 days of free temporary housing to refugees, making a significant impact on their lives.
Katherine Maher's perspective on governance, accountability, and social responsibility in the tech industry
Katherine Maher, CEO of Web Summit, reflects on the recent crisis at OpenAI and discusses the role of governance in technology companies. She explores the tension between pro-commerce objectives and research mission, emphasizing the need for companies to align their values with their actions. Maher also emphasizes the importance of companies holding themselves accountable and meeting their social obligations. She shares insights into her approach to leadership and the responsibility of CEOs in today's tech industry.
How do you restore confidence after a high-profile leadership uproar? Web Summit’s new CEO Katherine Maher joins Rapid Response host Bob Safian to discuss taking over after the sudden, forced resignation of founding CEO Paddy Cosgrave. With echoes of the drama at OpenAI, Maher describes how she navigated the tumult, calming partners like Amazon and Google and enabling Web Summit’s signature event in Lisbon to draw 70,000 attendees. Plus, Maher shares lessons from her time at the helm of the Wikimedia Foundation and insight on how the world of politics and global events is increasingly intertwined with business.