

#213: Erika Ayers Badan, CEO of Food52 and former CEO of Barstool Sports – Acknowledge the tough stuff
12 snips Nov 14, 2024
In this insightful discussion, Erika Ayers Badan, the CEO of Food52 and former head of Barstool Sports, shares her journey from leading a struggling brand to building a media empire worth over $550 million. She emphasizes the importance of honest leadership to foster trust and collaboration. Erika reveals strategies for upstart brands to outmaneuver giants and offers advice for women navigating male-dominated industries. Her experiences highlight the value of creativity, transparency, and adaptability in today’s dynamic business landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Childhood Story
- Erika's childhood lacked a TV, limiting her options to reading, stacking wood, or playing sports.
- Sharing one hour of TV with her brother taught her negotiation and time management skills.
Control in Leadership
- The best control is no control; avoid micromanaging.
- Let people make mistakes and learn from them; it fosters loyalty and growth.
Embracing Mistakes
- Let people make mistakes so they can learn.
- Give people enough autonomy to succeed or fail on their own.