Grit

Rick Smith, the Founder and CEO of Axon, is known for his innovative approach to non-lethal weaponry. He discusses his unique perspective as a founder-CEO, emphasizing the importance of pushing risk within organizations. Rick recounts the evolution of Axon from a Taser-centric company to a broad tech solution for law enforcement, including body cameras and AI tools. He shares his experiences with product failures, the significance of risk-taking, and balancing family life amidst entrepreneurial challenges.

Emilie Choi, President and COO of Coinbase, discusses the volatile cryptocurrency landscape post-FTX, highlighting her leadership during crises. She emphasizes taking an aggressive stance against regulators like the SEC, portraying it as a mix of bravery and urgency. Emilie shares innovative hiring practices that focus on resilience, grit, and cultural fit, while outlining the importance of aligning company goals with personal growth. She also offers insights on investing in crypto with a long-term mindset, urging a proactive approach to navigating regulatory challenges.

Sarah Franklin, CEO of Lattice, shares her insights on courageous leadership and the importance of trust within teams. She discusses the challenges of humanizing AI and the need for responsibility in tech development, warning against the pitfalls observed in social media. Franklin emphasizes nurturing resilience in children through independence and essential life skills. Her reflections also touch on learning from experiences and redefining success beyond monetary gains, advocating for impactful leadership and innovation in an evolving workplace.

David Heinemeier Hansson, CTO and co-owner of 37signals and creator of Ruby on Rails, discusses optimizing life for joy and productivity. He critiques mainstream work culture, highlighting how open offices and overmanagement hinder flow states. David advocates for prioritizing mindfulness and personal fulfillment over endless work hours. He shares insights on racing as a meditative experience and emphasizes that true success lies in meaningful connections and authentic passions, not just material wealth.

In this engaging discussion, David Risher reveals a heartfelt farewell gift from Jeff Bezos as he transitioned from Amazon to Lyft. Jason Kilar dives into the emotional rollercoaster of public relevance and anonymity, while Eoghan McCabe reflects on the challenges of 're-founding' his company. Mark Fields shares insights from his experience navigating a public clash with Donald Trump. John Hanke emphasizes the importance of balance in intensity, and Rony Abovitz discusses lessons learned from the pandemic's impact on his ventures. Mark McLaughlin highlights self-awareness in work-life balance, and Taylor Francis addresses preserving company culture amid growth.

Larry Baer, CEO of the San Francisco Giants since 2012, shares his journey from fan to executive. He discusses the pivotal moment in 1992 that saved the Giants from relocation and the innovative strategies behind building Oracle Park. Baer reveals insights into hiring talent and cultivating team culture. He dives into the ambitious Mission Rock project aimed at revitalizing San Francisco with affordable housing and community spaces. Finally, he reflects on the emotional essence of baseball and what 'grit' means in his life and career.

Tony Vinciquerra, the outgoing CEO of Sony Pictures, attributes his Hollywood success to a mix of luck and proactive curiosity. He delves into the intricacies of navigating relationships, adapting to industry changes, and revitalizing entertainment through intellectual property. Tony also shares insights on the recent writers' and actors' strikes and discusses the impact of AI on filmmaking. He emphasizes the crucial role of understanding business assets and the necessity of being adaptable in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Jeff Wilke, former CEO of Amazon Worldwide Consumer and chairman of Re:Build Manufacturing, shares his insights from over two decades at Amazon. He discusses the incremental journey behind Amazon Prime's explosive growth and the grit necessary for leadership. Reflecting on Amazon's holiday crisis in 2000, he highlights teamwork and clear principles. Wilke also delves into the challenges and strategies behind the Whole Foods acquisition, and how direct interaction with frontline workers refines mental models. His perspective underscores the importance of resilience and continuous improvement in operations.

Dan Streetman, CEO of Tanium and a West Point graduate with combat experience, draws fascinating parallels between military operations and business leadership. He discusses the significance of aligning a team around a shared mission, akin to military 'commander's intent.' Streetman shares insights on transitioning from military to civilian life, emphasizing resilience and the lessons learned through mentorship. He also tackles the challenges of transforming business models and the importance of integrity in high-pressure environments, offering a refreshing perspective on leadership.

Josh Silverman, CEO of Etsy, shares his transformational journey at the company, where he initially hesitated but accepted leadership during turbulent times. He discusses the importance of energy management and effective delegation, emphasizing a shift in leadership style towards thoughtful decision-making. Silverman also reflects on the emotional toll of layoffs and balances work-life dynamics. Additionally, he addresses the role of AI in the future of handmade artistry, debating innovation versus traditional craftsmanship. His insights reveal a deep commitment to Etsy's community.