Grit

Mark Fields, former president and CEO of Ford Motor Company, shares his unique journey in the automotive industry. He candidly discusses the challenges of leading Ford during economic downturns and the impact of his family dynamics while commuting. Fields reflects on his transition to retirement, emphasizing purpose and connection after leadership. He also dives into the complexities of the electric vehicle shift and the strategic efforts behind Ford's Le Mans legacy, highlighting both successes and lessons learned in a rapidly evolving market.

Jack Conte, CEO and co-founder of Patreon and former YouTube star with Pomplamoose, shares his journey from struggling with low ad revenue to creating a platform that has enabled creators to earn over $3.5 billion. He dives into the emotional complexities of success, detailing how happiness often comes from internal fulfillment rather than external validation. Jack discusses the importance of transparency in communication with creators and reflects on the delicate balance of confidence and self-doubt faced by entrepreneurs, inspiring a deeper understanding of the creator economy.

Mark Pincus is the founder and chairman of Zynga and a co-founder of Reinvent Capital. He shares fascinating insights on the balance between art and science in gaming, emphasizing that instinct alone isn’t enough—entrepreneurs must thrive on feedback loops. He also discusses the evolution of social gaming and the importance of setting clear intentions. Pincus reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of leadership transitions, and the vital role of grit in achieving success. Don't miss his take on navigating virtual and real commerce!

RJ Scaringe, CEO and founder of Rivian, shares his journey of revolutionizing the automotive industry by making all cars electric. He candidly discusses the pressure of rapid growth, navigating the complexities of supply chains, and the monumental partnership with Volkswagen. Scaringe tackles skepticism around electric vehicles and highlights the impressive brand recognition Rivian has achieved. He also emphasizes the mental resilience needed for entrepreneurship, balancing innovation with financial realities, and the personal commitment to sustainability.

Sridhar Ramaswamy, CEO of Snowflake and former Google exec, reflects on his journey from tech giant to startup leader, sharing insights on embracing individuality and navigating career transitions. He discusses the importance of aligning passions with professional choices and fostering a transparent culture at Snowflake. Ramaswamy also highlights the challenges of managing stress and the emotional complexities leaders face in competitive environments. His approach to parenting underscores nurturing uniqueness over competition, revealing his holistic view on leadership and family.

James Freeman, the founder and former CEO of Blue Bottle Coffee, shares his journey from music to coffee entrepreneurship. He reflects on the cultural significance of coffee and how it mirrors societal trends. Freeman discusses his management challenges, the emotional toll of leadership, and the lessons learned from his experiences. He also contemplates his identity after selling Blue Bottle and his aspirations for future coffee ventures, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and creativity in the industry.

John Hanke, the CEO of Niantic, played a crucial role in the phenomenon of Pokémon Go, which earned $100 million in its first week. He reflects on the initial anxiety surrounding the game's success, fearing it might be too good to last. The conversation touches on the evolution of augmented reality, the challenges of sustaining user engagement, and the emotional journey of entrepreneurship. Hanke also shares insights on balancing work with family life and the future of gaming technology, highlighting the role of innovation in delivering extraordinary experiences.

Mark McLaughlin, chairman of Qualcomm, shares his incredible journey after a life-altering helicopter crash. He reflects on overcoming identity crises and work addiction while navigating high-powered roles. Mark highlights the importance of family, self-awareness, and the need for balance between career success and personal connections. Their conversation touches on the challenges of CEO transitions and the significance of meaningful recruitment practices. Ultimately, Mark emphasizes that the worst experiences can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

David Risher, the CEO of Lyft and founder of nonprofit Worldreader, shares fascinating insights about his unique career journey. He discusses the transition from board member to CEO during a challenging time for Lyft, emphasizing the importance of customer obsession. The conversation touches on his experiences with tech giants like Amazon, and his vision for the future of transportation, including the rise of electric bikes and driverless cars. Risher also reflects on personal growth, family dynamics, and the power of resilience in both personal and professional realms.

CEO and co-founder of Together AI, Vipul Ved Prakash, and Bucky Moore, partner at Kleiner Perkins, discuss the future of AI, challenges for AI businesses, executive hiring, open vs. closed AI, Nvidia GPUs, creating vs. capturing value, AI research, crypto-AI connection, and strategic planning for uncertain futures.