Grit

Matt MacInnis, COO of Rippling and a former Apple executive, shares insights on operational leadership and the importance of understanding a company’s mechanics. He likens executive roles to piloting an airplane, emphasizing the need for expertise to troubleshoot issues. Matt discusses overcoming challenges in his entrepreneurial journey, the innovative use of AI for employee evaluation, and the lessons learned from the Silicon Valley Bank crisis. He reflects on grit, teamwork, and the balance between personal and professional life, offering a compelling look at modern leadership.

Jason Kilar, former CEO and co-founder of Hulu and WarnerMedia, reflects on his remarkable career in media. He shares his early obsession with Disney and the invaluable lessons learned during his time at Amazon. Kilar discusses the inception of Hulu, highlighting the innovative spirit needed in today’s streaming landscape. He also tackles the idea of identity, exploring how labels can limit personal growth. With insights on leadership and navigating challenges, Kilar emphasizes the importance of resilience and staying true to one’s values.

Joe Thomas, CEO and co-founder of Loom, shares insights on the emotional journey of selling his video communication company to Atlassian for $975 million. He reflects on the bittersweet reactions from his team and the importance of preserving Loom's culture post-acquisition. Ilya Fushman, a partner at Kleiner Perkins and involved in Loom's funding, discusses the strategic shifts in a rapidly evolving tech landscape. They also delve into the role of AI in future development and the vibrant startup community in Atlanta, emphasizing the essence of grit and resilience.

Rony Abovitz, founder and CEO of SynthBee, has a remarkable background in innovative technology, particularly spatial computing. He shares his vision of a more benevolent AI future, challenging the current powers that control data. Rony dives into the resilience required during the pandemic, his intriguing encounters in tech, including a memorable day with Shaquille O’Neal, and navigating the challenges of leadership transitions. He emphasizes the need for a human-centric approach in tech, blending ambition with empathy to empower individuals.

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO and co-founder of Klarna, shares insights from the fintech landscape and his journey as an immigrant entrepreneur. He reveals his strategic decision to meet with Sam Altman from OpenAI, emphasizing the gap between European startups and Silicon Valley giants. The discussion delves into AI's role in reshaping customer service, tackling growth amidst uncertainty, and the importance of resilience formed through personal and professional challenges. Siemiatkowski's reflections on comfort zones encourage stepping into the stretch zone for true growth.

Kyle Hanslovan, CEO and co-founder of Huntress, shares insights from his journey to building a $1.5 billion cybersecurity firm. He emphasizes the importance of integrity and transparency in leadership, advocating for open communication and even sharing personal finances to foster trust. Partner at Kleiner Perkins, Ev Randle, highlights the rarity of deep diligence in founder-investor relationships. The duo discusses the evolution of leadership in tech, the significance of resilience, and the core values that drive success in high-growth environments.

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.