Talks at GS

John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of John Paul Mitchell Systems and Patrón Spirits, shares insights on his inspiring journey from homelessness to billionaire entrepreneur. He discusses how his mother's teachings on kindness shaped his leadership style and how the Navy instilled teamwork principles in him. John recounts the grit learned from door-to-door sales and the creative strategies he used to launch his beauty brand with just $700. With a focus on impactful philanthropy, he highlights his commitment to fighting homelessness and food insecurity.

Pete Stavros, Co-Head of Global Private Equity at KKR and founder of Ownership Works, shares insights on KKR's transformation into a $500 billion powerhouse. He discusses navigating market cycles, expanding into infrastructure, and the competitive advantages cultivated through a collaborative culture. Stavros highlights his passion for employee ownership, driven by personal experiences, and outlines how Ownership Works aims to improve worker outcomes and reduce turnover. Exciting plans for policy initiatives and CEO engagement mark the future of employee ownership.

Brian Armstrong, Co-founder and CEO of Coinbase, shares insights on the evolution of one of the leading digital asset exchanges. He reveals his journey from early Bitcoin meetups to the vast array of products Coinbase now offers. Armstrong discusses the future of on-chain financial services and the integration of decentralized trading. He highlights exciting trends like tokenized stocks and automated payments using AI. Lastly, he emphasizes the importance of regulatory advocacy for fostering a thriving crypto economy.

Adam Foroughi, co-founder and CEO of AppLovin, shares his inspiring journey from fleeing Iran to leading a mobile tech powerhouse. He discusses crucial lessons learned during AppLovin's tumultuous IPO, emphasizing the importance of operational efficiency and maintaining a lean team of top performers. Foroughi reveals how the company leverages AI for enhanced ad compliance and efficiency. He also expresses admiration for Elon Musk's innovative execution, highlighting the relentless pursuit of improvement in the competitive tech landscape.

Arvind Jain, the founder and CEO of Glean and former Google engineer, shares insights on transforming workplace productivity with AI. He recounts Glean's origins from the challenges at Rubrik and details how they've built a Google-like enterprise search platform. Arvind emphasizes the significance of agentic AI to automate nonstrategic tasks, enabling workers to focus on innovation. He also discusses the importance of adaptability in AI adoption and the essential role of search in enterprise solutions. Ultimately, he argues that AI enhances human creativity rather than diminishes it.

In a captivating discussion, Robyn Grew, CEO of Man Group, reflects on her unconventional upbringing and how it has shaped her leadership style. She reveals the firm's remarkable evolution from 1783 barrel-making to a cutting-edge quant investor. Grew shares insights on the importance of aligning culture with acquisitions and her innovative strategies in AI and machine learning, including the development of tools like ManGPT. She also discusses talent acquisition, emphasizing the need for curiosity and bold problem-solving in a dynamic market.

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com Group, steers one of the largest online travel agencies with a customer-first approach. She shares her journey from CFO to CEO and discusses how Trip.com adapted during the COVID crisis with robust refund strategies. The conversation highlights trends shaping the future of travel, including the impact of AI on user experience and operations, as well as growth in long-tail destinations. Jane's insights reveal how international diversification and innovative services are key to enhancing global customer satisfaction.

Michelle Ebanks, President and CEO of the Apollo Theater, dives into the venue's storied history and cultural significance. She reveals how the theater evolved from a whites-only burlesque house to a vibrant hub for Black artists. Ebanks shares the legacy of Amateur Night, highlighting stars like Ella Fitzgerald and recent talents. She discusses Apollo's commitment to Harlem, emphasizing community engagement through arts and social entrepreneurship. With insights on leadership and mentorship, Ebanks inspires listeners to embrace their potential and contribute positively to their communities.

Ali Ghodsi, Co-founder and CEO of Databricks, shares his journey from frustration with enterprise data tools to creating a company valued over $100 billion. He discusses the importance of strong partnerships in the multi-cloud and AI landscape. Ghodsi emphasizes the need for realistic AI expectations and highlights early successes in generative AI like chatbots. He warns against underestimating required talent and stresses the importance of quality and explainability in AI systems, while comparing the evolution of AI to the growth of the internet.

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber Technologies, dives into the company's evolution from mobility to grocery delivery. He discusses how AI and autonomous vehicles are reshaping their future and reveals insights on boosting customer loyalty through their Uber One membership. Dara also shares strategies for expanding into new markets and balancing growth with maintaining healthy margins, showcasing Uber's commitment to innovation and adapting to consumer demands. It's a fascinating glimpse into a trillion-dollar opportunity!