Masters of Scale

Suzy Welch, a professor at NYU Stern and bestselling author, shares her insights on building meaningful careers. She introduces the 'Becoming You' framework, which helps align personal values with career goals and discusses the challenges of conflicting values, particularly for Gen Z. Suzy highlights the generational divide in career perspectives and the importance of authenticity in the workplace. Listeners learn practical strategies for navigating values in a rapidly changing job market, emphasizing genuine self-expression and fulfilling work.

Sara Fischer, Media Correspondent at Axios and CNN analyst, delves into the whirlwind of recent media turmoil. She discusses the implications of Trump’s lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and the complexities of defamation law for public figures. Fischer also explores the challenges facing late-night TV, spotlighting the cancellation of Stephen Colbert’s show. Finally, she addresses the shifting trust in media, highlighting the rising preference for local news and individual creators over traditional outlets. Expect a no-nonsense take on today's media landscape!

Guido and Ben Teuber, sons of CATAN's inventor Klaus Teuber, share insights on their family's iconic board game. They discuss how CATAN fosters strategic collaboration, mimicking real-world business challenges. The brothers reflect on its global success, the evolution of gameplay, and innovative expansions like the climate-focused version. They emphasize the importance of community engagement and how board games can enhance team dynamics, illustrating valuable lessons for entrepreneurs through playful competition and negotiation.

Brian Niccol, the CEO of Starbucks and former CEO of Chipotle, discusses a bold brand refresh aimed at restoring the coffee giant's place in American culture. He emphasizes the importance of prioritizing human connection and improving customer experiences while facing rising costs and longer wait times. Niccol dives into the company's evolving business model and explores opportunities in the Chinese market. He also shares insights on leveraging technology, employee appreciation, and maintaining a strong brand identity in a competitive landscape.

Adi Ignatius, former Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review, shares insights from his 16-year tenure. He discusses the chilling effect of Trump’s presidency on business leaders, citing a rise in self-censorship and the need for responsible corporate engagement. Ignatius tackles the impact of AI on media and the misperceptions Americans have about China. With a focus on the evolving landscape of business ethics and the role of CEOs acting as statesmen, he highlights the intricate dynamics between politics, leadership, and public trust.

Ben Van Leeuwen, CEO and co-founder of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, shares his inspiring journey from driving an ice cream truck to building a booming dessert empire. He dives into the creative process of developing unique flavors, even experimenting with quirky options like Kraft Mac and Cheese ice cream. The conversation also covers the challenges of scaling the business and the importance of personal relationships, especially when navigating co-founder dynamics. Expect insights on quality ingredients and innovative strategies fueling their rapid growth.

Paula Kerger, President and CEO of PBS, advocates for the vital role of public broadcasting amid financial uncertainties. She discusses the impact of potential federal funding cuts on programming and the importance of corporate philanthropy. Kerger dives into PBS's evolving relationships with streaming platforms like Netflix, and how they are adapting traditional content like Sesame Street for a new audience. She also addresses the political scrutiny public media faces, emphasizing the need for strong values and mission focus in an ever-changing landscape.

Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof, co-CEOs of Baby2Baby, discuss their nonprofit's rapid response to the LA wildfires, emphasizing their commitment to serving local families. They share personal stories of resilience and teamwork while scaling support to meet unprecedented demand for essentials like diapers. The duo highlights the power of community collaboration and celebrity partnerships in amplifying their impact. Their reflections on growth and advocacy reveal the importance of addressing systemic challenges in maternal and child health.

Cliff Obrecht, co-founder and COO of Canva, shares insights on leading the $35 billion design powerhouse alongside his wife, Melanie Perkins. They discuss how Canva balances user-friendly design with AI advancements while staying true to their values. Obrecht highlights their philanthropic efforts, including a $100 million donation to causes in Malawi. He also explores the challenges of ownership rights in the AI era and emphasizes the importance of work-life balance in their unique partnership, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and creativity.

In this engaging discussion, Austin Allison, co-founder of Pacaso and founder of Dotloop, and Spencer Rascoff, Zillow's co-founder and CEO of Match Group, share insights on their journey to revolutionize vacation home ownership. They unveil how Pacaso achieved a $1.5 billion valuation in just 18 months by introducing fractional ownership, overcoming challenges during economic downturns. The duo also tackles community concerns around their model and emphasizes the importance of flexibility and nurturing relationships in a rapidly evolving market.