Masters of Scale

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.

Dr. Samantha Nutt, President of War Child USA and Canada, discusses the challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in conflict zones like Afghanistan and Sudan. She emphasizes the shift from emergency aid to sustainable solutions, leveraging local leaders to drive long-term change. Despite USAID cuts, Dr. Nutt expresses optimism about American generosity and the role of individual contributions. The conversation highlights the importance of empathy and personal engagement in addressing global crises and restoring hope for affected families.

Stacy Brown-Philpot, former CEO of Taskrabbit and founder of Cherryrock Capital, dives into her journey of raising $172 million for underinvested entrepreneurs. She shares insights from a profound six-day silent retreat that shaped her investment strategy. The conversation highlights the challenges of fundraising and the importance of mentorship. Stacy discusses the necessity of balancing human oversight with AI advancements and underscores how strategic relationships can drive business growth. Her mission is clear: support those overlooked by traditional funding.

Reid Hoffman dives into the dynamic clash between tech titans like Trump and Musk, and the geopolitical implications of AI. He explores how advancements in artificial intelligence are reshaping healthcare and the potential upheaval in the workforce. The conversation also highlights Meta and Apple's strategies against OpenAI, and the challenges organizations face in adapting to AI. Additionally, Hoffman discusses the intersection of innovation and federal policy, offering insights into navigating this complex landscape.

Graduating students dive into career advice from industry leaders. They explore the impact of AI on job prospects and how to align personal strengths with market trends. Insights emphasize the importance of adaptability and networking. Passion-driven careers are highlighted, showcasing mentorship and exploration as key elements for growth. The discussion also touches on embracing uncertainty, balancing risk and reward for success in business. Overall, it's a treasure trove of wisdom for navigating the new professional landscape.

Andrew Yaffe, CEO of Dude Perfect, shares insights into transforming a group of friends filming trick shots into a media empire with over 61 million YouTube followers. He discusses leveraging Disney's strategies for growth, aiming for a vertically integrated brand across content, products, and experiences. Yaffe highlights the challenges of maintaining company culture during rapid scaling and unveils ambitions to develop a theme park, reflecting the shifting dynamics of entertainment for younger audiences.

Laura Shin, a crypto expert and journalist, dives deep into the current state of the cryptocurrency market. She discusses the rapid growth of stablecoins and their importance in providing financial stability in turbulent areas. Shin highlights the changing political landscape and its impact on crypto, especially during the Trump era. She also explains the significance of Coinbase's addition to the S&P 500 and how it signals a bright future for the industry. With insights on navigating market volatility, this conversation is a must-listen for any crypto enthusiast.

Simon Sinek, an acclaimed author and visionary, joins Reid Hoffman to explore the essence of great leadership and finding one's purpose. They dive into the contrast between missionaries and mercenaries in business and how genuine connections can outperform AI. Sinek emphasizes the importance of intrinsic motivation over external rewards and shares innovative strategies for employee engagement. They also discuss strategic optimism during tough times and the vital lessons learned from failure, all wrapped in the quest for a meaningful 'why'.