Masters of Scale

Katie Milkman, a behavioral scientist and bestselling author, dives into the fascinating world of fresh starts. She shares insights on how daily choices greatly influence health and longevity. Katie explains the concept of fresh starts, revealing their motivational edge and when they might fall flat. She discusses the obstacles to lasting change, emphasizes the importance of concrete planning, and introduces self-nudging strategies. With tips on creating fresh starts anytime, she empowers listeners to harness behavioral science for personal and organizational growth.

Mark Cuban, a serial entrepreneur and Shark Tank star, discusses the evolving landscape of AI investments. He shares his hands-on experiences with AI tools like OpenAI Sora and explores innovative uses of AI avatars for marketing. Cuban argues that AI is democratizing entrepreneurship and emphasizes the importance of light-touch regulation in the U.S. He provides advice for young job seekers to leverage AI in small firms and critiques AI business ideas on scalability and defensibility. Ultimately, he questions if we're in an AI bubble and shares his insights on finding disruptive opportunities.

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo known for her transformative leadership, shares insights on unlocking team creativity. She emphasizes the necessity of cultivating an environment where talent can truly thrive. Indra discusses her journey from India to becoming a business leader, her innovative approaches to product design, and the importance of recognizing employees as whole individuals. She advocates for systemic changes to support women in the workforce and highlights the critical role of cross-border collaboration in fostering innovation.

Ben Lamm, Co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, dives into the fascinating world of de-extinction, specifically the resurrection of the dire wolf. He shares the intricacies of using ancient DNA and AI for gene engineering. Lamm discusses the ethical debates surrounding these efforts and responds to critics about the authenticity of their creations. He also highlights future projects like mammoths and the importance of conservation. With celebrity investors on board, Lamm inspires a conversation about biodiversity and the future of species restoration.

Amy Weaver, former Chief Legal Officer and CFO at Salesforce, is now the CEO of Direct Relief, a major humanitarian organization. She discusses her unconventional career journey, moving from law to tech leadership and now to global aid. Weaver highlights how she's applying Salesforce’s scale lessons to enhance Direct Relief’s efficiency. Topics include addressing gender pay equity, navigating politicized health funding, and her leadership style, emphasizing kindness and diversity in building trust and effective teams.

Clara Shih, a tech leader from Salesforce and Meta, shares her insights on balancing immediate AI results with long-term innovation. Brian Chesky, Airbnb's co-founder, emphasizes the essential role of genuine human interactions in a world increasingly dominated by digital experiences. They discuss the need for faster strategic planning and highlight how real connections can set businesses apart in challenging times. With lessons on risk-taking and turning setbacks into opportunities, the conversation is a masterclass in navigating uncertainty as we approach 2026.

Elizabeth Brink and Andy Cohen, co-CEOs of Gensler, discuss transforming workplaces into vibrant destinations. They explore the impact of AI on design, emphasizing data-driven decisions for optimizing space and air quality. The duo shares insights on fostering a collaborative culture and the importance of diversity in innovation. They highlight the shifting generational needs for in-person connection and how Gensler's office redesigns meet these desires, making workspaces more engaging and community-focused.

Kara Swisher, a renowned journalist and podcast host known for her sharp tech insights, dives into the evolving landscape of big tech. She debates whether AI investments can yield sustainable returns and critiques the bubble-like valuation of NVIDIA. Swisher warns against the cognitive fallout from overly frictionless AI and believes healthcare holds more promise than hype. She also discusses Disney's future under Bob Iger and the challenges Apple faces with Tim Cook at the helm, all while delivering her trademark no-holds-barred commentary.

Barbara F. Walter, a political scientist and author of "How Civil Wars Start and How to Stop Them," discusses the impact of political instability on economies. She highlights how anocratic systems, or partial democracies, create significant risks for businesses, including reduced growth and investment. Walter emphasizes the role of business leaders in strengthening democracy and offers examples, such as South Africa's transition away from apartheid, showcasing how collective action can foster stability. She warns that 45% of anocracies may devolve into autocracies, ultimately harming economic well-being.

Keely Blair, the CEO of OnlyFans, discusses the platform's meteoric rise to a $7 billion revenue powerhouse and its pivotal role for creators. She delves into the brand's evolving perception, emphasizing a safe space for adult content with strong safety measures like age verification and moderation. Keely also reveals insights on transitioning beyond just adult content through initiatives like OFTV and partnerships with comedians and athletes. Additionally, she shares thoughts on AI regulations and advocates for a more inclusive future with diverse payment options for creators.