Masters of Scale

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps, leads her team through significant challenges following severe U.S. aid cuts that jeopardized two-thirds of their programs. She shares the urgent measures they've taken to ensure safety and operational continuity in crisis zones. With Gaza in turmoil, she discusses the harsh realities faced by field staff and the emotional toll of leadership. Tjada delves into reimagining impact with limited resources and emphasizes the importance of resilience, empathy, and community support during turbulent times.

Janice Omadeke, an author and entrepreneur who founded a corporate mentorship platform called The Mentor Method, shares her wisdom on finding mentors. She discusses how her immigrant upbringing ignited her entrepreneurial journey and reveals her strategy for recruiting mentors through targeted outreach. Omadeke also reflects on balancing grief from her mother's passing with leadership responsibilities, and shares insights on setting boundaries in mentorship. With her unique experiences, she inspires others to unlock their potential through meaningful connections.

Sarah Ball, Editor-in-Chief of WSJ. Magazine and a fashion industry expert, joins to discuss the whirlwind changes shaping high fashion. She delves into the recent New York Fashion Week, marked by notable shifts in creative leadership at major brands. The conversation covers the future of Vogue after Anna Wintour, the influence of AI on fashion creatives, and how social media is redefining brand identity and success. Sarah also reflects on the legacy of Giorgio Armani and the evolving role of influencers in democratizing fashion.

In a lively conversation, Stephen Colbert, host of The Late Show, shares his thoughts on the complexities of AI and human interaction. He draws insightful parallels between J.R.R. Tolkien's work and technology's impact on creativity. Colbert delves into the nuances of storytelling in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of genuine human connection. The discussion also covers the dual nature of AI, its potential benefits in various fields, and frames a hopeful outlook on future technological advancements.

Matthew Pohlson, CEO and co-founder of Omaze, shares how a near-death experience transformed his approach to fear and entrepreneurship. He discusses shifting from perceived fears to bold decision-making, inspiring innovative business models that fuse philanthropy with unique experiences. Pohlson reflects on the impact of love and compassion during his recovery, advocating for storytelling and empathy in business. His journey illustrates how challenges can drive ethical practices, emphasizing the importance of human connection in achieving success.

Sowmya Krishnamurthy, a music journalist and author featured in Rolling Stone and NPR, dives into the transformative landscape of the music industry. She discusses the impact of TikTok on new artists and analyzes Taylor Swift's continued reign. The conversation shifts to the intersection of AI and music, raising concerns about creativity amidst technological advancements. Krishnamurthy also critiques the implications of streaming wars, and the evolving dynamics between art and commerce, underscoring the challenges artists face today.

Jeremy Levine, Founder and CEO of Underdog, shares his insights on scaling in the competitive fantasy sports industry. He discusses how innovative product development helps break through regulatory and market challenges. Levine highlights the evolution of fantasy sports, the importance of consumer engagement, and strategies for growth, including the rise of Best Ball formats. He also emphasizes the need for responsible gaming and offers valuable career advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in the sports sector.

In this chat, Anthony Tan, Co-founder and CEO of Grab, shares insights on transforming the rideshare platform into a Southeast Asian superapp valued over $20 billion. He discusses flashy expansions into food delivery and fintech, all while competing against giants like Uber. Tan also highlights the role of AI in driving company culture and innovation, and shares his vision for sustainable growth with electric vehicles. Tune in for a peek into the thriving future of Southeast Asia's digital economy!

Everette Taylor, CEO of Kickstarter, brings his expertise in building resilient businesses to the conversation with Reid Hoffman. They dive into essential strategies for entrepreneurs, including the art of selecting co-founders who share your mission and values. The duo stresses the importance of resilience in overcoming challenges, sharing real-world examples of businesses adapting to setbacks. They also discuss the evolving role of community support and crowdfunding in driving innovation and sustaining growth.

Cristóbal Valenzuela, co-founder and CEO of Runway, a trailblazer in AI video tools, shares insights on transforming Hollywood. He discusses Runway's partnerships with major studios like Disney and Netflix, emphasizing AI's profound impact on creativity and production. Valenzuela reveals his decision to resist a buyout from Meta and explores the ethical responsibilities of AI tool developers. He envisions a new era of media formats that could reshape our understanding of creativity, balancing innovation with the risks of misuse.