Masters of Scale

Join Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors and four-time NBA champion, along with Kris Brown, president of the Brady organization, as they tackle pressing issues in sports and society. They share how personal loss propelled their advocacy against gun violence, emphasizing safe storage and smart tech. Steve reflects on his leadership style, influenced by legends like Phil Jackson, and discusses emerging technologies in basketball. Together, they inspire hope for bipartisan change and a safer future through civic engagement and authenticity.

Fei-Fei Li, often dubbed the Godmother of AI, shares her visionary insights on embracing fearlessness in uncertain times with host Reid Hoffman. She discusses her transition from academia to founding World Labs, focusing on spatial intelligence and world modeling. Li highlights its applications in healthcare and design while addressing data challenges in developing effective spatial AI. She emphasizes the importance of trust and human agency in technology, urging innovators to engage in bold, contrarian thinking to shape the future.

In this discussion, Ellie Pavlick, director of ARIA at Brown, shares insights on the risks and importance of regulating AI in mental health applications. Soraya Darabi, a VC partner, highlights investment trends in mental health tech and the ethical considerations driving them. They delve into the balance between the potential benefits of AI companions and the need for caution, especially concerning empathy and accessibility. Both emphasize the importance of ongoing societal dialogue to navigate this promising yet perilous frontier.

Emilie Choi, President and COO of Coinbase, shares insights from her journey transitioning from LinkedIn to a leading cryptocurrency platform. She discusses the resilience needed to navigate early turmoil and the principles behind scaling operations effectively. Choi emphasizes the importance of a direct feedback culture, the role of AI in performance management, and the potential of crypto to enhance global finance. She advocates for a balance between innovation and consumer protection, highlighting the evolution of stablecoins and the exciting future of tokenization.

Join venture capitalist Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn; Aileen Lee, the visionary behind the term 'unicorn'; and Stacy Brown-Philpot, who scaled TaskRabbit, as they discuss the evolving landscape of startup funding. Moderated by journalist Van Jones, they dive into the shifting focus towards profitability, the heightened expectations for AI-driven growth, and the critical need for founders to adapt. From navigating investor skepticism to unlocking pathways for diverse talent in tech, this conversation illuminates the complexities of today’s venture capital world.

David Chang, the mastermind behind Momofuku and author of Eat a Peach, opens up about the bittersweet realities of culinary success. He explores the challenges of scaling restaurants and contrasts the ephemeral nature of food with the quest for lasting impact. With a candid view on ambition and burnout, Chang shifts focus from Michelin stars to family priorities. He also discusses the vital role of immigrant labor in the industry and urges innovators to enhance food systems while upholding quality. A reflection on legacy and life beyond accolades wraps up this engaging conversation.

Bobbi Brown, a renowned beauty entrepreneur and makeup artist, shares her incredible journey from founding Bobbi Brown Cosmetics to launching Jones Road Beauty. She discusses the challenges and lessons learned while transitioning from a billion-dollar brand to a new venture. Bobbi reveals insights on navigating corporate politics, her emotional recovery after parting ways with Estée Lauder, and the innovation behind her latest brand. She also emphasizes the importance of authenticity on social media and building a family-driven, lean team for success.

Dara Treseder, CMO of Autodesk, shares her insights on savvy branding and marketing strategies, diving into the balance of trust and controversy in campaigns like those of Taylor Swift and Cracker Barrel. Meanwhile, Ryan Petersen, founder of Flexport, debunks common trade myths, highlighting the risks of knee-jerk tariff reactions and the complexities of global trade policies. The duo offers candid takes on how brands can effectively use AI and the ongoing challenges in adapting to the changing landscape of trade.

Ryan Holiday, a prominent author and advocate of Stoicism, dives into the practical application of ancient wisdom. He discusses the four Stoic virtues—courage, discipline, justice, and wisdom—and their relevance today. Ryan shares his journey from marketing to writing philosophy books and how he scaled The Daily Stoic’s audience. He highlights the importance of honest feedback and avoiding echo chambers, warning that genius without accountability can lead to poor decision-making. His latest work emphasizes that true wisdom requires continuous effort.

Anastasia Soare, the founder of billionaire beauty brand Anastasia Beverly Hills, shares her incredible journey from a Romanian immigrant to a beauty mogul. She reveals how a live appearance on Oprah transformed her brand's visibility and fueled demand, dubbed the 'Oprah Effect.' Soare discusses leveraging social media and directly engaging with her clientele, highlighting her daughter's influence in adopting influencer marketing. Her unwavering passion for beauty and commitment to growth underscore her refusal to retire anytime soon.