Masters of Scale

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.

Alison Moore, CEO of Chief and former HBO executive, dives into the evolving landscape of women's careers. She challenges the idea that women have ruined workplaces, highlighting how disruption drives their career ambitions. Moore shares insights from a national survey on women's rising aspirations and the importance of women-only spaces for holistic leadership. She also connects lessons from Game of Thrones to building a thriving community at Chief, embracing the multihyphenate leader trend where women juggle multiple professional identities.

Danny Meyer, a hospitality visionary behind Shake Shack and acclaimed NYC restaurants, shares insights on customer experience and mentorship. Joined by his daughter Hallie, founder of Caffè Panna, they discuss scaling food ventures while honoring culinary simplicity. Danny reflects on family setbacks and the importance of finding the right talent. Hallie brings her Roman inspiration and whimsical menu creation to the table. Together, they emphasize the need for excellence over perfection and the power of small gestures in hospitality.