Masters of Scale

Stacy Palmer, CEO of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, brings insights on how Trump’s funding cuts are shaking the nonprofit sector. She discusses the widespread instability nonprofit organizations face and how this threatens community bonds. Palmer highlights innovative strategies nonprofits must adopt to survive in these challenging times, including the potential role of corporate funding. The critical conversation explores the future of giving and how organizations can adapt to maintain their vital services.

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.

Janice Min, co-founder and CEO of The Ankler, offers sharp insights into the recent Oscars and their reflection of Hollywood's evolving landscape. She discusses how the success of low-budget film 'Anora' indicates a shift in power from major studios to independents. Min also highlights the growing political caution within the industry and the challenges of distributing politically charged content. Plus, she unravels the complexities of streaming wars and the strategies behind Oscar campaigning, revealing how these elements dramatically shape the entertainment business.

Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, discusses his pivotal role in transforming Adobe into a cloud-based subscription powerhouse. He shares insights on leveraging AI to enhance creative tools while balancing proprietary development and partnerships. The conversation dives into leadership challenges during the shift to the cloud, emphasizing the importance of communication and culture. Narayen also highlights innovative employee benefits like the 'Lobatical' and how employee satisfaction directly impacts customer experience in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Russell Diez-Canseco, CEO of Vital Farms, dives into the complexities of the egg industry amidst skyrocketing prices and avian flu. He illustrates how Vital Farms thrives through ethical partnerships with family farmers and its commitment to transparency. The discussion touches on the brand's journey as a certified B Corp and its unique 'Lobatical' benefit for long-serving employees. Diez-Canseco also sheds light on why their egg yolks are so vibrantly orange, tying it back to ethical farming practices and consumer choices.

Davis Smith, founder of Cotopaxi, an outdoor brand dedicated to social justice, discusses the transformative power of business. He shares his journey of integrating purpose into a brand, highlighting lessons on team dynamics and the significance of gut feelings in entrepreneurship. Smith reveals the innovative 'Lobatical' program that enhances employee loyalty and explains his bold decision to step down as CEO to foster new leadership. With a vision of compassionate capitalism, he inspires listeners to embrace both adventure and social responsibility.

RJ Scaringe, founder and CEO of Rivian, dives into the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. With demand shifting, he discusses Rivian's strategic $5.8 billion partnership with Volkswagen and the introduction of a new lower-priced model, R2. RJ also emphasizes the importance of adapting to market challenges while maintaining long-term sustainability. He shares insights on Rivian's advanced AI features and how they enhance the driving experience. Alongside technological innovations, he prioritizes employee appreciation as a key to fostering a strong company culture.

Ryan Williams, Founder of Cadre and a real estate mogul who scaled his tech-driven platform to over a billion dollars, shares his journey from a sports apparel entrepreneur to a real estate innovator. He discusses the critical role of mentorship in his success and how media attention shaped his perspective. Williams also dives into the importance of building a robust network and overcoming ethical challenges in the industry. His unique approach to employee benefits, like 'The Lobatical', highlights the value of team spirit in business.

Dara Treseder, Chief Marketing Officer of Autodesk and former marketing leader at Peloton and Apple, shares her insights on Super Bowl LIX ads. She critiques the mixed success of star-studded campaigns and discusses why many brands took a safe approach. Treseder highlights the importance of creativity and relevance, as well as Nike's commitment to gender equity. She also reflects on the representation of diversity in ads and the need for brands to authentically connect with audiences, offering valuable lessons for future marketing strategies.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and author of Super Agency, joins Kara Swisher and Scott Galloway for a deep dive into the world of AI. They tackle the buzz surrounding DeepSeek and the value of investing in AI technologies. Hoffman shares insights from his latest book while discussing the economic impacts of AI on consumer markets and healthcare. The conversation also touches on significant political news, including Meta's settlement with Trump and the implications of social media bans on free speech. Tune in for a whirlwind of tech and politics!