Masters of Scale

Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist and political strategist, advocates for mobile voting as a game-changer for democracy. He discusses his $20 million investment in a secure voting app, piloted in 20 jurisdictions across seven states. Tusk explores the potential of mobile voting to enhance participation and address issues of political dysfunction. He also addresses skepticism regarding security, emphasizing the need for gradual implementation and broader voter engagement, while battling entrenched interests resistant to change.

Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal and creator of Girlboss Media, talks about her unexpected leap into entrepreneurship. She shares unconventional lessons about authenticity in branding and treating employees with humanity. Sophia discusses the challenges of growing a business without venture capital and the importance of building trust in the creator economy. She also opens up about managing ADHD and the significance of rest and support. Ultimately, she introduces Business Class, a new venture aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.

Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List, revolutionizes how Hollywood discovers scripts and is now bridging the gap between literature and film. He highlights the bottlenecks in talent discovery and the billions in missed revenue from diverse voices in storytelling. Leonard discusses the importance of adapting novels into films and the financial benefits of inclusive narratives. He also addresses the role of AI in creativity, emphasizing its limitations in capturing human emotion essential to compelling stories.

In this engaging discussion, Lindsey Collins, a talented Pixar filmmaker, shares her insights on scaling film production and managing inherent risks. She outlines the challenges faced in the creative process, including the emotional weight of failure and the necessity for adaptive strategies. The conversation also touches on the importance of transparent communication and principled decision-making, elements vital not just in filmmaking but also in the entrepreneurial landscape, especially during crises like the pandemic.

Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts and a leader in game development, shares insights on the company’s ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion gamers. He discusses the exciting integration of AI in game design, enhancing player experience and creativity. Wilson also reveals the high-stakes rebranding of FIFA, balancing collaboration and independence. Additionally, he draws parallels between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and business strategy, emphasizing the growing cultural significance of gaming as a beloved family pastime.

Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, an AI scientist and co-founder of Affectiva, discusses her groundbreaking work in emotionally intelligent technology. She shares her inspiring journey from Egypt to pioneering emotion recognition AI, stressing the importance of empathy in tech. Rana and host Reid Hoffman dive into the future of AI, emphasizing the potential for human-centered applications, particularly in healthcare and education. They also explore the necessity of fostering trust in AI and the vision of AI as a supportive communication tool.

Janice Min, Co-founder and CEO of The Ankler, dives into the intersection of celebrity and politics, highlighting Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris and its implications. She examines recent Emmy Awards successes and the tension between traditional TV and streaming services. The conversation explores celebrities' cautious roles in political discourse and the challenges of maintaining brand integrity in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. Min skillfully unpacks the evolving dynamics of fame and influence in today's society.

David Novak, co-founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands, dives into his journey transforming the fast food industry. He shares insights from the memorable Crystal Pepsi launch and the creative spark behind Cool Ranch Doritos. Novak stresses the importance of listening and recognizing team efforts, while also discussing the delicate balance between risk-taking and sustainable growth. His mission to mentor the next generation of leaders shines through as he advocates for the integration of social responsibility in business.

Ari Wallach, a futurist and host of the PBS docuseries "A Brief History of the Future," discusses the critical importance of long-term thinking in an era fraught with global challenges. He emphasizes our biological inclination toward short-term focus, urging leaders to embrace their moral responsibilities as core business metrics. Wallach also explores the concept of "futuring" and how AI can be seen as "immortal algorithms" in shaping our future. His insights inspire listeners to make decisions that will positively impact generations to come.

Alli Webb, co-founder of Drybar and author of "The Messy Truth," shares her inspiring journey from stylist to entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges of scaling Drybar into a national franchise and the importance of customer education. Alli reflects on the personal struggles she faced, including family challenges, and emphasizes the need for balance in life. She also introduces her innovative new venture, Squeeze, which aims to make massages both affordable and high-quality, all while pursuing her passion for user-centric business solutions.