Masters of Scale

Cathy Engelbert, Commissioner of the WNBA, opens up about the league's explosive growth as stars like Caitlin Clark make their mark. She discusses innovative strategies to attract fans and enhance ticket sales, alongside the impact of NIL deals on players’ earnings. Engelbert also shares insights on managing crises, including the Brittney Griner situation and the challenges posed by COVID-19. With excitement brewing for the upcoming season, she emphasizes the importance of media engagement and addressing pay disparities to sustain momentum in women's sports.

Jonathan Neman and Nathaniel Ru, co-founders of Sweetgreen, share their remarkable journey from college friends to leading a $2.5 billion restaurant chain. They discuss the importance of community building and local sourcing, revealing how they overcame early hurdles, including a theft that nearly derailed their launch. The duo highlights Sweetgreen’s tech-driven strategies for improving customer experience and how automation enhances employee roles. Their commitment to sustainability and brand culture remains central to their impressive growth.

Sal Khan, the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, discusses the revolutionary impact of AI on education. He introduces Khanmigo, the AI tutor designed to personalize learning for students and teachers alike. Sal shares insights from this innovative initiative and the balance of harnessing AI while addressing privacy and safety concerns. He also reflects on the need for educators to adapt to this new technology and the democratizing potential of education in today’s world. His new book, 'Brave New Words,' is also a focus, urging us to embrace risks for progress.

Jim VandeHei, Co-founder and CEO of Axios, brings his insights on the media's portrayal of division in America, arguing it's overblown. He discusses the shifting landscape of news, emphasizing the importance of discernment in consumption. VandeHei also touches on the implications of AI in journalism and why business leaders may shy away from political commentary. Plus, he shares thoughts on the future of media entities like BuzzFeed and the necessity for trust and integrity in news reporting, all while encouraging a more complex view of reality.

Maëlle Gavet, CEO of Techstars and a veteran in scaling startups, shares her journey from southern France to leading one of Russia's biggest e-commerce companies. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and gratitude, inspired by her grandfather's lessons. Maëlle discusses balancing personal values with company needs, navigating uncertainties in entrepreneurship, and the blend of tech with a people-first approach in leadership. Her insights reflect an optimistic belief in entrepreneurship's potential as a force for good.

In this discussion with Alex Kurtzman, the executive producer behind Paramount's Star Trek franchise, insights into the streaming wars unfold. Kurtzman shares how Star Trek is adapting to compete with giants like Netflix and Disney+, emphasizing the importance of engaging devoted fans while attracting new viewers. He reveals behind-the-scenes secrets and the delicate balance between creativity and strategy in the franchise’s evolution. Kurtzman also highlights how optimism and diverse storytelling can keep a legendary brand thriving amid industry change.

In a lively discussion, Alex Wang, co-founder of Scale AI and a former MIT dropout, teams up with Lama Nachman, Intel's director of AI systems research. They dive into the rapid evolution of generative AI and its potential to enrich human creativity rather than replace it. The duo tackles challenges like deepfakes and the importance of critical thinking in a tech-driven world. They also address privacy concerns and the need for regulation, emphasizing a balanced approach to harnessing AI's benefits while mitigating its risks.

Suzanne Clark, CEO of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, shares her insights on the current American economy amidst stock market volatility and consumer caution. She discusses the optimism of businesses despite challenges like inflation and political uncertainty. Clark also reflects on her recent trip to China and dives into the complexities of workplace dynamics, questioning the notion of bringing your full self to work. Furthermore, she emphasizes how optimism can be a driving force behind economic growth and progress.

John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market, began his entrepreneurial journey as a college student with a passion for healthy living. He discusses how focusing on purpose and passion helped him transform a single store into a billion-dollar brand. Mackey reflects on the importance of in-store experiences and strategic location choices for growth. He candidly shares challenges with activist investors and the decision to sell to Amazon, as well as his new venture, Love.Life, aimed at revolutionizing health and wellness.

Ari Wallach, a futurist and PBS host of A Brief History of the Future, tackles the pressing need for long-term thinking amid global crises. He discusses how our biological instincts often prioritize the immediate but urges a shift to consider future impacts. Wallach highlights AI as 'immortal algorithms' and emphasizes the moral responsibilities of business leaders. The conversation dives into how individual and corporate actions today shape future generations, making a compelling case for collective efforts to navigate challenges like climate change.