Masters of Scale

Julie Uhrman and Kara Nortman, co-founders of Angel City Football Club, break down their journey in women's soccer. They reveal how the club skyrocketed to a near $200 million valuation from humble beginnings. Their innovative strategies, inspired by personal passion and a drive to fill market gaps, demonstrate how women's sports can be both impactful and profitable. They discuss overcoming investor skepticism, harnessing community support, and the importance of establishing a powerful brand that champions equity in sports.

Zach Reitano, CEO of Ro, a telehealth platform that focuses on obesity treatment, dives into the monumental shift caused by weight-loss drugs like Ozempic. He discusses the skyrocketing demand for these medications and their ripple effects on society and healthcare. Reitano shares why obesity treatment became Ro's 'hero product' and compares the potential impact of GLP-1s to emerging technologies like AI. He also addresses the stigma surrounding obesity, emphasizing a need for patient-focused marketing and equitable access to treatments.

Ian Bassin, the Executive Director of Protect Democracy and former White House counsel, discusses his mission to safeguard American democracy from authoritarianism. He shares insights on creating a successful nonprofit organization with a fully remote workforce across 20 states. Topics include the significance of ethical governance during transitions of power and innovative tools like VoteShield to promote fair elections. Bassin emphasizes resilience in leadership and the importance of building partnerships across political divides to support democracy.

Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List, shares his insights on the Oscars and their cultural significance. He delves into the contrasting outcomes of films like 'Oppenheimer' and 'Barbie,' highlighting creativity and missed opportunities. Leonard discusses the impact of industry strikes on filmmaking and emphasizes the need to support diverse voices. He also warns about the challenges posed by AI in Hollywood and the importance of engaging storytelling. This lively conversation captures the evolving nature of the entertainment industry.

Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, leads the first private company to land on the moon, drawing from his NASA experience. He shares thrilling tales of overcoming last-minute obstacles during the historic mission. Topics include the critical role of teamwork, innovative engineering solutions like 3D printing, and the transition to autonomous lunar operations. Altemus emphasizes the shift from traditional space exploration to dynamic commercial ventures, highlighting how challenges fuel innovation in this exciting new industry.

Reid Hoffman advocates for a 're-founder' mindset, urging leaders to evolve while holding onto core values. He and Jeff Berman discuss the essential shift in leadership as organizations transition, drawing lessons from notable figures like Satya Nadella and Dara Khosrowshahi. The conversation highlights the significance of collaboration and authenticity in leadership roles, especially during challenging changes. It emphasizes the necessity of integrating data-driven strategies with a focus on engagement to enhance both culture and performance.

Explore how OpenAI's revolutionary Sora tool is changing content creation. Discover the transformative journey of entrepreneurs amidst the tech landscape's upheaval, including Meta's resurgence and the impact of layoffs. Delve into Apple's Vision Pro and the hurdles it faces for mainstream adoption. Unpack the intricate link between AI advancements and the need for massive funding in the tech sector. Finally, learn about the importance of adaptability and community support for thriving in uncertain business environments.

Poppy Gustafsson, CEO of Darktrace, leads the conversation about the high-stakes world of cyber warfare and the role of AI in both attacking and defending against threats. She discusses how cybercrime has become a professional operation, with sophisticated tactics like deepfakes infiltrating everyday communication tools. Meanwhile, Aparna Saran from Capital One Business shares her inspiring career pivot, emphasizing the value of adopting a beginner's mindset in navigating changes. The duo highlights the importance of adapting cybersecurity strategies to counter evolving threats.

In this engaging conversation, Krista Tippett, host of On Being, welcomes Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn, to explore the intersection of philosophy and technology. They delve into Reid's formative years in countercultural California and discuss how friendships have shaped his outlook. The duo experiments with AI chatbot Pi, debating the optimistic and pessimistic futures of tech. They also ponder emotional intelligence in AI, emphasizing its role in enhancing creativity while fostering meaningful human connections.

Dara Treseder, Chief Marketing Officer at Autodesk and former marketing leader at Peloton and Apple, dives into the competitive landscape of Super Bowl advertising. She discusses how brands can maximize their $7 million ad slots by focusing on being memorable, ownable, and relevant. Dara highlights the impact of celebrity endorsements, humor, and cultural references in captivating audiences. She also critiques various ads, emphasizing the shift toward cautious yet creative strategies that maintain brand unity amidst political sensitivities.