Masters of Scale

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, shares his journey of transforming Uber from a notorious pirate culture into a disciplined navy. He discusses the balance between rebellious startup spirit and the need for structure as companies scale. Dara emphasizes the power of truth-telling in leadership and the importance of building trust during turbulent times. He also highlights initiatives aimed at fostering better relationships with drivers and regulators, showcasing how ethical behavior and inclusivity are central to Uber's cultural renaissance.

Stacy Brown-Philpot, former CEO of TaskRabbit, champions the vital role of humans in scaling businesses. She discusses how technology can enhance job accessibility while promoting diversity in team dynamics. The concept of the 'human cloud' is explored, emphasizing collaboration and collective learning as keys to productivity. Stacy shares insights on navigating the gig economy, celebrating community over competition. Her journey from Detroit to tech highlights resilience and the importance of nurturing human intelligence in leadership.

Daymond John, founder of FUBU and a key figure on ABC's Shark Tank, discusses the art of authentic partnerships. He reveals how his strategic collaborations with figures like LL Cool J transformed his brand from a grassroots endeavor into a billion-dollar success. Daymond emphasizes the importance of aligning with the right partners to foster growth. He shares valuable lessons from his journey, including the significance of community ties and innovative marketing strategies that resonate with hip-hop culture.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and co-founder of Schmidt Futures, shares his insights into managing innovation at Google. He reveals how embracing chaos fuels creativity, illustrating this with the famous '20% time' initiative. Schmidt discusses the importance of constructive conflict in leadership and reflects on decision-making challenges during crises, drawing parallels with aviation. He also humorously highlights the unconventional discoveries in team dynamics, showcasing how diverse skills can lead to groundbreaking innovations.

Angela Ahrendts, former SVP of retail at Apple and CEO of Burberry, shares her insights on uniting large, global teams. She emphasizes the power of authentic leadership and human connection over mere branding. Ahrendts discusses her journey revitalizing Burberry, focusing on cultural alignment and team dynamics amidst challenges. She highlights innovative communication strategies, including informal video memos, to foster transparency and connection. Tune in as she explores the balance between branding and building mission-driven families in the workplace.

Daniel Ek, Founder and CEO of Spotify, shares his remarkable journey of building a revolutionary music streaming service. He reveals how establishing trust quickly is essential in fast-paced environments, especially when collaborating with a wary music industry. Ek highlights innovative strategies used to combat piracy while enhancing user experience. The discussion also touches on the power of small wins and consistency in fostering long-term relationships. With insights from Gustav Söderström and parachutist Miles Daisher, this is a fascinating look at trust in business.

Bozoma Saint John, former Netflix CMO and Uber chief brand officer, discusses her diverse corporate journey and the insights from her book, 'The Urgent Life.' She emphasizes the power of authenticity in leadership and the necessity of tapping into one's emotions for effective team guidance. The conversation tackles the importance of vulnerability and self-acceptance, especially as a Black woman in corporate America. Boz advocates for a culture that blends personal experiences with professional growth, urging leaders to embrace their true selves.

Ellen Kullman, former CEO of DuPont and 3D-printing company Carbon, shares her wisdom on crisis management forged through her leadership during major challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. She outlines four core principles that emphasize authenticity and preparation, advocating for practicing these in calmer times. The discussion also draws parallels with the Apollo 13 mission, showcasing how teamwork and communication are vital in overcoming adversity. Insights reveal the transformative power of a strong mission during crises.

Tjada D’Oyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps, shares her insights on navigating humanitarian crises, particularly in Turkey and Syria post-earthquake. She discusses the emotional toll on her team while managing multiple emergencies, including the ongoing war in Ukraine. Tjada emphasizes the vital role of businesses in humanitarian efforts, advocating that altruism doesn’t have to compromise scalability. Her reflections inspire a deeper understanding of leadership under pressure and the interconnectedness of global crises.

In this engaging conversation, Ginni Rometty, former CEO of IBM and author of "Good Power," dives into the pressing responsibilities of today’s leaders in a tech-driven landscape. She emphasizes the importance of embracing tension to drive innovation while ensuring ethical technology use. Ginni highlights strategies for promoting workforce diversity through skills-based hiring and addresses the societal risks posed by AI. She also advocates for corporate accountability, work-life balance, and the transformative power of humility in leadership.