Masters of Scale

In this lively conversation, David Droga, founder of Droga5 and CEO of Accenture Song, shares his journey of making bold, unexpected moves in the advertising world. He emphasizes the importance of creativity over conventional paths, revealing how daring strategies, like staging a viral video of graffiti on Air Force One, redefine success. David discusses the role of vulnerability in leadership and how embracing mistakes can strengthen teams. With a rich background in fostering imaginative environments, he inspires listeners to think outside the box.

Delta Air Lines is bouncing back with impressive profits and a staff surge of 25,000. CEO Ed Bastian shares his insights on transforming challenges into opportunities, especially regarding employee engagement and wellness. The conversation also highlights strategic investments in technology and customer experience post-pandemic. Ed emphasizes the significance of mental wellness, quality sleep, and fostering connections in leadership, showcasing how these elements can enhance productivity and resilience in the airline industry.

will.i.am, a multi-platinum musician and the mastermind behind the Black Eyed Peas, shares his entrepreneurial journey from the music industry to tech. He discusses leveraging major events like the Super Bowl for brand success and strategic partnerships, emphasizing innovation and creativity. From the evolution of Beats to his tech venture i.am+, he reflects on how collaboration can lead to epic ideas. Additionally, will.i.am recounts his adventures with NASA, sending music to Mars, highlighting the fusion of art and technology.

Everette Taylor, the dynamic CEO of Kickstarter, shares his journey from an unconventional childhood to leading a major crowdfunding platform. He discusses bold strategies to energize user engagement and expand the community, emphasizing that marketing and product development are intertwined. Taylor advocates for celebrating failures as a vital part of growth and reveals his vision of making Kickstarter an inclusive hub for creators. He also highlights the unique challenges faced by black leaders in corporate environments and introduces a creative way to celebrate team successes.

Reid and Bob dive into the transformative effects of ChatGPT on business and society. They discuss how the AI revolution is reigniting the search engine wars and changing our work dynamics. The conversation highlights the strategies leaders can adopt to adapt to rapid advancements. They also explore the competition between tech giants and startups in leveraging AI. The episode balances excitement with caution, urging listeners to navigate the promise and pitfalls of this technology with ethical considerations in mind.

Amy Howe, CEO of FanDuel and former exec at Ticketmaster, shares insights on the booming $40 billion sports gambling industry in the U.S. She highlights the Super Bowl's critical role in FanDuel's strategy and its push for responsible gaming. Howe discusses innovative marketing tactics, including partnerships with sports celebs, and the evolution of mobile sports betting. She also emphasizes the importance of building trust with users and the unique challenges faced by female leaders in the gaming sector.

Discover how to balance innovation with your core business while keeping your employees inspired to share your vision. Dive into storytelling techniques that empower teams to connect authentically with audiences. Experience the journey of transforming a fish processing plant into a coffee haven, navigating the challenges of risk-averse stakeholders along the way. Explore communication strategies tailored for Gen Z and learn about effective hiring during economic uncertainty. Stay grounded in humanity amid big tech shifts.

Christoph Gebald, co-founder and co-CEO of Climeworks, is at the forefront of carbon capture technology. He discusses the groundbreaking achievement of Climeworks becoming the first certified company for removing CO2 from the air. Gebald emphasizes the importance of collaboration with investors and governments to scale this innovation globally. He reflects on the role of serendipity and resilience in navigating challenges, as well as the shift from viewing CO2 as a commodity to offering carbon removal services, highlighting a promising new direction in battling climate change.

Alexa von Tobel, founder of LearnVest and co-founder of Inspired Capital, shares her insights on navigating the world of advice in entrepreneurship. She discusses the importance of discerning which guidance to follow, emphasizing that not all advice is applicable at every stage. Through personal anecdotes, she reflects on the significance of timing when seeking counsel and the role of mentorship. Alexa also highlights the need for financial literacy and the lessons learned from her experiences during the 2008 financial crisis.

Calvin McDonald, CEO of Lululemon Athletica and former head of Sephora, shares how his brand thrived amid retail turmoil. He discusses the importance of mid-term planning, innovative product development, and community engagement. Calvin emphasizes the power of listening to customers to enhance brand identity and drive success. He explores the role of agility in navigating economic challenges and reveals how a culture of collaboration fuels both resilience and sustainability in the company. Tune in for insights on leadership and adaptability!