Masters of Scale

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.

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.