Masters of Scale

Reshma Shetty, Co-founder and COO of Ginkgo Bioworks, discusses the pivotal role of synthetic biology in global health, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shines a light on how Ginkgo's innovations have driven advancements in mRNA vaccine production. The conversation explores the ethical landscape of biotechnology, emphasizing the necessity for care and responsibility in innovation. Shetty also touches on overcoming biases in hiring, advocating for a more thoughtful approach to talent acquisition amid a high-stakes industry.

Howard Schultz, former CEO and chairman of Starbucks, is renowned for revolutionizing coffee culture and prioritizing employee welfare. In this engaging discussion, he shares insights on blending social impact with business growth, emphasizing the necessity of integrating societal contributions into company values. Schultz highlights Starbucks' innovative employee benefits, like tuition assistance, and underscores the significance of fostering connections between employees and customers to enhance brand loyalty. He also addresses how businesses can combat loneliness in today's society.

Sandra Douglass Morgan, the first Black woman president of an NFL franchise, shares her groundbreaking journey and leadership insights with a focus on overcoming challenges. She discusses balancing brand responsibility with innovation while navigating the Raiders' tumultuous transition. Morgan emphasizes prioritizing community impact and fostering a culture of collaboration. Additionally, she explores the evolving landscape of fantasy sports and sports betting, highlighting the importance of fan engagement and transparency in leadership.

Linda Yates, CEO of Mach49 and expert in fostering innovation, shares her insights on nurturing an intrapreneurial mindset in large organizations. Discover how intrapreneurs function like internal startups, utilizing company resources to innovate. Yates discusses the importance of leveraging the 'mothership advantage' and how innovative hiring practices can enhance corporate agility. She emphasizes the need for collaboration between established companies and startups to tackle global challenges while maintaining a culture of creativity and risk-taking.

Priya Parker, an expert facilitator and author of The Art of Gathering, delves into the evolving nature of workplace gatherings in a hybrid world. She emphasizes the need to rethink meeting formats, improving engagement among in-person and remote attendees. Parker shares practical strategies for fostering connections and cultural evolution within teams. She also addresses navigating workplace conflicts amid growing employee activism, highlighting the importance of leaders reflecting on their biases to create a cohesive environment.

Explore how taking calculated risks is essential for growth and innovation. Entrepreneurs share their journeys, revealing the balance between enthusiasm and caution. Discover strategies for cultivating a risk-positive culture within teams and how personal values shape decision-making. Insights from industry leaders emphasize the importance of embracing risk, especially in challenging times, and show how diverse perspectives can lead to impactful change in both business and society.

Danny Meyer, the visionary founder of Shake Shack and Union Square Hospitality Group, shares his journey of resilience through the pandemic and ongoing inflation. He reveals the drastic cuts made during COVID and the challenges he's faced in rebuilding his team. Meyer emphasizes the importance of innovative leadership, exploring hiring strategies that look beyond traditional resumes. He also discusses how inflation has transformed the restaurant industry, sparking new opportunities for adaptation and growth.

Saeju Jeong, Founder and CEO of Noom, shares his journey of prioritizing mission over product in the health and fitness space. He discusses the importance of aligning a business's core values with its offerings, even risking successful products for the greater good. Saeju recounts transformative experiences that shaped his vision, emphasizing personal connections and resilience as key to sustainable growth. His insights illustrate how a mission-driven focus can lead to innovation and meaningful impact in healthcare.

Susan Daimler, President of Zillow, shares insights on adapting to market volatility in the real estate sector. She emphasizes the importance of a future-focused strategy, even in tough times. Daimler discusses the development of a groundbreaking Housing Super App, aimed at enhancing the real estate experience. She also highlights the balance needed between innovative thinking and teamwork, fostering a positive workplace culture, all while navigating the complexities of rising interest rates and changing buyer behavior.

Explore how small entrepreneurs can thrive in complex industries like healthcare. Discover ways to cultivate inspiration in remote environments and the dynamics of co-founding remotely. Celebrate wins while focusing on future goals, and understand why product obsession is crucial for success. Learn the importance of preparation and mindset in seizing opportunities, especially during tough economic times, and find out how Black founders can navigate funding challenges. Join in the lively conversations filled with insights for aspiring business minds!