Masters of Scale

Cathy Zoi, CEO of EVgo, heads the largest public EV charging network and brings a wealth of experience in energy startups. In this conversation, she reveals how strategic partnerships with retailers and Tesla users have fueled EVgo's success. Zoi discusses the importance of government collaboration in addressing climate change and shares insights on the evolving landscape of EV charging infrastructure. She also highlights the significance of innovation, workforce development, and diversity in the clean energy transition.

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, revolutionized the company's culture by fostering collaboration and openness after transitioning from a competitive environment. He emphasizes the importance of 're-founders' in guiding companies through change, illustrating this with Microsoft's journey and its transformative leadership style. Nadella shares insights on the crucial role of authentic leadership and employer branding in attracting talent. Brian Adams, an expert in employer branding, joins the conversation, highlighting adaptability in today's dynamic work landscape.

Join José Andrés, a world-renowned chef and founder of World Central Kitchen, along with Brian Adams, the CEO of PH Creative and co-author of a bestseller on employer branding, as they discuss urgent humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. José shares how they served over 150 million meals, highlighting the importance of quick action and community support in crises. They explore the role of food as a national security issue and the transformative power of culinary initiatives that inspire resilience and collaboration among diverse communities.

In this engaging conversation, Jack Conte, co-founder of Patreon, shares his candid experiences of building a platform that empowers creators. He discusses the critical moment when he learned to balance trust in his instincts with the need for feedback. Jack reveals how embracing mistakes sparked innovation, helping him reconnect with Patreon’s mission and community. He also emphasizes the importance of humanity in business growth and how transparency in a two-sided marketplace can foster deeper creator-patron relationships.

Rashad Robinson, the President of Color of Change, leads the largest online racial justice organization in the U.S. He discusses the urgent need for corporations to live up to their commitments to racial equity, especially post-George Floyd. Rashad highlights the challenges of transforming industries from Hollywood to Silicon Valley. He also dives into the emotional toll of activism and the importance of self-care. Additionally, he shares insights on creating equitable business strategies that drive social impact and engage communities authentically.

Jack Conte, co-founder and CEO of Patreon and a successful musician, discusses the essential lessons from his journey. He shares his experiences navigating early challenges in his music career and the transformative power of YouTube. Conte highlights the importance of embracing mistakes in entrepreneurship and trusting instincts while balancing feedback. He reflects on the impact of streaming on artists and reveals how Patreon emerged to empower creators. It's a candid look at the creative process and the iterative nature of building a business.

Adam Selipsky, CEO of Amazon Web Services, dives into Amazon’s ambitious goals of merging growth with social responsibility. He discusses how the pandemic reshaped corporate innovation and the vital connection between technology and sustainability. Selipsky reveals AWS's new tools for measuring carbon footprints and introduces energy-efficient chip innovations. He also emphasizes a cultural shift at Amazon towards empathy and collaboration, showcasing initiatives for skills training and how the tech giant aspires to be 'Earth’s best employer'.

Entrepreneurs discuss how to thrive amid uncertainty and limited resources. They share strategies for building trust in decentralized finance while navigating skepticism. The importance of innovation is highlighted, with anecdotes about dismantling furniture to boost creativity. Community engagement, social media influencers, and effective financial management are key themes. The conversation also emphasizes reframing fear and recognizing valuable team members to foster a collaborative and resilient business environment.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and co-founder of Schmidt Futures, dives deep into the realm of artificial intelligence. He highlights the urgent need for businesses to rapidly adopt AI or risk being left behind. Schmidt emphasizes the transformative potential of AI for society but warns of its misuse. He also addresses the importance of integrating ethical considerations into AI development, advocating for a focus on enhancing human life rather than diminishing it. The conversation underscores the necessity of innovation and proactive engagement in this evolving landscape.

Tony Fadell, co-creator of the iPod, iPhone, and Nest, shares his journey from inventive childhood to Silicon Valley visionary. He discusses the delicate balance between creative freedom and structured guidance, revealing lessons learned from the dot-com bust and his time at Apple. Fadell highlights the importance of understanding user needs and encourages adopting a beginner's mindset for continual growth. He emphasizes the value of community support for startup founders and the role of mentorship in nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.