Masters of Scale

Michael Smith, CEO of AmeriCorps, discusses the transformative power of volunteerism in bridging America's divides. He envisions fostering social change through community partnerships and person-to-person experiences. Smith emphasizes impact over sheer volume in addressing crises, highlighting the launch of Public Health AmeriCorps to combat health inequalities. He shares insights on how volunteering revives community bonds and reflects on the significant role of collective care, especially during the pandemic.

Sam Altman, former president of Y Combinator and CEO of OpenAI, discusses the vital concept of customer love as the foundation for scaling startups. He emphasizes that nurturing genuine relationships with a smaller, passionate customer base is far more valuable than attracting a large number of indifferent users. Altman shares insights on grassroots brand building, the significance of authentic customer engagement, and how genuine loyalty can lead to organic growth, drawing parallels with iconic products like the iPhone.

Zo Orchingwa, Founder of Ameelio, is revolutionizing the criminal justice landscape with his tech nonprofit aimed at improving communication and education for incarcerated individuals. He shares his personal motivation and the challenges of competing against established vendors in a $2 billion market. The conversation delves into how enhanced communication can reduce recidivism and its emotional impact on families. Orchingwa also discusses innovative tech strategies for sustainable funding in the prison education system, highlighting the need for systemic change.

Michael Dell, the visionary founder of Dell Technologies, shares his journey from a dorm room to industry leader. He emphasizes the importance of breaking down existing models to innovate effectively, using deconstruction in technology and sales. Dell reveals his just-in-time inventory system, inspired by Toyota, which transformed supply chain management. He highlights the need for continuous business reinvention to stay relevant in a dynamic market, drawing parallels to personal stories of entrepreneurship and refreshing ideas.

Mary Powell, CEO of Sunrun and a pioneer in renewable energy, discusses the critical shift to solar power amidst soaring gasoline prices. She shares her insights on fostering innovation and a customer-focused culture, labeling traditional utilities as slow to adapt. Powell emphasizes the need for urgency in transitioning homes into energy plants, exploring partnerships that bolster electric vehicle infrastructure. Her vision of a cleaner, more sustainable future is rooted in optimism while aiming for gender equality in the industry.

Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins, CEO of Promise, shares her journey from union leadership to fintech, emphasizing the power of human dignity in driving business scale. She discusses how identifying areas lacking dignity can lead to innovative solutions and improved customer access. Topics include the importance of diversity in hiring, the relationship between dignity and business growth, and lessons learned during the pandemic. Phaedra’s insights illuminate how compassion and flexibility can transform not just businesses, but also communities.

Friendships are presented as the bedrock of both personal and professional success. The speaker emphasizes the supportive role friends play during uncertainty, offering perspective and motivation. An innovative employee program called 'Lobatical' is highlighted, promoting work-life balance. The importance of nurturing friendships during life transitions is discussed, along with practical tips to strengthen these bonds. The journey of aspiring restaurateurs reveals the challenges and joys of entrepreneurship, showcasing the power of collaboration and vision.

Hayden Brown, CEO of Upwork and a leader in the tech platform for freelancers, discusses the shift in work culture driven by crises. She emphasizes the importance of focusing on the 'who' rather than the 'where' in workforce management. Hayden shares insights on adaptive leadership during global challenges, the vital role of clarity in hybrid work policies, and empowering mothers to re-enter the workforce. She also explains how parenting skills can enhance workplace performance and highlights Upwork's evolution towards flexibility and employee appreciation.

In a live strategy session, small business owners tackle the daunting David vs. Goliath challenge. Insights on retaining top talent and adapting to market shifts keep the conversation lively. Strategies for balancing the needs of diverse stakeholders reveal the complexities of entrepreneurship. Fun games like 'The Pivot Point' add a twist while exploring scaling tactics. Entrepreneurs also share their journeys navigating economic downturns, blending innovation with resilience in the face of obstacles.

Kathryn Finney, CEO of Genius Guild and author of "Build the Damn Thing," champions the need for equity by supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs. She discusses the impact of George Floyd's murder on activism for Black women founders and the innovative community-centric investing model of Genius Guild. Kathryn addresses systemic barriers in venture capital, critiques corporate DEI efforts, and shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurship. With a hopeful outlook, she stresses the transformative power of entrepreneurship in creating a more equitable society.