Masters of Scale

Neil Blumenthal, co-founder and co-CEO of Warby Parker, shares his insights on branding and customer engagement, shaped by his innovative approach to eyewear. He discusses the quirky influence of the blue-footed booby in creating their brand identity. The conversation reveals how personalized customer feedback drove their growth and their breakthrough home try-on program. Blumenthal also emphasizes the importance of crafting a brand narrative that resonates emotionally, while recognizing hiring biases to foster an inclusive workplace.

Mauro Porcini, PepsiCo's Chief Design Officer and author of "The Human Side of Innovation," explores the transformative power of design in business. He shares his 5-point system for fostering creativity and innovation, asserting that design is crucial in a world of constant change. Porcini emphasizes the role of empathy and love in driving innovation and discusses how personal identity and thoughtful fashion can enhance corporate culture. He also tackles biases in hiring, advocating for a more inclusive approach to talent acquisition.

Chris Urmson, a pioneer in autonomous vehicles and founder of Aurora Innovation, shares his journey of making self-driving cars a reality. He emphasizes the importance of setting flexible waypoints, akin to navigational markers, to guide ambitious projects like autonomous innovation. The conversation draws parallels between overcoming challenges in underwater diving and the tech world. Urmson discusses strategies for fostering collaboration, the shift towards autonomous trucks, and the transformative potential of self-driving technology for industries and job creation.

In this insightful talk, Adam Grant, a best-selling author and Wharton School professor, explores the importance of rethinking our assumptions. He emphasizes humility and continuous learning in a post-pandemic world. Grant shares compelling stories of entrepreneurs who bravely adapt to change. He addresses overconfidence in leadership, the impact of misinformation, and the need for open dialogue. The conversation also touches on how small businesses thrive through commitment to employee welfare, highlighting that recognizing our limitations is key to resilience and community progress.

Tory Burch, Founder and CEO of Tory Burch LLC, discusses her journey of building a billion-dollar brand while balancing speed and patience. She shares insights on strategic decision-making, highlighting the importance of timing in business growth and empowering women entrepreneurs. Tory recounts a sailing adventure that mirrors leadership challenges and reflects on nurturing company culture. With engaging anecdotes, she emphasizes the significance of resilience, collaboration, and self-advocacy in overcoming obstacles and promoting success among women in business.

Angela Ahrendts, the former CEO of Burberry and senior VP of retail at Apple, joins Uber’s Dara Khosrowshahi and Eric Schmidt, the former CEO of Google, to discuss crafting exceptional organizational cultures. They share captivating stories about authentic leadership and the importance of transparency and trust in transforming company dynamics. The trio delves into hiring beyond resumes, celebrating intrinsic motivations, and balancing grassroots efforts with top-down changes. Their insights on navigating cultural challenges promise inspiration for leaders everywhere.

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.