Masters of Scale

Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb and an innovator in hospitality, shares his journey from door-to-door sales to creating unforgettable customer experiences. He emphasizes the importance of doing things that don’t scale, like personally connecting with users to understand their needs. Chesky also discusses the art of crafting an '11-star experience' by prioritizing empathy and hands-on service. His insights on balancing personalized attention with ambitious growth reveal how deep understanding of customers can drive profound innovation.

Gayle Smith, CEO of the ONE Campaign and former COVID response coordinator for the U.S. State Department, shares crucial insights on global crisis management. She discusses the need for modernizing international aid and the role businesses can play in humanitarian efforts. There’s a focus on adaptive strategies for advocacy, lessons learned from the Ukraine war, and the importance of public-private partnerships. Gayle also highlights the power of celebrity advocacy through Bono and introduces innovative employee engagement programs like the 'Lobatical'.

Carolyn Childers, Co-founder and CEO of Chief, discusses transforming a small NYC club for women executives into a national powerhouse with over 12,000 members. She explains how they navigated challenges during the pandemic and secured a $100 million Series B funding. The conversation reveals innovative tech strategies for fostering connections and the importance of community support for women leaders. Childers highlights the evolution of women in leadership and the need for new tools to support their growth, all while advocating for employee well-being.

Tyra Banks, supermodel and entrepreneur, dives deep into the power of personal branding. She shares her transformative journey from modeling to creating impactful ventures, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and adaptability in today's competitive landscape. Tyra recounts the inception of 'America's Next Top Model', underlining the need for resilience and mentorship in overcoming skepticism. She also discusses balancing altruism with personal ambition, and even her innovative approach to launching a smize-inspired ice cream. Personal brand power is key to navigating career shifts and societal contributions.

Alyona Mysko, CEO of Fuelfinance, shares her incredible insights on leading a B2B startup in Ukraine during wartime. She emphasizes resilience and creativity in crisis, recounting how her team often works from bomb shelters while maintaining client satisfaction. Alyona highlights the entrepreneurial spirit sweeping across Ukraine, urging support for local businesses. She also discusses innovative strategies adopted to navigate operational challenges, showcasing how adversity has sparked collaboration and adaptability in her team.

Discover five transformative hiring mindsets that can elevate your business. Learn how cultural fit trumps job titles and why shared values matter. Hear success stories from leaders at Apple and Google, emphasizing the need for diversity of thought. Explore creative recruitment strategies that promote adaptability and a supportive work environment. Lastly, delve into upskilling current employees and navigating the future skills landscape, all while harnessing a global talent pool for your team.

Eric Friedrichsen, CEO of Emburse, discusses the company's proactive measures to support tech contractors in Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. He shares how they ensure employee well-being, offering relocation to safer locations like Spain and funding housing for those seeking refuge. Friedrichsen emphasizes shifting support from donations to cash-based assistance, illustrating the impact of crisis on operations. He champions community-oriented leadership, showcasing the moral and business benefits of investing in employee care during emergencies.

Hamdi Ulukaya, the Founder and CEO of Chobani, champions community-centered business practices. He discusses how his experience growing up in a Kurdish family taught him the importance of social responsibility. By reviving a local dairy plant, he created jobs and embraced refugee integration within his workforce. He reveals the innovative 'Lobatical' program, which rewards employee loyalty with additional paid time off. Ulukaya emphasizes that scaling a business effectively stems from fostering a sense of shared ownership and community engagement.

Jennifer Bisceglie, CEO of Interos and an expert in supply chain risk management, discusses how Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered unprecedented supply chain shifts. She highlights the vulnerabilities exposed in extended systems, with many tech companies facing unexpected risks. Bisceglie emphasizes the urgent need for businesses to enhance resilience through supply chain transparency. She advocates for a move towards self-sufficient supply chains and innovative management strategies to thrive amidst global disruptions.

Joe Gebbia, co-founder of Airbnb and chairman of Airbnb.org, discusses how their charitable arm is providing free housing for up to 100,000 Ukrainian refugees. He shares inspiring stories of generosity and the innovative use of Airbnb's platform to transfer $15 million directly to Ukrainians. Gebbia emphasizes the importance of corporate responsibility and the need for businesses to make impactful contributions to society. The conversation highlights collective efforts and community resilience during a crisis, encouraging listeners to get involved.