Masters of Scale

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.

Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, discusses the transformative power of onboarding. She emphasizes how her platform's success hinges on engaging newcomers swiftly and simply. With over 40 million monthly users, Perkins shares strategies for onboarding not just customers, but also investors and employees, ensuring alignment with company values. Memory expert Ron White adds insights on enhancing memory retention, linking it to effective communication. Together, they showcase how thoughtful design and onboarding can foster long-term loyalty and innovation.

Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and author of Pay Up, advocates for systematic changes to support women in the workplace. She boldly asserts that it’s the systems that need fixing, not the women struggling within them. Reshma discusses the economic necessity of subsidizing childcare and challenges Silicon Valley's lack of diversity. She emphasizes that corporate feminism often fails to address these deeper issues, calling for collective action to promote equity and support working mothers post-pandemic.

In this engaging conversation, Daymond John, the founder of FUBU and a prominent figure on Shark Tank, shares his unique insights on building successful partnerships. He emphasizes that authentic collaborations can truly transform ventures, showcasing stories from his experiences with brands like Coogi and Pharrell Williams. Listeners will discover the importance of aligning missions to establish trust and learn how to navigate the complexities of strategic partnerships. Daymond's journey is filled with lessons on innovation, mentorship, and the power of meaningful connections.

In this discussion, Tokunbo Koiki, co-founder of Black Women for Black Lives and a passionate social worker, shares her inspiring journey from outrage to action. After witnessing the struggles of African students fleeing Ukraine, she and her team mobilized to create an aid organization within just a weekend. They utilized community networks to provide crucial support, raising funds rapidly while maintaining transparency. Tokunbo emphasizes the power of collective action in shaping narratives and fueling humanitarian efforts to create lasting change.

Susy Schöneberg, founder and head of Flexport.org, shares her expertise on navigating the logistical challenges of delivering aid to Ukrainian refugees. She emphasizes the crucial role of organized humanitarian responses and collaboration with established organizations. Susy discusses how her team manages complex shipments while advocating for sustained support and strategic resource allocation. She leaves listeners with a powerful message: collective action can be far more effective than going it alone in times of crisis.

Daymond John, founder of FUBU and original 'shark' on Shark Tank, shares his journey from humble beginnings in Queens to building a billion-dollar brand. He emphasizes the power of authentic partnerships, recounting how he collaborated with bouncers and LL Cool J to shape FUBU's identity. Daymond discusses strategic marketing through celebrity endorsements, innovative advertising, and the significance of community engagement. He also explores the challenges of funding and scaling a business, illustrating how genuine relationships drive success.

Bipul Sinha, Co-founder and CEO of Rubrik, sheds light on the escalating cyber threats following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. He discusses the dual dangers posed by state-sponsored actors and cybercriminals, emphasizing the urgent need for businesses to adapt their cybersecurity strategies. Bipul shares practical tips for personal protection, from maintaining cyber hygiene to developing effective recovery plans, advocating for a proactive approach in an age of heightened digital vulnerabilities.

Sara Menker, CEO of Gro Intelligence and expert in global agriculture, discusses the significant impacts of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on global markets and food security. She highlights the volatility in the wheat market and the crucial role of the Black Sea region. Menker also examines Russia's trade relationship with China and the complex dynamics of energy markets. The conversation touches on corporate culture and employee well-being amid economic instability, showcasing innovative approaches to staff appreciation during challenging times.

Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, CEO of Mercy Corps, has extensive experience in international aid and is currently on the front lines in Ukraine. She discusses the proactive measures taken by Mercy Corps to support refugees by deploying food, cash, and social services. Tjada emphasizes the shift to mobile money for aid delivery, the impact on global food security, and the importance of addressing humanitarian needs in neglected areas. Her insights also highlight the need for flexible funding and the balance between immediate aid and long-term recovery efforts.