Masters of Scale

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.

Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta, shares her invaluable leadership insights gained from scaling massive organizations like Google and Facebook. She emphasizes the power of a clear mission to inspire teams and highlights the necessity of adapting strategies in fast-changing environments. Sandberg discusses the importance of hiring right and maintaining morale, along with innovative employee benefits like 'Lobatical' that enhance workplace culture. Her experiences shed light on navigating change and fostering resilience in organizational dynamics.

Ken Chenault, former CEO of American Express and chair of General Catalyst, passionately discusses the vital role of businesses in advocating for social responsibility. He emphasizes the need for corporate leaders to engage in societal matters, particularly after George Floyd’s death. Chenault co-founded OneTen to create 1 million jobs for Black Americans, illustrating the intersection of corporate responsibility and social justice. His insights on responsible innovation highlight that prioritizing character and values can lead to long-term success for businesses.

Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna and a key figure in the rapid development of the COVID-19 mRNA vaccine, discusses his extensive network of scientists and leaders that facilitated this groundbreaking achievement. He highlights the swift, collaborative efforts that transformed public health during the pandemic. Bancel shares insights on overcoming challenges in vaccine delivery and financing, while envisioning future healthcare innovations like annual boosters and gene editing advancements. His story underscores the power of teamwork in achieving extraordinary medical breakthroughs.

Victoria Yampolsky, CEO of World Unite for Ukraine, shares her remarkable journey in organizing a global benefit concert for Ukraine, despite having no prior experience in entertainment or international aid. She discusses the challenges of booking major artists like Pink Floyd and securing a streaming partnership. Yampolsky reflects on her relentless spirit, adapting strategies to boost their fundraising goal from $3 million to $10 million, and emphasizes the power of community collaboration and perseverance in driving meaningful change.