Masters of Scale

Stéphane Bancel, CEO of Moderna, shares insights from his journey in pioneering mRNA vaccines. He discusses the importance of managing risk in biotech, revealing how a culture of calculated risk-taking was crucial for Moderna's success amidst skepticism. Bancel recounts transformative moments in Moderna's inception, linking them to challenges faced during the Apollo 11 mission. He also emphasizes the significance of communication and collaboration in shaping company culture, which drove their innovative response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tim Ryan, U.S. chair of PwC, is a trailblazer in employee engagement and diversity. He discusses PwC's bold $2.4 billion investment in the MyPlus platform, aiming to revolutionize employee experiences amid the Great Resignation. Ryan emphasizes the importance of personalized engagement and the balance between choice and business needs. He also dives into the challenges of ethical leadership, highlighting PwC's decision to withdraw from Russia post-invasion and the ongoing need for diverse perspectives in corporate leadership.

Bill Ford, Executive Chair and former CEO of Ford Motor Company, discusses his journey to transform Ford into an environmental leader. He emphasizes the necessity of nurturing buy-in throughout the organization to overcome resistance to change. The excitement surrounding the electric Ford F-150 Lightning signifies a shift in the automotive industry, while Ford's commitment to stricter emissions standards showcases environmental responsibility. He also introduces the 'Lobatical'—a unique program enhancing employee welfare, linking it to customer satisfaction.

Yakir Gola, co-founder and co-CEO of GoPuff, shares his insights on revolutionizing instant delivery. He discusses the advantages of operating outside Silicon Valley and the importance of owning the entire customer journey. Yakir emphasizes the balance between rapid growth and profitability while maintaining high standards in service. He also highlights innovative employee benefits like the 'Lobatical' to boost satisfaction. This conversation reveals how GoPuff navigates challenges while staying committed to community support as it expands.

Bill Ford, executive chair of the Ford Motor Company and heir to a legacy, discusses his unique entry into the family business and the importance of internal change. He introduces the 'refounder mindset,' emphasizing adaptation and transparency in corporate culture for sustainable growth. Ford shares insights on revitalizing Detroit, turning the historic Michigan Central Station into a community hub, and engaging employees through innovative benefits like the Lobatical. He highlights the transformation of the Rouge plant into a sustainability leader, blending compassion with business innovation.

Charity Dean, CEO of The Public Health Company and former assistant director of California’s Department of Health, discusses her pivotal role in sounding the alarm about COVID-19. She reveals her motivation for co-founding her company to fill the gaps in bio threat forecasting tools. Dean emphasizes the critical need for public health principles in all businesses and shares insights on the interplay between economic security and biosecurity. The conversation spotlights the importance of trust and rapid decision-making in combating future health crises.

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.