Masters of Scale

Join Natalie Massenet, founder of Net-a-Porter and co-chair of Farfetch, as she shares her journey in pioneering online luxury fashion. She dives into the resistance faced while launching her visionary e-commerce platform and the strategic decisions that transformed the industry. Natalie discusses the importance of agility, trend analysis, and the role of innovation in overcoming skepticism. Now, leading Imaginary Ventures, she emphasizes the need to not just predict but actively create the future of fashion and entrepreneurship.

Alexis McGill Johnson, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood, discusses keeping her team motivated in challenging times. With the looming threat to Roe v. Wade, she emphasizes the need for relentlessness and bold leadership. Johnson champions equity and addresses the organization's historical shortcomings while inspiring her team to tackle social justice head-on. She shares vital lessons on prioritizing employee needs, engaging in tough conversations about reproductive rights, and fostering innovation within her organization.

In this engaging discussion, Ellen Kullman, the former CEO of DuPont and Carbon, shares her insightful crisis management principles, honed through navigating corporate challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and the onset of COVID-19. She emphasizes that companies should leverage their core identities during crises, focusing on strategic vision and clear communication. Amy Shira Teitel adds context from the Apollo 13 mission, highlighting the astronauts' calm under pressure, reinforcing how adaptability and creative problem-solving are vital for resilience in tumultuous times.

Sir Jeremy Farrar, Chief Executive of the Wellcome Trust and a leading scientific authority on COVID-19 in the UK, discusses key insights from the Omicron variant. He emphasizes the importance of mental health and the need for innovative funding approaches in scientific research. Farrar shares vital leadership lessons from the pandemic, including the significance of taking warnings seriously and carving out time for oneself. He reflects on the evolving challenges of the pandemic and the vital role of transparency and international cooperation in advancing public health.

Paul English, co-founder of travel search platform Kayak, shares his passion for recruiting in this engaging discussion. He emphasizes that continuous recruitment is vital for scaling businesses and shaping company culture. English recounts inspiring stories that connect personal growth, like rowing in underserved communities, to proactive talent acquisition. He also introduces innovative strategies for hiring, such as a seven-day offer deadline, underlining the importance of the first hires in a startup's journey. Leadership through vulnerability and employee appreciation are key themes.

Join Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb, Sallie Krawcheck, CEO of Ellevest, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Blacklist, as they reflect on the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. They discuss overcoming self-doubt, the importance of trust within teams, and the power of storytelling in both business and film. Chesky shares his insights on creating connections with customers, while Krawcheck emphasizes the value of diverse networks. Leonard highlights how authentic narratives can transform the entertainment industry, driving home that successful entrepreneurship is rooted in genuine human connections.

John Doerr, a prominent venture capitalist and author of "Speed and Scale," discusses the imperative for businesses to combat climate change. He emphasizes that decarbonization is not just necessary but represents 'the greatest economic opportunity of the next century.' Doerr explores strategic approaches for various sectors to achieve net-zero emissions and underscores the importance of collective corporate action. He also shares insights on effective measures like transparent emissions labeling and the innovative 'Lobatical' initiative to boost employee well-being.

Marc Lore, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Diapers.com and Jet.com, dives into the exhilarating world of risk-taking. He discusses the importance of building a team and securing customer trust when making bold leaps in business. Lore shares humorous anecdotes from his journey, from starting e-commerce ventures to his vision for Telosa, a city built from scratch. He emphasizes that collaboration is key to success and explains how strategic thinking and innovative engagement are crucial when challenging industry giants like Amazon.

Marc Andreessen, an early internet pioneer and venture capitalist, shares his insights on the critical role of timing in entrepreneurship. He discusses how getting timing right can propel a startup while the wrong timing can lead to its downfall. Drawing from personal experiences, he highlights six key strategies for successful timing decisions. The conversation also touches on the lessons learned from innovative failures, the importance of supporting unconventional ideas, and how personal stories can shape actions and connect communities.

Barack Obama, the former president known for his grassroots organizing and transformative political leadership, shares insights with Reid Hoffman. He discusses the connection between politics and entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of strategic patience and belief in a better future. Obama reflects on his rise from community organizer to a national political figure, detailing the innovative strategies that fueled his 2008 campaign. Highlights include the birth of the 'Yes We Can' anthem and navigating the pivot from campaigning to leading a large government entity.