Masters of Scale

The podcast dives into the critical role of board members in shaping a company's fate. Discover five mindset shifts essential for enhancing board dynamics. Insights from leaders like Mellody Hobson reveal the importance of effective communication and diverse viewpoints. The discussion highlights the challenges startups face when evaluating leadership choices and emphasizes fostering a long-term vision. Unique strategies, such as the concept of a 'board buddy,' illustrate how networking can transform board interactions and decision-making.

Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and co-founder of Schmidt Futures, shares his enlightening views on artificial intelligence. He stresses the urgency for businesses to embrace AI or risk falling behind competitors. Schmidt discusses the ethical challenges accompanying AI's rapid evolution and its potential to reshape society. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality in development to promote beneficial outcomes. The conversation also touches on the complexities of misinformation and the need for effective governance in this new era.

Beth Ford, CEO of Land O'Lakes, leads a Fortune 500 company focused on sustainable agriculture. She reveals how businesses often overlook hidden scales that provide structural integrity, much like the iceberg that sank the Titanic. Ford emphasizes the importance of cooperative models and the interconnectedness of agricultural practices in addressing global food challenges. Additionally, she discusses innovative employee benefits designed to enhance well-being, showcasing a holistic approach to business growth and sustainability.

John Foley, CEO of Peloton, shares insights on how his company thrives amid skepticism and challenges. He discusses Peloton's innovative media strategy, transforming home fitness into an interactive experience. Foley emphasizes the importance of safety and transparency, particularly in navigating a product recall. He also highlights Peloton's commitment to social responsibility, including a pledge to combat racial injustice, and the need for resilient leadership in today’s complex business landscape.

David Kenny, CEO of Nielsen, shares insights on navigating the seismic shift in media measurement from traditional TV to streaming. He discusses the challenges faced by Nielsen, including losing accreditation and the necessity for trustworthy data amid evolving viewer habits. Kenny emphasizes optimism over nostalgia, advocating for transparent audience ratings. Additionally, he introduces innovative initiatives like Race Notes Inclusion Analytics, addressing diversity in programming, and highlights the importance of corporate culture and employee care in today's interconnected media landscape.

Steve Horgan, a legendary field hockey umpire, shares insights on managing conflict effectively in high-pressure situations. He discusses the importance of constructive disagreement, using examples from historic matches like India vs. Pakistan. Horgan emphasizes the need for radical truthfulness in teams to promote innovation and better decision-making. The conversation also explores balancing open debate with direction in organizations and considers how AI can influence decision-making while stressing the importance of human context.

Billionaire entrepreneur Marc Lore, co-founder of Jet.com and former Walmart e-commerce president, discusses his ambitious vision for the future. He shares plans for Telosa, a sustainable new city aiming to tackle socioeconomic issues through community land ownership. Lore also delves into his recent investments in sports, including acquiring the Minnesota Timberwolves, and emphasizes his approach to entrepreneurship: focusing on vision, capital, and people. With innovative ideas like the 'Lobatical' employee benefit, he highlights the importance of appreciation in driving success.

Luis von Ahn, the founder and CEO of Duolingo, shares insights on harnessing crowdsourcing to fuel growth for his language-learning app with over 300 million users. He discusses how passionate users contribute to content creation, transforming Duolingo into a dynamic platform. Luis examines the balance of gamification in education and emphasizes the importance of aligning community motivation with business goals. He also highlights innovative employee appreciation strategies that enhance workplace culture, showcasing the synergy between employee satisfaction and customer experience.

Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee, discusses her leadership during challenging times, including COVID-19 mandates for vaccinations and navigating athlete activism. She tackles tough issues like sexual misconduct and mental health in sports, aiming to foster a culture of accountability. Hirshland also emphasizes the need for inclusivity as the organization prepares for the 2028 Summer Olympics, reflecting on the evolving mission of American athletics amidst societal changes.

Jessica Alba, founder of The Honest Company and a celebrated actress, discusses her journey of creating eco-friendly products that prioritize customer needs. She highlights her mantra, 'IRL' (In Real Life), emphasizing genuine understanding of customer experiences. Alba shares how her personal challenges shaped her advocacy for safe products and representation in media. She also explores the innovative subscription model of her company, designed to simplify parenting, and stresses the importance of trust and transparency in business partnerships.