Masters of Scale

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.

Sudhakar Ramakrishna, CEO of SolarWinds, leads a tech company that faced a major cyberattack impacting many organizations. He shares urgent lessons on crisis management and the realities of cybersecurity. Ramakrishna emphasizes that every company is vulnerable, highlighting the importance of humility and adaptability in the face of breaches. He discusses the complexities of modern threats, the need for transparency, and the critical role of effective communication in navigating cybersecurity challenges.

Sheila Lirio Marcelo, founder and former CEO of Care.com, discusses her journey in the care marketplace. She emphasizes the critical role of data in scaling businesses, advocating for a data-driven approach to entrepreneurship. Marcelo shares insights on choosing the right market opportunities and highlights the impact of caregiving on economic growth. Her vision extends to empowering women in the workforce and improving consumer interfaces, blending personal experiences with strategic business innovation.

Sridhar Ramaswamy, the former head of Google's ad business and founder of the ad-free search engine Neeva, critiques big tech's scaling practices. He shares insights on transitioning from an ad-driven model to prioritizing user experience through subscriptions. Ramaswamy emphasizes the urgent need for responsible tech scaling, reflecting on the ethical pitfalls of major platforms like Google and Amazon. He also offers strategies for startups to carve out their niche in a monopolistic environment, advocating for an approach that values societal responsibilities over mere profit.

Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of PepsiCo, is known for her transformative leadership and focus on "Performance with Purpose." In this engaging conversation, she discusses how fostering a creative and supportive environment unlocks team potential. Nooyi shares insights on nurturing diverse talent, employee satisfaction initiatives like the Lobatical, and the importance of consumer-centric innovation. She highlights her journey of viewing each employee as an individual asset and the strategic leadership necessary to tackle challenges faced by women in the workforce.

Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman College, shares her experiences navigating leadership in challenging times. She emphasizes the importance of listening to the community, particularly during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, where effective communication defused potential boycotts. Dr. Campbell highlights how fostering collaboration among voices leads to better solutions. She also discusses initiatives boosting voter engagement and innovative entrepreneurship among students, showcasing Spelman's commitment to supporting its community and enhancing educational opportunities.

Discover five essential strategies for retaining top talent in today's evolving work landscape. Leaders from top companies share insights on the importance of authenticity and empowering teams. Learn how prioritizing employee wellness and investing in young talent can drive sustainable growth. Innovative initiatives like the 'Lobatical' highlight the value of employee appreciation. Delve into the intersection of organizational culture, remote work, and creative team dynamics that promote success.

In this engaging conversation, Tony-winning producer Bonnie Comley shares her journey as the CEO of BroadwayHD, focusing on how the pandemic forced Broadway to innovate. She discusses the importance of broadening audience engagement and embracing digital experiences. Comley highlights the shift towards inclusivity in casting and creative roles, as well as how streaming can enhance rather than replace live theater. With insights into Broadway's resilience and the new economic dynamics of digital formats, she paints a hopeful picture for the future of the theater.

Robert Reffkin, founder and CEO of the real estate platform Compass, shares his journey of turning setbacks into momentum. He discusses how obstacles can be reframed as opportunities for growth, drawing inspiration from his early experiences and challenging times during the dot-com bubble. Reffkin emphasizes the importance of resilience, adaptability, and seeking feedback to fuel entrepreneurial spirit. He also highlights how transformative conversations and strategic pivots play a crucial role in defining one's path and achieving success.

Chris Urmson, CEO of Aurora and former leader of Google's self-driving efforts, discusses his unique approach to building a self-driving technology company. He emphasizes the need to develop the company structure before the product due to the complexities involved. Urmson also addresses the safety measures in self-driving tech, the societal implications like job displacement, and the importance of cultivating a strong company culture through initiatives like 'Lobatical,' which rewards employees with extra vacation time. His vision aims to profoundly transform transportation.