Masters of Scale

In this enlightening conversation, Alex Oshmyansky, CEO and co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs, shares his journey from a young immigrant to a transformative force in the pharmaceutical industry. He discusses how the company is breaking down traditional drug pricing barriers with transparency and technology, revolutionizing access to medications. Oshmyansky also touches on his experiences transitioning from medicine to entrepreneurship, patience as a superpower, and the strategic partnerships that turned competitors into allies, all while advocating for affordable healthcare.

Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack, and his daughter Hallie Meyer, who runs the gourmet ice cream shop Caffè Panna, share their entrepreneurial journeys. They discuss the crucial balance between innovation and culinary simplicity, highlighting the importance of quality ingredients and community connection. The conversation dives into the power of effective leadership in scaling businesses and the authentic experiences that shape their ventures. Get insights on how family legacies influence entrepreneurial endeavors while navigating growth challenges.

Guy Kawasaki, a former Apple chief evangelist and current chief evangelist at Canva, shares fascinating insights on tech and leadership. He argues that Apple continues to defy gravity and discusses the potential of AI, which he provocatively calls 'God.' Guy reflects on how Steve Jobs would navigate today's business landscape and critiques Tim Cook’s leadership style. He also offers unconventional wisdom about entrepreneurship and emphasizes the importance of making a remarkable impact in the community rather than chasing fame.

Tracee Ellis Ross, an award-winning actress and founder of Pattern Beauty, joins her longtime friend Samira Nasr, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar. They discuss the importance of representation in the beauty industry and how Tracee built her hair care brand to celebrate Black beauty. Their conversation highlights entrepreneurial lessons, the joy of friendship, and overcoming challenges in leadership roles. They emphasize self-acceptance, cultural change for young girls, and the vital role of community and support in achieving success.

Iggy Azalea, the rapper turned crypto entrepreneur, dives into her transition from music to the cryptocurrency world. She discusses her crypto token $MOTHER, aiming to create a genuine community, not just a quick cash grab. Iggy shares insights on combining music fandom with crypto, emphasizing the need for real benefits in investments. She also highlights the importance of building an authentic brand identity and taking bold risks in business to foster connections and engage younger audiences.

Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft and a leading philanthropist focused on climate change, global health, and education, shares his optimistic vision for the future. He discusses how AI could revolutionize these areas, from reducing livestock emissions to eradicating diseases like Guinea worm disease. Gates emphasizes the need for innovative solutions in healthcare, particularly in underprivileged regions, and highlights the importance of diverse energy sources in combating climate change. His insights are powered by data, revealing a roadmap for meaningful change.

Greg Jackson, CEO and founder of Octopus Energy, the UK's leading green energy supplier, shares his innovative journey in disrupting the energy market. He discusses the importance of technology and customer-centric solutions in redefining energy consumption. Jackson highlights the challenges in the U.S. market due to outdated regulations and the urgent need for a shift towards renewable energy. He emphasizes advancements in smart charging solutions and the critical role of public leadership in combating climate change through sustainable practices.

Sumit Singh, CEO of Chewy, known for revolutionizing pet retail with stellar customer service, joins former Exos CEO Sarah Robb O’Hagan to discuss the art of cultivating loyalty. They share insights on why genuine human connections trump AI in customer service and how employee satisfaction directly enhances customer experiences. The duo emphasizes transforming everyday moments into extraordinary loyalty opportunities, highlighting the critical link between team engagement and customer commitment for thriving brands.

Reid Hoffman, co-founder of LinkedIn and Graylock partner, shares his insights on the aftermath of Trump's election. He discusses the uncertainty facing Silicon Valley and the economy, emphasizing the need for unity amid challenges. Hoffman reflects on investors' positive stock market response, driven by expected regulatory benefits. He also highlights the importance of aligning the Democratic Party’s pro-business narrative with voter sentiment, and the responsibility of tech leaders to navigate AI challenges while contributing to democratic values.

Join Pinky Cole, the dynamic founder of Slutty Vegan, known for her inventive marketing and brand-building, as she shares insights on capturing consumer attention and competing with industry giants. Philippe Cousteau Jr., the ocean advocate and grandson of Jacques Cousteau, passionately argues for prioritizing ocean preservation over space exploration. He highlights the economic potential of healthy oceans and the urgent need for investment to tackle climate change. Together, they inspire listeners to embrace joy, innovation, and responsibility.