Masters of Scale

Libby Wadle, CEO of J.Crew Group and former president of the J.Crew brand, discusses the company's exciting transformation towards sustainability. She shares insights on launching Madewell Forever, a resale platform aimed at enhancing fashion's circularity. Wadle highlights her experiences at a fair-trade factory in Vietnam and the balance between in-store and online shopping. With a focus on nourishing brand passion and innovative employee engagement, she expresses her excitement for the future of fashion and its positive impact on communities.

What should founders consider before hiring a replacement as CEO? Entrepreneurs share challenges of scaling in a post-pandemic world and explore alternative funding sources beyond VC firms. Key decisions for growth must balance short-term pressures with long-term vision. The journey of a chef navigating leadership changes and innovations is examined, along with a medical CEO's struggle between investing in the future and maintaining cash flow. The session also introduces unique employee benefits to boost satisfaction.

Sonal Shah, President of The Asian American Foundation, is no stranger to tackling big challenges. She previously launched the White House Office of Social Innovation. In this discussion, she addresses the rise in discrimination against Asian Americans and the foundation’s mission to create a sense of belonging. Sonal shares insights on navigating hate, the importance of reframing narratives, and fostering community resilience. With innovative strategies and collaborative efforts, she emphasizes the need for swift action to make a significant impact.

Sara Blakely, the visionary founder of Spanx, shares her exhilarating journey from a simple idea to a billion-dollar empire. She emphasizes the importance of actively seeking inspiration and acting quickly on big ideas. Joined by National Geographic Explorer Andrés Ruzo, they discuss the resilience needed in both entrepreneurship and scientific quests, including Ruzo's passion for the mythical Boiling River. Their stories showcase creativity, perseverance, and the transformative power of pursuing your dreams, reminding us that innovation often springs from unlikely places.

Jonah Peretti, co-founder and CEO of BuzzFeed, shares insights on the company's agile response to pandemic challenges. He reveals how BuzzFeed engineered a remarkable turnaround to achieve record profitability, even amidst significant revenue drops. Peretti discusses the importance of balancing data-driven strategies with creativity to engage diverse audiences, particularly Millennials and Gen Z. He also highlights BuzzFeed's ambitions with recent acquisitions, such as HuffPost, and plans to go public, showcasing the future of digital media.

Mellody Hobson, co-CEO of Ariel Investments and chair of Starbucks, discusses her journey in finance and economic justice. She emphasizes the importance of balancing fast and deep learning to thrive in entrepreneurship. Mellody shares how mentorship shaped her path and highlights the power of financial literacy in empowering underprivileged communities. She also addresses racial disparities in the finance industry and introduces initiatives like Aerial Alternatives to support minority businesses, advocating for innovative strategies to bridge the wealth gap.

Scott Harrison, the visionary founder and CEO of Charity: Water, dives into the challenges and innovations in fundraising during the pandemic. He shares how his nonprofit is on track for a record $100 million in 2021, showcasing a unique subscription model and virtual events. Harrison's groundbreaking Bitcoin Water Trust aims to attract new donors, emphasizing that clean water is the ultimate investment in communities. His journey underscores the power of adaptability and community engagement in tackling the global water crisis.

Michael Seibel, managing director at Y Combinator and co-founder of Justin.tv, dives into the power of asking the right questions for entrepreneurs. He shares personal anecdotes illustrating how pausing to reflect can prevent major missteps. Seibel emphasizes the importance of long-term thinking and understanding customers’ needs. The conversation also touches on unique employee benefits, like the 'Lobatical,' aimed at boosting morale, and highlights the balance between technology and human insights in decision-making.

Stephanie Linnartz, President of Marriott International, shares her insights on steering the company through the turmoil of the COVID-19 pandemic and the loss of beloved CEO Arne Sorenson. She discusses innovative strategies for recovery, including diversifying into home rentals and enhancing loyalty programs to adapt to shifting customer preferences. Linnartz emphasizes resilience and the importance of mentorship and wellness in leadership, highlighting unique employee benefits like the 'Lobatical' program and Marriott's commitment to equality and inclusivity in hospitality.

In a candid chat, two experts explore the volatile world of cryptocurrency, predicting both massive losses and groundbreaking innovations. They tackle urgent cybersecurity issues, likening it to an emperor's new clothes scenario. The conversation touches on climate-change habits and the intriguing notion of a Lobatical vacation for long-serving employees. Plus, hear about the journey of a couple launching a plant-based restaurant, emphasizing the importance of skill development and employee care in today’s rapidly evolving job market.