Masters of Scale

Ken Chenault, former CEO of American Express and chairman of General Catalyst, champions the idea that businesses can drive social good while achieving success. He discusses the formation of OneTen, aiming to create a million jobs for Black Americans, and advocates for corporate involvement in voting rights. Chenault emphasizes 'social due diligence' alongside financial measures and shares insights on the need for core values in leadership. His message is clear: businesses that prioritize integrity and social responsibility are better equipped for long-term success.

In a captivating discussion, J.J. Abrams, the visionary behind hits like Lost and Star Wars, shares insights on fostering creativity and magic in storytelling. He emphasizes the significance of creating environments that spark serendipity and innovation. J.J. reflects on his formative filmmaking experiences and the power of collaboration, even amidst challenges like remote work. He advocates for nurturing diverse narratives and cultivating a supportive culture in order to unlock extraordinary creative potential.

Explore uncut conversations revealing the secrets of entrepreneurial success. Delve into the innovative CRM solutions that leverage AI for seamless business integration. Listen to successful founders share candid stories and insights that never made it to the public. Discover the raw, unfiltered wisdom behind scaling businesses. Each guest brings unique perspectives and invaluable advice, making this an enlightening journey into the minds of industry leaders.

Jenn Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, shares her journey through the pandemic's challenges and the surprising rebound of her fashion rental service. She reveals how consumer habits shifted toward sustainability, making a 'closet in the cloud' not just relevant but essential. The conversation highlights innovations in operational strategies and the evolving retail landscape, focusing on convenience and the rise of secondhand shopping. Hyman emphasizes the importance of resilience, both financially and emotionally, for businesses in a post-pandemic world.

Wendy Kopp, founder of Teach for America and Teach for All, is a visionary in educational reform. She discusses the fascinating differences between her two networks, which both aim to empower educators but under varying frameworks. Kopp emphasizes the importance of adaptability and listening to build effective educational flywheels. She shares insights on expanding teaching talent recruitment globally, particularly in India, and explores how networks can drive transformative innovation in education, especially in times of crisis like the pandemic.

Reshma Shetty, co-founder and COO of Ginkgo Bioworks, discusses the groundbreaking role her company plays in mRNA vaccine production during the COVID-19 pandemic. She highlights the importance of responsible innovation in synthetic biology, balancing ambition with ethical considerations. The conversation delves into Ginkgo's diverse applications in food, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Shetty emphasizes creating an 'unstable equilibrium' in engineering biology to foster progress without sacrificing principles, envisioning a future shaped by biotech advancements.

Discover a five-step playbook for success in the post-pandemic business landscape. Leaders are encouraged to shift their mindsets and tighten their focus amidst chaos. The importance of innovation, adapting to new consumer behaviors, and leveraging core values takes center stage. Transparent communication and morale-boosting tactics are crucial for resilience. Unique employee benefits like 'Lobatical' demonstrate how appreciating talent enhances customer experiences and drives engagement.

Rachel Carlson, co-founder and CEO of Guild Education, champions a revolutionary approach to workforce development. She argues that company-sponsored virtual education should be as standard as health benefits, especially for frontline workers. The discussion highlights the urgency to upskill workers in our rapidly changing job landscape and the surprising ROI businesses gain from investing in employee education. Carlson also touches on how these initiatives promote diversity and economic mobility, reshaping the future of work.

Alex Rodriguez, former MLB star and savvy entrepreneur behind A-Rod Corp, opens up about the pivotal role of mentorship in his life. He shares invaluable lessons learned from icons like Warren Buffett and Magic Johnson, emphasizing the importance of surrounding oneself with diverse mentors for growth. Rodriguez discusses innovative concepts like 'The Lobatical,' enhancing employee recognition, and reflects on how mentorship can be mutually beneficial. With a focus on learning, he inspires listeners to embrace the mentor mindset for success.

Robert Reffkin, founder and CEO of Compass, shares his journey through the tumultuous real estate market during the pandemic. He discusses how he maintained team morale, the surprising boom in housing, and the future of urban living. Reffkin reflects on the shift towards remote work and its impact on home ownership, emphasizing the need for functional living spaces. Additionally, he touches on the role of technology in real estate, from virtual tours to enhancing agent support, shedding light on what the booming market owes to its communities.