Masters of Scale

In this enlightening discussion, former President Barack Obama shares insights from his time leading a nation through the Great Recession and the challenges in rolling out the Affordable Care Act. He reflects on the complex transition from campaigning to governance, the importance of adaptability in leadership, and navigating fierce opposition. Obama emphasizes the need for mission alignment and how lessons from his presidency parallel entrepreneurial struggles. With a focus on innovation and employee engagement, he illustrates the vital connection between purpose and problem-solving.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Google's Chief Health Officer, sheds light on her pivotal role in shaping public health responses during the pandemic. She discusses how Google leverages its search platform to disseminate crucial health information and enhance vaccine access. Dr. DeSalvo emphasizes the importance of personal risk assessment in return-to-work decisions and shares key lessons from the crisis, including the need for collaboration and effective communication in tackling global health challenges.

In a compelling conversation, former President Barack Obama shares insights from his incredible journey in politics. He reflects on the transformative power of his 'Yes We Can' speech and how grassroots organizing shaped his 2008 campaign. Obama discusses the crucial moments that propelled his ascension to the presidency, emphasizing the blend of preparation and opportunity. He also explores the parallels between political campaigns and startups, highlighting innovative strategies that mobilized a diverse base for change.

Discover how Harry's navigated the turbulence of a blocked billion-dollar merger and the onset of the pandemic. Co-CEO Andy Katz-Mayfield shares their journey of innovation and resilience, launching new brands while adapting to changing consumer demands. They explore the dynamics of co-CEO leadership, emphasizing clear communication and strategic pivots. The discussion also highlights innovative employee appreciation programs like the 'Lobatical' vacation initiative, showcasing the importance of community and support in overcoming business challenges.

Aneel Bhusri, the Co-founder and CEO of Workday, is known for fostering an employee-first culture at his cloud-based software company. He shares insights on why hiring the right first employees is critical, referring to them as cultural co-founders. Aneel discusses effective interview questions that prioritize cultural fit, emphasizing emotional skills such as 'compassionate directness.' He also highlights innovative employee initiatives that enhance well-being and customer experiences, illustrating how culture and care can drive success.

Apoorva Mehta, Founder and CEO of Instacart, shares insights from leading the online grocery giant through unprecedented growth during the pandemic. He delves into how Instacart adapted to surging demand and evolved its service offerings, leveraging a four-sided market strategy. Apoorva emphasizes the importance of addressing consumer behavior shifts, enhancing employee well-being, and fostering team cohesion. He discusses how these strategies position Instacart against fierce competition, including the likes of Amazon, and prepares the company for its next pivotal moment.

In this conversation, Alex Rodriguez, former baseball superstar and founder of A-Rod Corp, shares his insights on the crucial role of mentorship in achieving success. He draws from his experiences with legendary coaches and discusses the importance of building a strong team of mentors. A-Rod highlights the need for reciprocity in these relationships, ensuring both mentor and mentee grow from the experience. He also touches on resilience and the value of innovation, particularly in the shifting landscape of entrepreneurship today.

In this engaging discussion, Linda Findley Kozlowski, CEO of Blue Apron and expert in sustainable growth, tackles the shifting dynamics in the meal kit industry post-pandemic. She highlights the importance of focusing on long-term trends over short-term spikes in demand, emphasizing that a pandemic isn't a viable business model. Linda also delves into her strategy for navigating rising competition, the significance of employee safety, and the role of community support and innovation in shaping a sustainable future for the food industry.

Adi Tatarko, co-founder of Houzz and a pioneer in online home design, shares her inspiring journey from home renovation frustration to founding an innovative platform that connects homeowners with design professionals. She emphasizes how frustration can signal opportunities for creativity and community-building. Alongside guests Karen Kavett and Julia Hartz, they explore how overcoming challenges fosters resilience and sparks entrepreneurial ideas, highlighting the importance of adapting customer needs into scalable solutions.

Shelli Taylor, the CEO of Alamo Drafthouse, shares insights into the company's recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing. Despite facing 12 challenging months with little revenue, she is optimistic about a recovery sparked by a surge in moviegoers. Taylor discusses the emotional aspects of embracing bankruptcy and the innovative strategies being implemented to adapt to the evolving film industry, including private theater rentals and engaging stakeholder communication. Her journey illustrates the resilience and hope that can emerge from adversity in the cinematic landscape.