Masters of Scale

Dive into a candid discussion about game-changing events in 2021! Explore the implications of the GameStop phenomenon and the rise of SPACs. Discover how government stimulus is reshaping investments and the expectations for businesses to take a stand on social issues. Vaccination impacts are addressed, along with insights on ethical leadership in a volatile landscape. Plus, reflections on remote work dynamics shed light on productivity and mental health. It's a conversation about navigating a rapidly evolving business world!

Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, shares insights into navigating the post-pandemic travel landscape. He discusses the decision to open middle seats again as customer confidence rises with increased vaccinations. Bastian also addresses his confrontations over Georgia's voting law and reflects on the challenges of balancing safety with financial recovery. His commitment to brand reinforcement and optimistic leadership amid adversity highlights the critical role of airlines in rebuilding consumer trust and adapting to new travel norms.

Ethan Brown, Founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, shares his insights on overcoming consumer skepticism around plant-based products. He emphasizes the importance of listening to customer feedback before educating them about innovations. Chris Paul, the professional basketball player who switched to a plant-based diet, discusses how it enhanced his performance and energy levels. Together, they explore building trust with consumers to reshape perceptions and promote sustainability in food choices, highlighting the journey of Beyond Meat in creating appealing meat alternatives.

Alex Lieberman, CEO of Morning Brew, shares his journey of building a thriving media company, especially during the pandemic's challenges. He emphasizes the 'trampoline effect' that propelled their email newsletters back to success. Lieberman discusses the importance of brand authenticity, how engaging content can balance serious topics, and the rise of the creator economy. He also highlights the evolution of the Founder's Journal podcast and its impact on entrepreneurship with a strong personal brand.

Mark Cuban, renowned serial entrepreneur and Shark Tank star, shares invaluable insights into the fundraising landscape. He emphasizes that understanding the strings attached to financial partnerships is crucial for entrepreneurs. Cuban highlights pivotal traits investors seek in founders, including resilience and humility. He also discusses the emotional complexities of securing investment and shares anecdotes that underscore the importance of aligning goals with investor expectations. The conversation is packed with lessons for navigating the entrepreneurial journey.

Daniella Ballou-Aares, co-founder and CEO of the Leadership Now Project, shares insights on the critical role of business leaders in shaping American democracy. She emphasizes that companies must engage politically to support democratic values, especially in challenging times. The conversation highlights how businesses can promote election integrity, combat misinformation, and foster inclusive voting practices. Ballou-Aares also discusses the importance of principled leadership amidst polarization and innovative employee initiatives, like the 'Lobatical,' to enhance satisfaction and customer service.

Bob Iger, executive chairman and former CEO of Disney, reflects on his groundbreaking acquisitions like Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilm. He discusses the art of brand cohesion while maintaining individual identities amid a diverse ecosystem. Iger also shares insights on the complexities of launching Shanghai Disneyland and the importance of employee wellbeing in enhancing customer experiences. The conversation showcases Disney’s innovative embrace of technology with Disney+ and highlights the company's resilience during challenging times, including the pandemic.

In this engaging conversation, Brian Chesky, Co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, shares his inspiring journey of navigating the company through the pandemic's turmoil. He reveals the moment Airbnb faced an 80% revenue drop and how he redefined the company's core mission. Chesky discusses valuable lessons from Barack Obama, the emotional upheaval of layoffs, and the strategic pivot that led to their astonishing IPO. He emphasizes the importance of community and principled decisions while fostering a culture of connection and belonging to overcome a crisis.

Tyra Banks, the iconic supermodel and entrepreneur, shares her insights on the power of personal branding. She discusses how her journey through modeling and television shaped her brand, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and adaptability. Tyra highlights her experiences with 'America's Next Top Model' and how it redefined industry standards. She also reflects on the balance between personal passion and societal expectations, underscoring the critical role of learning from mistakes in successful branding and leadership.

Heather Hasson, Co-founder and co-CEO of FIGS, champions healthcare workers through innovative scrubs and community support. She reveals how FIGS responded to the pandemic by donating PPE while experiencing explosive growth. Hasson likens medical professionals to star athletes, emphasizing their need for premium apparel and recognition. The conversation delves into strategic global expansion and the importance of workplace culture, showcasing FIGS’s commitment to both their customers and employee wellbeing in a time of crisis.