Masters of Scale

In this enlightening discussion, Sir Richard Branson, visionary founder of the Virgin Group, shares his entrepreneurial spirit and insights. He emphasizes the importance of a learning mindset, showcasing how curiosity and resilience fuel success. Listeners discover how to balance action with learning at every business stage. Branson’s journey illustrates the transformations possible through bold thinking, from launching Virgin Records to creating Virgin Airlines. Practical exercises provided encourage daily cultivation of this powerful mindset, inspiring entrepreneurs to thrive.

Multi-platinum musician and entrepreneur will.i.am shares insights from his journey as a founding member of the Black Eyed Peas. He discusses how to seize big opportunities, like his groundbreaking Super Bowl halftime show, and turn them into epic ventures. The conversation dives into innovative partnerships, such as the birth of Beats by Dre, and highlights creative strategies that blend music and technology. With thoughts on urban innovation and genuine customer connections, will.i.am inspires entrepreneurs to think big and collaborate boldly.

Jochen Zeitz, CEO of Harley-Davidson and sustainability champion, shares insights on revitalizing the iconic brand. He discusses his rapid restructuring efforts during the pandemic, which included trimming the product line and enhancing worker equity. Zeitz emphasizes the importance of innovation, showcasing the electric motorcycle, Livewire, as a step towards sustainability. He also introduces the 'Lobatical,' an employee benefit aimed at improving work-life balance, highlighting how team culture can drive customer satisfaction and long-term success.

Katia Beauchamp, Co-founder and CEO of Birchbox, revolutionized the beauty industry with her innovative subscription model. She dives into how her unconventional ideas were initially met with skepticism but became obvious successes. Katia discusses the shift from brand-centric to consumer-driven markets, the significance of employee appreciation through unique practices like 'Lobatical', and the challenges of navigating a competitive landscape with giants like Amazon and Sephora. Her journey highlights the power of reframing ideas to distinguish Birchbox in a saturated market.

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.