Masters of Scale

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.

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.