Masters of Scale

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.

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.