Masters of Scale

Tobi Lütke, the Founder and CEO of Shopify, revolutionizes e-commerce by discussing the power of building a platform that benefits everyone. He emphasizes creating a virtuous cycle for business growth and shares how prioritizing third-party developers has transformed Shopify's ecosystem. Lütke also explores innovative employee care strategies, like the 'Lobatical' program, highlighting how a positive work environment enhances customer experiences. Throughout, he provides insights on standing out from competitors and fostering a collaborative company culture.

Peggy Johnson, CEO of Magic Leap and former executive at Microsoft and Qualcomm, takes a bold leap from a stable tech giant to a struggling startup. She discusses the unique challenges women face in tech leadership and the potential of augmented reality amid a pandemic. Johnson highlights how COVID-19 accelerated tech adoption, creating opportunities for innovation. She also shares insights on fostering collaboration and diversity within her team and the importance of employee loyalty programs in building a positive corporate culture.

In this conversation, Melanie Perkins, co-founder and CEO of Canva, shares her insights on the transformative power of onboarding. She emphasizes how effective onboarding can significantly enhance user and employee engagement, drawing from Canva's remarkable growth with over 40 million users. Memory expert Ron White joins to discuss techniques for retention, showcasing how structured onboarding processes can lead to stronger connections. They explore innovative strategies that turn apprehension into excitement, highlighting the essential role of onboarding in driving business success.

Noreena Hertz, a professor at University College London and author of The Lonely Century, discusses the growing epidemic of loneliness in the workplace and its implications. She emphasizes the benefits of in-person connections over virtual ones, advocating for kindness and community as essential values in attracting talent. Hertz shares innovative strategies companies can adopt, like virtual lunches, to combat isolation and improve morale. She also underscores the need for leaders to prioritize mental health and foster genuine connections for enhanced productivity.

Daniel Lubetzky, founder of KIND, is a visionary dedicated to building bridges through business. He discusses the importance of expanding not just upward but outward, reaching new customers and products. Highlighting the role of kindness and resilience, he shares transformative stories from conflict zones and the entrepreneurial journey. Lubetzky emphasizes the need for genuine relationships in scaling businesses and how programs like Empatico foster empathy in classrooms. His insights showcase that effective leadership combines creativity, courage, and connection.

Joanna Geraghty, President and COO of JetBlue, shares her journey navigating the airline through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses how the airline adapted by prioritizing data while also trusting her instincts, exemplified by the controversial decision to reopen middle seats. Geraghty highlights inspiring stories of frontline staff and the innovative 'Lobatical' benefit aimed at enhancing employee appreciation. She reflects on the unique agility smaller airlines have compared to larger carriers, showcasing resilience and a commitment to adapting in a shifting landscape.

Tristan Walker, the Founder and CEO of Walker & Company, is known for creating the Bevel razor, catering to the unique needs of men and women of color. He discusses how initial rejections can signify potential and encourages entrepreneurs to embrace different kinds of 'no.' Walker shares his own journey, including the challenges of pitching innovative ideas to investors and the importance of resilience. He also emphasizes how rejection can lead to unexpected success and the significance of meaningful feedback in entrepreneurship.

Colleen DeCourcy, President of Wieden+Kennedy, discusses how her agency adapts to the evolving advertising landscape. She emphasizes the necessity for brands to take strong stands on relevant issues, balancing economic goals with emotional messaging. Colleen shares insights on navigating crises, maintaining team connections, and the impact of COVID-19 on creativity. She also highlights the shift towards authentic brand identities and the importance of adapting to cultural sensitivities in communication. It's a timely exploration of advertising's future!

Franklin Leonard, the founder of The Black List, shares insights about discovering undervalued screenplays and revolutionizing the Hollywood talent evaluation process. He likens his approach to building a 'metal detector' for hidden value, critiquing traditional methods with data-driven insights. Leonard emphasizes the need for diverse voices in storytelling and innovative partnerships to elevate underrepresented talents. His journey illustrates how transformative thinking can reshape industry standards and unlock creative potential.

In this conversation, Drew Houston, co-founder and CEO of Dropbox, shares insights on reshaping workplace culture through a Virtual First model. He discusses the blend of remote flexibility with essential in-person collaboration, emphasizing the importance of tailored team dynamics. Houston also explores his company's rapid growth during the pandemic and how it has shaped their approach to work. He highlights the significance of adapting to evolving work habits and leveraging technology to enhance employee experiences.