Masters of Scale

Join Baratunde Thurston, a thought-provoking writer and media entrepreneur, as he guides business leaders on transforming companies into responsible citizens. He discusses tackling systemic racism and the imperative for proactive anti-racism efforts. Baratunde emphasizes the importance of corporate accountability during societal upheaval and the significant influence businesses can have on social change. He also highlights the need for diversity in hiring and innovative collaborations to truly represent and uplift diverse voices in the corporate landscape.

Trevor McFedries, Founder of Brud and creator of virtual influencer Lil Miquela, dives into the intersection of authenticity and technology. He shares how Miquela has captivated millions through relatable storytelling, highlighting the need for genuine connections in the digital landscape. Trevor discusses the challenges of maintaining authenticity while scaling, offers advice for underrepresented entrepreneurs, and emphasizes that what truly matters is how audiences feel connected, regardless of the medium. It's a revealing look into creating celebrity at a massive scale.

Diane Hoskins, Co-CEO of Gensler, shares her expertise on transforming workplaces post-pandemic. She discusses the balance between remote work and in-office collaboration, emphasizing tailored designs that boost productivity. Innovations in health safety, like touchless tech and improved air circulation, are highlighted. Hoskins critiques traditional efficiency models, advocating for spaces that foster creativity and learning. The conversation also touches on equity, inclusion, and the necessity of adapting office environments to meet employees' needs and preferences.

In this enlightening conversation, Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and co-founder of Schmidt Futures, is exploring the urgent challenges posed by COVID-19. He emphasizes the need for science-based vaccination strategies and testing protocols. Schmidt discusses the impact of the pandemic on small businesses, highlighting both the struggles and opportunities that have emerged. He also provides insights on the accelerated technology adoption during this crisis and stresses the importance of trust and discernment in information consumption.

Eva Moskowitz, Founder and CEO of Success Academy, leads a charter school network serving 20,000 students in NYC and is known for her innovative educational strategies. In this conversation, she discusses the swift pivot to remote learning amid the pandemic. Moskowitz shares insights on decision-making in uncertainty and the importance of communication with parents. She highlights how remote work can be embraced, while also addressing anti-racism initiatives and the educational disparities exacerbated by COVID-19, emphasizing resilience in both education and business.

John Foley, co-founder and CEO of Peloton, shares his inspiring journey of turning skeptics into loyal advocates. He discusses the initial doubts from investors and highlights the tenacity required to push through. Foley emphasizes the critical role of storytelling in building Peloton’s brand and connecting with customers. He also elaborates on the innovative strategies that helped create a dedicated community, transforming casual users into passionate fans. His insights on the unique blend of fitness and tech continue to resonate, especially in today's market.

Shishir Mehrotra, former head of YouTube and co-founder of Coda, shares insights on the significance of company rituals in achieving success. He discusses how intentional rituals can enhance culture and focus teams on ambitious goals, like YouTube's goal of a billion hours of watchtime. Mehrotra highlights the need to reevaluate outdated practices, advocating for inclusive and empowering rituals that foster engagement. He illustrates the balance between innovation and tradition, emphasizing the role of transparency and teamwork in driving entrepreneurial success.

Media icon Barry Diller, known for his influential roles at Fox and Paramount, discusses the power of 'infinite learning.' He shares insights on embracing risks and innovation in both television and film, highlighting his unconventional path from TV to the big screen. Diller emphasizes the importance of continual growth and adapting to change, recounting his experiences with transformative projects like 'Roots' and the launch of Fox Broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and creativity shines through as he inspires entrepreneurs to break the mold.

Join Payal Kadakia, founder of ClassPass and fitness innovator, as she shares her insights on mastering pricing strategies. She discusses her journey from the world of dance to entrepreneurship, revealing how audience dynamics influenced her pricing decisions. Payal highlights the balancing act startups must perform between customer acquisition and cost management, emphasizing the importance of variety in fitness options. Discover how ClassPass evolved from a limited-time pass to a subscription model, adapting to user needs while maintaining brand integrity.

Clara Shih, the founder and CEO of Hearsay Systems, discusses how her startup evolved from a nice-to-have to a must-have by addressing urgent customer needs while anticipating future desires. She compares businesses to painkillers and vitamins, emphasizing the balance between immediate solutions and long-term vision. Clara also shares insights on navigating the emotional challenges of founding a startup during economic downturns, and the innovative use of humor in traffic education to improve learning and company culture.