Masters of Scale

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.

Phil Knight, the co-founder and former CEO of Nike, shares insights on branding and identity. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity over aggressive selling, stressing the need to match products with passionate consumers. Knight reflects on Nike's evolution from focusing solely on elite athletes to appealing to everyday individuals, driven by innovative marketing strategies. He discusses pivotal moments, like Michael Jordan's influence and bold campaigns supporting social issues, showcasing how Nike built a legendary brand by staying true to its ethos.

Dr. Bon Ku, an ER physician at Jefferson University Hospital and director of the Health Design Lab, dives into pandemic planning and healthcare delivery strategies. He discusses the importance of urgent innovation in healthcare as winter approaches, emphasizing the need for better coordination among hospitals and improved resource management. Dr. Ku warns of the potential dangers of complacency and advocates for proactive measures, like telemedicine, to refine emergency care. His insights serve as a wake-up call for the challenges that lie ahead.

Jeff Jones, CEO of H&R Block, sheds light on the emotional and financial toll the pandemic has taken on small businesses. He stresses the importance of resilience and adaptability, urging entrepreneurs to seek help and prioritize their well-being. The conversation explores unique challenges faced by small enterprises, including technology integration and proactive financial planning. Jones also emphasizes the critical role of small businesses in driving economic recovery and the need for strong leadership in navigating societal pressures.

Caterina Fake, co-founder of Flickr, shares her insights on creating human-centered online communities. She reflects on the early days of Flickr, emphasizing the importance of fostering genuine connections over superficial engagement. Fake highlights the necessity of setting clear guidelines from the start to maintain a healthy community culture. With anecdotes from her journey, she urges a return to core values in social media to enhance meaningful conversations and meaningful interactions.

Arne Sorenson, the late CEO of Marriott International, shares his remarkable journey navigating the hospitality industry's swift collapse due to the pandemic while simultaneously fighting cancer. He discusses the vital balance between supporting his workforce and making tough decisions. Arne emphasizes the importance of collective action and resilience in crisis, advocating for bold leadership during social unrest. Despite acknowledging the long road to recovery, he believes the value of travel remains paramount, asserting its critical role in human connection.

In this conversation with Sarah Friar, CEO of Nextdoor and a champion of community building, she discusses the unique approach of her platform, which fosters real connections based on empathy. With insights from her background in finance and social initiatives, she emphasizes redefining success to include personal fulfillment. Their chat dives into how Nextdoor cultivates local engagement, the power of loyalty through innovative employee initiatives, and the importance of genuine interactions in today’s social networks.

Shelli Taylor, CEO of Alamo Drafthouse, leads a chain of unique cinemas blending food, drinks, and film. She discusses the tough decisions she’s making to keep theaters alive during the pandemic, including negotiating with landlords and exploring video-on-demand. Shelli shares insights on maintaining community spirit, adapting to health guidelines, and the importance of collaboration within the film industry. Her journey reflects the resilience and creativity needed to navigate challenges while holding on to the magic of movie-going.