Masters of Scale

Julie Smolyansky, CEO of Lifeway Foods, shares her inspiring journey of leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. She talks about her swift actions, like stockpiling products and enhancing supply chains, while reflecting on her family's immigrant experience. The discussion covers the shift in consumer behavior, emphasizing women's vital roles in business and the importance of community support. Julie also highlights the need for mental health awareness and self-care, particularly for women navigating professional and personal challenges in unprecedented times.

Angela Ahrendts, the former CEO of Burberry and senior VP at Apple, shares how she transitioned from fashion to tech. She unveils the innovative 'Today at Apple' program and the collaborative app, The Loop, enhancing retail experiences. Angela emphasizes building trust and connection within teams, illustrating how personal relationships create a sense of family. The discussion highlights the importance of employee appreciation, blending logical reasoning with intuition, and the transformative power of effective leadership.

Hans Vestberg, CEO of Verizon, shares insights on leading during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing his rapid transition of over 100,000 employees to remote work. He emphasizes the surge in digital communication and innovative initiatives like free bandwidth to meet customer needs. Vestberg discusses the importance of balancing crisis management with future goals, advocating for transparency and adaptability. He also tackles misconceptions about 5G technology and highlights its transformative potential, underlining corporate responsibility amid challenges.

Angela Ahrendts, former SVP of retail at Apple and ex-CEO of Burberry, shares her secrets to fostering unity in large teams. She emphasizes the importance of authentic leadership and human connection, using personal anecdotes to illustrate family values in the workplace. Angela discusses innovative strategies like the 'Lobatical,' which enhances employee engagement through additional vacation time. She also reflects on her journey from luxury to mainstream at Burberry, merging brand tradition with transformation.

Scott O'Neil, CEO of the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, shares insights from leading sports franchises during the pandemic. He discusses the intense scrutiny of decisions, like salary cuts, and the importance of mental health and community care. O'Neil emphasizes innovative strategies for adapting the sports business model and the need for sports to reconnect communities during tough times. He also highlights programs like 'Lobatical' that prioritize employee well-being, showing that compassion in leadership can enhance the overall experience for fans and staff.

Dr. Bon Ku, an ER physician and director at Jefferson University, shares his frontline experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic. He discusses the urgent need for systemic redesign in healthcare to enhance resilience. Ku highlights the challenges of real-time communication and decision-making in emergency medicine and the ethical dilemmas faced when resources are scarce. He also sheds light on the emotional toll on healthcare workers and the necessity of adapting to future crises with innovative solutions.

Sara Menker, Founder and CEO of Gro Intelligence, shares her expertise on global food security, emphasizing the AI-driven insights that can predict future challenges. She discusses the exaggerated fears of food shortages in the U.S. during the pandemic and uncovers the complexities behind supermarket pricing. Menker highlights the urgent issues faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in regions like Ethiopia, and emphasizes the importance of adapting food supply chains amidst global crises. Her insights offer a fresh lens on navigating the food landscape during turbulent times.

Dr. David Skorton, CEO of the AAMC and cardiologist, shares insights from the frontline of healthcare. He highlights the immense challenges hospitals faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and how they innovated in response. Skorton emphasizes the need for improved preparedness and the importance of data-driven decisions. He addresses systemic vulnerabilities and health inequities that were exposed, urging a reevaluation of healthcare finance. Plus, he discusses the evolution of medical education and the value of supporting medical trainees during crises.

Niren Chaudhary, CEO of Panera Bread, shares his inspiring leadership during the pandemic. He reveals how the company pivoted by launching new initiatives like Panera Grocery and contactless delivery. Chaudhary discusses the strategic partnerships formed to provide 500,000 meals to food banks. He emphasizes prioritizing employee welfare and mental health while navigating the challenges of the crisis. The conversation also highlights innovative employee benefits, showcasing how a compassionate culture can enhance customer experiences.

Retired General Stanley McChrystal, a leader in counterterrorism efforts who now advises executives, shares his insights on crisis leadership. He highlights the importance of honesty, clear communication, and teamwork during uncertain times. McChrystal encourages leaders to prepare for the post-pandemic landscape and emphasizes empathy in adapting to new realities. He also discusses the critical role of storytelling and the need for agility in preventing burnout, while promoting a supportive environment for employee well-being.