Masters of Scale

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.

Join Selina Tobaccowala, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Gixo, as she unpacks the unusual wisdom behind letting some fires burn while focusing on key challenges. She discusses the art of prioritization and conserving energy for the most pressing issues. The conversation also delves into the chaotic yet exciting world of startup growth, highlighting adaptability and strategic problem-solving. With insights drawn from her experiences with Evite and SurveyMonkey, Selina sparks inspiration for navigating the hectic entrepreneurial journey.

Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell, President of Spelman College and advocate for social justice, discusses the challenges of leading a historically Black college during the COVID-19 pandemic. She shares innovative strategies for maintaining community among students amidst remote learning and emphasizes the importance of equity in education. The conversation also touches on responses to social unrest, the emotional toll of racial violence, and the role of HBCUs in empowering underserved students. Dr. Campbell's insights provide a powerful perspective on navigating crises and driving change.

Linda Rottenberg, CEO and co-founder of Endeavor, shares insights on supporting entrepreneurs worldwide. She discusses the delicate balance of transparency with boards while inspiring teams, especially during tough times. The conversation highlights strategies for boosting morale and navigating leadership challenges effectively. Key topics include the importance of ethical decision-making in volatile markets and the transformational role of remote work. Linda emphasizes that in times of economic downturn, it's entrepreneurs who rise to the challenge.

Dan Schulman, CEO of PayPal, discusses the company's $530 million commitment to support Black and minority-owned businesses, inspired by the events following George Floyd's death. He highlights the significant opportunity for economic recovery during the pandemic, reports a surge in engagement from new demographics, and emphasizes PayPal's role in reshaping financial equity. Schulman illustrates the balance between immediate action and long-term systemic change while advocating for corporate responsibility and diversity in achieving racial justice.

Rashad Robinson, President of Color Of Change, leads a powerful conversation on racial justice and systemic change. He critiques corporate superficiality, urging deeper actions over empty gestures. The impact of George Floyd's death is discussed, underscoring the urgent need for diversity in media representation. Rashad highlights the accountability of tech giants in combating hate speech, alongside the importance of equity in corporate finance. His insights stress that collaborative efforts can drive lasting change in both technology and Hollywood.

Ellen Kullman, the former CEO of DuPont and Carbon, shares her insights on crisis management, having navigated major challenges like the 2008 financial crisis and the onset of COVID-19. She emphasizes the importance of knowing your company’s core identity and practicing crisis principles in peaceful times. Among her four key strategies is the necessity of clear communication and a unified mission, which help inspire teams and foster resilience. Kullman’s experiences offer valuable lessons on adaptability and bold decision-making during turbulent times.

Darren Walker, President of the Ford Foundation and a leader in addressing racial injustice, shares powerful insights as he navigates today's intertwined crises of pandemic, economic turmoil, and civil unrest. He emphasizes that recognizing the trauma of communities of color is essential and highlights the urgency for CEOs to engage in social justice efforts. Walker reveals how the foundation has exceeded its giving goals and expresses optimism for the future, leveraging these challenges as opportunities for impactful change.