Masters of Scale

Frank Patterson, CEO of Trilith Studios and former film school dean, shares insights on blending creativity with business. He discusses nurturing the next generation of filmmakers and the importance of community at Trilith. Christina Wren, actress and filmmaker, joins to explore launching a startup production company, highlighting the shift from creativity to business operations. They reflect on storytelling's impact in a digital world and how innovative environments foster collaboration among creators.

Ben Goodwin, co-founder and CEO of Olipop, is shaking up the soda industry with his functional beverage brand that's appealing to health-conscious Gen Z and millennials. He discusses the challenges of rapid growth and competition from giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. Goodwin shares insights on building authentic brand loyalty through genuine partnerships and the evolving demands of leadership in a dynamic market. He also raises the question of whether healthy soda is a lasting trend or just a momentary craze fueled by social media.

Therapist Esther Perel, renowned for her insights on relationships, discusses building stronger workplace connections. She emphasizes the importance of relational intelligence and offers tools like her new conversational card game for colleagues. Perel dives into how AI is changing our interactions, the role of emojis in communication, and the significance of emotional dynamics in professional settings. The conversation sheds light on fostering trust, managing generational gaps, and enhancing workplace culture through effective interpersonal skills.

Aaron Levie, Co-founder and CEO of Box, shares insights on the AI revolution reshaping enterprise dynamics. He distinguishes between the real advancements in AI and the surrounding hype. Levie discusses how AI agents enhance productivity by utilizing unstructured data, emphasizing their role in fostering growth rather than replacing jobs. He also addresses the challenges businesses face in adopting AI and the importance of adaptability. The conversation highlights the need for leaders to embrace rapid technological change and encourages a mindset resilient to disruption.

John Green, a celebrated author and content creator known for works like The Fault in Our Stars, discusses his mission to eradicate tuberculosis, a disease that still claims over a million lives annually. He highlights the systemic health inequities that perpetuate TB's spread, stressing the need for innovative solutions and equitable resource distribution. Green emphasizes the power of community and creativity in tackling monumental health challenges and shares compelling personal stories from those affected, showcasing the urgent need for action.

Retired U.S. General Stanley McChrystal, a leadership expert and author, discusses the pivotal role of character in today’s leadership landscape. He advocates for integrity amidst challenges like AI ethics and societal polarization. McChrystal emphasizes the need for courageous leadership and inclusivity, especially concerning military service. He warns against the dangers of politicizing military leadership and highlights the responsibility leaders have in leveraging AI ethically. Ultimately, he inspires leaders to uphold their values and prioritize ethical decision-making in turbulent times.

Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global and co-founder of The Huffington Post, shares her transformative journey after experiencing burnout. She discusses the crucial importance of mental health for entrepreneurs and the wake-up call that led to her wellness-focused venture. Topics include innovative employee benefits like the 'Lobatical,' the powerful role of naps in boosting productivity, and strategies for maintaining work-life balance in a tech-driven world. Huffington emphasizes cultivating a culture of well-being as key to sustainable success.

Ju Rhyu, co-founder of Hero Cosmetics, shares her journey from a corporate job in South Korea to launching her skincare line known for its popular acne patches. She discusses the moment she recognized a gap in the U.S. market for hydrocolloid pimple patches and how her immigrant background and father's entrepreneurial spirit influenced her. Rhyu also reflects on overcoming self-doubt, the significance of collaboration, and the emotional challenges of achieving a $630 million exit, emphasizing innovation and timing in her success.

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and philanthropist, shares insights on transforming global health through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. He discusses innovative solutions for public sanitation, revealing the evolution of the toilet and the pressing global sanitation crisis. Gates emphasizes the foundation's impressive impact on reducing childhood mortality and revolutionary data initiatives like minimally invasive autopsies. The conversation highlights the crucial role of partnerships and adaptive strategies in creating sustainable health outcomes worldwide.

Katie Drummond, Global Editorial Director of WIRED and co-host of Uncanny Valley, dives into the whirlwind of Elon Musk's influence during his time intertwined with politics. She discusses the intersection of government inefficiencies and the rise of Dogecoin, alongside the ethical dilemmas emerging from this relationship. Drummond uncovers the backlash faced by public figures linked to cryptocurrency and examines how business leaders navigate chaos and innovate in a landscape shaped by political dynamics.