Masters of Scale

Franklin Leonard, Founder and CEO of The Black List, revolutionizes how Hollywood discovers scripts and is now bridging the gap between literature and film. He highlights the bottlenecks in talent discovery and the billions in missed revenue from diverse voices in storytelling. Leonard discusses the importance of adapting novels into films and the financial benefits of inclusive narratives. He also addresses the role of AI in creativity, emphasizing its limitations in capturing human emotion essential to compelling stories.

In this engaging discussion, Lindsey Collins, a talented Pixar filmmaker, shares her insights on scaling film production and managing inherent risks. She outlines the challenges faced in the creative process, including the emotional weight of failure and the necessity for adaptive strategies. The conversation also touches on the importance of transparent communication and principled decision-making, elements vital not just in filmmaking but also in the entrepreneurial landscape, especially during crises like the pandemic.

Andrew Wilson, CEO of Electronic Arts and a leader in game development, shares insights on the company’s ambitious goal of reaching 1 billion gamers. He discusses the exciting integration of AI in game design, enhancing player experience and creativity. Wilson also reveals the high-stakes rebranding of FIFA, balancing collaboration and independence. Additionally, he draws parallels between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and business strategy, emphasizing the growing cultural significance of gaming as a beloved family pastime.

Dr. Rana el Kaliouby, an AI scientist and co-founder of Affectiva, discusses her groundbreaking work in emotionally intelligent technology. She shares her inspiring journey from Egypt to pioneering emotion recognition AI, stressing the importance of empathy in tech. Rana and host Reid Hoffman dive into the future of AI, emphasizing the potential for human-centered applications, particularly in healthcare and education. They also explore the necessity of fostering trust in AI and the vision of AI as a supportive communication tool.

Janice Min, Co-founder and CEO of The Ankler, dives into the intersection of celebrity and politics, highlighting Taylor Swift's endorsement of Kamala Harris and its implications. She examines recent Emmy Awards successes and the tension between traditional TV and streaming services. The conversation explores celebrities' cautious roles in political discourse and the challenges of maintaining brand integrity in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape. Min skillfully unpacks the evolving dynamics of fame and influence in today's society.

David Novak, co-founder and former CEO of Yum! Brands, dives into his journey transforming the fast food industry. He shares insights from the memorable Crystal Pepsi launch and the creative spark behind Cool Ranch Doritos. Novak stresses the importance of listening and recognizing team efforts, while also discussing the delicate balance between risk-taking and sustainable growth. His mission to mentor the next generation of leaders shines through as he advocates for the integration of social responsibility in business.

Ari Wallach, a futurist and host of the PBS docuseries "A Brief History of the Future," discusses the critical importance of long-term thinking in an era fraught with global challenges. He emphasizes our biological inclination toward short-term focus, urging leaders to embrace their moral responsibilities as core business metrics. Wallach also explores the concept of "futuring" and how AI can be seen as "immortal algorithms" in shaping our future. His insights inspire listeners to make decisions that will positively impact generations to come.

Alli Webb, co-founder of Drybar and author of "The Messy Truth," shares her inspiring journey from stylist to entrepreneur. She discusses the challenges of scaling Drybar into a national franchise and the importance of customer education. Alli reflects on the personal struggles she faced, including family challenges, and emphasizes the need for balance in life. She also introduces her innovative new venture, Squeeze, which aims to make massages both affordable and high-quality, all while pursuing her passion for user-centric business solutions.

Will.i.am, a renowned musician and tech innovator, discusses his latest venture, RAiDIO.fyi, which uses AI to transform radio. He draws parallels between AI's influence on music and past legends like Prince. With insights from his Harvard MBA, he emphasizes how developers are akin to rappers in their creativity. The conversation explores the future of intelligent media, AI co-hosts, and revolutionary collaborations with brands like Mercedes, making a case for AI's role in redefining listener engagement and ownership in music.

Steve Huffman, co-founder and CEO of Reddit, discusses the evolution of the platform, emphasizing the balance between free expression and community values. He shares insights on navigating challenges like misinformation and AI while upholding Reddit's commitment to transparency and trust. Huffman also highlights the importance of community-driven innovation and the future potential of AI in enhancing user experiences. Through personal stories, he underscores the significance of celebrating milestones to strengthen team spirit and morale.