Masters of Scale

Katherine Maher, CEO of NPR, discusses her upcoming congressional testimony on public media funding. She emphasizes the critical role of federal support for local stations, especially in rural areas, and addresses misconceptions about media bias. Maher reveals NPR's evolving diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies to better connect with its audience. Additionally, she shares insights into enhancing transparency and building trust, underscoring how cuts to funding could drastically impact access to essential news.

Mike and Kass Lazerow, co-founders of Buddy Media and seasoned entrepreneurs, discuss their remarkable journey as partners in business and marriage. They share their tumultuous experience during the dot-com boom, including a near-collapse due to a botched acquisition and the strains of financial stress. The pair also delve into the importance of adaptability in entrepreneurship, effective board relationships, and employee engagement initiatives. Their insights reveal that success is often messy, blending personal and professional resilience.

Sarah Levy, CEO of Betterment and expert in digital investment, shares her insights on handling market volatility. She discusses the impacts of recent economic swings on everyday investors and stresses the importance of a diversified investment portfolio. Levy dives into the rise of crypto and socially responsible investing, highlighting generational shifts in financial attitudes. With a clear vision, she encourages listeners to develop their unique approach to money management amidst market noise.

Christina Cacioppo, CEO and founder of Vanta, a major player in digital security and compliance, shares her journey from selling Beanie Babies to leading a $2.5 billion startup. She dives into the crucial role of customer conversations in product development, emphasizing how compliance can drive business success. Christina also discusses unique employee benefits like the 'Lobatical' and offers insights on navigating startup growth, the importance of mentorship, and the evolution of compliance in the SaaS landscape.

Stacy Palmer, CEO of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, brings insights on how Trump’s funding cuts are shaking the nonprofit sector. She discusses the widespread instability nonprofit organizations face and how this threatens community bonds. Palmer highlights innovative strategies nonprofits must adopt to survive in these challenging times, including the potential role of corporate funding. The critical conversation explores the future of giving and how organizations can adapt to maintain their vital services.

Anastasia Soare, the founder of billionaire beauty brand Anastasia Beverly Hills, shares her incredible journey from a Romanian immigrant to a beauty mogul. She reveals how a live appearance on Oprah transformed her brand's visibility and fueled demand, dubbed the 'Oprah Effect.' Soare discusses leveraging social media and directly engaging with her clientele, highlighting her daughter's influence in adopting influencer marketing. Her unwavering passion for beauty and commitment to growth underscore her refusal to retire anytime soon.

Janice Min, co-founder and CEO of The Ankler, offers sharp insights into the recent Oscars and their reflection of Hollywood's evolving landscape. She discusses how the success of low-budget film 'Anora' indicates a shift in power from major studios to independents. Min also highlights the growing political caution within the industry and the challenges of distributing politically charged content. Plus, she unravels the complexities of streaming wars and the strategies behind Oscar campaigning, revealing how these elements dramatically shape the entertainment business.

Shantanu Narayen, CEO of Adobe, discusses his pivotal role in transforming Adobe into a cloud-based subscription powerhouse. He shares insights on leveraging AI to enhance creative tools while balancing proprietary development and partnerships. The conversation dives into leadership challenges during the shift to the cloud, emphasizing the importance of communication and culture. Narayen also highlights innovative employee benefits like the 'Lobatical' and how employee satisfaction directly impacts customer experience in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Russell Diez-Canseco, CEO of Vital Farms, dives into the complexities of the egg industry amidst skyrocketing prices and avian flu. He illustrates how Vital Farms thrives through ethical partnerships with family farmers and its commitment to transparency. The discussion touches on the brand's journey as a certified B Corp and its unique 'Lobatical' benefit for long-serving employees. Diez-Canseco also sheds light on why their egg yolks are so vibrantly orange, tying it back to ethical farming practices and consumer choices.

Davis Smith, founder of Cotopaxi, an outdoor brand dedicated to social justice, discusses the transformative power of business. He shares his journey of integrating purpose into a brand, highlighting lessons on team dynamics and the significance of gut feelings in entrepreneurship. Smith reveals the innovative 'Lobatical' program that enhances employee loyalty and explains his bold decision to step down as CEO to foster new leadership. With a vision of compassionate capitalism, he inspires listeners to embrace both adventure and social responsibility.