Masters of Scale

Vinod Khosla, entrepreneur and billionaire investor known for founding Sun Microsystems and Khosla Ventures, discusses transformative solutions for climate change. He emphasizes the pivotal role that a select group of entrepreneurs can play in driving effective climate action. Khosla highlights innovations in sustainable technologies, including plant proteins and fusion energy, projecting significant advancements by 2030. He also explores the potential of AI not only in medicine but in creating a culture of appreciation and community engagement within companies.

Neha Ruch dives into the transformative power of career pauses, championing their potential for personal growth and expanded networks. The conversation highlights the shifting perceptions of caregiving in the workforce and the pressing need for supportive environments. As work-life balance evolves, Ruch calls for family-friendly policies and speaks to the redefined roles of both mothers and fathers in modern caregiving. The emphasis is on navigating personal fulfillment while reshaping traditional success metrics in today's professional landscape.

Angela Duckworth, a renowned psychology professor and author of "Grit," explores the profound impact of mentorship on personal and professional success. The discussion highlights transformative stories from icons like Jimmy Iovine and Alex Rodriguez, emphasizing the importance of proactive relationship-building. Duckworth sheds light on how effective mentors provide candid advice and foster resilience through tough love. Listeners gain insights into recognizing unexpected mentorship opportunities and the crucial role mentorship plays in shaping professional identities.

Guillaume Patard, owner of Pain Beurre, faces the emotional toll of losing his bakery and home in the LA wildfires. Andy Valdez from Homestate sheds light on how a restaurant pivoted to provide critical aid and food relief during the crisis. Wendy Escobedo of World Central Kitchen discusses the impact of community resilience and the organization’s efforts to coordinate meals for those in need. This conversation reveals the strength of local businesses and volunteers coming together to support each other amidst devastation.

Tom Hale, CEO of Oura Ring, shares his journey transforming health tech after a personal experience with the ring. He discusses the psychological impact of luxury pricing and the desire for a personal connection in wearable technology. Tom reveals how collaborations and data analytics have fueled Oura's growth, improving sleep and lifestyle choices for users. He also touches on the challenges of navigating health tech regulations and the importance of empowering women's health through innovative solutions.

AI expert Rana El Kaliouby, host of Pioneers of AI and CEO at Blue Tulip Ventures, shares five exciting predictions for 2025. She discusses the rise of agentic AI, emphasizing its capacity for autonomous tasks and ethical considerations in robotics. El Kaliouby also highlights the urgency of sustainability in AI technologies. The conversation touches on AI health co-pilots revolutionizing personal health management and the need for emotional intelligence in AI. She concludes with the anticipation of an AI breakthrough akin to the iPhone moment.

Katy Milkman, a behavioral scientist and bestselling author, shares her insights on the art of making effective changes. She discusses the concept of 'fresh starts' and how they can be leveraged for growth in personal and professional realms. Katy introduces 'temptation bundling' to overcome procrastination and offers science-backed strategies to enhance New Year's resolutions. She also emphasizes the power of 'micro wins' in organizational change and the importance of accountability and incentives in achieving lasting behavioral change.

Peter McGuinness, CEO of Impossible Foods and a leader in plant-based innovation, shares his insights on revamping the industry. He discusses the failures of the plant-based market and the need for evolved marketing strategies that focus more on taste than on climate claims. McGuinness highlights collaboration over competition, especially in partnerships with brands like Starbucks and Burger King. He also reflects on lessons learned from Chobani, emphasizing how understanding consumer preferences is crucial for growth in the plant-based landscape.

Fawn Weaver, the founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, shares her inspiring journey of building a billion-dollar bourbon brand while honoring the legacy of Nearest Green. She discusses overcoming industry challenges and the importance of grassroots strategies. Fawn explores the emotional ups and downs of entrepreneurship, emphasizing community support and company culture. She also highlights how a newspaper photo ignited her passion for this forgotten story, showcasing the power of resilience and storytelling in the spirits industry.

Erika Ayers Badan, former CEO of Barstool Sports and current CEO of Food52, shares her journey through the chaotic media landscape to a more refined culinary world. She highlights the stark differences in community building between the two brands, emphasizing authenticity and engagement. Badan discusses the intense pressure of leadership at Barstool, likening it to a daily heart attack, and underscores the importance of decisiveness, notably the power of saying 'no' to foster clarity and innovation in a rapidly changing marketplace.