Masters of Scale

In this engaging conversation, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks, a lifelong Dungeons & Dragons enthusiast, joins Reid Hoffman to explore entrepreneurial insights drawn from the beloved game. They discuss how D&D nurtures creativity and collaboration essential for business success. The duo highlights the game's rich history and cultural significance, its evolution into a billion-dollar franchise, and the integration of technology, including AI, to enhance gameplay. Their insights reveal how D&D principles can inform effective leadership and teamwork in the business world.

Discover the transformative power of AI in music and the legal challenges it faces. Explore innovative marketing strategies that cut through the noise in a crowded marketplace. Delve into the evolving creator economy, showcasing how direct engagement reshapes audience connections. Learn valuable leadership lessons emphasizing adaptability and the importance of brand storytelling. Uncover Airbnb's shift from accommodations to immersive experiences and the essential role of company culture in growth. Each insight paves the way for navigating future challenges.

In this discussion, Amy Webb, founder and CEO of the Future Today Institute, sheds light on the coming technology supercycle that will reshape industries. She emphasizes the crucial role of strategic foresight in business decision-making. Webb explores how converging technologies like AI and biotech will drive productivity and sustainability. She also highlights the intersection of technology and personal performance through sensor tech's impact on fitness. Lastly, she addresses the challenges of communicating complex ideas to leaders resistant to change.

Rose Wang, COO of Bluesky, a groundbreaking decentralized social media platform, discusses the surge of users seeking alternatives to traditional platforms. With a focus on authentic connections and data privacy, she highlights Bluesky's unique features like chronological feeds that empower users. Wang explains the innovative 'stackable moderation' system, allowing users to manage content actively. She also addresses the challenges of rapid growth, the importance of a subscription model, and how Bluesky prioritizes user consent in a landscape dominated by data use.

Lauren Wang, founder of The Flex Company, is revolutionizing menstrual care with her innovative menstrual disc and cups. She shares her personal journey fueled by health challenges and a desire to disrupt traditional products. Lauren discusses the obstacles of scaling her unique product and emphasizes the importance of authentic marketing in building community. With recent studies linking toxins to popular brands, she highlights the market potential for healthier alternatives. Her commitment to breaking taboos and engaging consumers is inspiring!

In this enlightening conversation, Alex Oshmyansky, CEO and co-founder of Cost Plus Drugs, shares his journey from a young immigrant to a transformative force in the pharmaceutical industry. He discusses how the company is breaking down traditional drug pricing barriers with transparency and technology, revolutionizing access to medications. Oshmyansky also touches on his experiences transitioning from medicine to entrepreneurship, patience as a superpower, and the strategic partnerships that turned competitors into allies, all while advocating for affordable healthcare.

Danny Meyer, founder of Shake Shack, and his daughter Hallie Meyer, who runs the gourmet ice cream shop Caffè Panna, share their entrepreneurial journeys. They discuss the crucial balance between innovation and culinary simplicity, highlighting the importance of quality ingredients and community connection. The conversation dives into the power of effective leadership in scaling businesses and the authentic experiences that shape their ventures. Get insights on how family legacies influence entrepreneurial endeavors while navigating growth challenges.

Guy Kawasaki, a former Apple chief evangelist and current chief evangelist at Canva, shares fascinating insights on tech and leadership. He argues that Apple continues to defy gravity and discusses the potential of AI, which he provocatively calls 'God.' Guy reflects on how Steve Jobs would navigate today's business landscape and critiques Tim Cook’s leadership style. He also offers unconventional wisdom about entrepreneurship and emphasizes the importance of making a remarkable impact in the community rather than chasing fame.

Tracee Ellis Ross, an award-winning actress and founder of Pattern Beauty, joins her longtime friend Samira Nasr, editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar. They discuss the importance of representation in the beauty industry and how Tracee built her hair care brand to celebrate Black beauty. Their conversation highlights entrepreneurial lessons, the joy of friendship, and overcoming challenges in leadership roles. They emphasize self-acceptance, cultural change for young girls, and the vital role of community and support in achieving success.

Iggy Azalea, the rapper turned crypto entrepreneur, dives into her transition from music to the cryptocurrency world. She discusses her crypto token $MOTHER, aiming to create a genuine community, not just a quick cash grab. Iggy shares insights on combining music fandom with crypto, emphasizing the need for real benefits in investments. She also highlights the importance of building an authentic brand identity and taking bold risks in business to foster connections and engage younger audiences.