Masters of Scale

In this engaging discussion, Scott Galloway, the creator of Prof G Media and NYU business professor, shares his unvarnished insights on various topics. He emphasizes when CEOs should engage in political conversations and the importance of nurturing company culture. Scott also addresses the transformative effect of AI on the workforce and the necessity for businesses to adapt. His perspective on enhancing voting access through technology and the power of literature in personal identity adds a thoughtful dimension to the conversation.

In this engaging discussion, Maryana Iskander, CEO of the Wikimedia Foundation, shares her insights on how Wikipedia is standing strong against AI challenges and misinformation. She highlights the platform's reliance on its dedicated volunteers, emphasizing their critical role amid rising media mistrust. Iskander also discusses the threats posed by authoritarian governments and the importance of maintaining neutrality. Her leadership strategies demonstrate how community engagement and transparency are vital for Wikipedia's future in an evolving digital landscape.

David Heath and Randy Goldberg, co-founders of Bombas, discuss their journey in building a mission-driven apparel company committed to social impact. They share how their Shark Tank experience fueled growth, even leading to a website crash due to overwhelming demand. The duo highlights their innovative strategies in inventory management while maintaining core values during rapid expansion. They also delve into the complexities of homelessness in the U.S., advocating for compassion and addressing the importance of partnerships in combating this social issue.

Bradley Tusk, a venture capitalist and political strategist, advocates for mobile voting as a game-changer for democracy. He discusses his $20 million investment in a secure voting app, piloted in 20 jurisdictions across seven states. Tusk explores the potential of mobile voting to enhance participation and address issues of political dysfunction. He also addresses skepticism regarding security, emphasizing the need for gradual implementation and broader voter engagement, while battling entrenched interests resistant to change.

Sophia Amoruso, founder of Nasty Gal and creator of Girlboss Media, talks about her unexpected leap into entrepreneurship. She shares unconventional lessons about authenticity in branding and treating employees with humanity. Sophia discusses the challenges of growing a business without venture capital and the importance of building trust in the creator economy. She also opens up about managing ADHD and the significance of rest and support. Ultimately, she introduces Business Class, a new venture aimed at empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.

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.