The Knowledge Project

Join Barry Diller, a media titan and co-founder of the Fox Broadcasting Company, as he delves into his new memoir and the lessons he's learned over a remarkable career. He openly discusses the importance of failure and the power of instinct over data in decision-making. Barry shares insights on the shifting landscape of entertainment driven by technology and AI, while emphasizing the need for accountability and trust in conflict. He defines success simply as maintaining curiosity and the joy of embracing confrontation to refine ideas.

Join Ed Stack as he recounts his journey from a humble $300 start to building Dick’s Sporting Goods into a retail giant. Discover how he navigated near-catastrophic failures and rebuilt trust with creditors. Learn about the innovative strategies that helped him expand and compete against larger chains. Experience the intense boardroom battles he faced and the personal risks he took to ensure the company's survival. Ed shares invaluable lessons on purpose, values, and the importance of resilience in business.

Lulu Cheng Meservey, a communications strategist and creator of Rostra, shares her insights on effective storytelling and leadership. She discusses why trust is critical, highlighting how it can be nurtured through relatable narratives. The conversation touches on the pitfalls of corporate communication and the need for emotional connection in a noisy media landscape. Meservey also offers practical advice on handling public relations attacks while maintaining authenticity and emphasizes the importance of being proactive in reputation management.

Discover the incredible journey of Fred Smith, who transformed a risky idea into the global powerhouse that is FedEx. Hear about his early gambles, a life-changing accident, and how adversities shaped his resilience. Dive into the innovative concepts like the hub-and-spoke model that revolutionized logistics. Learn about the lessons of adaptability from costly misjudgments. This captivating tale shows how what seems impossible can become an opportunity for groundbreaking success.

Benedict Evans, a renowned technology analyst, shares his insights on AI and platform shifts. He discusses why AI isn't the next electricity but a monumental change since the iPhone. The conversation reveals vulnerabilities of giants like Google and addresses what regular users truly do with AI. Evans emphasizes the need for critical thinking in assessing AI's impact and offers advice for students navigating this new landscape. This dialogue reshapes how we perceive technology's evolution and its real-world implications.

Discover the fascinating journey of a man who created an empire in wild blueberries while never leaving his small hometown. Explore how he transformed a struggling cable company into a telecommunications giant. Learn about his innovative approach to business, emphasizing patience and sustainable investments. His inspiring leadership style focused on community empowerment and resilience, proving that local roots can lead to global success.

Dr. Sue Johnson, a pioneer of Emotionally Focused Therapy, shares revolutionary insights on building lasting relationships. She unveils the real reasons behind infidelity and offers tips on spotting warning signs early. Learn how to transform arguments into opportunities for connection and keep the spark alive, even after children. Sue discusses the life cycles of relationships, emotional intimacy, and the importance of open dialogue. Her framework helps couples communicate effectively, promising a healthier emotional bond for anyone, whether single or coupled.

Sol Price is the unsung hero behind modern retail, influencing giants like Costco and Walmart with his innovative ideas. He believed in keeping promises to customers over chasing profits, as highlighted by the iconic $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. From a troubled upbringing to pioneering the warehouse club concept, his journey is a testament to resilience. Price not only created multi-billion-dollar companies but also mentored competitors, proving that integrity and customer loyalty are key to lasting success.

Ryan Petersen, founder and CEO of Flexport, shares his journey through the complexities of global logistics and leadership. He candidly discusses the lessons learned from stepping down as CEO and what it took to reclaim his position. The conversation reveals the nuances of micromanagement in leadership, the challenges of navigating tariffs during the Trump era, and the critical role of logistics during the pandemic, including the extraordinary feat of airlifting 500 million masks. Petersen offers insights that blend personal anecdotes with invaluable business wisdom.

Delve into the inspiring journey of Katharine Graham as she transforms from a shy socialite into a media titan. Witness her courageous decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, defying legal advice and executive pressure. Explore her battle against self-doubt and gender bias while she faces the challenges of leading the Washington Post. The narrative emphasizes the critical role of journalism in democracy and presents valuable lessons in leadership, integrity, and resilience from Graham's extraordinary legacy.