Rapid Response

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Mar 11, 2025 • 28min

Nonprofits navigate Trump’s drastic funding cuts, with The Chronicle of Philanthropy CEO Stacy Palmer

President Trump’s dramatic cuts to U.S. government grants are destabilizing every corner of the non-profit sector, leaving organizations scrambling to adapt. Stacy Palmer, CEO of the Chronicle of Philanthropy, explores the executive order’s impact on both the public and private sector, how organizations can adjust to the unpredictable philosophy of the new administration, and what the future of giving may look like. With many historical institutions like public schools, houses of worship, and community organizations under pressure, this moment could further fracture the ties that bind Americans together.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Mar 7, 2025 • 32min

Can the NWSL make women’s soccer bigger than the NFL? with Commissioner Jessica Berman

As the National Women's Soccer League kicks off a new season, Commissioner Jessica Berman joins Rapid Response to share how the league is seizing a moment of unprecedented growth and excitement in women’s sports. Berman inherited a league in turmoil, plagued by allegations of abuse and the subsequent player revolt. After two years at the helm, Berman has not only steadied the ship, but secured historic media deals and record team valuations. Whether or not you’re a soccer fan, Jessica shares lessons sure to inspire any leader looking to spark game-changing impact.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Mar 4, 2025 • 27min

What the Oscars tell us about streamers, studios, and Hollywood’s future with The Ankler's Janice Min

The Oscars aren’t just about filmmaking — they’re a real-time look at the culture, business, and power plays shaping Hollywood and larger entertainment industry. The Ankler CEO Janice Min returns to Rapid Response to unpack the night’s biggest turning points — including how Sean Baker’s Anora proved that low-budget filmmaking can outrun major studios, why Hollywood is more afraid of political controversy than ever, and how livestreaming is factoring in the streamers wars, one Hulu glitch at a time.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 28, 2025 • 26min

Leveraging celebrity culture to sustain an iconic brand, with The Apollo’s Michelle Ebanks

For over 90 years, countless iconic musicians have graced The Apollo Theatre in New York City, from James Brown and Aretha Franklin, to Drake and Bruno Mars. Today, the venue is expanding its footprint in the hopes of straddling in-person and digital engagement. The Apollo’s CEO Michelle Ebanks joins Rapid Response to explore how she’s tapping into celebrity culture, operating a historically Black institution in the midst of a DEI backlash, and more. Whether it's negotiating with Prince or proving a judgemental boardroom wrong, Michelle shares stories that illustrate the resilience and creativity we all need today.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 25, 2025 • 29min

Egg prices, avian flu & golden yolks, with Vital Farms CEO Russell Diez-Canseco

Feeling the impact of eggflation? Vital Farms’ CEO Russell Diez-Canseco joins Rapid Response to offer valuable context beyond the eye-popping price tags. As avian flu continues to wipe out millions of birds, many egg producers are struggling — but Vital Farms has managed to keep growing. Canseco shares how the brand’s relationship with farmers, transparency with customers, and unique business model has allowed the company to turn crisis into opportunity. He also explores why Vital Farms became a B Corp before its IPO, the company’s high-profile lawsuit with PETA, and what makes Vital Farms’ yolks so orange. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 22, 2025 • 32min

Fixable: Can kindness (and a little math) be all it takes to save a struggling company?

Rapid Response brings you a special episode from Fixable with Francis Frei and Anne Morriss. In this featured conversation, Francis and Anne sit down with James Rhee—entrepreneur, author, and impact investor—who led the remarkable turnaround of Ashley Stewart, a retail brand serving Black, moderate-income, plus-size women.As a first-time CEO and private equity investor, James took an unconventional approach, proving that deep respect for employees—combined with strategic financial discipline—can drive unprecedented success. Hear how he applied radical kindness and data-driven decision-making to revive a struggling company and uncover valuable insights for any leader navigating crisis or change.About FixableFrances Frei is a Harvard Business professor. Anne Morriss is a CEO and best-selling author. Anne and Frances are two of the top leadership coaches in the world. Oh, did we mention they're also married to each other? Together, Anne and Frances move fast and fix stuff by talking to guest callers about their workplace issues and solving their problems – in 30 minutes or less. Both listeners and guests will receive actionable insights to create meaningful change in the workplace – regardless of their position on the company ladder.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 21, 2025 • 28min

Kickstarter 2.0: Expanding far beyond crowdfunding, with CEO Everette Taylor

It’s no longer just start-ups and indie creators raising funds on Kickstarter. The site is now attracting big brands like L’Oreal looking to directly engage a vibrant community of fans. Kickstarter’s CEO Everette Taylor returns to Rapid Response to open up about the company’s recent evolution — from replacing his leadership team and expanding the platform’s ambitions, to launching a host of tools to win over new users and reengage old ones. Everette also reveals the hidden benefits behind Kickstarter’s four day work week, takes issue with the backlash against corporate DEI, and argues why making progress requires doing things in a new, riskier way.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Stripe — empowering businesses around the world to make progress.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 18, 2025 • 32min

Can Rivian avoid the EV speed bumps? with founder and CEO RJ Scaringe

As demand declines for EVs, and Tesla’s Elon Musk wields power in the new Trump administration, electric automaker Rivian is taking this time to adapt its business and expand its brand. Rivian’s founder and CEO RJ Scaringe joins Rapid Response to share how the company is moving beyond the luxury SUV space — introducing a raft of new challenges and opportunities. RJ explores Rivian's recent $5.8 billion partnership with Volkswagen, the ongoing risk assessment for self-driving features, and how Rivian's AI-enabled 'technological plumbing' can accelerate the brand beyond incumbent manufacturers.This episode is brought to you in partnership with Stripe — empowering businesses around the world to make progress.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 14, 2025 • 26min

Musk’s DOGE agency and the real need to declutter government, with Jen Pahlka

As former US Deputy Chief Technology Officer, Jen Pahlka helped to create the US Digital Service (USDS) to upgrade the government’s tech capabilities. Today, the USDS houses Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), hell-bent on quick, disruptive change. Pahlka returns to Rapid Response to share why the motivation behind Musk’s disruption of the status quo isn’t necessarily wrong, arguing that we must clear the “sludge” out of government processes to finally create the conditions for substantive change. She also explores how AI can be used to streamline government work, the role of business minds in the White House today, and more. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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Feb 11, 2025 • 29min

From Nike to Bud Light to Tubi: Lessons from the Super Bowl 2025 ads, with Autodesk's Dara Treseder

Super Bowl LIX had a clear winner on the field, but victory for brands was more hard-won. Sure, plenty of ad spots were star-studded, from Seal to David Beckham to Ben and Casey Affleck, but to what end? Many aimed for impact, but did they deliver? Autodesk CMO Dara Treseder offers hot takes on this year’s hits and misses from the big game’s ads. She joins host Bob Safian to break down what makes an NBDB (never been done before) moment, why so many brands adopted a “safe” approach, and what trends business leaders should note going forward.Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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