Cold Call

Gina Raimondo, the U.S. Commerce Secretary, discusses her pivotal role in authorizing $39 billion for semiconductor manufacturing, emphasizing innovative funding strategies. She highlights the significance of the CHIPS Act in revitalizing the U.S. semiconductor industry post-COVID. The conversation dives into the challenges of risk management in government funding and the necessity of a transparent application process. Raimondo also shares insights on balancing technological leadership with responsible taxpayer funding.

Kara Nortman, a venture capitalist, Julie Uhrman, an entrepreneur, and Natalie Portman, an actor and activist, co-founded Angel City Football Club to revolutionize women's sports. They discuss their innovative business model that prioritizes gender equity and community engagement. The trio shares insights on balancing brand-building with player development and the club's rapid rise, achieving a market valuation of $250 million. Their commitment to pay equity and inclusivity in sports challenges traditional norms and inspires a new era of women's athletics.

Jeff Maggioncalda, the CEO of Coursera, shares insights on integrating generative AI into education. He reveals how four key projects are reshaping content delivery, enhancing personalized coaching, and automating course creation. The conversation dives into the competitive landscape, urging companies to continually innovate to stay ahead. Maggioncalda also discusses the balance between rapid tech adoption and ethical concerns, emphasizing the importance of providing accessible education in a fast-evolving digital world.

Nadine Vogel, CEO of Springboard Consulting, shares her journey in advocating for disability inclusion. Topics include challenges in creating inclusive workplaces, personal career decisions, navigating difficult decisions regarding disability services, and transforming workplaces for growth. The podcast emphasizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in organizations.

Robin Kovitz, CEO of Baskits, shares her journey of buying a seasonal business, offering insights on investment criteria, risk management, and transitioning to entrepreneurship. The episode explores challenges of acquiring a business, managing a seasonal operation, and analytical methods for business growth. Kovitz's triumph as a novice CEO highlights the complexities and considerations of owning a seasonal business.

Harvard Business School professor and tech entrepreneur discuss NFTs, focusing on the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFTs' rise and brand-building model. They explore the impact of NFTs on digital ownership, brand loyalty, and societal evolution, emphasizing the importance of understanding NFT technology for engaging consumers in the digital space.

In 2018, artisanal Italian vineyard Frank Cornelissen was one of the world’s leading producers of natural wine. But when weather-related conditions damaged that year’s grapes, founder Frank Cornelissen had to decide between staying true to the tenets of natural wine making, or breaking with his public beliefs to save that year’s grapes by adding sulfites. Harvard Business School assistant professor Tiona Zuzul discusses the importance of staying true to your company’s principles while remaining flexible enough to welcome progress in the case, “Frank Cornelissen: The Great Sulfite Debate.”

Rick McCathron, CEO and president of Hippo, an insurtech firm addressing climate challenges, dives into innovating home insurance strategies. He discusses how Hippo leverages technology for competitive edge, smart home packages, and data-driven pricing. With Harvard’s Lauren Cohen, they explore adapting underwriting models to extreme weather events. Topics include consumer behavior shifts towards tech solutions and how new entrants improve claims processes while traditional insurers struggle. Together, they highlight the essential role of AI in predicting risks and enhancing customer engagement.

The podcast discusses the challenges faced by Twiddy & Company during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the importance of trust in managing through a crisis. It explores how the company leaned into trust to support homeowners, guests, and employees, highlighting the dynamics of trust relationships and the role of communication in crisis management.

Ferran Adrià, chef at elBulli, balances innovation and business growth. Harvard Prof. Norton discusses creativity, emotions, and innovation connections. Podcast explores rituals, emotional dining experience at elBulli, and the power of creativity in exceptional customer experiences.