Masters of Scale

Lynn Jurich, CEO of Sunrun, has led the charge towards aggressive sustainability in residential solar power. She discusses the surge in solar investment under the Biden administration and how her company navigates fierce competition, particularly from Tesla. Jurich reveals her bold move of spending $3 billion to expand during the pandemic and emphasizes the importance of long-term vision. She also touches on unique employee initiatives like the 'Lobatical' program, showcasing the role of corporate culture in driving innovation within the sector.

Sam Harris, a renowned author, neuroscientist, and philosopher, shares valuable insights on emotional mastery. He discusses the necessity of solitude and mindfulness for entrepreneurs, emphasizing how these practices enhance decision-making. Harris introduces the transient nature of thoughts and emotions, advocating for resilience in stress management. He also highlights the importance of intellectual honesty in seeking truth, while connecting vulnerability in entrepreneurship to personal growth. Tune in for powerful lessons on navigating the emotional landscape of leadership!

Danny Meyer, the iconic restaurateur behind Shake Shack, shares his rollercoaster journey through the pandemic's impact on the restaurant industry. He reflects on the challenges of closures and layoffs, while emphasizing the need for federal support. Despite recent setbacks, Danny remains hopeful about new restaurant opportunities and innovation. He highlights the vital role of restaurants in community life and discusses initiatives like 'Lobatical' to appreciate employees. It's a candid look at resilience, navigating tough times, and the enduring love for dining out.

In this enlightening conversation, Eric Schmidt, former CEO of Google and chairman of Alphabet, shares his expertise in managing chaos to drive innovation. He discusses the powerful '20% time' policy that allowed employees to pursue personal projects, leading to groundbreaking products like Gmail. Schmidt highlights the importance of fostering collaboration and constructive disagreement in leadership. He also draws amusing parallels between managing a tech giant and piloting a small aircraft, along with a quirky tale about office dynamics at Google.

Sallie Krawcheck, co-founder and CEO of Ellevest, a fintech focused on women investors, discusses the pandemic's devastating impact on women's employment, revealing that one in five have left the workforce. She highlights the growing gender pay and wealth gaps while advocating for innovative financial solutions. Krawcheck emphasizes the need for businesses to take action and how startups can offer vital support. Her insights reflect on the systemic inequalities women face and the importance of community-driven financial empowerment.

Jenn Hyman, co-founder of Rent the Runway, shares insights on the often-overlooked operations that drive success in business. She discusses how Rent the Runway's unicorn status was built on a massive dry-cleaning operation and data insights that are transforming fashion. Jenn emphasizes the importance of relationships, trust, and innovative employee benefits, like the 'Lobatical' initiative, in enhancing customer experiences. Discover how operational excellence underpins their glamorous public image.

If 2021 is even half as unpredictable as 2020 was, you'll need to dig deep into your resilience and wisdom to get through. We've pulled together this special episode of Masters of Scale to serve as a sort of primer for the new year, full of lessons learned from the sometimes devastating, sometimes inspiring year we just put behind us. These lessons come from a range of guests we've spoken to in a time of incredible change. Some are stories about doing everything right – and still ending up in crisis. Others are about overcoming the odds with grit, heart, and compassion. Featuring GM's Mary Barra, Jeff Wiener, Jonah Peretti, Rashad Robinson, Colleen DeCourcy, Susan Wojcicki, and more. Read a transcript of this episode at https://mastersofscale.comSubscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter at https://mastersofscale.com/subscribeSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Reflecting on 2020's disruptions, the hosts delve into the challenges imposed by the pandemic and its impact on remote work dynamics. They discuss the importance of business culture and technology in fostering creativity and resilience. The conversation highlights corporate responsibility, emphasizing the role of leaders in social issues like racial justice. Personal stories of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit emerge, showcasing opportunities for growth in a tumultuous year. The overarching theme is a call for businesses to actively participate in shaping a better future.

Bret Taylor, President and COO of Salesforce and a key architect behind the $28 billion acquisition of Slack, shares insights on the pivotal moment this partnership came to life during the pandemic. He discusses how their friendship and past experiences influenced their business strategies. Taylor highlights the shift to digital work tools and the necessity of resilience in adapting to change. He also explores the future of workplace dynamics, emphasizing that our choices will shape the blend of technology and human interaction in the office.

Tobi Lütke, the Founder and CEO of Shopify, revolutionizes e-commerce by discussing the power of building a platform that benefits everyone. He emphasizes creating a virtuous cycle for business growth and shares how prioritizing third-party developers has transformed Shopify's ecosystem. Lütke also explores innovative employee care strategies, like the 'Lobatical' program, highlighting how a positive work environment enhances customer experiences. Throughout, he provides insights on standing out from competitors and fostering a collaborative company culture.