Masters of Scale

Will.i.am, a genre-crossing musician and founding member of the Black Eyed Peas, shares his incredible journey from music to tech. He discusses the art of seizing big opportunities, illustrated by his experiences with Super Bowl ads and creating Beats Electronics. The conversation touches on the importance of collaboration, from partnering with NASA to beam a song from Mars to innovative urban design projects. Will.i.am's insights inspire entrepreneurs to harness creativity and leverage partnerships for monumental success.

Tory Burch, Founder and CEO of Tory Burch LLC, shares insights from her journey of building a billion-dollar fashion brand and establishing a foundation to empower women entrepreneurs. She emphasizes the balance of speed and patience in decision-making and discusses the importance of company culture and employee well-being. Tory reflects on navigating international markets, advocating for women in business, and the power of strategic patience. The conversation also highlights personal anecdotes and the impact of her foundation through inspiring success stories.

Stacy Brown-Philpot, CEO of TaskRabbit and a champion of the 'human cloud' concept, discusses how human collaboration can scale businesses effectively. She emphasizes the significance of keeping humans involved in tech-driven solutions. The conversation touches on her journey from the corporate world to a community-focused role, tackling challenges in diversity and inclusivity in tech. With insights on fostering supportive ecosystems and innovative employee programs, this talk highlights the powerful blend of technology and human interaction in creating a thriving workforce.

Explore how entrepreneurs globally grapple with gaining user trust and building effective teams. Dive into contrasts between startup flexibility and corporate structure while navigating rapid growth. Discover strategies for thriving during economic downturns and the importance of long-term thinking. Insights on cultivating a strong company culture emerge, emphasizing alignment and conflict resolution. Plus, innovative initiatives like 'Lobatical' highlight the value of employee appreciation—setting the stage for sustainable success.

John Elkann, Chairman of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and a fourth-generation leader of a storied Italian family business, shares insights on building a company that lasts. He emphasizes the necessity of resilience, adaptability, and the wisdom of retaining core values while evolving. Elkann discusses the emotional challenges of leadership transitions and the importance of honesty in nurturing corporate culture. With anecdotal lessons from the revival of Fiat, he encourages businesses to embrace change and focus on long-term sustainable growth amid a competitive landscape.

Drew Houston, Co-founder and CEO of Dropbox, shares his journey of competing against tech giants like Google and Apple with his nimble cloud storage solution. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing unique strengths in a crowded market and highlights innovative hiring practices. Drew explains how Dropbox's referral program propelled user growth and discusses the balance between ambition and caution when navigating startup challenges. With engaging anecdotes about friendly rivalries and team dynamics, he illustrates how agility and strategic thinking can lead to success.

Arianna Huffington, the founder of Thrive Global and a celebrated author, shares an evocative story about her journey from a humble apartment in Athens to the esteemed halls of Cambridge University. She reflects on valuable lessons from her mother about embracing life's journey rather than fixating on outcomes. The narrative encourages listeners to find joy in personal growth through challenges, with moments for quiet meditation, aiming to recharge and promote mental well-being. Culinary memories and the power of music further enrich her tale.

Anne Wojcicki, co-founder of 23andMe, discusses her groundbreaking work in personal genomics. She emphasizes the importance of embracing regulatory frameworks rather than evading them, viewing them as partnerships rather than obstacles. Wojcicki reflects on her early passion for ice skating and how it resonates with her drive in the healthcare space. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of genetic testing and the transformative power of direct access to one’s DNA in fostering community connections and addressing healthcare challenges.

Stewart Butterfield, Co-founder and CEO of Slack, is known for transforming failed gaming ventures into groundbreaking platforms like Flickr and Slack. He shares insights on the critical moments that prompted major pivots in his career. Listeners learn how Flickr was born from a stalled game project and how Slack evolved from a communication tool into a business necessity. He emphasizes the importance of community involvement and employee support during challenging transitions, showcasing how storytelling and adaptability lead to innovation.

Whitney Wolfe Herd, founder of Bumble, shares her journey of transforming online dating with innovative ideas to empower women. She discusses how small changes can lead to significant impacts, using anecdotes from her own experience. The conversation touches on redefining dating norms, the importance of user insights, and creating safer environments in digital interactions. Wolfe highlights Bumble's unique approach where women make the first move and examines the app's growing influence, especially in India, where it sparks cultural shifts.