Humanize AI before it dehumanizes us, with Dr. Rana el Kaliouby at SXSW

Published: 04/09/2026 04:00:00
Humanize AI before it dehumanizes us, with Dr. Rana el Kaliouby at SXSW Episode Details
AI is moving fast. But are we really keeping humans at the center? In this special live Rapid Response, recorded on stage at South by Southwest, host Bob Safian sits down with AI scientist, founder of Affectiva, investor at Blue Tulip, and host of Pioneers of AI, Dr. Rana el Kaliouby. Rana makes the case that human-centric AI isn't just a safety guardrail; it's the key to thriving socially, economically, and emotionally. She also cuts through the noise on the buzziest AI myths, weighs in on AI in therapy and Meta
The “most stressed” wellness CEO, with Calm’s David Ko

Published: 04/07/2026 04:00:00
The "most stressed" wellness CEO, with Calm's David Ko Episode Details
What does it take to lead a meditation company without finding a moment’s peace? David Ko spent years as CEO of Calm, one of the world's most recognized mental health and wellness apps, helping millions manage stress. Now he's stepping down. Ko unpacks why he made the call, what the relentless pressure of the C-suite really does to a person, and how to draw the line between the kind of stress that sharpens you and the kind that quietly breaks you down. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy
How to think faster and talk smarter, with Matt Abrahams

Published: 04/02/2026 04:00:00
How to think faster and talk smarter, with Matt Abrahams Episode Details
Matt Abrahams knows what it takes to win over a crowd, close a deal, or inspire a team. The renowned communication expert and Stanford business school lecturer shares his science-backed strategies for overcoming public speaking anxiety and more. Check out Matt’s podcast and book: https://www.fastersmarter.io/ 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.
The internet is breaking. So what’s next? with Cloudflare’s Matthew Prince

Published: 03/31/2026 04:00:00
The internet is breaking. So what's next? with Cloudflare's Matthew Prince Episode Details
AI bots are on track to outnumber humans online by 2027. No one has a better line of sight into that shift than Matthew Prince — his company, Cloudflare, routes more than 20% of all internet traffic. Speaking live from SXSW, Prince reveals how AI is rewriting the economics of the web, how tech giants are scrambling to respond, and what it means for anyone running an online business. Plus, what it's like to be on the frontlines of Iranian cyberwarfare, and why Prince made the unexpected move to buy a
Arthur Brooks on how to build a meaningful life

Published: 03/26/2026 04:00:00
Arthur Brooks on how to build a meaningful life Episode Details
Arthur Brooks is a bestselling author and Harvard professor best known for his work on the science of happiness. He joins host Jeff Berman to reveal the insights at the heart of his new book: The Meaning of Your Life: Finding Purpose in an Age of Emptiness. Link to Arthur's new book The Meaning of Your Life: https://www.arthurbrooks.com/books/the-meaning-of-your-life You can find more details about it here: themeaningofyourlife.com Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Crisis at Hormuz, and your $160b tariff refund clock, with Flexport’s Ryan Petersen

Published: 03/24/2026 04:00:00
Crisis at Hormuz, and your $160b tariff refund clock, with Flexport's Ryan Petersen Episode Details
When global trade buckles, Ryan Petersen is the person executives call. The founder and CEO of Flexport returns to Rapid Response to offer a real-time account of the Strait of Hormuz crisis — what he's seeing on the ground, on the water, and across the supply chains straining under the pressure. Petersen also digs into the prospect of tariff refunds in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling against the Trump Administration, and why businesses risk leaving $160 billion on the table by not acting. Plus, how AI is reshaping both
Futurist Amy Webb: Trends are not enough

Published: 03/19/2026 04:00:00
Futurist Amy Webb: Trends are not enough Episode Details
Amy Webb, futurist and CEO of the Future Today Strategy Group, held a funeral for her famous annual trend report at SXSW this year. She explains to host Jeff Berman why convergences are the new critical unit of change instead. Webb says leaders must stop being distracted by "the shiny" and learn to prepare for the disruption of convergences. Link to the Convergence Outlook: https://ftsg.com/convergence/ Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The C-suite is messier than you think, with Maryam Banikarim

Published: 03/17/2026 04:00:00
The C-suite is messier than you think, with Maryam Banikarim Episode Details
Career disruption is accelerating across the economy — and few people have navigated it more boldly than Maryam Banikarim. The former CMO of Univision, Gannett, and Hyatt, and host of The Messy Parts podcast, Banikarim joins Rapid Response to share hard-won wisdom about C-suite politics, and ultimately betting on yourself. Growing up in Iran during the time of revolution, Banikarim offers a unique perspective on the current Middle East conflict — and her determined search for hope amid the chaos. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy at
How Shantanu Narayen transformed Adobe

Published: 03/14/2026 04:00:00
How Shantanu Narayen transformed Adobe Episode Details
Shantanu Narayen announced this week that he will step down after nearly two decades as CEO of Adobe. In this conversation first published in early 2025, Narayen talked with host Reid Hoffman about how he led the transformation of Adobe’s creative tools like Photoshop to cloud-based subscriptions, how that unlocked faster innovation, and why those lessons are serving the company well in the new age of AI. Synthetic voiceover of Reid Hoffman used in this episode was produced by Respeecher with full consent and permission. Read a transcript of this episode:
FanDuel CEO Amy Howe: ‘My whole career has been sliding doors moments’

Published: 03/12/2026 04:00:00
FanDuel CEO Amy Howe: 'My whole career has been sliding doors moments' Episode Details
Before taking on the role of FanDuel CEO, Amy Howe faced unprecedented uncertainty while leading Ticketmaster through a global pandemic. Howe talks with host Jeff Berman about navigating fierce competition, shifting regulations, and the rise of prediction markets. A sports betting giant, FanDuel has a market cap of more than $25 billion dollars. Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Stop waiting for clarity. Unfreeze and act, with Accenture’s Julie Sweet

Published: 03/10/2026 04:00:00
Stop waiting for clarity. Unfreeze and act, with Accenture's Julie Sweet Episode Details
AI disruption and geopolitical upheaval are forcing business leaders to make high-stakes decisions — fast. Accenture CEO Julie Sweet joins Rapid Response host Bob Safian to share what she's hearing from her 9,000 clients and the hard-won advice she's giving them. Sweet reveals why AI proficiency is now a requirement for promotion at Accenture, why she's doubling down on entry-level hiring amid the automation wave, and why tension in the C-suite may be the most underrated leadership advantage right now. Plus, Sweet unpacks the hidden power of "leader-led learning", and makes
Your Rich BFF dishes on dopamine spending and the new money minefield, with Vivian Tu

Published: 03/05/2026 04:00:00
Your Rich BFF dishes on dopamine spending and the new money minefield, with Vivian Tu Episode Details
Why does uncertainty make us less rational with money? And who should we trust for financial advice online? Vivian Tu, financial educator and CEO of Your Rich BFF, joins Rapid Response to break down today’s personal finance risks and opportunities, from “lifestyle inflation” and the most common money mistakes smart people make to how Gen Z is navigating 2026 volatility and a shifting job market. Tu also previews her new book Well-Endowed, weighs in on tech stock valuations and prediction markets, and shares the surprising lessons she’s taken from Rihanna. Hear
Rapid Recap: Iran, Anthropic vs. Pentagon, Paramount’s win, and more

Published: 03/03/2026 04:00:00
Rapid Recap: Iran, Anthropic vs. Pentagon, Paramount's win, and more Episode Details
Geopolitics is back at the top of every business leader's agenda — and the signals are coming fast. Host Bob Safian sits down with Rapid Response producer Alex Morris to cut through the noise and decode the stories shaping the business world right now: from Jeff Bezos' Washington Post shakeup and Jack Dorsey's AI-driven layoff memo, to a landmark Supreme Court tariff ruling and the Ellison family's rising grip on media. Plus, Bob and Alex play a round of Noise or Legit, separating the meaningful from the merely buzzworthy in today's
Hailey Bieber, AI and fast launches: how e.l.f. Beauty is winning

Published: 02/26/2026 04:00:00
Hailey Bieber, AI and fast launches: how e.l.f. Beauty is winning Episode Details
Tarang Amin took the helm of e.l.f. Beauty at a pivotal moment and helped turn it from industry underdog to category disruptor, with a retail footprint spanning Sephora, Target, Dollar General, and H&M — while outperforming much of the beauty sector. Amin breaks down the unconventional moves driving that growth, from lightning-fast product cycles and hands-on AI experimentation to cultural bets like partnering with Hailey Bieber. Beyond beauty, e.l.f.’s playbook offers a sharp look at how speed and conviction fuel growth in a volatile market. Hear Amin’s conversation with Bob Safian
Unrivaled is rewriting the business of women’s basketball

Published: 02/24/2026 04:00:00
Unrivaled is rewriting the business of women's basketball Episode Details
Women's sports are continuing to thrive. Record-breaking WNBA viewership, a flood of new brand investment, and now Unrivaled: the women's basketball league built by players, for players. Commissioner Micky Lawler joins Rapid Response to pull back the curtain on what it really takes to launch a high-stakes sports startup in the full glare of the public eye, from signing Sephora and Samsung to selling out arenas. The question is no longer whether women's sports can compete. It's how fast they can grow. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy
Inside the business of hosting the Super Bowl

Published: 02/19/2026 04:00:00
Inside the business of hosting the Super Bowl Episode Details
The Bay Area is in the midst of something unprecedented: playing host to the NBA All-Star Game, Super Bowl, and FIFA World Cup games back-to-back-to-back. It usually takes years of planning and expert navigating of local politics to pull off even one of these events. Host Jeff Berman talked with the person responsible for making it all happen behind-the-scenes: Zaileen Janmohamed, CEO of the Bay Area Host Committee. Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Uncovering the $7 trillion reputation economy

Published: 02/17/2026 04:00:00
Uncovering the $7 trillion reputation economy Episode Details
Corey duBrowa spent much of his career advising some of the world’s most scrutinized leaders — from Howard Schultz at Starbucks and Marc Benioff at Salesforce to Sundar Pichai at Google. Now, as CEO of global communications firm Burson, he’s helping executives navigate a charged marketplace shaped by AI disruption, ICE activity, and nonstop reputational risk. duBrowa explains why reputation remains one of the most powerful (and most misunderstood) assets in business, and how leaders should decide whether, when, and how to speak up. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/
DraftKings’ next big bets, with CEO Jason Robins

Published: 02/12/2026 04:00:00
DraftKings' next big bets, with CEO Jason Robins Episode Details
Prediction markets. AI. Super Bowl ads. Hear how DraftKings co-founder and CEO Jason Robins is placing bets on the future. Robins talked with host Jeff Berman just ahead of the Super Bowl in San Francisco about how he stays focused, cultivates company culture, and navigates a tumultuous regulatory and competitive landscape. Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Super Bowl ads, Bad Bunny, and the business of cultural risk, with Autodesk’s Dara Treseder

Published: 02/10/2026 04:00:00
Super Bowl ads, Bad Bunny, and the business of cultural risk, with Autodesk's Dara Treseder Episode Details
The Super Bowl LX ad blitz was a big budget highwire act — from Anthropic's shot at OpenAI to Lady Gaga's homage to Mr Rogers, and Dunkin's nostalgia-fueled celeb fest. Autodesk CMO Dara Treseder returns to Rapid Response to break down what worked, what didn’t, and what the ads reveal about where marketing is headed next. Treseder unpacks the business impact of Bad Bunny’s halftime show, what it signals for the NFL and Apple, and the lessons every leader can take from the biggest stage in advertising. Visit the Rapid Response
GaryVee on how to make Super Bowl ads that are actually funny

Published: 02/07/2026 04:00:00
GaryVee on how to make Super Bowl ads that are actually funny Episode Details
Gary Vaynerchuk of VaynerMedia has produced more than a dozen Super Bowl ads for brands. In 2026, his hilarious "Will Shat" spot for Kellogg's Raisin Bran features actor William Shatner with a fiber-forward message. He talked with Jeff Berman about the bold ad, how marketing is changing, big brands' delayed embrace of social media, and more. Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How Zoom grew 30x almost overnight

Published: 02/05/2026 04:00:00
How Zoom grew 30x almost overnight Episode Details
Eric Yuan saw frustrated customers and wanted to make the product he worked on better – but couldn’t convince his bosses. So he struck out on his own and founded a competitor: Zoom. Yuan talks with host Jeff Berman about building Zoom into a massive player, how it handled 30x growth when the Covid pandemic hit, how he led the company through a painful round of layoffs, and more. Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Padma Lakshmi’s secret to authentic leadership? Stop trying.

Published: 02/03/2026 04:00:00
Padma Lakshmi's secret to authentic leadership? Stop trying. Episode Details
TV host, producer, author, and UN Goodwill Ambassador Padma Lakshmi joins Rapid Response with candid advice for business leaders on speaking out, showing courage, and staying true to themselves, particularly amid the Trump Administration’s violent immigration crackdown. A passionate voice at the intersection of food, culture, and identity, Lakshmi shares how she’s shaking up food media with her new series America’s Culinary Cup, and offers a refreshingly human take on modern work life, including why she chooses to take zoom meetings from the comfort of her own bed. Visit the Rapid
Possible: Amjad Masad on vibe coding, AI agents, and the end of boilerplate

Published: 01/31/2026 04:00:00
Possible: Amjad Masad on vibe coding, AI agents, and the end of boilerplate Episode Details
On this episode of Possible, Reid Hoffman and Aria Finger sit down with Amjad Masad, founder and CEO of Replit, to explore how AI is fundamentally changing who gets to build software and what that means for work, creativity, and human agency. Masad traces his journey from growing up in Jordan teaching himself to code and connects it to his love of video games which helped inspire him to build a platform that turns natural language into working software. The conversation spans everything from why gaming mindsets make better builders, to
How to break through a fear of failure, with Fawn Weaver & Van Jones

Published: 01/29/2026 04:00:00
How to break through a fear of failure, with Fawn Weaver & Van Jones Episode Details
After blitzscaling one of the fastest-growing spirit brands in history, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey founder Fawn Weaver is reflecting on how to build not just a company, but a meaningful life. She talked with CNN host Van Jones at the Masters of Scale Summit in October. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Reid Hoffman on AI’s new tune, Davos, and the need for CEO courage

Published: 01/27/2026 04:00:00
Reid Hoffman on AI's new tune, Davos, and the need for CEO courage Episode Details
As global leaders disperse from the World Economic Forum, LinkedIn co-founder and tech investor Reid Hoffman joins Rapid Response to break down the biggest challenges and opportunities facing business today, from political headwinds tied to immigration and geopolitics to AI’s real-time impact on industries like music and healthcare. Hoffman also explains why fears of a tech bubble aren’t shaping his investing, what it really means to be an AI-first organization, and why this moment calls for CEOs to speak up and show courage. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See
Reid Hoffman & Inflection AI’s Sean White on designing AI that makes us better humans

Published: 01/24/2026 04:00:00
Reid Hoffman & Inflection AI's Sean White on designing AI that makes us better humans Episode Details
At Masters of Scale Summit in October of 2025, Reid Hoffman and Dr. Sean White, CEO of Inflection AI, discuss how to design responsible AI systems, build smarter AI-fueled businesses, and the potential for transforming everything from healthcare to education. This conversation is brought to you by Inflection AI. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How to make smarter changes, with cognitive scientist Maya Shankar

Published: 01/22/2026 04:00:00
How to make smarter changes, with cognitive scientist Maya Shankar Episode Details
Cognitive scientist Maya Shankar has made a career of cleverly using insights from behavioral economics to fuel her work in the Obama White House and in Silicon Valley. She talks with host Jeff Berman about the tools everyone can use to be more resilient in the face of change. You can find Maya's book The Other Side of Change here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/729180/the-other-side-of-change-by-maya-shankar/ Check out Maya’s podcast A Slight Change of Plans here: https://www.pushkin.fm/podcasts/a-slight-change-of-plans Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at
Anti-polarizing strategies from a purple city, with OKC Mayor David Holt

Published: 01/20/2026 04:00:00
Anti-polarizing strategies from a purple city, with OKC Mayor David Holt Episode Details
Mayors are unique leaders in America, often more loved and less polarized than state or federal politicians, with a different mandate and metric for success. Mayor of Oklahoma City, David Holt, is also the current president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, and he joins Rapid Response to discuss how cities deliver for their residents, navigate macroeconomic forces and federal policy, and improve public trust. Holt shares what it means to govern a politically “purple” city, and how forces of politics and society may make us appear to be more polarized
How to save a magazine, with The Atlantic’s Nicholas Thompson

Published: 01/15/2026 04:00:00
How to save a magazine, with The Atlantic's Nicholas Thompson Episode Details
When Nicholas Thompson took over as CEO of The Atlantic five years ago, the iconic magazine was in financial trouble. Now, its profitable and subscriber and revenue numbers are growing. Thompson joins host Jeff Berman to talk about the impressive turnaround, how media companies can weather AI disruption, and lessons from the world of long distance running. His new memoir is The Running Ground: A father, a son, and the simplest of sports: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/678434/the-running-ground-by-nicholas-thompson/ Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy
The AI agents in your wallet, with Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach

Published: 01/13/2026 04:00:00
The AI agents in your wallet, with Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach Episode Details
What did the latest holiday shopping season reveal about consumer confidence as the year begins? Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach joins Rapid Response to unpack the signals he’s seeing across global spending — from shifting consumer sentiment to AI’s growing role in financial security. Miebach also explores how credit cards fit into a future shaped by crypto, digital wallets, and agent-driven commerce, and what it will take for businesses to stay competitive amid continued market disruption. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice
How Baby2Baby stepped up as LA wildfires raged

Published: 01/10/2026 04:00:00
How Baby2Baby stepped up as LA wildfires raged Episode Details
One year ago, as devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles, nonprofit Baby2Baby was on the ground helping. We're revisiting the conversation Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof had on stage with host Jeff Berman in 2025 about what it was like to use everything they’d learned scaling their nonprofit to help their hometown in a moment of crisis. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The $800M exit that started with a single muffin

Published: 01/08/2026 04:00:00
The $800M exit that started with a single muffin Episode Details
Simple Mills started with its founder Katlin Smith tinkering with almond flour muffin recipes in her apartment kitchen. Over the next decade, she built a better-for-you food powerhouse. Smith talks with host Jeff Berman about scaling the brand, selling the company for nearly $800 million dollars, and staying laser-focused on making delicious snacks with clean, nutrient-dense ingredients. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Business world predictions for 2026

Published: 01/06/2026 04:00:00
Business world predictions for 2026 Episode Details
As we turn from reflection to what’s ahead for a new year, Rapid Response presents host Bob Safian’s predictions for the most pressing issues business leaders could face in 2026. Join Bob and producer Alex Morris for a surprisingly hopeful conversation about what’s next – from an AI reality check to energy prices, immigration, and even the World Cup. Safian walks us through what might happen, and why being “right” matters less than sparking debate, testing assumptions, and taking a clear-headed approach in the year ahead. Read all of Bob's predictions:
The science of fresh starts

Published: 01/01/2026 04:00:00
The science of fresh starts Episode Details
To kick off 2026, we’re revisiting our conversation with behavioral scientist Katy Milkman. The Wharton professor and bestselling author of “How to Change” sits down with host Jeff Berman to share proven ways to create positive, lasting changes in our lives and our organizations. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Pioneers of AI: Mark Cuban’s investment strategy in this new era of tech

Published: 12/30/2025 04:00:00
Pioneers of AI: Mark Cuban's investment strategy in this new era of tech Episode Details
Mark Cuban has spent decades as a serial entrepreneur and investor, with one of the best track records on the planet (including celebrity status on ABC’s Shark Tank). In this episode of Pioneers of AI, Cuban joins host Rana El Kaliouby for a wide-ranging conversation about whether we are in an AI bubble, how he’s applying his investment philosophy to AI, and why the AI world is tending to excite him less and less each day. Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/ Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See
How to unlock your team’s creative potential

Published: 12/25/2025 04:00:00
How to unlock your team's creative potential Episode Details
To get the most out of your talent, you need to create an environment that allows them to thrive. Nobody knows this better than Indra Nooyi, who spent 12 years as the CEO of PepsiCo. Her drive to support talent underpinned the initiatives that transformed the company. Hear her conversation with host Reid Hoffman in this episode from our archive. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Resurrecting dire wolves is just the beginning for Colossal Biosciences’ Ben Lamm

Published: 12/23/2025 04:00:00
Resurrecting dire wolves is just the beginning for Colossal Biosciences' Ben Lamm Episode Details
In this encore episode of Rapid Response, we revisit a scientific breakthrough that set the internet ablaze: The ‘de-extinction’ of the dire wolf. While many celebrated Colossal Biosciences’ announcement, the experiment also sparked controversy throughout the scientific community — namely the ethics of birthing and re-wilding extinct animals, and whether Colossal’s dire wolf puppies are the real thing. Colossal’s co-founder and CEO Ben Lamm joined host Bob Safian to take us inside the dire wolf journey, revealing how the startup attracted a roster of celebrity investors, and what the company’s technology
The Salesforce CFO who left to save lives

Published: 12/18/2025 04:00:00
The Salesforce CFO who left to save lives Episode Details
After serving as Chief Legal Officer and then CFO at Salesforce, Amy Weaver sought a new challenge. She is now CEO of Direct Relief, which she tells host Jeff Berman is "the largest, most efficient, most effective, and most impactful global humanitarian group that you may never have heard of.” Weaver reveals scale lessons from Salesforce and how she's now applying them to amplify Direct Relief's vital work. Learn more about Direct Relief: directrelief.org Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy
Lessons of Rapid Response for 2026

Published: 12/16/2025 04:00:00
Lessons of Rapid Response for 2026 Episode Details
This year delivered whiplash: geopolitics, tariffs, and technology all shifting at once. And heading into 2026, the disruption isn’t easing up. In this special episode, host Bob Safian distills five hard-won lessons from Rapid Response this year on how to lead when the ground won’t stop moving. You’ll hear standout moments from Brian Chesky, Clara Shih, Marc Lore, José Andrés, and more, with practical takeaways for turning uncertainty into advantage. 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.
Make the office a destination, not just an obligation

Published: 12/11/2025 04:00:00
Make the office a destination, not just an obligation Episode Details
With over two billion in annual revenue and nearly 7,000 employees, Gensler has cemented itself as a global icon in architecture and design. Host Jeff Berman talks with co-CEO Elizabeth Brink and global co-chair Andy Cohen about why the company has doubled down on a collaborative leadership model, the ways AI is disrupting their industry, and how they’re designing for the future of work. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Kara Swisher takes on big tech, from Apple to Nvidia

Published: 12/09/2025 04:00:00
Kara Swisher takes on big tech, from Apple to Nvidia Episode Details
Can ChatGPT dethrone Gemini? Is Tim Cook capable of leading Apple into the next wave of AI? As 2025 winds down, journalist and podcast host Kara Swisher joins Rapid Response to cut through the noise and decode what’s really happening across OpenAI, Meta, Google, and more. Swisher also sizes up the state of Disney, Netflix, and the escalating bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery. And in classic Swisher fashion, she doesn’t hold back — weighing in on Elon Musk’s eye-popping potential pay package, Mark Zuckerberg’s costly misfires at Meta, and what
A warning for business leaders: Aspiring autocrats tank economies

Published: 12/06/2025 04:00:00
A warning for business leaders: Aspiring autocrats tank economies Episode Details
How does a country sliding toward autocracy affect its economy? Political scientist and author Barbara F Walter offers data-driven insights about why the murky middle ground between democracy and autocracy is bad for business. She talked with host Jeff Berman live on stage at the 2025 Masters of Scale Summit. Walter’s book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/how-civil-wars-start-and-how-to-stop-them-barbara-f-walter/35f702a0af16f18a Walter’s Substack: https://barbarafwalter.substack.com/ Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
The business behind OnlyFans, with CEO Keily Blair

Published: 12/04/2025 04:00:00
The business behind OnlyFans, with CEO Keily Blair Episode Details
In less than a decade, OnlyFans says it has grown into a business earning $7 billion a year. The digital platform is known for letting its 4 million creators share exclusive – often NSFW – content with more than 400 million paying users. So far, creators have earned $25 billion using OnlyFans. CEO Keily Blair revealed what’s next for the brand with host Jeff Berman live on stage at Web Summit in Lisbon. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice
Embrace the multihyphenate career, with Chief’s Alison Moore

Published: 12/02/2025 04:00:00
Embrace the multihyphenate career, with Chief's Alison Moore Episode Details
A recent New York Times headline — “Did Women Ruin the Workplace?” sparked a firestorm across social media. Bob Safian welcomes a leader pushing back on this notion with data and nuance: Alison Moore, CEO of Chief, the prestigious network for senior women executives. Drawing from an exclusive nationwide survey of women leaders, Moore unpacks how evolving career paths are being misread, why women-centered spaces remain vital, and the rise of the multihyphenate leader. As a former HBO executive, Moore also reveals how she’s applying lessons from Game of Thrones to
Replay: Dinner table wisdom with Danny Meyer

Published: 11/27/2025 04:00:00
Replay: Dinner table wisdom with Danny Meyer Episode Details
Danny Meyer is best known as the founder of Shake Shack and the legendary restaurants of his Union Square Hospitality Group in New York City. He joined host Jeff Berman in 2024 for the first Masters of Scale Live, presented by Capital One Business. Later in the conversation, Danny’s daughter, Hallie Meyer, joined them on stage. Hallie is busy scaling her own food venture, the gourmet NYC ice cream shop Caffè Panna. The Meyers offer invaluable insights on how to scale great experiences for customers and teams. Subscribe to the Masters
Beyond the Parade: Macy’s navigates tariffs, turbulence and retail evolution

Published: 11/25/2025 04:00:00
Beyond the Parade: Macy's navigates tariffs, turbulence and retail evolution Episode Details
This Thursday marks the 99th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Macy’s Inc. chairman and CEO Tony Spring joins Rapid Response with a behind-the-scenes preview of what to expect. It’s been a tumultuous year for the legacy retailer, shaped by new tariffs, shifting consumer habits, and the constant flip between “wartime” and “peacetime” leadership. Spring shares why his team is now on “version twenty-seven of the plan,” how Macy’s is entering the AI era, and what it really means to court the next generation of shoppers while staying grounded in “balance,
Possible: Steve Kerr and Kris Brown on leadership and purpose in sports

Published: 11/22/2025 04:00:00
Possible: Steve Kerr and Kris Brown on leadership and purpose in sports Episode Details
What does it take to turn tragedy into advocacy, and advocacy into lasting change? This week, Reid and Aria are talking to Warriors head coach Steve Kerr and Kris Brown, president of Brady, the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization. Together, they explore how sports, storytelling, and civic engagement can move the needle on one of America’s most polarizing issues: guns. In the first part of this episode, Steve and Kris share the personal and political roots of their partnership. They also dive into the movement for safer gun storage, smart
How to be 'fearless' in the AI age, with Fei-Fei Li and Reid Hoffman

Published: 11/20/2025 04:00:00
How to be 'fearless' in the AI age, with Fei-Fei Li and Reid Hoffman Episode Details
The brilliant computer scientist Fei-Fei Li is often called the Godmother of AI. She talks with host Reid Hoffman about why scientists and entrepreneurs need to be fearless in the face of an uncertain future. Li was a founding director of the Human-Centered AI Institute at Stanford and is now an innovator in the area of spatial intelligence as co-founder and CEO of World Labs. This conversation was recorded live at the Presidio Theatre as part of the 2025 Masters of Scale Summit. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/newsletter/
AI: The new frontier for mental health support?

Published: 11/18/2025 04:00:00
AI: The new frontier for mental health support? Episode Details
In recent weeks, OpenAI faced seven lawsuits alleging that ChatGPT contributed to suicides or mental health breakdowns. To spotlight the controversial relationship between AI and mental health, host Bob Safian is joined on stage at Innovation@Brown Showcase by Brown University's Ellie Pavlick, director of a new institute dedicated to exploring AI and mental health, and Soraya Darabi of VC firm TMV, an early investor in mental health AI startups. Pavlick and Darabi weigh the pros and cons of applying AI to emotional well-being, from chatbot therapy to AI friends and romantic
The future of crypto, with Coinbase’s Emilie Choi

Published: 11/13/2025 04:00:00
The future of crypto, with Coinbase's Emilie Choi Episode Details
When Emilie Choi first left Linkedin to go work at a crypto company called Coinbase, her old colleagues thought she made a big mistake. But after surviving a crypto winter, she’s become a key figure in the rise of the company – and the industry. Now Coinbase President and COO, Choi talked with host Reid Hoffman about the operating lessons that enable hyper-scaling and the future of money. This conversation was recorded live on stage at the Presidio Theatre as part of the 2025 Masters of Scale Summit. Subscribe to the
How to get funded now: VCs Reid Hoffman, Aileen Lee, and Stacy Brown-Philpot, with Van Jones

Published: 11/11/2025 04:00:00
How to get funded now: VCs Reid Hoffman, Aileen Lee, and Stacy Brown-Philpot, with Van Jones Episode Details
Reid Hoffman, Stacy Brown-Philpot, and Aileen Lee are three of the most successful, legendary leaders and investors in Silicon Valley. (The term “unicorn” for a startup valued at a billion dollars? Well, Aileen coined that.) This power trio sat down with journalist Van Jones live onstage at the 2025 Masters of Scale Summit, October 8 in San Francisco, to share candid snapshots of the investor’s mindset during this time of rapid change. Learn why VCs have dramatically shifted the way they invest in entrepreneurs this year, how companies can stand out
Remarkable People: David Chang is 'Steve Jobs with a knife"

Published: 11/08/2025 04:00:00
Remarkable People: David Chang is 'Steve Jobs with a knife" Episode Details
What happens when a world-class chef learns that success doesn’t taste like he imagined? David Chang—the culinary force behind Momofuku and author of Eat a Peach—joins Guy Kawasaki to talk about ambition, burnout, scaling the unscalable, and learning to trade Michelin stars for family time. From plumbing disasters to poetic revelations, Chang opens up about the messy, beautiful art of creating something worth tasting. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California
From billion-dollar brand to blank slate: Bobbi Brown’s comeback

Published: 11/06/2025 04:00:00
From billion-dollar brand to blank slate: Bobbi Brown's comeback Episode Details
She built her first company, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, into a billion-dollar brand. But when things soured between her and her parent company, Estée Lauder, she had a choice: retire from the industry, or reinvent herself with a new brand. Brown joins host Jeff Berman to reveal the lessons she learned from scaling – and leaving – her first company. She’s leveraging those decades of insights now in her new venture: Jones Road Beauty. Still Bobbi: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Still-Bobbi/Bobbi-Brown/9781668082171 Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and
Branding truths and tariff myths, with Autodesk’s Dara Treseder & Flexport’s Ryan Petersen

Published: 11/04/2025 04:00:00
Branding truths and tariff myths, with Autodesk's Dara Treseder & Flexport's Ryan Petersen Episode Details
In a special episode of Rapid Response, we feature two fast-paced, lively conversations from Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco. Autodesk CMO Dara Treseder breaks down branding and marketing lessons from the most high-profile campaigns of 2025. Treseder shares her unvarnished read on Sydney Sweeney, Cracker Barrel, Taylor Swift, and more. In the second half of the episode, Flexport CEO Ryan Petersen assesses the five biggest myths around trade and tariffs today, advises about avoiding jail, and what he calls "dumb competition." Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See
When ‘genius’ becomes a trap, with author Ryan Holiday

Published: 10/30/2025 04:00:00
When 'genius' becomes a trap, with author Ryan Holiday Episode Details
For everyone from Superbowl-winning coaches to CEOs, Ryan Holiday’s writing has made the timeless wisdom of ancient Stoic philosophers accessible and relevant in a modern age. He joins host Jeff Berman to reveal how he scaled his audience at The Daily Stoic and why the four Stoic virtues (courage, discipline, justice and wisdom) feel more important than ever. Wisdom Takes Work: https://store.dailystoic.com/products/wisdom-takes-work-learn-apply-repeat Ryan also recommends: https://www.thepaintedporch.com/products/biography17 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How Anastasia Soare built a beauty brand worth billions

Published: 10/29/2025 04:00:00
How Anastasia Soare built a beauty brand worth billions Episode Details
Anastasia Soare is responsible for how everyone from Oprah to Kim Kardashian shape their eyebrows. Soare started as a Romanian immigrant in a single room salon in Beverly Hills, and decades later, her beauty brand peaked at a valuation of about $3 billion. She joined host Jeff Berman to reveal the lessons she has learned building a global beauty empire, how listening to her daughter helped the brand leverage the influencer economy, and why she never wants to retire. You can find more lessons from Anastasia's scale story in her new
Chobani & Patagonia CEOs break down where values meet profit

Published: 10/28/2025 04:00:00
Chobani & Patagonia CEOs break down where values meet profit Episode Details
In these volatile times, how do we navigate the intersection between values and commerce? Patagonia CEO Ryan Gellert and Chobani CEO Hamdi Ulukaya join the New York Times’ David Gelles on stage at Masters of Scale Summit to reveal their different strategies for dealing with an activist White House, the pressure for what David calls "anticipatory compliance," and how they grow their businesses while also prioritizing causes like environmental conservation and immigration. The pair also share personal stories that mark key inflection points for their companies, and what most gives them
Andrew Ross Sorkin: How to make sense of today’s market

Published: 10/23/2025 04:00:00
Andrew Ross Sorkin: How to make sense of today's market Episode Details
Is the stock market in an AI bubble? What happens if it bursts? To understand our current economic moment, it’s essential to understand history. That’s why journalist and author Andrew Ross Sorkin joined host Jeff Berman onstage at the Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco in October. His new book is 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History–and How It Shattered a Nation. Sorkin explains the lessons we can learn from this historical moment – and how they provide cautionary tales. The book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665634/1929-by-andrew-ross-sorkin/ Subscribe to the Masters
The New York Times ‘will not be cowed’, with CEO Meredith Kopit Levien

Published: 10/21/2025 04:00:00
The New York Times 'will not be cowed', with CEO Meredith Kopit Levien Episode Details
From attacks by President Trump to active lawsuits against Microsoft and OpenAI, The New York Times is engaged in a fierce fight to preserve the future of independent journalism. It also keeps building a multi-faceted, excellence-obsessed brand with more users for games, recipes and podcasts than ever before. President and CEO Meredith Kopit Levien joins Bob Safian live on stage at the Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco to explore The Times business model, how news coverage relates to the organization's fast-growing lifestyle products, and the impact of AI as
Brené Brown & Reid Hoffman on the skills every leader needs now

Published: 10/16/2025 04:00:00
Bren� Brown & Reid Hoffman on the skills every leader needs now Episode Details
Author and researcher Brené Brown joined host Reid Hoffman on stage recently in San Francisco for the 2025 Masters of Scale Summit. She reveals insights about how to lead courageously, the underrated skills leaders need to thrive, and why compassion is essential for success – even if it’s currently being crowded out of the zeitgeist. "Strong Ground": https://brenebrown.com/book/strong-ground/ Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Airbnb’s bet on an IRL future, with Brian Chesky

Published: 10/14/2025 04:00:00
Airbnb's bet on an IRL future, with Brian Chesky Episode Details
Amid dramatic disruption, what role should business play in building the future? Recorded live at the 2025 Masters of Scale Summit in San Francisco, Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky shares his candid perspective on business, politics, creativity, and AI — taking listeners from Airbnb’s humble beginnings to bold plans for the company’s future. Through a designer’s lens, Chesky also reveals the single question leaders must ask themselves, and explores how best to make tricky decisions in a volatile climate. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy at
Replay: How Daymond John built FUBU

Published: 10/09/2025 04:00:00
Replay: How Daymond John built FUBU Episode Details
How do you create authentic partnerships to build scale? In this archival episode, Reid Hoffman talks with the iconic entrepreneur and Shark Tank star Daymond John about how he built FUBU from scratch. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
OLIPOP’s gutsy play to dethrone Coke and Pepsi, with Ben Goodwin

Published: 10/07/2025 04:00:00
OLIPOP's gutsy play to dethrone Coke and Pepsi, with Ben Goodwin Episode Details
In this encore episode of Rapid Response, we chart OLIPOP’s surging popularity. As Gen Z and millennials ditch sugary sodas, OLIPOP is leading the prebiotic beverage trend, sparking the likes of Coca-Cola and PepsiCo to enter the fray. OLIPOP’s co-founder, CEO, and formulator, Ben Goodwin, shares how the brand is navigating the turbulence of rapid growth and rising competition, what leadership lessons he's had to embrace along the way, and whether healthy soda is actually healthy or just a TikTok-fueled fad. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy
How to sell a billion dollars of snacks, with the founders of Chomps

Published: 10/02/2025 04:00:00
How to sell a billion dollars of snacks, with the founders of Chomps Episode Details
Chomps co-founders Rashid Ali and Pete Maldonado had an unusual side hustle: selling meat sticks online. The co-founders join host Jeff Berman to reveal the phone call from Trader Joe’s that changed everything, how they used lessons from failed startups, and how they built Chomps into a snack empire. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Design dominance sparks a blockbuster IPO, with Figma’s Dylan Field

Published: 09/30/2025 04:00:00
Design dominance sparks a blockbuster IPO, with Figma's Dylan Field Episode Details
Figma burst into the public eye in 2022 after Adobe was blocked from buying the design startup for $20 billion. This chapter set the stage for an even bigger milestone at Figma: a splashy IPO this summer at nearly double that valuation. Dylan Field, Figma’s co-founder and CEO, joins Rapid Response to share what distinguishes Figma from competitors, and why design is increasingly at the center of every industry in today’s software-driven economy. Field also reflects on the pressures and opportunities of leading as a next-generation, tech-native CEO, and offers practical
Pioneers of AI: The power of storytelling in VCs, with Jeffrey Katzenberg and ChenLi Wang

Published: 09/27/2025 04:00:00
Pioneers of AI: The power of storytelling in VCs, with Jeffrey Katzenberg and ChenLi Wang Episode Details
In this episode of Pioneers of AI, Jeffrey Katzenberg and ChenLi Wang of the venture capital firm WndrCo share why storytelling is essential for building transformative companies and how AI shapes their work. Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Build stronger trust on your teams, with Rachel Botsman

Published: 09/25/2025 04:00:00
Build stronger trust on your teams, with Rachel Botsman Episode Details
What happens when your team doesn’t trust each other? How can you repair damaged trust at work? How has technology changed the way we decide who to trust? Author and trust researcher Rachel Botsman joins host Jeff Berman to tackle these questions and more. Her latest book is How to Trust and Be Trusted: https://www.rachelbotsman.com/work/how-to-trust-and-be-trusted See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
After devastating aid cuts, Mercy Corps keeps fighting, with Tjada D’Oyen McKenna

Published: 09/23/2025 04:00:00
After devastating aid cuts, Mercy Corps keeps fighting, with Tjada D'Oyen McKenna Episode Details
For an organization built around responding to crises around the globe, Mercy Corps now finds itself at the center of its own trauma. Following the Trump administration’s aid cuts, two-thirds of Mercy Corps’ US-funded programs have been rescinded. CEO Tjada D’Oyen McKenna joins Rapid Response to share how she’s leading her team amid immense pressure—scrambling to find new ways to help those in need, even as she resorts to layoffs to keep the business afloat. McKenna reveals what she’s hearing from her team of aid workers on the ground in Gaza,
How to find your next mentor, with Janice Omadeke

Published: 09/18/2025 04:00:00
How to find your next mentor, with Janice Omadeke Episode Details
A great mentor can supercharge your career. That’s why author and entrepreneur Janice Omadeke wanted to make it easier for people to connect with the best possible mentors. She joins host Jeff Berman to reveal the insights from her book, Mentorship Unlocked, and lessons from her own journey as the founder of a tech platform for corporate mentorship. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Historic changes across high fashion, with WSJ. Magazine’s Sarah Ball

Published: 09/16/2025 04:00:00
Historic changes across high fashion, with WSJ. Magazine's Sarah Ball Episode Details
As the fashion world navigates an unprecedented wave of turnover from Chanel to Dior, WSJ. Magazine’s Editor in Chief, Sarah Ball joins Rapid Response to explore the most closely watched New York Fashion Week in years — what she calls "a September to remember." Ball also shares insights about how Vogue is poised to take shape post-Anna Wintour, the shockwaves from Georgio Armani's recent passing, AI's impact on fashion creatives, and how the role of influencers and social media is noticeably reshaping where the industry is headed. Visit the Rapid Response
Possible: Stephen Colbert isn’t so sure about AI (with Reid Hoffman)

Published: 09/13/2025 04:00:00
Possible: Stephen Colbert isn't so sure about AI (with Reid Hoffman) Episode Details
On the latest episode of Reid Hoffman’s Possible podcast, he and Aria talk with comedian Stephen Colbert. They discuss how J.R.R. Tolkien helps The Late Show host make sense of AI, whether technology will ever be able to replicate the ‘micronutrients’ of human interaction, and more. You can find this episode and more on the Possible podcast feed: https://play.megaphone.fm/awr0uaskrl6m7mfdaaeb0w See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How a near-death experience changed this founder’s approach to fear

Published: 09/11/2025 04:00:00
How a near-death experience changed this founder's approach to fear Episode Details
Matthew Pohlson’s dreams of building a company were almost cut short by a near-death experience. The CEO and co-founder of Omaze reveals how it changed his mindset, and unlocked new ways to scale his business. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Music biz at a crossroads: from Taylor Swift to AI, with Sowmya Krishnamurthy

Published: 09/09/2025 04:00:00
Music biz at a crossroads: from Taylor Swift to AI, with Sowmya Krishnamurthy Episode Details
Sunday’s MTV Video Music Awards shone a light on some of the biggest storylines in the music business today – from the TikTokification of newly minted stars, to the evolving relationship between artists and brands. Music journalist and author Sowmya Krishnamurthy joins Rapid Response to break down business and cultural lessons from the show and what it reveals about the state of the industry. Krishnamurthy also explores Taylor Swift’s enduring dominance, the role of AI in music, and the latest twists in the streaming war between Spotify and Apple Music. Visit
Betting on product to win in fantasy sports, with Underdog’s Jeremy Levine

Published: 09/04/2025 04:00:00
Betting on product to win in fantasy sports, with Underdog's Jeremy Levine Episode Details
As the NFL season kicks off this week, host Jeff Berman talks with a serial entrepreneur known for innovating in fantasy sports. Jeremy Levine is the founder and CEO of Underdog, a rapidly scaling unicorn. Levine reveals how a relentless focus on product helps his company break through entrenched competition. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Grab’s rise from rideshare to superapp in Asia, with Anthony Tan

Published: 09/02/2025 04:00:00
Grab's rise from rideshare to superapp in Asia, with Anthony Tan Episode Details
Grab is a rideshare service-turned superapp, not available in the US but rapidly growing in Southeast Asia. It’s even outmaneuvered global players like Uber to reach a valuation north of $20 billion. Grab’s co-founder and CEO Anthony Tan joins Rapid Response to share how the platform has successfully expanded into food delivery and fintech, while also investing in the future of electric vehicles and autonomous driving. For any leader looking to bolster their company culture to meet the moment, Tan shares how his team set in motion an ambitious project to
Reid Hoffman & Kickstarter’s Everette Taylor take your questions

Published: 08/28/2025 04:00:00
Reid Hoffman & Kickstarter's Everette Taylor take your questions Episode Details
For our latest Strategy Session, Reid Hoffman and Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor answer questions from entrepreneurs about how to build more resilient businesses. They share frameworks for taking smarter risks, finding co-founders, and more. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hollywood’s hottest AI partner, with Runway’s Cristóbal Valenzuela

Published: 08/26/2025 04:00:00
Hollywood's hottest AI partner, with Runway's Crist�bal Valenzuela Episode Details
AI tools are disrupting all types of creative content, and Runway AI is a pioneer making major waves in Hollywood. It’s partnering with the likes of Disney and Netflix to revolutionize production. Runway’s co-founder & CEO Cristóbal Valenzuela joins Rapid Response to dissect the company’s breakneck growth, the risks and responsibilities of AI tool makers, and how AI is redefining both business expectations and our notion of creativity. Cristóbal also reveals why he rebuffed advances from Meta for a highly lucrative acquisition, and how AI video is just a stepping stone
How design drives successful companies, with Sarah Stein Greenberg

Published: 08/21/2025 04:00:00
How design drives successful companies, with Sarah Stein Greenberg Episode Details
Whether you’re building a new product from scratch, growing your team, or trying to find product market fit, every part of scaling a business has one thing in common. It needs to be well designed. That’s why we’re headed back to school this week – and learning from Stanford d.school executive director Sarah Stein Greenberg. She reveals strategies for using human-centered design to improve everything from your product roadmap to your company culture. Greenberg’s book: Creative Acts for Curious People Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy
Dating is down. So why is Hinge thriving? with CEO Justin McLeod

Published: 08/19/2025 04:00:00
Dating is down. So why is Hinge thriving? with CEO Justin McLeod Episode Details
As young people report feeling lonelier and less connected than ever, the dating app Hinge is driving its users into real life, human experiences. CEO Justin McLeod returns to Rapid Response to share how the platform is combating digital fatigue amongst users, as well as navigating the risks and opportunities of AI in online dating. McLeod also explores Hinge’s recent collaboration with renowned psychologist Esther Perel, and offers insider tips to find that special someone in the chaos of modern romance. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy
The bromance that rebuilt Detroit: Dan Gilbert and Mayor Mike Duggan

Published: 08/16/2025 04:00:00
The bromance that rebuilt Detroit: Dan Gilbert and Mayor Mike Duggan Episode Details
As we gear up for our 2025 Masters of Scale Summit, we’re revisiting one of the stellar on-stage conversations that happened at the 2024 event. Hear Rocket Companies’ Dan Gilbert and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan reveal how their unique public-private partnerships have transformed the struggling city into a growing hub for everything from tech companies to electric vehicle manufacturing. Note: this conversation was recorded in October of 2024, before Duggan announced he would not seek another term as mayor and is instead running for governor of Michigan as an independent. Subscribe
The insights that fuel SharkNinja’s biggest innovations

Published: 08/14/2025 04:00:00
The insights that fuel SharkNinja's biggest innovations Episode Details
From humble beginnings selling vacuums on late night informercials, SharkNinja has grown to a 6 billion dollar a year business. CEO Mark Barrocas joins host Jeff Berman to reveal how the company keeps coming up with hits like the Ninja Creami, why “educated consumers” are the backbone of their business, and how they’re navigating the shifting winds of tariffs. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Is it ‘economic Halloween’ in the US? with political economist Mark Blyth

Published: 08/12/2025 04:00:00
Is it 'economic Halloween' in the US? with political economist Mark Blyth Episode Details
Zoom out from continuing tariff turmoil and Trump’s recent attacks on the Fed and the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and you’ll see a broader new economic order is forming. Political economist and Brown University professor Mark Blyth joins Rapid Response to reveal why outdated models still underpin much of our economic understanding, and what we still misunderstand – and underestimate – about China. Blyth also shares why the Democrats struggle to craft an engaging story about the economy, why it's so hard to predict a recession, and what Brown's recent settlement
Inside one of the world’s greatest fundraising operations

Published: 08/07/2025 04:00:00
Inside one of the world's greatest fundraising operations Episode Details
When Rick Shadyac Jr. took over as CEO of the fundraising organization responsible for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, it was bringing in about 600 million a year. The recently retired leader joins host Jeff Berman to reveal how he built a fundraising machine that is now approaching 3 billion per year, and how that money will have a global impact on kids with cancer. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Employers adapt to ICE raids and a workforce on edge

Published: 08/05/2025 04:00:00
Employers adapt to ICE raids and a workforce on edge Episode Details
As the Trump Administration ramps up mass deportations, the American Business Immigration Coalition is advocating for policy reform. Rebecca Shi leads the organization made up of 1,400 current and former CEOs, trade group leaders and more, who heavily rely on an immigrant workforce. Hear how uncertainty over immigration has disrupted daily business and hit the bottom line, as well as the carve-outs and clarity that big employers like Lowe’s, Tyson Foods and others seek for the long-term. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California
The new art and science of marketing, with Known’s Ross Martin and Kern Schireson

Published: 07/31/2025 04:00:00
The new art and science of marketing, with Known's Ross Martin and Kern Schireson Episode Details
When Ross Martin and Kern Schireson blended their companies in 2020 to form Known, they knew they wanted to throw out the old rule book about how to succeed in marketing. Now, they’re scaling fast and producing jaw-dropping results for clients. They join host Jeff Berman to reveal how their success relies on innovative AI — and kind humans — working together in new ways. Plus, advice for how to get great results from marketing that doesn’t break the bank. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy
Blocking AI crawlers to save the internet, with Cloudflare’s Matthew Prince

Published: 07/29/2025 04:00:00
Blocking AI crawlers to save the internet, with Cloudflare's Matthew Prince Episode Details
Cloudflare recently made headlines with breakthrough technology that stops AI companies from scraping online content with impunity. That’s major impact, since the company is involved in more than 20 percent of all online traffic. Cloudflare co-founder and CEO Matthew Prince joins Rapid Response to share how the new tools are poised to dramatically impact AI firms, publishers, and the future of the internet. Prince also takes listeners inside the state of cyberwarfare in the age of AI, and why Trump’s immigration policy could erode US business dominance for years to come.
Strategy Session: Advice from Elan Lee and Sarah Robb O’Hagan

Published: 07/26/2025 04:00:00
Strategy Session: Advice from Elan Lee and Sarah Robb O'Hagan Episode Details
How do I learn to delegate? When is it time to expand? How can I find the right partners? Hear two iconic leaders – Sarah Robb O’Hagan and Elan Lee – take on real questions from early stage founders in our Masters of Scale Strategy Session. Robb O’Hagan has led iconic brands like Gatorade, Equinox and Exos. Lee is the founder and CEO of the game company Exploding Kittens. Don’t miss our next free, virtual event on Aug 14 with Reid Hoffman and Kickstarter CEO Everette Taylor. Register now: mastersofscale.com/auguststrategysession Masters
How to create a ‘transcendent’ career, with author Suzy Welch

Published: 07/24/2025 04:00:00
How to create a 'transcendent' career, with author Suzy Welch Episode Details
NYU Stern School of Business professor Suzy Welch has designed a framework – “Becoming You” – to help you figure out how to build a career that aligns with your values. She joins host Jeff Berman to dig into what happens when those values are in conflict and how to navigate the fundamental misalignment between Gen Z and the rest of the workforce. To learn more about the “Becoming You” book and values quiz, go to https://lnk.to/suzywelch!MastersOfScale Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy
From Colbert to Trump’s WSJ lawsuit, Axios’ Sara Fischer on media turmoil

Published: 07/22/2025 04:00:00
From Colbert to Trump's WSJ lawsuit, Axios' Sara Fischer on media turmoil Episode Details
It’s been one of the most consequential weeks ever in the media business, from CBS’ Stephen Colbert cancellation, and Trump's lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal, to Congress clawing back more than $1 billion in funding from PBS and NPR. Axios’ Media Correspondent Sara Fischer joins Rapid Response to cut through the conspiracy theories and unpack what it all means from here. 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.
CATAN: Reid Hoffman’s favorite board game for business leaders

Published: 07/17/2025 04:00:00
CATAN: Reid Hoffman's favorite board game for business leaders Episode Details
The board game CATAN has sold 45 million copies worldwide since Klaus Teuber invented it 30 years ago. It’s Reid Hoffman’s favorite board game for business leaders. He sat down with brothers Benjamin and Guido Teuber, who now run the business of CATAN, to talk about how they’ve kept the game evolving, why its core philosophy of strategic collaboration still resonates, and what entrepreneurs can learn from trading sheep for wood. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
How Starbucks’ CEO is revamping the brand

Published: 07/16/2025 04:00:00
How Starbucks' CEO is revamping the brand Episode Details
Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol made waves this week by announcing a new Return-to-Office mandate for corporate workers. It’s the latest in a string of changes the coffee company is making to restore its position in the US and global marketplace. Hear Niccol explain his revamped brand strategy in this conversation from February of 2025. He shares insights about evolving Starbucks’ business model, tackling the Chinese market, and how AI and tariffs are poised to shape the brand’s future. Visit the Rapid Response website here: https://www.rapidresponseshow.com/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and
Trump’s chilling effect on big business, with Harvard Business Review’s Adi Ignatius

Published: 07/15/2025 04:00:00
Trump's chilling effect on big business, with Harvard Business Review's Adi Ignatius Episode Details
After 16 years as Editor-in-Chief of Harvard Business Review, Adi Ignatius is handing the role over to a new leader, and he joins Rapid Response for a more-than-an-exit interview. A longtime friend and colleague of host Bob Safian, Ignatius shares some of the most critical lessons he’s learned in decades of covering business and leadership, as well as dissecting the most hot button issues today — from Elon Musk’s conflicting priorities, to AI’s impact on media, and what Americans most misunderstand about China. Plus, Ignatius takes us inside Harvard’s response to
How a summer job grew into an ice cream empire, with CEO Ben Van Leeuwen

Published: 07/10/2025 04:00:00
How a summer job grew into an ice cream empire, with CEO Ben Van Leeuwen Episode Details
Van Leeuwen Ice Cream is one of the fastest growing dessert brands in the country. It’s known for its seriously delicious classic flavors and its wacky collaborations. (Kraft Mac and Cheese ice cream, anyone?) Co-founder and CEO Ben Van Leeuwen talks with Jeff Berman to reveal how it grew from his love of simple ingredients and driving an ice cream truck as a teenager into a rapidly scaling company with about 2,000 employees. Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice
PBS fights for its future, with President & CEO Paula Kerger

Published: 07/08/2025 04:00:00
PBS fights for its future, with President & CEO Paula Kerger Episode Details
PBS President & CEO Paula Kerger joins Rapid Response to take us inside the organization’s financial reality if federal funding is stripped, and how she’s battling to protect iconic programming — from Frontline to Sesame Street. Kerger shares the role of corporate philanthropy in PBS’ future, its relationship with streamers like Netflix, and how she handles allegations of public media bias. Whether or not you're an avid Nova or Ken Burns viewer, PBS' challenge captures critical lessons about focus, mission, and the need to evolve or die trying. Visit the Rapid
How Baby2Baby stepped up as LA wildfires raged, with co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof

Published: 07/03/2025 04:00:00
How Baby2Baby stepped up as LA wildfires raged, with co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof Episode Details
Devastating wildfires tore through Los Angeles at the start of 2025. Nonprofit Baby2Baby was on the ground leveraging its deep knowledge of how to respond to natural disasters to help families in need. Co-CEOs Norah Weinstein and Kelly Sawyer Patricof joined host Jeff Berman on stage to reflect on what it was like to use everything they’d learned scaling their nonprofit to help their hometown in a moment of crisis. This Masters of Scale Live event, presented by Capital One Business, was recorded at Neuehouse in Los Angeles. To learn more
Canva’s $35B design biz is quietly taking over the workplace, with co-founder & COO Cliff Obrecht

Published: 07/01/2025 04:00:00
Canva's $35B design biz is quietly taking over the workplace, with co-founder & COO Cliff Obrecht Episode Details
For over a decade, Canva has made design and publishing more accessible than ever. Now, the company is wrestling with how to harness AI while staying true to its mission of empowering individual creators. Co-founder and COO Cliff Obrecht joins Rapid Response to reveal how Canva is navigating this shift—and why the stakes are so high when it comes to AI-adoption in the creative industry. He opens up about leading the company alongside his wife and co-founder Melanie Perkins, their decision to give away $100 million to causes in Malawi, and
Building a $1.5B real estate empire, with Spencer Rascoff and Austin Allison

Published: 06/26/2025 04:00:00
Building a $1.5B real estate empire, with Spencer Rascoff and Austin Allison Episode Details
Zillow co-founder Spencer Rascoff and Dotloop founder Austin Allison both knew that owning a vacation home was a great privilege — and an expensive hassle. They’re leveraging their decades of experience in real estate to reshape how owning a vacation home works with a new business: Pacaso. They join host Jeff Berman to reveal how it became the fastest U.S. company to ever reach unicorn status. Read a transcript of this episode: https://mastersofscale.com Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice
Empowering frontline leaders amid Trump’s massive global aid cuts, with War Child’s Dr. Samantha Nutt

Published: 06/24/2025 04:00:00
Empowering frontline leaders amid Trump's massive global aid cuts, with War Child's Dr. Samantha Nutt Episode Details
Even after the fighting stops, the impact of war is felt for generations. Dr. Samantha Nutt, President of War Child USA and Canada, joins Rapid Response to share how the nonprofit is serving families in conflict zones around the world — from Sudan to Afghanistan, utilizing local leaders and community organizers to spark meaningful and long term change. In the wake of Trump’s sweeping USAID divestment, Dr. Nutt reveals how nonprofits are adapting to a new climate, and why she’s surprisingly optimistic about the future of American generosity. Visit the Rapid
How to raise $172M for the underinvested, with Stacy Brown-Philpot

Published: 06/19/2025 04:00:00
How to raise $172M for the underinvested, with Stacy Brown-Philpot Episode Details
After wildly successful stints at Google, as CEO of Taskrabbit, and on prominent boards, Stacy Brown-Philpot decided it was time to start her own venture capital fund. She talks with host Jeff Berman about how she raised $172 million for Cherryrock Capital, why she’s focusing on underinvested founders, and how she owes it all to a six-day silent retreat. Read a transcript of this episode: https://mastersofscale.com Subscribe to the Masters of Scale weekly newsletter: https://mastersofscale.com/subscribe See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Reid Hoffman on Trump vs Musk, Zuckerberg’s “superintelligence,” and the next wave of AI

Published: 06/17/2025 04:00:00
Reid Hoffman on Trump vs Musk, Zuckerberg's "superintelligence," and the next wave of AI Episode Details
Amid global conflict, domestic unrest, and AI’s surging impact in all corners of business, it’s getting harder than ever to decipher noise from substance. To help us navigate this challenge, Reid Hoffman returns to Rapid Response, sharing valuable insights about Trump’s public spat with Elon Musk, the crisis in the Middle East, and how his new AI healthcare startup functions in the age of RFK Jr. Plus, Hoffman assesses Meta and Apple’s recent strategy to compete with OpenAI, and whether AI is realistically poised to spark a “white collar bloodbath”. Visit
