The pace of change in our culture is unprecedented and shows no signs of slowing. So what is most important to pay attention to when striving to innovate, creat...
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.
--------
31:32
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.
--------
28:00
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.
--------
31:33
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.
--------
25:49
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.
The pace of change in our culture is unprecedented and shows no signs of slowing. So what is most important to pay attention to when striving to innovate, create, and lead? From the team behind Masters of Scale, Rapid Response features candid conversations with today's top business leaders navigating real-time challenges. Hosted by the former editor-in-chief of Fast Company, Bob Safian.
Portugal