Today’s business landscape is rapidly evolving—and effective leadership is crucial for navigating and driving successful business transformations. How are top executives achieving growth?
On Thursday, September 26th, Adam Singolda spoke at Zeta Live on a panel led by Dan Nathan (RiskReversal Media) between Linda Yaccarino (CEO of X), John Sculley (former Apple CEO and Pepsi President), and Henry Schuck (CEO of ZoomInfo), which dove into the perspectives and tips for business transformation from some of today’s most credible names in leadership.
Linda Yaccarino, CEO of X: Lessons in Leadership and Innovation
Linda began by discussing her experience joining the company with Elon Musk. Coming from NBCUniversal, where she spent nearly a decade, Linda oversaw enterprise relationships with credible players in the industry, including Twitter. She recalled falling in love with Twitter’s capability to share real-time content and allow users to engage with one another—whether it was from a TV, laptop, or smartphone.
She also commended Elon’s vision for acquiring Twitter—it wasn’t just an acquisition, but a vision, similar to how he’s approached transforming his other companies including SpaceX, Tesla, Starlink, and Neuralink. Linda noted that it became clear that X was not just about social media—it was part of a broader mission to revolutionize how we communicate, consume media, and interact with technology.
Linda has only been X’s CEO since June 2023 and has already helped lead major shifts at X, including an accelerated push into live-streaming capabilities and expanded video engagement, which prove her ability to step into new territories.
John Sculley, Former Apple CEO and Pepsi President: A Journey from the MIT Media Lab to Generative AI
John discussed joining the MIT Media Lab Advisory Board in 1985, which was an important moment that ended up shaping his perspective on the future of technology. At the time, AI and machine learning were just starting out and the majority of the research was prioritized as side projects with limited immediate commercial application.
John recalled being introduced to the Media Lab by Alan Kay, one of the inventors of personal computing and an Apple fellow. This was shortly after Steve Jobs had left Apple, and John, alongside Kay and other pioneers, began to explore how AI could be integrated into personal computing. This partnership proved to be transformative not only for John but for Apple as well.
The work John and his team did at the Media Lab laid the groundwork for future advancements. For Apple, this included investing in technologies that would later shape the tech industry, such as becoming the largest shareholder in ARM, the microprocessor company, and setting up a lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Many of the tools, operating systems, and applications developed at that time became the backbone of Apple’s technological evolution.
Fast forward to today, and the AI landscape has changed dramatically. With the rise of generative AI, companies across industries are racing to integrate this technology into their operations. What was once an experimental concept has now become a transformative force. The computational power and vast data sets available today have unlocked the potential of AI in ways that were unimaginable in the early days of the MIT Media Lab.
Adam Singolda, CEO and Founder of Taboola: Why Culture is a True Differentiator
Adam noted that he believes that while many CEOs struggle with the impact of rapid changes on stakeholders, the essence of a company lies in its culture and people, which he considers irreplaceable. He argued that successful companies thrive not just because of their innovations or funding but due to their culture and the commitment of their employees—and being first to do something doesn’t mean that you’ll be the best.
Adam also indicated that employee expectations have evolved significantly, with a shift towards a desire for connection to a company’s mission and values. He stressed that no technology, including AI, can replicate the importance of HI (human intelligence) and empathy in fostering a positive culture. Referencing a recent virtual meeting with Taboola’s employees during the war in Israel, he highlighted the importance of empathy and transparency as fundamental to his company’s culture, especially in challenging times. In addition, he indicated how he often utilizes his personal social media accounts, especially X, to share his thoughts in a vulnerable way on various topics. These principles have helped strengthen his team’s bond amid difficult times—and Linda chimed in, commending Adam for his approach towards culture and how he emphasizes authenticity and empathy.
Henry Schuck, CEO of ZoomInfo: Technology’s Role in Business Transformation
Henry Schuck, CEO of ZoomInfo, highlighted the significant shifts in the technology landscape and their impact on the software industry. Reflecting on his company’s journey from private to public during COVID-19, he noted a transition from prioritizing growth at all costs in 2021 to a dual focus on efficiency and profitability by 2022. This change necessitated a more selective approach to market strategies, emphasizing the identification of profitable customer segments.
Schuck emphasized the transformative potential of generative AI, presenting it as either a major threat or an unprecedented opportunity for businesses. For ZoomInfo, leveraging generative AI has made their platform more intuitive and effective, enabling better customer engagement and targeted marketing. He emphasized that the period between 2021 and 2024 has been crucial for business growth, urging companies to adapt quickly or risk being left behind. Agility, communication, and connectivity within organizations are now essential for navigating this rapidly evolving landscape.
Navigating Investments, Free Speech, and AI’s Exponential Growth
As the discussion progressed, Henry addressed the challenges public company CEOs face in managing investments in a rapidly changing market. He noted that public companies must balance innovation with clear paths to returns, often funding initiatives internally due to limited growth runway. This requires strategic resource allocation and collaboration among teams to make smart investments that satisfy investor expectations.
The conversation then shifted to Linda, who shared insights on free speech as the CEO of X. She stressed the importance of protecting free speech for democracy and its positive impact on business, noting that increased user engagement during global events is beneficial for advertisers.
John spoke next and discussed the exponential impact of AI, likening its rapid advancement to the industrial revolution. He emphasized the urgent need for re-skilling workers to adapt to these changes, as current education systems are inadequate. The private sector is expected to play a key role in providing re-skilling opportunities, with AI potentially serving as a valuable tool in this transformation. John warned that significant changes are on the horizon between 2025 and 2030, necessitating preparedness from businesses, educators, and governments.
The Future of Advertising and the AI Revolution
As the session wrapped up, Adam discussed the evolving digital advertising market and highlighted its current dynamic state. He noted that major platforms like Amazon, Netflix, Disney, and Uber are now significant players, with Uber projected to earn a billion dollars from advertising this year. “Advertising is the new pink,” he noted. This shift means that advertising is no longer dominated solely by giants like Facebook and Google—a new slew of companies is entering the space, influencing competition and innovation.
Adam also pointed out that performance-based advertising is gaining traction, as businesses increasingly demand measurable returns from their advertising investments. He emphasized the importance of results-driven strategies, moving away from informal agreements to a focus on clear growth paths, particularly as AI plays a larger role in optimizing ad spending.
He also made a distinction among different AI technologies, cautioning against the overhyping of AI: “There’s a huge difference between ML, DL, and BS.” Lastly, Adam highlighted the challenges companies face in effectively utilizing AI, especially in managing and interpreting large data sets. He stressed that understanding and leveraging data remains a significant hurdle for effective AI implementation in advertising and beyond.