Masters of Scale (May 2017) is a business podcast hosted by LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman that explores how companies grow from zero to billions through interviews with iconic entrepreneurs. The show redefined business podcasting through cinematic production.
Format & Production
Each episode features Reid interviewing a founder (Brian Chesky of Airbnb, Mark Zuckerberg, Sheryl Sandberg, etc.) about one scaling principle. Unlike typical interview shows, Masters of Scale heavily produces episodes with music, sound design, archival audio, and narrative structure.
The show feels like audio documentary meets business school lecture meets NPR storytelling. Production quality is theatrical.
Scaling Philosophy
Reid articulates counterintuitive scaling principles: “Do things that don’t scale” (from Paul Graham/YC), “Handcraft the customer experience,” “Get in the trenches.” Each episode unpacks one idea through multiple founder examples.
The show targets entrepreneurs, but the storytelling appeals to general audiences. Reid’s insider status (PayPal mafia, Greylock partner, LinkedIn founder) elicits candid responses.
Impact
By 2023, Masters of Scale had featured 200+ founders and became required listening for startup founders. The show proved business podcasts didn’t need to be dry or jargon-heavy.
The podcast spawned a book, courses, and community. It influenced how entrepreneurs think about growth.