One of One

Building the House You Want to Live In: Mark Pincus, Founder & Former CEO of Zynga, Author of Life at the Speed of Play 18.06.2026 1t 9min

Mark Pincus is one of the most distinctive founders and product builders of the past three decades. He has written a remarkable new book called Life at the Speed of Play: Launch Products People Love! Most people assume that the willingness to stand for what you know to be true, even when the world is calling you crazy, is a quality common to all founders. In Darren’s experience, it isn't. It is rare. And Mark possesses it in a form he’s encountered in very few leaders. Mark is also a man doing the harder, quieter, inner work, asking what his soul actually needs, sitting in what he calls “the abyss,” examining the relationship between the conviction that built his companies and the integrity he is now bringing to the rest of his life. They talk about where that conviction came from, the moral contract Mark made with the people who built Zynga, and what it means at sixty to keep showing up in pursuit of something your soul still needs you to build.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

The Art of Organizational Soulcraft: Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup and Incorruptible, Founder of the LTSE 28.05.2026 1t 4min

Eric Ries is author of The Lean Startup, founder of the Long Term Stock Exchange, and now author of a terrific new book called Incorruptible: Why Good Companies Go Bad... and How Great Companies Stay Great. Eric's central argument is that even the most mission driven companies will, over time, succumb to what he calls financial gravity and lose their soul. The solution, how to become incorruptible, is to design structural protections early. The good news is that there are numerous examples hiding in plain sight. Eric and Darren talk about Sol Price and Costco, Novo Nordisk, Eric's work with Anthropic, and what he calls a spiritual holding company. And in the last stretch, they explore Eric's own inner journey, deeply personal and spiritual, that sits underneath all of it.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Go Fast, Don’t Hurry: Wade Foster, Co-Founder and CEO of Zapier 30.04.2026 51min

In nearly 15 years, Wade has grown Zapier from a side project at a Missouri hackathon into one of the most capital efficient software companies ever built. Essentially bootstrapped, Zapier now helps millions of customers automate their work by connecting the thousands of apps and tools that businesses use every day.In this conversation, Darren seeks to understand Wade as a leader: a man who grew up in Jefferson City, Missouri with no entrepreneurial blueprint, who built something genuinely countercultural by trusting what he knew to be true before the evidence arrived. They talk about the “Code Red” Wade declared in March of 2023, the prescient decision to enact a company wide pause that has led to 100% AI adoption across the organization, what it takes to lead people through that kind of change, and the critical distinction between personal and institutional AI adoption.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Leading with Mettle: Wendy McMahon, former CEO of CBS News & Stations 26.03.2026 52min

In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Wendy McMahon, former CEO of CBS News & Stations.Wendy McMahon is one of the most influential leaders in modern broadcast journalism. Over the course of her career, has led two of the most important institutions in American media, first as president of the ABC-owned television stations, and later as president and CEO of CBS News and Stations. She began her career in local television, working in branding, marketing, and storytelling across local stations around the country. From those early roles, she developed a deep conviction about the purpose of journalism, especially local journalism, as a public service and a cornerstone of civic life.Throughout this conversation, Wendy reflects on the realities of leading institutions through transformation and uncertainty. She shares how leaders build momentum during change, why visible signals of leadership matter, and what it means to steward an organization whose mission extends far beyond the business itself.She also introduces a powerful leadership idea that has shaped her thinking, the concept of mettle: the courage to stand in the storm when the stakes are highest and the world is watching. This is a conversation about purpose-driven leadership, navigating complexity, and the character required to lead when it matters most.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Leading from the Bottom: Frank Blake, former CEO of The Home Depot 29.01.2026 58min

In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Frank Blake, former chairman and CEO of The Home Depot.Frank stepped into the CEO role at Home Depot at a moment of profound uncertainty. It was early 2007, the housing market was beginning to unravel, and culturally, the company had lost touch with the values that once defined it. Frank had never aspired to be a CEO, and yet he was asked to lead one of the largest retailers in the world through one of the most turbulent periods in its history.Over the next eight years, Frank restored Home Depot's customer first culture. He paused new store openings to reallocate capital toward improving the customer experience, and led with a deeply unconventional philosophy that the CEO belongs at the bottom of the organization, pushing purpose upward rather than letting authority cascade down. This episode explores how to lead in crisis, the truth revealed by capital allocation, the discipline of focus, and what it really means to serve an organization.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Leading with Transparency and Trust: Jarek Kutylowski, CEO of DeepL 18.12.2025 50min

In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Jarek Kutylowski, founder and CEO of DeepL.DeepL is a pioneering AI company serving hundreds of thousands of businesses around the world. Born in Poland and raised between Poland and Germany, Jarek experienced firsthand the challenges and beauty of bridging languages and cultures. Trained as a computer scientist, he saw early on how AI could transform communication, and he spent the past eight years building DeepL into a global leader in applied AI. DeepL achieved market dominance as a startup in a category that could easily have been owned by the large technology incumbents, and Jarek offers a masterclass in strategic counter positioning. He's evolved DeepL’s culture as it scaled, preserving its research roots while becoming a global commercial powerhouse. And now Jarek's leading DeepL into its second act, a courageous expansion beyond language translation into the broader world of agentic AI. Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Scaling Purpose and Mission: Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva.org 20.11.2025 53min

In this episode, Darren speaks with Vishal Ghotge, CEO of Kiva.org.Over the past 20 years, Kiva's platform has crowdfunded over $2.4 billion in interest free microloans to over 5 million entrepreneurs around the world, with a 96% repayment rate. In this episode we hear about Vishal's origins growing up in Mumbai, then coming to the US for his graduate education, holding product roles at Microsoft, Groupon, Payscale and Remitly, and ultimately paving the way for his first CEO role at Kiva. We touch on the impact of Vishal's deep meditation practice and commitment to self-awareness, his belief that growth at Kiva is a moral obligation, and the touching stories of entrepreneurs whose lives and communities have been transformed by the organization he leads.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

A CEO Masterclass: Jeff Cohen, CEO of Fruit of the Loom 23.10.2025 51min

In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Jeff Cohen, CEO of Fruit of the Loom.Jeff's career has been extraordinary. He spent over 20 years in senior roles at American Express, GE, and Home Depot, which he calls a masterclass in brand process and culture. Later, he ran multiple mid-cap businesses, including Larson-Juhl, a Berkshire Hathaway company, where Darren had the privilege of serving on his advisory board with UPS CEO Carol Tomé, and former Home Depot CEO Frank Blake. Today, as part of Berkshire Hathaway, he chairs six companies and is CEO of three of them: Fruit of the Loom, Larson-Juhl, and Star Furniture. This is a conversation about leadership, transformation and legacy told by someone who has quietly and consistently built extraordinary results while staying true to timeless principles.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

The Power of Engagement: Al Ko, CEO of Auctane 25.09.2025 56min

In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Albert Ko, CEO of Auctane. Al began his career at Intuit, where he was shaped by formative mentors and experiences that continue to influence how he leads today. Later, as CEO of Early Warning, he helped scale Zelle into one of the leading peer to peer payment platforms in the world, transforming how millions of people move money. Today, as CEO of Auctane, he leads a global company at the very heart of e-commerce, powering the way goods get shipped and delivered across the globe. What stands out about Al is not just the scale of what he has accomplished, but the way he's done it. Shaped by remarkable mentors, he leads with humility, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility. And at the center of his philosophy is the belief that companies thrive when employees are truly engaged, when people feel connected, inspired, and proud to be part of the mission. This conversation is a rich exploration of leadership, reinvention and the lessons we carry from those who've guided us along the way. Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

From Nightclub Promoter to Philanthropic Visionary: Scott Harrison, CEO of charity: water 28.08.2025 58min

In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Scott Harrison, founder and CEO of charity: water.Raised in a deeply religious household, Scott left home at 18 to spend a decade as a successful nightclub promoter in Manhattan, only to wake up one day and realize his life was empty. That reckoning launched him on a journey from the excesses of Manhattan nightlife, to spending two years in the poorest country in the world, to eventually founding charity: water. Scott not only set out to solve one of the largest global health problems - the lack of clean drinking water - but to reimagine the model of philanthropy itself.They discuss the moment that sparked Scott’s transformation, his bold vision for providing clean drinking water to everyone on the planet by the end of his life, and his extraordinary ability to sustain energy and conviction over two decades.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Greatness is a Responsibility: Dennis Woodside, CEO of Freshworks 31.07.2025 56min

In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Dennis Woodside, CEO of Freshworks. Dennis has had an extraordinary career journey, including beginning as a corporate lawyer, a consultant at McKinsey, a senior executive at Google, COO of Dropbox, and president of Impossible Foods. Today he leads Freshworks, an AI enabled software company focused on disrupting and powering the next generation of customer service and IT service management functions. They discuss highlights from Dennis’s illustrious career, his unique ability to attract and grow top talent, and how his long history as an endurance athlete has shaped who he is and how he leads. Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Building a Masterpiece: Charles Spinosa and Chris Davis, authors of Leadership as Masterpiece Creation 26.06.2025 1t 4min

What does it take to turn your business into a masterpiece? In this episode of One of One, Darren speaks with Charles Spinosa and Christopher Davis, a co-author and contributor, respectively, to the incredible book, Leadership as Masterpiece Creation. The book invites leaders to think about themselves and the companies they are building as masterpieces: works of art, worthy of admiration. The book boldly and courageously advocates for a contrarian model of leadership and business building. This isn’t your typical business conversation. How often do you hear St. Augustine, Milton, Shakespeare, Nietzsche and Heidegger referenced as guidance for how to lead more effectively? Listeners are invited to be patient, listen closely, and ask “What would it look like if I were building a true masterpiece?” Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

A Contrarian Mindset: Neil Kumar, Co-Founder & CEO of BridgeBio 29.05.2025 43min

In this episode of One of One, Darren sits down with Neil Kumar, co-founder and CEO of BridgeBio, a leading biotech company focused on treating rare genetic conditions that largely affect children. Neil is a deeply contrarian thinker and leader. It shows up in his decision to start a company ten years ago focused on a market that most others ignored, in the unique hub and spoke organizational structure he has built, in the distinctive culture and type of people he attracts, and in his sincere commitment to build a truly generational company. Suggested Reading:Epistemic Dependence by John HardwigZero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future by Peter Thiel & Blake MastersFour Quartets by T. S. EliotThe Power of Now by Eckhart TolleShoe Dog by Phil KnightThe Outsiders: Eight Unconventional CEOs and Their Radically Rational Blueprint for Success by William N. Thorndike, Jr.Scale by Geoffrey WestThe Human Swarm: How Our Societies Arise, Thrive, and Fall by Mark W. MoffettStrategy: A History by Lawrence FreedmanFind out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Embracing Discomfort: Hanno Renner, Co-Founder & CEO of Personio 01.05.2025 46min

In this episode of One of One, Darren sits down with Hanno Renner, co-founder and CEO of the Munich, Germany-based company Personio. Personio is a people software platform focused on small and mid-sized companies, and is widely regarded as one of the most successful technology companies founded in Europe over the past decade. This conversation explores how much Hanno's willingness to put himself in uncomfortable situations has contributed to his success, as well as how his passions and daily rituals have helped him cultivate this unique trait. You’ll also hear how Hanno's desire to level the technology playing field between Europe and the US serves as a fundamental driver of his discipline and motivation as a leader. Enjoy this insightful discussion with Hanno Renner.Find out more about the Trium Group at triumgroup.comOne of One is produced by Darren Gold, Emily Shaw, Talia Deer, and Karen Welsh. Engineering by Aja Simpson.

Strategic Power: A Conversation with Hamilton Helmer, author of 7 Powers, and Chenyi Shi 03.04.2025 59min

In this episode of One of One, Darren sits down with Hamilton Helmer—renowned author of 7 Powers—and his brilliant colleague Chenyi Shi for a deep dive into the architecture of enduring business success. 7 Powers is widely regarded as one of the most insightful and practical frameworks on strategy, offering a clear lens through which leaders can understand how to create persistent competitive advantage. Together, the trio unpacks the nuance behind strategic power, exploring how companies can build lasting value in significant markets. Whether you’re a founder, CEO, or simply passionate about business strategy, this conversation offers rich insights you won’t want to miss.

Building a Breakthrough Company: Howie Liu, CEO of Airtable 06.03.2025 52min

In this episode of One of One, Darren sits down with Howie Liu, Founder and CEO of Airtable, to explore his journey of building and scaling a company with a bold mission: democratizing software creation. Over the past 12 years, Howie has navigated multiple phases of growth, each requiring an evolution in his leadership.We discuss the critical role of a founder-CEO in shaping culture, driving performance, and staying deeply involved in the details that matter most. Howie shares insights on balancing high-level vision with execution, and how leaders can stay adaptable as their organizations scale.This conversation is a must-listen for CEOs and founders looking to build enduring, high-performing companies. Enjoy this insightful discussion with Howie Liu.

Leading with High Care and High Standards: Silvija Martincevic, CEO of Deputy 14.02.2025 47min

What does it take to step into the shoes of a founder and lead a company in its next chapter of growth? In this episode of One of One, join host Darren Gold as he sits down with Silvija Martincevic, CEO of Deputy, a leading global workforce management company. You'll follow Silvija's journey from her early years growing up in Croatia to her senior executive roles at companies like Groupon and Affirm and her eventual transition to becoming the CEO of Deputy. Silvija shares her philosophy of integrating high care with high performance, the importance of adaptability as a leader, and the challenges and triumphs of leading a global company. You'll also hear about her personal life, family integration, and the lessons learned from being on the boards of Lemonade and Kiva. Through this insightful conversation, you can expect to gain valuable perspectives on leading with empathy, driving innovation, and the importance of continuous personal transformation.

Leading with Impact: Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, CEO of Xero 30.01.2025 48min

In this episode of One of One, Darren sits down with the extraordinary Sukhinder Singh Cassidy to explore her remarkable career journey. From founding two companies to serving as CEO of StubHub, and now leading Xero, Sukhinder offers a wealth of insights into what it takes to excel in both “founder mode” and “CEO mode.” Together, they dive into the nuanced debate between these two leadership mindsets and discuss how to build and sustain a high-performing leadership team. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring leader, this conversation is packed with actionable wisdom and fresh perspectives.

Unapologetically Honest in Mission and Leadership: Max Levchin, Founder & CEO of Affirm 09.01.2025 50min

Ever wondered what it takes to stay ahead in the fast-paced world of fintech? In this episode of "One of One," you’ll hear from industry luminary Max Levchin, the co-founder and CEO of Affirm. Join host Darren Gold as he delves deep into Levchin's journey, uncovering the essential roles of a CEO, like setting a three-year strategy, hiring top talent, and ensuring the company never runs out of cash. You'll gain insights into the concept of the "S curve" in business growth and why recognizing the next phase of expansion is crucial for maintaining momentum. Discover Max's personal reflection practices, his commitment to integrity, and his strategies for avoiding the pitfalls of slow growth by leveraging existing strengths. With practical advice on foresight in entrepreneurship, the importance of planning, and the intricacies of strategic versus tactical decision-making, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. You’ll also hear compelling stories from Max's experience at Affirm, including challenges in the traditional financial industry, the company’s partnerships with retail giants, and the significance of maintaining core principles like never charging deferred interest or late fees. If you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned leader looking for invaluable lessons on maintaining a competitive edge and fostering an inspired team, this episode is a must-listen.

The Transformative Impact of a Single Decision: Chris Cocks, CEO of Hasbro 12.12.2024 46min

In this episode of One of One, host Darren Gold sits down with Chris Cocks, the CEO of Hasbro, to explore the significant challenges and strategic decisions that defined his initial year in leadership. After stepping into the role in February 2022, Cocks faced immediate and formidable obstacles, including a high-stakes proxy battle with an activist investor and the difficult choice to unwind the major acquisition of eOne. Drawing from a robust background in gaming and brand management—spanning pivotal roles at Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, and Wizards of the Coast—Cocks discusses how these experiences inform his current leadership approach. He shares his philosophy on action, the importance of aligning corporate vision, and the considerable emotional and financial responsibilities of steering a global brand. Listeners will gain deep insights into the steps Cocks took to cut overhead costs, stabilize business segments, and strategically shift Hasbro towards catering to an "ageless" demographic. This episode offers a profound look into the intricacies of corporate leadership, strategic realignment, and the resilience required to lead a major corporation through turbulent times, making it essential listening for those interested in the complexities of executive management and corporate strategy.