Offsite Adventures

We’re excited to launch WaitWhat's newest weekly series, Pioneers of AI — your guide to the latest technological frontier. Hosted by AI thought leader, scientist, and investor Rana el Kaliouby, tune in for insights from industry trailblazers, explore the ethical considerations of AI, and get ahead of what’s to come as the technology continues to develop. Head to the Pioneers of AI feed now to hear Rana's latest conversations alongside Masters of Scale's Reid Hoffman and Dr. Joy Boulamwini. New episodes of Pioneers of AI release every Wednesday. Pioneers of AI is made possible with support from Inflection AI.

Subscribe to Pioneers of AI: https://listen.pioneersof.ai/Subscribe

Learn more about Pioneers of AI: http://pioneersof.ai/

Follow Pioneers of AI on all channels: https://linktr.ee/pioneersofai

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Atlanta, Georgia is a cultural capital of the South with one of the most happening music scenes in the country. It’s a city of lively stories and unforgettable characters. All of which you’d miss if you never leave your hotel. In this episode, Janet invites you to venture out to the city’s Little Five Points neighborhood where streets overflow with hip eateries and retailers, including Moods Music, where owner Darryl Harris brings vinyl records, chill vibes, and a rich personal history to the Atlanta underground. An instant favorite of locals and celebrities like Questlove, the story of Moods is a story of passion and authenticity, and how vital they are to success.

Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale Production presented in alliance with Capital One Business

Special thanks to Jodine Dorcé, Divine Rocker, and Darryl Harris of Moods Music

See this story come to life in our video series on YouTube. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OS90yVDgmU

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a bustling dynamic city of over 8 million people, the diner remains one of the few comfortable places you can sit down, relax, and get a taste of the familiar without feeling like you’re missing out on the excitement. For half a century, that’s what the Square Diner has been providing to New Yorkers, tourists, and business travelers hungry for a stack of pancakes. This week, Janet grabs a corner booth with owners Teddy and Anna Karounos to talk about how the diner has survived some of the city’s most tumultuous events and how they use their strong foundation to innovate and adapt to new customers’ needs.

Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale Production presented in alliance with Capital One Business.

Special thanks to Teddy Karounos and Anna Karounos of the Square Diner.

See this story come to life in our video series on YouTube. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ma7Xi3_Vkso

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

There’s a code amongst magicians to never reveal their secrets. But on her latest trip through star-studded Los Angeles, Janet uncovers the secret to succeeding in business when she visits the city’s one and only magic shop, The Magic Apple. Tucked away on the second story of a strip mall, the owner of this charming hobby shop has been trading in tricks and organically building a loyal customer base for two decades. Is he simply out-hustling the competition, or is there something more magical at play?

Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale Production presented in alliance with Capital One Business.

Special thanks to Hadley Meares, Barry Glassner, and Brent Geris of The Magic Apple.

See this story come to life in our video series on YouTube. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YHGRZ0aEfU

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Proving that heart plays a vital role in any story of success is the stylish Sole Play in Atlanta, a sneaker shop that is so much more than a sneaker shop. During a visit to the South’s cultural capital, Sole Play owner and entrepreneur Anthony “T.J.” Bennett gives Janet a tour of the shop’s iconic sneaker vault and explains how his business and its non-profit arm the Sole Circle Foundation combines fashion, gaming, and mental health into an unparalleled shopping experience. At Sole Play, an underserved community has a home. And so do weary travelers in need of a fresh look.

Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale Production presented in alliance with Capital One Business.

Special thanks to T.J. Bennett of Sole Play and Jakita Owensby Thomas and Erich Thomas of Pharoah’s Conclave.

See this story come to life in our video series on YouTube. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMtgTBtOWYA

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the shadow of the Los Angeles skyline, a few short blocks informally known as the Piñata District shine bright with vibrant colors, candy, and culture. The story of this neighborhood is a story of unlikely partnerships in which a business woman unexpectedly finds herself making artisanal piñatas, and a family inspires a whole new generation of immigrant merchants. This unique business ecosystem shows what happens when business owners focus on collaboration rather than competition, recognizing that a rising tide lifts all boats.

Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale Production presented in alliance with Capital One Business.

Special thanks to Emily Zaiden of the Craft in America Center, Lorena Robletto of Amazing Piñatas Inc, Lucy of Lucy’s Quesadillas, and the Saavedra family of Saavedra Enterprises.

See this story come to life in our video series on YouTube. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AmOvNVgH6Rw

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Three minutes before midnight in Times Square, one of the most trafficked commercial centers in the world momentarily transforms into a vibrant digital art installation, providing a refreshing pause for locals and tourists alike. It’s called the Midnight Moment, and you won’t believe how something so unexpected came together. In this episode, Janet digs into the history of this unique collaboration between the advertising and arts communities before experiencing it herself with innovative, boundary-breaking artist Shahzia Sikander. 

Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale Production presented in alliance with Capital One Business.

Special thanks to Jean Cooney and Times Squares Arts and artists featured as part of the Midnight Moment episode:  

Artist: Shahzia Sikander | Title: Reckoning | Video by Tatyana Tenenbaum 

Artist: Nora Maité Nieves | Title: Eyes of the Sea | Video by Tatyana Tenenbaum

Artist: LuYang | Title: DOKU: Digital Reincarnation | Video by Phatt Features

Special thanks to composer Du Yun for music featured in this episode.

See this story come to life in our video series on YouTube. Click here to watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ERpUrWKdCjE

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Have you ever imagined turning a simple work trip into an unforgettable adventure? Business travel has the potential to be so much more than a blur of meetings and hotel rooms. Every city is filled with hidden gems that can replenish the mind and spirit – and give us new insights about life and leadership. 

Welcome to Offsite Adventures. Each week, host Janet Hsieh will guide you through fascinating stories waiting to be found in iconic business travel destinations. Adventure can fit into any schedule, no matter how busy. We’ll show you how to go and find it. 

To see each story come to life in our video series, visit mastersofscale.com/offsite

Offsite Adventures is a Masters of Scale production presented in alliance with Capital One Business.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.