Tools and Weapons with Brad Smith

Ryan Roslansky, LinkedIn CEO and Microsoft EVP, and coauthor of Open to Work, explores AI and the future of work. He frames careers by tasks not titles. He explains how AI can augment daily work as a thought partner. He highlights uniquely human skills like curiosity, communication, and compassion. He describes non‑linear careers, cross‑disciplinary roles, and practical ways to build AI skills.

Wildfires devastate communities, ecosystems, and lives, and they are becoming harder to stop. But what if firefighters could spot a blaze in its earliest moments, before anyone even calls 911? In this episode of Tools and Weapons, Brad Smith travels to California to meet Deputy Fire Chief Zachary Wells and Dr. Neal Driscoll, a professor at the University of California, San Diego and one of the leaders behind ALERTCalifornia, an ambitious early warning and situational awareness system designed to detect wildfires as quickly as possible. Brad speaks with Wells and Driscoll about how their partnership, along with contributions from Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab and other collaborators, has helped build a system that improves situational awareness for emergency responders and expands access to life saving information for the public. They also discuss the future of wildfire technology, from predicting how fires might spread to making advanced tools more affordable and accessible to communities around the world.

From the collapse of the pearl trade to becoming a global powerhouse in oil and gas, the UAE has repeatedly reinvented itself through resilience and long-term thinking. In this episode, His Excellency Khaldoon Al Mubarak, CEO of sovereign wealth fund Mubadala, joins Brad to explore how Mubadala thinks about long-term capital investment, why the UAE is positioned as an early leader in AI adoption, and what history can teach us about preparing for the world’s next major technological shift. Khaldoon breaks down the role of sovereign capital in shaping emerging technologies, and why patience may be the most powerful competitive advantage in an era defined by rapid change.

In this discussion, Juan Lavista Ferres, the Director and Chief Data Scientist at Microsoft's AI for Good Lab, explores critical insights from the latest AI Diffusion Report. He reveals how generative AI's benefits are unevenly distributed, highlighting a stark gap between the Global North and South. The UAE and Singapore emerge as leaders in adoption, propelled by government support. Juan emphasizes the importance of skilling for AI growth, discusses China's DeepSeek model, and examines future trends and necessary policies for equitable tech diffusion.

From chalkboards to tablets, technology has transformed the NFL. In this episode, Ed Policy, president and CEO of the Green Bay Packers, joins Brad to explore how digital tools on the sidelines and innovation hubs like TitletownTech are reshaping the game and driving economic growth beyond Lambeau Field. From growing up in an Ohio football family to steering a uniquely community-owned franchise into the future, it's a conversation about leadership, tech, and purpose in a changing world. Ed also shares the three principles guiding every decision: win football games, keep the Packers in Green Bay, and strengthen the community.

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos joins Brad Smith for a conversation about the constant reinvention behind one of the world’s most influential entertainment platforms. They explore how bold leadership and a culture of innovation keep Netflix ahead—not just as a media company, but as a force shaping industries and audiences alike. Ted shares how intuition and data combine to turn daring ideas into practical solutions—from scaling storytelling across 190 countries to relentlessly creating content that gets under the skin of viewers and makes them feel deeply connected to the stories they watch.

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft since 2014, shares his unique journey from playing cricket to leading a tech giant. He highlights the connection between poetry and programming, revealing how literature and technology shaped his leadership style. Nadella discusses the transformative impact of AI on software development and its potential to empower underserved communities. He emphasizes fostering a growth mindset in company culture, which is crucial for navigating change in the tech landscape.

Steve Ballmer, Microsoft’s former CEO and current owner of the LA Clippers, shares his journey from scaling Microsoft to becoming a sports mogul. He reflects on the company's early days and the bold pitch that drew him in. Ballmer emphasizes the significance of three traits: irrational confidence, realism, and persistence, which fueled his success. He also draws fascinating parallels between leadership in tech and sports, highlighting the importance of accountability and innovation in navigating competition and ensuring long-term growth.

In this engaging conversation, Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and a pioneer in the personal computer revolution, reflects on the tech giant's 50-year journey. He shares insights from his new memoir, exploring the evolution of leadership and innovation at Microsoft. Gates discusses exciting advancements in technology, especially in health and education, and highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to tackle global challenges. He also recounts personal anecdotes from intense legal battles, illustrating the power of humor in high-pressure situations.

What will it take for a great power today to remain one? Based on research from Jeffrey Ding, a professor at George Washington University, it’s probably not the flashy technology everyone is focused on. We discuss his recent book, Technology and the Rise of Great Powers, as he challenges conventional wisdom about how technology has shaped the rise of great powers like the United States.Click here for the episode transcript