In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks and former leader at Google and SoftBank, dives into the thriving field of cybersecurity amid rising digital threats. He discusses the shifting landscape of cybercrime, where individuals and nation-states pose various risks. The conversation highlights the pivotal role of AI in both cyberattacks and defenses. Nikesh shares his journey from engineering in India to leadership in tech, emphasizing the need for strategic pivots and mentorship in navigating innovation and managing work-life balance.

Emma Walmsley, CEO of GSK and a leader in the pharmaceutical sector, shares fascinating insights on drug discovery and company culture. She discusses GSK's innovative advancements in cancer treatments and HIV therapies. Emma highlights the transformative role of AI in speeding up drug development. She emphasizes the importance of balancing drug accessibility and pricing, alongside the necessity of curiosity and partnership in navigating change. Tune in for her vision on reshaping healthcare for billions around the globe!

In this engaging discussion, Emma Walmsley, CEO of GSK and a key player in pharmaceuticals, shares insights on drug discovery and the integration of AI in speeding up medical advancements. She highlights GSK's breakthroughs in cancer treatments and respiratory medicine, while tackling the challenges of drug pricing and access. Emma also emphasizes the need for culture change within companies to foster innovation and accountability, and the significance of curiosity in leadership. Tune in for a captivating look at the future of healthcare!

Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo, shares her insights as a leader in the global beverage industry. She discusses how Gen Z's 'zebra striping' trend is reshaping drinking habits, blending alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Debra highlights the importance of understanding evolving consumer preferences and how this informs Diageo's brand strategies. She also reveals a cultural shift towards embracing a 'fail fast and learn' philosophy, celebrating past failures as learning opportunities in leadership.

Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo, leads a company renowned for iconic brands like Guinness and Johnnie Walker. She discusses the shift in drinking habits, particularly among Gen Z, highlighting the trendy practice of 'zebra striping'—alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Debra also dives into Diageo's marketing strategies, emphasizing premiumization and brand innovation. Moreover, she reveals the company's cultural transformation towards a more agile and experimental mindset, ultimately enhancing product development and sustainability.

Jennifer Scanlon, the President and CEO of UL Solutions, dives into the crucial world of safety testing. She discusses how products from toys to lithium batteries undergo rigorous testing to ensure consumer safety. Jennifer shares an entertaining story about unusual testing regulations, including a soda can test that highlights the need for thorough evaluations. She also reveals her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the significance of honest feedback and the rewarding journey of transitioning UL Solutions from private to public ownership.

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Scanlon, President and CEO of UL Solutions and a champion for safety, shares insights on evolving safety testing in a tech-driven world. She explores how AI is reshaping safety standards and the challenges of global regulatory compliance. Scanlon reflects on leadership styles influenced by her diverse experience and introduces the Straight Puck Award, recognizing employees who provide honest feedback. Tune in for a look at the vital role of safety in innovation and corporate culture.

Ruth Porat, President and CIO of Alphabet and Google, discusses her significant role in shaping the tech landscape. She dives into AI advancements, including the power of the Gemini model and the Willow quantum chip's transformative impact. Ruth shares how AI is revolutionizing early cancer detection and improving healthcare outcomes. Moreover, she reflects on her time at Morgan Stanley, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment and lifelong learning, inspired by her family’s resilience.

Join Ruth Porat, President and CIO of Alphabet and Google, as she dives into the future of technology. She shares how Google is shaping AI, discussing advancements like the Willow quantum chip and the transformative potential of self-driving cars. Ruth offers insights from her time at Morgan Stanley during the financial crisis, highlighting the importance of long-term investment and mentorship. Additionally, she explores AI's impact on healthcare and public service, illustrating how innovation can drive economic growth.

Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, is reshaping business education by integrating arts and culture. He emphasizes how creativity enhances learning and builds essential human skills, which AI cannot replicate. The discussion includes why fiction reading builds better leaders and how business schools can draw inspiration from art museums. Strannegård shares insights on fostering empathy, the need for diverse perspectives in leadership, and the vital intersection of AI and human intelligence in education.