In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Sergio Ermotti, the returning CEO of UBS, shares insights from his pivotal role during UBS’s historic acquisition of Credit Suisse. He reveals the challenges he faced as new CEO and discusses why Credit Suisse stumbled. The conversation dives into the evolution of Swiss banking, contrasting the dynamics of US and European banks, and highlights the importance of corporate culture. With anecdotes reflecting his football background, Ermotti emphasizes teamwork's role in achieving success and the significance of nurturing leadership talent.

Peter Carlsson, CEO of Northvolt and former Tesla exec, discusses the future of sustainable battery production. He highlights the challenges of competing in a market dominated by China and the necessity for innovation and strategic partnerships. Peter emphasizes the role of batteries in transitioning away from fossil fuels and the importance of local supply chains in Europe. He shares insights on fostering a vibrant corporate culture while scaling and even takes listeners on a unique team-building journey through cross-country skiing.

David Schwimmer, CEO of the London Stock Exchange Group, shares his insights on leading a financial giant with a rich history. He discusses the impact of macroeconomic trends on executive pay and cultural shifts in the corporate landscape. Schwimmer also explores the transformative power of AI in improving business operations and customer experiences. Additionally, he dives into building a cohesive corporate culture at LSEG and the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes in decision-making.

Annie Duke, a world champion poker player and bestselling author, shares her unique insights on quitting and decision-making. She discusses the sunk cost fallacy, emphasizing how past investments can hinder future choices. The conversation explores the fine line between quitting and failing, using the metaphor of climbing Mount Everest. Annie also highlights the importance of unbiased advice in poker and the impact of misinformation on decision-making. Ultimately, she illustrates how enhancing decision-making skills can positively shape our lives and society.

Andy Ransom, CEO of Rentokil Initial, reveals the innovative frontiers of pest control, from cutting-edge tech like AI and drones to the impact of climate change on the industry. He shares wild anecdotes from the field, discusses the importance of sustainable practices, and the surge in consumer interest, especially regarding bed bugs. The conversation also dives into strategic acquisitions, leadership challenges, and the significance of cultural alignment in building successful teams. Plus, Ransom opens up about balancing work and family amidst the buzz of his dynamic career.

Russell Weiner, CEO of Domino's Pizza, shares insights into leading the world's largest pizza company, serving over a million customers daily. He dives into the hot topic of pineapple on pizza and celebrates the creativity in pizza-making. The conversation also touches on innovative delivery trends and the significance of sustainable pizza boxes in operations. With engaging anecdotes, Weiner highlights the brand's turnaround story and the delicate balance between data and intuition in decision-making, all fueled by a shared love for pizza.

In this engaging discussion, Roland Busch, the CEO of Siemens and a pioneer in industrial automation, shares his journey to leadership and insights into the evolving tech landscape. He delves into the concept of digital twins, which revolutionize productivity in industries, and examines how smart infrastructure is transforming urban environments, citing Singapore's advancements. Busch also underscores the importance of fostering innovation through open communication and adaptability, while touching on the future of battery production in Norway and Germany's industrial strategies.

Jane Fraser, the first female CEO of a major US bank, shares insights from her transformative leadership at Citigroup. She discusses navigating the complexities of restructuring in the banking sector, emphasizing the importance of empathy during crises. The conversation delves into economic indicators affecting inflation and interest rates, as well as the competitive landscape of global finance. Fraser also reflects on her international experiences and the vital traits that define effective leadership, encouraging personal growth and resilience.

Daniel Ek, the visionary founder and CEO of Spotify, shares his transformative journey in the music industry. He discusses the future of audio and how AI is reshaping music consumption. Ek highlights the importance of personalized listening experiences and the role of diverse teams in fostering innovation. He also delves into his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing self-investment, and reflects on the deeper societal impact of music. With a personal touch, he even shares his passion for football and aspirations for the sport.

Carl-Henric Svanberg, a distinguished leader who has guided giants like BP and Ericsson through crises, shares his inspiring journey from a small Swedish village to the boardroom. He discusses the importance of resilience shaped by his upbringing and how effective leadership requires clear vision and adaptive strategies. Insights into navigating crises, especially during BP's challenges, and Volvo's transformative approaches highlight the balance between structured practices and adaptability. Svanberg also reflects on the dynamics between CEOs and Chairs, emphasizing communication and nurturing corporate culture.