Squawk Pod

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, and Andrew Macdonald, President/COO, share insights into Uber's transformative journey. They discuss shifting the company culture towards doing the right thing and rebuilding trust with drivers and regulators. Dara highlights rapid adaptations during COVID, including the pivot to Uber Eats, and the importance of investing in driver supply. They also touch on strategies for competing with rivals, the role of technology in safety improvements, and preparing for an autonomous future.

Scott Bessent, U.S. Treasury Secretary and former investment manager, shares insights from the World Economic Forum. He discusses Trump's curiosity about Greenland and emphasizes America’s economic strength. Bessent also details the Fed chair selection process, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability. He defends plans to cap credit card rates and advocates balanced intervention in markets to ensure fair practices. His overarching message champions American leadership while maintaining global partnerships.

Sarah Friar, the CFO of OpenAI, shares her insights live from Davos, where she outlines the booming potential of AI in both consumer and enterprise sectors. She highlights the rapid growth of ChatGPT, the importance of user trust in advertising, and how AI can revolutionize healthcare by supporting professionals in underserved areas. Friar discusses balancing revenues from consumer and enterprise markets, and provides a peek into OpenAI's financial health while addressing competition with other AI models.

Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon and former head of Amazon Web Services, discusses the company's strategic focus during an insightful chat with Becky Quick. They dive into the impact of artificial intelligence on Amazon, including custom silicon innovations like Trainium, and the balance between cost and performance. Jassy also addresses challenges posed by tariffs, the evolving job landscape with AI, and how Amazon is tackling surging compute demands. His insights reflect on leadership in tech and the future of consumer prices.

Join Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America, as he dives into market reactions following geopolitical shocks, including tariffs' impacts on the economy. David Beckham, former soccer star and co-owner of Inter Miami CF, shares insights on the bank's Sports With Us initiative, aiming to democratize sports access. Beckham also discusses soccer's growth in the U.S. and his efforts to inspire youth through coaching and community initiatives. Together, they explore the role of social media in shaping the future of sports and youth empowerment.

In this engaging discussion, Robert Frank, a CNBC business reporter, dives into California's controversial billionaire tax and its implications for the tech community. Meanwhile, Peter Rahal, CEO of David Protein, shares insights on the booming high-protein nutrition trend, including innovations that make products taste indulgent while staying healthy. Peter emphasizes the importance of protein in light of GLP-1s and reveals exciting new technologies that enhance flavor and texture in nutrition bars.

Shale producers Devon Energy and Coterra Energy are eyeing a merger, hinting at big shifts in the energy sector. Mitsubishi is set to acquire shale gas assets in Louisiana and Texas, expanding its influence. In a surprising move, J.B. Hunt's shares dipped following their earnings report. Meanwhile, AI startup Replit is nearing a new funding round, promising exciting developments in tech. On a different note, Kathleen Kennedy is stepping down from her role at Lucasfilm after shaping the Star Wars universe for over a decade.

Austan Goolsbee, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and Steve Liesman, CNBC's Senior Economics Reporter, delve into pressing economic issues. They discuss the recent surprise in jobless claims and its implications for labor market stability. Goolsbee emphasizes the necessity for convincing evidence on inflation before making significant rate cuts. The duo also tackles the potential ramifications of the DOJ's investigation into Fed Chair Jay Powell, warning that legal scrutiny could challenge central bank independence.

In this engaging conversation, Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, shares his journey from video store clerk to leading one of the world's top streaming giants. Alongside Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer, they discuss daring decisions like investing in original content and the importance of local stories. They highlight the significance of trusting teams, empowering creators, and the role of data in maintaining creativity. Surprising success stories like Squid Game demonstrate the power of risk-taking in content creation.

Danny Meyer, a renowned restaurateur and founder of Shake Shack, teams up with Rob Lynch, the company's CEO, to share their insights on leadership and growth. They discuss Meyer's philosophy of 'enlightened hospitality,' which prioritizes employees to enhance customer satisfaction. The duo reveals the transformation from a humble hot dog cart to a booming restaurant chain. They also delve into ambitious plans for 1,500 locations, the innovative hiring practices based on emotional skills, and the challenges faced during the pandemic.