Most Innovative Companies

Harry McCracken, Fast Company’s global technology editor, gives sharp analysis of Google’s AI moves. Mark Sullivan, senior writer on AI and culture, explains Anthropic’s enterprise leap and Claude Code. They discuss Sierra’s AI customer agents, how Anthropic and Google stood out, and the editorial criteria that shaped the Most Innovative Companies list.

Jill Bernstein, Fast Company editorial director who curates the Most Innovative Companies list, and Tom Geier, pop-culture writer who helped select honorees, dig into how film and TV innovation is picked. They cover Ryan Coogler’s Proximity Media and creator ownership, IMAX’s format and camera tech resurgence, AI dubbing startup Flawless, real-time drama The Pit, and Apple TV+’s prestige strategy.

A lively breakdown of this year’s most inventive companies, from AI pioneers to creativity-driven brands. Short takes on algorithmic media, seed-to-shelf food ventures, and festival-style fitness. Deep dives into autonomous boats, theatrical comebacks, and new models for sports and philanthropy. Quick rundowns of AI security, streaming strategies, and breakthroughs in healthcare and chip design.

Lilly Smith, Fast Company design reporter who covers fashion trends, and Sarah Whittle, former social lead and creator for Smosh, Crocs, and Duolingo, dive into why ultra-low-rise jeans have resurged. They discuss what counts as low-rise, modern design tweaks, sales spikes at brands, and whether the trend will last. They also weave in social media career lessons and platform-savvy storytelling.

On today’s episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic effects of the war in Iran, Microsoft’s support for Anthropic in the lawsuit against the Trump administration, and the latest jobs report.  Next, Elizabeth and John talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the self-driving Waymo robotaxis are causing problems for the transit systems in San Francisco and other cities.  And finally, Josh speaks with Mozilla CEO Athony Enzor-DeMeo about how Mozilla plans to build trust, grow its user base, and diversify its revenue. To check out Rebecca’s reporting on Waymo, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/91501807/waymo-robotaxis-san-francisco-uncovered-records-exclusive For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today’s episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, how prediction markets drew criticism for allowing bets on the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran and Crypto rebound. Next, Kristin and Josh talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the Anthropic-Pentagon dispute unfolded and what it will take if the U.S. military wants to start working with other AI companies.  Finally, Kristin speaks with Beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk about how Beehiiv started, how they think about their relationship with the publishers and content creators, and their plans for the future. To read Rebecca’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/user/rebecca-heilweil  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

Faisal Hoque, entrepreneur and author advising on AI strategy, and Pavithra Mohan, Fast Company reporter on work-life and labor trends. They dig into AI rollouts and why transformations fail. They discuss layoffs tied to AI claims, immigration and hiring headwinds, cuts to middle management, DEI shifts, and how AI tools can aid workers while risking institutional knowledge.

Description:  On today’s episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Paramount's last-chance-bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in a social media addiction trial, and the latest investment in Elon Musk’s xAI by a Saudi Arabian AI company. Next, Josh and David talk with Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris on the delivery robots in her neighborhood and the controversy surrounding them. Finally, David speaks with the journalist and writer Gabriel Sherman about his new book Bonfire of the Murdochs, diving deep into how Rupert Murdoch became one of the most influential people on the planet and how his ambitions tore apart his family. To read Ainsley’s reporting, go to fastcompany.com/91486773/sidewalk-delivery-robots-coco-serve-chicago-backlash For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

Chad Zamarin, CEO of Williams, leads strategy on energy infrastructure and clean-energy solutions. He discusses surging power demand driven by AI and manufacturing. He explains why U.S. capacity stalled and why rebuilding infrastructure must happen fast. He outlines balancing reliability, affordability and decarbonization and Williams’ large projects to power data centers and scale clean solutions.

Kecia Steelman, CEO of Ulta Beauty, a retail leader known for democratizing beauty and using tech. David Litsky, Fast Company’s editorial strategist and media analyst. They dig into Disney’s succession and strategy shifts. They explore Ulta’s rapid growth, store formats, robotics and agentic AI plans. Short takes on leadership, inclusivity, and retail innovation.