Most Innovative Companies

On today’s episode, it’s our year-end spectacular! Yaz and Josh are joined by ‘Fast Company’ editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughn and executive editor Amy Farley to help bring 2024 to a close. From design jobs to tech bros to everything AI, we look back on the biggest and most interesting stories of the year.Plus, a game Josh invented and our New Year’s resolutions.

Roberto Stanichi, Executive Vice President of Hot Wheels, and Ted Wu, Head of Design for Hot Wheels, dive into the innovative spirit of Mattel. They discuss the enduring legacy of Hot Wheels, rooted in authentic car culture and collaborative design. The conversation highlights the exciting Hot Wheels Legends Tour, celebrating custom cars while fostering teamwork globally. The duo emphasizes how trust and respect drive their creative processes, showcasing tools like Jira Align and Confluence that enhance efficiency and innovation at Mattel.

Tyler Dean Kempf, Creative Director at Second City Works, shares his expertise on using improvisation to enhance corporate culture. He discusses how improv aids employees in adapting to changes, especially with the rise of AI tools. The conversation also highlights the importance of empathetic communication across generations and the role of storytelling in workplace dynamics. Tyler emphasizes the transformative power of Second City's classes in fostering connection and innovation within corporate settings. Expect laughter and insightful anecdotes along the way!

Pedro Franceschi, CEO of Brex, shares his insights on driving sustainable growth through smarter spending. He discusses how evolving financial strategies are crucial in today’s economic landscape, especially for CFOs. The conversation includes how Brex empowers employees to make informed financial decisions and highlights the impact of AI on finance. Franceschi showcases the benefits of automation in optimizing financial processes and the integration of embedded finance to enhance corporate efficiency amidst rapid payment technology changes.

Tye Brady, Chief Technologist at Amazon Robotics, dives into the fascinating world of robots in Amazon's fulfillment centers. He discusses how these bots are designed to assist workers during peak shopping seasons. The conversation raises important questions about worker safety and job displacement. Tye also shares insights on the benefits of automation, including reduced injury rates and the creation of skilled roles for employees. With a touch of humor, he reveals the whimsical names of these robots, showcasing the human side of technology.

The series, Fast Forward @ One Madison, brings together some of the world’s most compelling innovators for intimate and provocative conversations on technology, culture, and leadership. In this episode, Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer at Mansueto Ventures, parent of Inc. and Fast Company, talks to Ken Chenault, Chairman and Managing Director of General Catalyst.

There’s a new social media giant on the scene. After Donald Trump’s Elon Musk–assisted reelection, Blueksy’s user base ballooned. It now has over 20 million users and is the No. 1 app in the App Store. Yaz and Josh sit down with Bluesky COO Rose Wang to discuss Bluesky’s core tenets, what the surge in users has meant for her team, and whether Bluesky can succeed where others have failed: at being a permanent replacement for X. Plus, a special segment with our senior 'tween' correspondent Eleanor Woodsworth and her review of the 'Wicked' movie.Then, Yaz and Josh talk with Fast Co. staff editor AJ Hess about the new docuseries, 'The Offseason,' and recent big investments in women’s sports.

In this custom episode from FastCo Works and Medtronic, Kathleen Koch chats with Medtronic chairman and CEO Geoff Martha and chief technology and innovation officer Ken Washington. New medical devices and therapies, including those powered by data, AI, and robotics, are pushing the boundaries of what we once dreamed medically possible. While the latest health tech innovations are helping doctors establish new standards of care and improving people’s quality of life, we’ve only scratched the surface of tech’s potential. Learn how revolutionary technologies are powering a new era in healthcare, and how health tech executives are navigating a dynamic landscape.

Since the 2008 election, Democratic candidates for president have won at least 60% of the under-30 vote. After last week’s election, that number is down to 54%. Joining Yaz and Josh to discuss Donald Trump’s success with young male voters is ‘Fast Company’ contributing writer, a Gen Zer himself, Henry Chandonnet. Then, Yaz sits down with Oura CEO Tom Hale to discuss the state of the wearable health-tech space.And for more content, subscribe to Fast Company Premium : https://www.fastcompany.com/premium

Dude Perfect is winning YouTube. The sports-comedy group known for their outrageous trick shots have 60 million subscribers on the platform, more than the NBA, NFL, and MLB combined. Yaz sat down with Dude Perfect’s new CEO, Andrew Yaffe, to discuss what comes next for this burgeoning media empire.Then Yaz and Josh discussed Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in the entertainment industry with The Ankler executive editor David Lidsky. Plus, as always, Keeping Tabs and a rundown for all the news you need to know.