Most Innovative Companies

In this discussion, Liz Segran, a senior writer at Fast Company known for her insights on business trends, delves into Target's recent struggles, particularly highlighting the backlash from their DEI policy rollback that has led to significant boycotts and sales declines. Todd Sherman, a senior director at YouTube Shorts, shares the evolving landscape of short-form video content, detailing YouTube's strategic positioning against rivals like TikTok. The chat navigates how these shifts impact consumer behavior in retail and digital media.

Mark Wilson, Global Design Editor at Fast Company, shares thought-provoking insights on the current challenges in the design industry, asking whether design is dead in an era obsessed with immediate results. Ryan Weaver, cofounder of Overdrive, dives into innovative marketing strategies aimed at destigmatizing drug testing. They discuss the brand’s mission to promote safety and normalize conversations around substance use, while also touching on the evolving landscape of design and its significance in entrepreneurship.

Patrick Sisson, a freelance reporter for Fast Company specializing in clean tech, joins Molly DeWolf Swenson, cofounder of Mosey, to discuss the rebranding of climate technology as essential for national security amid political shifts. They explore how cleantech companies are adapting to funding cuts and changing narratives, emphasizing the intersection of sustainability, job creation, and governmental policies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of social media and the importance of fostering in-person connections through innovative platforms.

Kate Rouch, Chief Marketing Officer of OpenAI, discusses the evolving branding landscape of the AI sector. She shares insights on the strategies behind OpenAI's memorable Super Bowl ad and emphasizes the importance of educating the public on advanced AI technologies. Rouch highlights the balance between creativity and efficiency in AI-driven branding while addressing the need for authenticity. The conversation touches on ChatGPT's impact on younger demographics and the shifting narratives within the investor landscape in AI and crypto.

Mung Chiang, President of Purdue University, is a champion for university-industry collaboration aimed at transforming the pharmaceutical landscape. He discusses how Purdue partners with companies like Elanco and Eli Lilly to foster innovation. The conversation dives into the profound effects of AI on drug discovery and manufacturing, highlighting cross-industry partnerships that tackle clinical trial challenges. Chiang emphasizes the One Health initiative and how academic startups are vital for advancing healthcare outcomes and adapting to industry needs.

Join Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport, who shares expert insights on the impact of recent tariffs and global trade challenges. He discusses how businesses, especially small manufacturers, are navigating the tumultuous landscape. Meanwhile, Ben Lamm, cofounder of Colossal Biosciences, reveals exciting progress on de-extinction projects, including the revival of the Woolly Mammoth and the astonishing introduction of genetically modified direwolves, sparking debates on ethics and ecological implications.

Lorraine Twohill, Global CMO at Google, shares insights on transforming Google into a top-tier brand while integrating AI in marketing strategies. She discusses the challenges of launching AI tools like Gemini and the innovative ad campaigns that accompany them. Nilesh Ashra, an AI strategy consultant, joins to highlight how AI reshapes creative processes and simplifies content production. They emphasize the need for balancing creativity with efficient execution, especially in the face of mixed public reactions to new technologies.

On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including the latest on the sweeping tariffs announced on wednesday, the Trump administration being sued by federal workers, Newsmax stock pops 500% on NYSE, Meta’s head of AI research Joelle Pineau is leaving the company, and fast-fashion giant H&M plans to use AI clones of its human models—plus the backlash. (00:44)Next, Josh and Yaz speak to ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Max Ufberg about the Tesla Takedown protests happening across the globe. Plus, Max shares details of the coordinated event called Global Action Day where worldwide protests are calling on people to sell their Teslas and their shares of Tesla stock. (05:17)Finally, Yaz spoke to award-winning actor Walton Goggins and GoDaddy's CEO Aman Bhutani about GoDaddy's partnership with Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses. (26:26)For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo read the latest on Fast Company’s coverage of Tesla:https://www.fastcompany.com/91308723/elon-musk-blames-tesla-protests-shady-payoffs-while-making-shady-payoffs-wisconsinVisit Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses

Sephora is compelling for any number of reasons, and one is it’s been a leader in the beauty industry working with GenAI and broader AI technology.A McKinsey piece reported earlier this year that Gen AI could add up $9 billion to $10 billion to the global economy based on its impact on the beauty industry alone.As consumer brands go, the beauty industry has been ahead of the curve on AI, with companies like Sephora, L’Oreal, Dior, Estee Lauder, P&G, all creating AI-powered tools for customers to use as early as 2017.In this episode, host Jeff Beer talks to Sephora’s US CMO Zena Arnold, and Vlad Kuznetsov, the company’s Chief Information Officer, to get a peek under the hood for a glimpse at how one of the most powerful brands in an incredibly influential consumer industry is thinking about Gen AI right now.

With more than a century of expertise, Williams is shaping the future of energy—delivering reliable, sustainable solutions to fuel economic growth and global progress. ‘Fast Company’ speaks with Chad Zamarin, EVP of corporate strategic development for Williams, about the urgent need for companies to adapt in a rapidly evolving energy landscape—and how AI and media trends are reshaping our energy demands.