In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

UL Solutions CEO: Evolving Safety Testing, AI, and Consumer Protection

Mar 19, 2025

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Scanlon, President and CEO of UL Solutions and a champion for safety, shares insights on evolving safety testing in a tech-driven world. She explores how AI is reshaping safety standards and the challenges of global regulatory compliance. Scanlon reflects on leadership styles influenced by her diverse experience and introduces the Straight Puck Award, recognizing employees who provide honest feedback. Tune in for a look at the vital role of safety in innovation and corporate culture.

42:40

Creator website

Episode guests

Jennifer Scanlon

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

UL Solutions employs innovative testing methods and AI technology to enhance product safety and compliance across various industries.

Heightened consumer awareness and regulatory diversity significantly influence product testing standards, necessitating manufacturers to adapt their processes for global markets.

Deep dives

Testing Methodologies and Innovations

UL Solutions employs diverse testing methods to ensure product safety and compliance, utilizing innovative techniques to assess various products across a wide spectrum of industries. Testing can range from dropping items from heights to simulate real-world impacts, to conducting fire safety tests in specialized labs. For example, they perform water leakage tests on footwear by submerging them for extended periods to monitor for any breaches. Such rigorous testing helps manufacturers understand product vulnerabilities and enhance consumer safety.

Intro

3min

Navigating Safety Testing in an AI-Driven World

21min

Navigating Leadership and Innovation in Safety Testing

4min

The Weight of Words in Leadership

6min

Introducing the Straight Puck Award and Corporate Culture Reflections

2min

Prioritizing Safety in Leadership

5min

How do we ensure the products we use every day are truly safe? In this episode, Nicolai Tangen talks with Jennifer Scanlon, President and CEO of UL Solutions, about the evolving world of safety testing. From toys to lithium batteries, they explore how UL Solutions puts products to the test, the role of AI in shaping safety standards, and the company’s journey from private to public ownership. Jennifer also shares her leadership philosophy and her deep commitment to building a safer world. With 15,000 employees operating in 110 markets, UL Solutions is making a global impact. Tune in for an insightful conversation!

In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.

The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Isabelle Karlsson.