Bold Names

Aicha Evans, CEO of Zoox and former Intel executive, shares insights on Zoox's ambitious plans to disrupt the robotaxi market with Amazon's backing. She discusses the company's unique vehicle design that resembles a lounge and highlights the challenges of ensuring safety and trust in autonomous technology. Evans also dives into the competitive landscape against Tesla and Waymo, emphasizing the need for collaboration and transparency. With families as potential new customers, she explores the importance of communicating the safety and reliability of robotaxi services.

Swamy Kotagiri, CEO of Magna International and a key player in North America's automotive parts sector, shares invaluable insights into the industry's turbulent landscape. He discusses how tariffs and trade conflicts are reshaping strategies for traditional automakers. The conversation dives into the challenges posed by rising competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers and the importance of innovation in adapting to consumer shifts. Kotagiri highlights the need for seamless integration between electric vehicles and autonomous technology to build public trust.

José Andrés, the celebrity chef and humanitarian known for his work with World Central Kitchen, discusses his latest book and the importance of 'longer tables' as a solution to societal issues. He shares insights on how lessons from restaurant chaos help in crisis management, emphasizing adaptability during emergencies. Andrés advocates for direct involvement in humanitarian aid, highlighting food's unifying power amid conflict. He also addresses concerns regarding FEMA's preparedness and explores how culinary advocacy can drive social change and sustainable food practices.

Few people developing artificial intelligence have as much experience in the field as Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman. He co-founded DeepMind, helped Google develop its large language models and designed AI chatbots with personality at his former startup, Inflection AI. Now, he’s tasked with leading Microsoft’s efforts on its consumer AI products. On the latest episode of the Bold Names podcast, Suleyman speaks to WSJ’s Christopher Mims and Tim Higgins about why AI assistants are central to his plans for Microsoft’s AI future. Plus, they discuss the company’s relationship with OpenAI, and what Suleyman really thinks about “artificial general intelligence.” Check Out Past Episodes: Booz Allen CEO on Silicon Valley’s Turn to Defense Tech: ‘We Need Everybody.’  Venture Capitalist Sarah Guo’s Surprising Bet on Unsexy AI  Reid Hoffman Says AI Isn’t an ‘Arms Race,’ but America Needs to Win  Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and the AI ‘Fantasy Land’  Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at BoldNames@wsj.com Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.  Read Christopher Mims’s Keywords column . Read Tim Higgins’s column.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Horacio Rozanski says he is obsessed with speed. As the CEO of Booz Allen Hamilton, a company that helps government agencies leverage the latest advances in technology used by the private sector, he has insight into the global race to develop artificial intelligence, especially in the realm of warfare. How does Rozanski see the relationship between the U.S. government and Silicon Valley evolving? He speaks to WSJ’s Christopher Mims and Tim Higgins on the latest episode of the Bold Names podcast. Check Out Past Episodes: This CEO Says Global Trade Is Broken. What Comes Next? Venture Capitalist Sarah Guo’s Surprising Bet on Unsexy AI What This Former USAID Head Had to Say About Elon Musk and DOGE Palmer Luckey's 'I Told You So' Tour: AI Weapons and Vindication Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at BoldNames@wsj.com Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter. Read Christopher Mims’s Keywords column. Read Tim Higgins’s column. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Evan Smith, co-founder and CEO of Altana, offers a unique perspective on the unraveling of globalization and its effects on supply chains. He discusses how President Trump’s tariffs have created chaos in global trade, forcing companies to rethink their processes. Smith raises concerns about a shift away from free trade ideals towards a new geopolitical landscape, emphasizing the need for trusted networks and cooperation. He highlights the growing influence of nations like China and Russia, and Mexico's strategic role in emerging supply chains.

Michael Mager, co-founder and CEO of Precision Neuroscience, discusses pioneering brain-computer interfaces designed to assist those with severe mobility issues. He shares the company's vision for making non-invasive brain implants available to millions and the challenges involved in competing with giants like Neuralink. Mager also reflects on recent FDA approvals and the potential for these technologies to revolutionize lives, turning once rare procedures into standard healthcare solutions.

In this discussion, Sarah Guo, a rising star in Silicon Valley and founder of Conviction, explores the next big wave of AI innovation, particularly in enterprise software. She shares insights on what she looks for in investment opportunities and why she believes the SaaS sector is ripe for transformation. Guo also reflects on the shifting landscape of venture capital, emphasizing the importance of empathy in supporting startups. The conversation covers emerging trends among young entrepreneurs and the influence of political polarization on tech dialogue.

Keller Rinaudo Cliffton, CEO and co-founder of Zipline, is revolutionizing logistics with autonomous drones for delivery. He shares insights on how Zipline transitioned from delivering medical supplies in Africa to potentially bringing burritos to American backyards. Cliffton discusses competing with giants like Amazon, emphasizing safety in daily high-frequency deliveries. He also highlights the challenges of urban drone logistics and the importance of in-house manufacturing to drive rapid innovation in this evolving industry.

Peter Jackson, CEO of Flutter Entertainment, oversees a global sports betting empire, including FanDuel. He discusses how technology is revolutionizing sports betting while addressing its potential harms. Jackson highlights the rapid growth of the industry and the innovative features enhancing user engagement, such as customizable bets and real-time tracking. He also emphasizes the importance of responsible gambling practices, balancing the excitement of betting with the need for safeguards against addiction.