Bold Names

Max Levchin, the CEO and co-founder of Affirm and a PayPal co-founder, dives into the transformative role of 'buy now, pay later' (BNPL) in consumer finance. He shares his personal journey from experiencing credit struggles as an immigrant to founding Affirm, emphasizing transparency and the avoidance of late fees. Levchin details how BNPL differs from traditional credit cards, explores AI's revolutionary impact on shopping and underwriting, and discusses initiatives like the Affirm debit card and partnerships with major retailers to expand access.

Anticipation builds as the hosts unveil an exciting lineup for 2026, featuring leaders from companies like Chobani, Lamborghini, and Affirm. They dive into the significance of data in today's tech landscape, underscoring its importance with insights from SAP's CEO. With a focus on the titans of business and technology, this season promises enlightening conversations that will shape the future. The hosts express their enthusiasm, inviting listeners along for this engaging journey ahead.

Who will take care of you in old age? Jeff Cardenas, the CEO and co-founder of Apptronik, says the answer is robots. The startup founder set out to build a smart, dexterous robot after watching his grandfathers grow old and dependent in their later years. Beyond healthcare, Cardenas sees robots as essential to U.S. economic growth and national security with applications across industries. Even with the latest advances in artificial intelligence and hardware, what will it take for humanoid robots to make the leap from science fiction to reality? On the latest episode of the Bold Names podcast, Cardenas tells WSJ’s Christopher Mims and Tim Higgins why Apptronik is betting it will create the home robot helper that everyone will want. To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com. Check Out Past Episodes: Condoleezza Rice on Beating China in the Tech Race: 'Run Hard and Run Fast' Reid Hoffman Says AI Isn’t an ‘Arms Race,’ but America Needs to Win Why This Investor Says the AI Boom Isn’t the Next Dot-Com Crash How the U.S. Stacks Up to China’s ‘Engineering State’ 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

Nick Timiraos, Chief Economics Correspondent at The Wall Street Journal, joins Beth Hammack, President of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. They dive into the state of the U.S. economy, discussing inflation, labor market trends, and the importance of Fed independence. Hammack shares insights on the neutral interest rate, the impact of AI on employment, and the balance between policy and market conditions. They emphasize careful analysis of multiple economic indicators before making monetary policy decisions.

The hosts reflect on the explosive growth of AI and its implications for 2026. They discuss personalized AI companions and the additive nature of technology in creating new opportunities. Insights from leaders like Microsoft’s Mustafa Suleyman and Condoleezza Rice shed light on the U.S.-China tech rivalry. A lively debate unfolds over whether the AI boom could lead to a financial bubble. Topics also include the potential of quantum computing and the challenges of humanoid robots as the future unfolds.

Eric Lempel, Senior VP of Sony Interactive Entertainment, shares insights on the $200 billion gaming industry dominated by PlayStation. He discusses the shift towards mobile gaming and the challenge to maintain creativity as AI becomes more prevalent. Lempel reflects on PlayStation's evolution and its focus on storytelling, highlighting successful adaptations like *The Last of Us*. He also explores monetization strategies and addresses industry consolidation, while envisioning future directions with VR and AR. Prepare for gaming's next chapter!

Zak Brown, the dynamic CEO of McLaren Racing and former racecar driver, shares insights on leadership and business drawn from his racing experience. He discusses the importance of trust and communication under pressure, and how he turned McLaren around since 2016. Zak reflects on lessons learned from missteps in IndyCar, the impact of streaming deals on F1's growth, and balancing the dynamics between star drivers. His anecdotes and strategies reveal how high-speed racing influences corporate excellence.

Michael Kratsios, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, shares insights from his experience as the U.S. CTO. He discusses the importance of leading in AI innovation while balancing national security and export controls aimed at China. Kratsios highlights initiatives to educate the public on AI and protect youth from its risks. He addresses concerns over a potential AI bubble, expressing confidence in the U.S. market's capacity for growth, and underscores the importance of sector-specific regulations to ensure safe AI practices.

Tim Wu, a legal scholar and key architect of Biden's antitrust policy, dives into the monopolistic tendencies of Big Tech. He argues that platforms like Apple and Amazon are extracting value from users, turning human creativity into a commodity. Wu critiques the historical and current power dynamics at play, emphasizing the need for regulation to restore competition. He also sees AI as a crucial battleground for innovation, advocating for policies that foster challengers to prevent stagnation and encourage a thriving tech economy.

Scott Strazik, CEO of GE Vernova, discusses the booming electricity demand driven by AI and data centers. He highlights the pivotal role of gas turbines in meeting variable energy needs and explains how small modular nuclear reactors could contribute to future energy production. Strazik also explores the extensive investments in manufacturing and R&D necessary to scale up, and outlines the challenges posed by permitting and infrastructure limitations. His insights paint a picture of a transformative energy landscape brimming with opportunities.