Bold Names

Ankur Jain, founder and CEO of Bilt Rewards, discusses his innovative journey transforming the way payments are made for rent and mortgages. Inspired by American Express’s rewards programs, he reveals plans for homeowners to earn points on mortgage payments. Jain shares insights about the challenges of modernizing payment systems for younger customers and the partnerships with banks that could disrupt traditional financial dynamics. He also emphasizes the importance of legal immigration in fostering innovation within the tech sector.

Dive into fascinating conversations with the titans of industry. Hear insights on groundbreaking innovations and the future of AI. Influential figures like Reid Hoffman and Ayanna Howard share their visions and experiences. Discover how these leaders navigate challenges in their fields. It's a captivating look at the minds shaping our world.

Aaron Levie, CEO of Box and cloud storage innovator for Fortune 500 companies, discusses the transformative potential of AI in business. He highlights how cheaper AI can sift through vast amounts of previously messy data, improving tasks from invoice processing to marketing campaigns. Levie argues that this technological advancement could actually create more jobs, stimulating demand and growth. He emphasizes Box's commitment to remain 'model agnostic,' working with leading AI technologies to enhance their services and drive productivity.

JB Straubel, former Chief Technology Officer of Tesla and current CEO of Redwood Materials, shares his journey from pioneering Tesla's battery technology to leading a recycling revolution. He envisions recycled batteries powering a sustainable future and discusses how this could challenge traditional oil giants. Straubel emphasizes the critical need for lithium-ion battery recycling and the potential for trillion-dollar businesses in this sector. He also reflects on effective leadership and the balance between work and well-being amidst the fast-paced tech world.

Marc Benioff, the co-founder and CEO of Salesforce, shares his passionate views on AI and its transformative potential for businesses. He discusses the contrasting approaches of Salesforce and Microsoft in utilizing AI, particularly the benefits of their Einstein platform. Benioff reflects on the misconceptions surrounding AI, emphasizing the importance of energy in its deployment. He also explores the evolving work dynamics shaped by technology, urging a focus on results rather than physical presence, and sheds light on the long road ahead for artificial general intelligence.

Peter Rawlinson, CEO of Lucid and former Tesla engineer, shares his insights on the electric vehicle landscape. He believes that the inexpensive EV market is lacking innovation and reveals why Lucid is focused on luxury models instead. Rawlinson discusses the challenges faced by traditional automakers and competitive pressures from Chinese brands. He emphasizes the need for advanced battery technologies and why he won't pursue a $20,000 EV anytime soon. The conversation reflects on the future of autonomous vehicles and the evolving dynamics of the EV market.

Tune in for a light-hearted discussion about changes in the wireless industry, including Mint Mobile's surprising price cuts. Discover the exciting launch of 'Bold Names,' a new program spotlighting industry leaders. Get a sneak peek into future conversations exploring the latest technological advancements shaping our world. It's a blend of humor and insight you won't want to miss!

Mads Krogsgaard Thomsen, CEO of the Novo Nordisk Foundation, leads a vital discussion on Gefion, an AI supercomputer powered by Nvidia. He shares insights on its groundbreaking role in revolutionizing drug discovery and protein design. The conversation touches on how machine learning enhances research efficiency and accelerates therapy timelines. Mads also explores the supercomputer's diverse applications across biological research and agriculture while emphasizing the importance of equitable access to AI technologies for societal advancement.

Julie Wernau, a WSJ health reporter, discusses a revolutionary approach to treating addiction using focused ultrasound. She explains how ultrasound waves can target brain areas associated with cravings, potentially disrupting harmful connections. The technology promises to reshape brain reward pathways, offering a novel method that stands apart from traditional treatments. Wernau also shares insights from patient case studies, emphasizing the importance of combining innovative tech with behavioral strategies for effective recovery.

Jo Craven McGinty, WSJ Science Bureau Chief and a specialist in sleep technology, dives into the world of innovative wearable devices designed to enhance sleep quality. She discusses fascinating tech like the EleMind device, which uses sound to modulate brainwaves, and the Somni headband, delivering electrical pulses for better sleep. McGinty also highlights the Lumos sleep mask that adjusts circadian rhythms through light stimulation, proving especially useful for travelers and shift workers. Discover how these advancements might revolutionize your nightly rest!