Bold Names

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!

Ben Lamm, co-founder and CEO of Colossal Biosciences, is on a mission to resurrect the woolly mammoth through cutting-edge genetic engineering. He discusses how these efforts could restore biodiversity and ecosystems. Lamm shares insights on leveraging this technology for human health, including cancer resistance found in elephants. The conversation also touches on the ethical implications of de-extinction and the complexities of rewilding these ancient species, making a compelling case for the intersection of conservation and biotechnology.

In this discussion, Sean McLain, an experienced Journal reporter covering the car industry, shares his insights on the evolving electric vehicle market. He highlights the current slowdown in EV sales, driven by high prices and charging issues. McLain examines the competitive landscape, particularly the rise of Chinese manufacturers like BYD and the implications for established giants like Tesla. He also delves into Rivian's strategic partnership with Volkswagen as a response to production challenges, predicting a more dynamic market landscape by 2025.

Jasper de Kruiff, co-founder of Impulse Audio Lab, dives into the intriguing world of sound design for electric vehicles. He discusses how the silence of electric motors allows for a fresh sonic palette, making driving an emotional experience. The conversation explores innovative technologies that create brand-specific soundscapes and the importance of safety through auditory cues. Jasper also examines how autonomous driving influences future sound design, ensuring vehicles communicate effectively without becoming noise nuisances.