DealBook Summit

Kevin Plank, founder of Under Armour, highlights the need for continual reinvention in manufacturing and the role of AI in product innovation. Carolina Pluszczynski speaks about democratizing innovation in Detroit through inclusive programs. Steve Case shares insights on geographic inclusion and the importance of connecting startups beyond coastal hubs. Neil Blumenthal emphasizes affordable education's impact on entrepreneurship, while Shivani Siroya champions underserved communities through data-driven fintech solutions. Together, they explore how universities can be engines of opportunity to revive the American dream.

In this insightful discussion, PayPal's Alex Chriss delves into enabling small-business resilience through digital payments. Land O'Lakes' Beth Ford shares her mission to uplift rural America and strengthen community ties. Bob Jordan from Southwest Airlines emphasizes an employee-first culture, while Ynon Kreiz of Mattel highlights the emotional impact of brand evolution. GSK's Emma Walmsley discusses innovation in healthcare R&D, and Nordstrom's Pete Nordstrom stresses staying relevant with a customer-centric approach. The leaders also tackle the integration of AI and the challenges posed by global competition.

Carmen Twillie Ambar, President of Oberlin College, emphasizes the need for dialogue in addressing campus tensions. Sian Leah Beilock, Dartmouth's President, shares insights on encouraging students to engage with diverse perspectives. Ron Daniels from Johns Hopkins highlights the impact of university-researched advancements. John B. King discusses community college's role in workforce preparedness, while Daniel Diermeier explains Vanderbilt's innovative AI skills curriculum. Together, they tackle pressing issues like accessibility, social mobility, and the future of education amidst rising challenges.

In this insightful conversation, Ehud Barak, former Prime Minister of Israel, dives deep into Israel's military strategies in the region. Fareed Zakaria discusses the complexities of U.S. relations with Saudi Arabia amidst human rights concerns. Senator Chris Coons highlights NATO's investment and critiques cuts to USAID. David Petraeus emphasizes the need for military modernization in light of global conflicts, while Samantha Power warns of the humanitarian consequences of prioritizing politics. The dialogue navigates pressing international challenges, from Iran's nuclear ambitions to the U.S.-China rivalry.

Amna Nawaz, co-anchor of PBS NewsHour, joins a star-studded panel including conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and cultural commentator Charlamagne tha God. They explore whether trust in media can survive the turbulence of 2025. Key discussions delve into the impact of Trump’s rhetoric on journalism, the rise of personality-driven media, and the dangers of algorithmic content shaping public perception. The panel reflects on the need for accountability, diverse voices in media, and the crucial role of thorough reporting in maintaining credibility.

Lai Ching-te, President of Taiwan and former vice president, emphasizes the growing military pressure from China and its implications for Taiwan and U.S. relations. He discusses Taiwan's robust $40 billion defense budget and the critical role of semiconductors in global trade, expressing readiness for worst-case scenarios. Lai highlights international support from the G7 and praises cooperation with the U.S. under past administrations. He also reflects on Taiwan's capabilities in chip manufacturing and the need for global collaboration to avert an AI bubble.

Jimmy Donaldson, famously known as MrBeast, shares his journey from early YouTube days to becoming a viral sensation, highlighting his obsession with studying virality and the power of the YouTube algorithm. He discusses the importance of creating positive, universally relatable content and the ethics behind his business practices, including tackling child labor issues in chocolate sourcing. Alongside Jeff Housenbold, they explore growing Beast Industries, avoiding controversy, and using their platform to inspire meaningful change globally.

Halle Berry, an Academy Award-winning actor and founder of Respin Health, discusses her journey through perimenopause and the cultural pressures surrounding aging. She highlights the urgent need for more dialogue about women's health in midlife. Berry reflects on her unexpected symptoms and her experiences with misdiagnosis, driving her to create Respin for better menopause support. She advocates for policy changes and encourages men and leaders to engage in conversations that support women during this transformative time.

Dario Amodei, the chief executive of Anthropic and former OpenAI researcher, shares his insights on the potential risks of an A.I. bubble. He discusses the 'cone of uncertainty' in A.I. spending, emphasizing the delicate balance between investing too much or too little. Amodei contrasts enterprise and consumer strategies in the A.I. landscape, while also addressing the implications of chip depreciation and national security concerns related to A.I. and technology regulation. His perspectives on job disruption highlight the need for proactive societal changes.

Mary Barra, Chair and CEO of General Motors, passionately discusses G.M.'s commitment to electric vehicles and improving fuel efficiency. She addresses the volatility of EV demand and the strategic necessity of aligning with consumer preferences towards 2035. Barra advocates for a single federal regulatory standard to streamline efforts and discusses competition with China. She shares insights into G.M.'s investments in autonomy, the importance of skilled trades, and her deep love for the auto industry, highlighting its transformative potential.