In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

David Rubenstein, founder of the Carlyle Group and philanthropist, dives into the world of investing and leadership. He shares insights on the traits that define great investors, emphasizing humility and contrarian thinking. Rubenstein reflects on his journey from the White House to building a global firm, and discusses the importance of active listening and the art of persuasion. He also reveals his passion for preserving American history and how maintaining ties with past presidents has shaped his perspective on leadership and happiness.

John Stankey, President and CEO of AT&T, dives into the future of telecommunications and AI's impact on data demand. He emphasizes the importance of fiber infrastructure for growth and critiques Europe's telecom lag. Stankey shares insights from the WarnerMedia deal and explores the challenges of integrating content with distribution. He discusses his leadership style, focusing on respect over popularity, and warns about potential challenges like the AI data-center bubble. This conversation is packed with visionary thoughts on transforming a legacy company.

John Stankey, President and CEO of AT&T, leads the company's shift towards AI and fiber-first infrastructure. He highlights the importance of fiber for AI workloads and predicts a surge in upstream data demand driven by video and enterprise applications. Stankey shares insights on managing cultural change in a legacy company, improving customer service with AI, and strategically focusing investments in North America. He also discusses cybersecurity as both a challenge and opportunity, and the future of telecommunications with emerging technologies like 6G.

Greg Jensen, Co-CIO of Bridgewater Associates, is a seasoned investor and machine-learning advocate who leads strategy and research at one of the world’s largest hedge funds. He discusses macro forces reshaping global finance, including modern mercantilism and the AI resource race. Greg reveals how Bridgewater has systematized knowledge into algorithms with its Secure Garden platform. He emphasizes the importance of radical transparency, valuable feedback, and adapting to criticism as keys to effective decision-making in finance.

Greg Jensen, Co-CIO of Bridgewater Associates and a pioneer in AI-driven investing, shares insights on transformative trends in global finance. He discusses modern mercantilism and its impact on investor adaptation and U.S. capital attraction. Greg reveals how Bridgewater translated decades of knowledge into algorithms with their Secure Garden and built an artificial investor. He champions radical transparency in decision-making and warns of the AI resource grab affecting inflation and investment strategies while emphasizing the importance of diversified, global portfolios.

Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, shares insights on transforming the iconic F1 team. He emphasizes the importance of culture and transparency in driving performance, highlighting how people matter more than equipment. Zak discusses the tight margins in F1 that determine success and praises his talented drivers, Lando and Oscar. He also highlights fan engagement as a strategic priority, noting the impact of Netflix's 'Drive to Survive' in attracting new audiences. Expect reflections on leadership and the relentless pursuit of excellence!

In a riveting conversation, Zak Brown, CEO of McLaren Racing, dives into the team's impressive turnaround in Formula 1. He emphasizes that a transparent culture and valuing people are key to success. Zak shares insights on aligning departments, the importance of small performance gains, and preparing for future regulations. He explores the dynamics between drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, the impact of fan engagement, and how media has transformed F1's reach. Zak also reflects on leadership maturity and the continuous learning journey in racing and beyond.

Ester Baiget, the CEO of Novonesis, drives her company's mission to replace chemicals with nature-based enzymes and microbes on an industrial scale. She delves into the fascinating fermentation process that creates natural solutions for everyday products like food and laundry detergent. Discussing EU regulations, she highlights challenges in innovation compared to places like the US and China. Ester shares her leadership philosophy, emphasizing high standards, employee engagement, and a purpose-driven culture that aligns personal values with impactful work.

Ester Baiget, CEO of Novonesis, innovates by scaling biosolutions that replace fossil-derived chemicals using enzymes and microbes. She dives into the fermentation process and the diverse markets benefiting from these natural alternatives, such as dairy and biofuels. Ester also highlights the regulatory challenges in Europe that slow innovation. Passionate about employee engagement, she shares her leadership philosophy and insights on using AI in R&D to enhance productivity. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on creating a healthier planet!

Tan Su Shan, CEO of DBS Bank, discusses her journey leading Southeast Asia's largest bank amid digital transformation. She highlights how DBS evolved from a development bank into a powerhouse of innovation, leveraging AI to enhance customer relationships while achieving significant savings. Tan emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and shares insights on catering to the unique needs of Asian affluent clients. Her inclusive leadership style fosters a culture of curiosity and continuous learning—key traits for navigating today’s challenges.