In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Mala Gaonkar, founder of SurgoCap Partners and former partner at Lone Pine Capital, dives into the art of identifying businesses with strong competitive advantages. She discusses the disruptive potential of old technologies and her unique approach of maintaining a small investment team to enhance collaboration. Candid stories reveal lessons learned from shorting Nokia and the early sale of NVIDIA. Additionally, she reflects on balancing a thriving career with creative writing and philanthropy, showcasing how curiosity and systemic thinking drive her success.

Dylan Field, the visionary founder and CEO of Figma, started his groundbreaking design platform as a teenager and navigated it to a successful IPO. In this brief conversation, he explores the evolution of digital design and its role in shaping competitive advantage. He discusses the interplay of AI and human taste, highlighting the unique judgment humans bring to creativity. Dylan also shares insights into his leadership style, emphasizing kindness and directness to nurture innovation in teams.

Dylan Field, founder and CEO of Figma, shares insights on building the influential design platform since he was 19. He discusses how AI is reshaping creativity and emphasizes the importance of community engagement in design. Field also explores Figma's core principles of simplicity and mastery and explains the significance of taste in design. He reflects on the evolving tech landscape, leadership strategies, and the need for a growth mindset while encouraging young people to connect passion with a positive impact.

Michael Bloomberg, entrepreneur and former mayor of New York City, shares insights from his remarkable career. He discusses his journey from Wall Street to founding Bloomberg LP, emphasizing his innovative creation of the Bloomberg Terminal. Bloomberg reveals his relentless work ethic and discusses the impact of his mayoral policies on health and education. He opens up about his philanthropic approach, focusing on education and health, while reflecting on the importance of legacy and giving back. At 83, his passion for continual improvement shines through.

Michael Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and former NYC mayor, shares his incredible journey of building a financial empire and transforming a city. He discusses the innovative spark behind the Bloomberg Terminal and emphasizes the importance of outworking competition. Bloomberg reflects on his public service achievements in health and education, while highlighting his philanthropic efforts like funding global health initiatives and improving gun laws. At 83, his commitment to lifelong learning and giving back remains unwavering.

Jayshree Ullal, CEO of Arista Networks and veteran networking executive, shares her remarkable journey from electrical engineer to tech leader. She discusses how Arista is redefining high-performance networks for AI, likening them to highways that optimize chip utilization. Ullal contrasts today’s rapid AI infrastructure growth with the slower internet expansion she witnessed at Cisco. She highlights the values that shaped Arista's success, emphasizing a culture of integrity and innovation, driven by her parents' high expectations.

Jayshree Ullal, CEO of Arista Networks, shares her journey from electrical engineer to leading a crucial player in AI networking. She discusses how Arista's high-performance infrastructure supports the demanding needs of AI, emphasizing that power constraints, not hardware, are today's biggest challenge. Ullal highlights the evolution of networking toward AI-specific needs and explains the difference between AI and traditional cloud traffic. She also reflects on Arista's growth, its customer-focused culture, and the importance of adaptability in this fast-paced tech landscape.

Saul Perlmutter, a Nobel Prize–winning physicist, is renowned for his discovery of the universe's accelerating expansion. In this conversation, he shares insights on the importance of doubt as a superpower and humility as a driver of innovation. He discusses how collaborative scientific efforts have evolved, emphasizing the value of productive disagreement within teams. Saul also highlights the challenges of measuring supernovae and the intriguing concept of an infinite, expanding universe. Tune in for a fascinating mix of science and teamwork philosophy.

Saul Perlmutter, a Nobel Prize-winning experimental cosmologist, shares insights on the accelerating expansion of the universe and the importance of collaboration in science. He highlights the power of diverse teams and urges effective communication to tackle global issues. Drawing parallels with chamber music, he emphasizes listening and responsiveness in teamwork. Perlmutter also discusses critical thinking tools, the pitfalls of confirmation bias, and how AI can influence our cognitive processes. His reflections on uncertainty and youth encourage future generations to embrace scientific thinking.

Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund, discusses her inspiring journey from Bulgaria to the top of global finance. She explores the IMF's role in navigating economic crises and maintaining stability among its 191 member nations. Topics include the implications of rising debt levels, the impact of AI on labor markets, and climate as a financial risk. Kristalina emphasizes the importance of curiosity, courage, and compassion, while sharing her insights on the resilience of the global economy amidst complex challenges.