In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

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.

Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of the IMF and a seasoned economist, discusses key global economic challenges. She highlights the IMF’s crucial role in maintaining stability and helping nations in crises, like her home country Bulgaria. Topics include the risks of high debt and climate change on financial stability, the transformative impact of AI on labor markets, and the necessity of global cooperation amidst geopolitical tensions. Kristalina's personal journey from Bulgaria emphasizes her values of curiosity, courage, and compassion.

In this conversation, Ruchir Sharma, a prominent investor and author, shares his insights on how AI influences global markets and wealth concentration in the U.S. He discusses the potential for AI to create lasting productivity gains versus simply increasing the wealth of the top 10%. Ruchir also warns of four signs of a looming tech bubble and contrasts current conditions with past tech revolutions. Moreover, he analyzes Europe's economic resurgence and the challenges posed by rising interest rates on investments.

David Rubenstein, founder and chairman of the Carlyle Group, shares fascinating insights from his career and connections to U.S. presidents. He discusses the humble traits that distinguish great investors, emphasizing humility, decisiveness, and the ability to go against conventional wisdom. Rubenstein highlights the importance of history in leadership and the risks that accompany wealth and ego. With a touch of self-deprecating humor, he also reflects on his unique interview style, aiming to make conversations engaging and authentic.

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.