In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Niels B. Christiansen, CEO of LEGO since 2017, shares insights into the iconic company's creative strategies. He discusses how LEGO competes for kids' attention amidst digital distractions and the importance of fostering imagination. The conversation highlights LEGO’s commitment to sustainability and innovative product development, including a focus on greener materials. Christiansen also elaborates on his leadership style, emphasizing the balance between creativity and execution, while sharing the magic that connects generations through LEGO bricks.

Niels B. Christiansen, the CEO of LEGO, shares insights on the company's journey since 2017. He discusses the challenge of competing for children's attention in the digital age and emphasizes the importance of intergenerational play. Niels highlights the balance of creativity and complexity in product development, including launching hundreds of new items each year. He also addresses sustainability efforts, the role of AI in future designs, and the significance of learning from failures to shape LEGO's innovative path. A journey through creativity and leadership!

Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck and a former Swedish national rowing champion, discusses the monumental shift from diesel to electric and hydrogen-powered trucks. She shares insights on the industry's transition to autonomous vehicles and the cultural changes necessary for innovation within a traditional company. Rådström highlights her leadership philosophy of 'tough love' and draws parallels between sports and leadership, emphasizing resilience and goal-setting as key components for success.

Karin Rådström, CEO of Daimler Truck and former national rowing champion, shares insights on transforming a century-old company into a zero-emission powerhouse. She discusses the shift from diesel to electric and hydrogen-driven trucks, alongside the challenges of implementing autonomous technologies. Rådström dives into her leadership philosophy of 'tough love,' the importance of fostering a collaborative culture, and her experiences as a pioneering female leader in the industry, all while balancing personal growth and professional responsibilities.

Sir David Spiegelhalter, a renowned statistician and expert in communicating risk, discusses our complex relationship with uncertainty. He explores why people fear the unknown and the value of statistics in decision-making. The importance of clear communication during crises like COVID-19 is emphasized, highlighting the five FICON rules. He also shares insights on interpreting cancer survival probabilities and the emotional impact they have on patients. The conversation blends numbers with human experiences, offering a fresh perspective on navigating an unpredictable world.

David Spiegelhalter, a renowned statistician and expert in communicating risk, shares insights on navigating uncertainty. He discusses why we fear the unknown and how statistics can empower us to make sense of complex situations like COVID-19 and climate change. The conversation highlights the need for trust through transparency about uncertainty and the importance of adapting our understanding of statistics in public discourse. Spiegelhalter also touches on AI's role in health diagnostics and emphasizes resilient decision-making in a data-driven world.

Robert Wallace, CEO of Stanford Management Company, has a fascinating background as a former professional ballet dancer turned institutional investor. He discusses transforming Stanford's $40 billion endowment by consolidating external partnerships and adopting a selective investment strategy. The importance of passion over mere financial rewards shines through, as does the balance between risk and innovation in investment management. Wallace draws parallels between the dedication in ballet and the discipline required for successful investing, providing listeners with insightful perspectives on what makes great investors.

In this engaging conversation, Robert Wallace, CEO of Stanford Management Company, shares his unique journey from professional ballet dancer to leading Stanford's $40 billion endowment. He discusses the challenges of managing university funds, particularly in a changing market, and the importance of strong investment partnerships. Wallace emphasizes how passion for the work drives success, beyond just financial gain, and reveals Stanford's innovative investment strategies that significantly impact students and research.

Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange Group and a transformative leader, discusses the future of telecommunications. She highlights the challenges of competition and market fragmentation in Europe, emphasizing the need for diverse suppliers. Christel also shares her direct leadership style, focusing on open communication and feedback. She discusses the importance of boldness and embracing failure for personal and company growth, offering insights into how these values shape corporate culture at Orange.

Christel Heydemann, CEO of Orange Group and a transformative leader with an engineering background, discusses the evolving landscape of telecommunications. She addresses the impact of AI on network traffic and the need for innovation amidst market challenges. Christel emphasizes the importance of connectivity in bridging the digital divide, particularly in underprivileged regions. With her direct leadership style, she shares insights on risk-taking, learning from failures, and navigating corporate culture in a state-influenced environment.