In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, CEO of Temasek and a former leader at a prominent Singapore law firm, shares insights into the investment giant's philosophy. He discusses the shift from public to private markets and how Temasek navigates global investments while emphasizing relationship-focused strategies. Dilhan highlights Singapore's governance successes, attributing it to strong leadership and a high-caliber civil service. This conversation reveals the delicate balance between financial returns and social impact in Temasek's operations.

Dilhan Pillay, CEO of Temasek, leads Singapore's influential investment firm with a long-term focus. He discusses how Temasek balances financial returns with social impact and explores the importance of governance and operational independence from the government. Dilhan emphasizes navigating geopolitical challenges and the integration of AI into their strategies. He shares insights on relationship-driven investing and highlights Singapore's success built on integrity and meritocracy, providing personal advice for lifelong learning.

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.