In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Daniel Ek, the visionary founder and CEO of Spotify, shares his transformative journey in the music industry. He discusses the future of audio and how AI is reshaping music consumption. Ek highlights the importance of personalized listening experiences and the role of diverse teams in fostering innovation. He also delves into his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing self-investment, and reflects on the deeper societal impact of music. With a personal touch, he even shares his passion for football and aspirations for the sport.

Carl-Henric Svanberg, a distinguished leader who has guided giants like BP and Ericsson through crises, shares his inspiring journey from a small Swedish village to the boardroom. He discusses the importance of resilience shaped by his upbringing and how effective leadership requires clear vision and adaptive strategies. Insights into navigating crises, especially during BP's challenges, and Volvo's transformative approaches highlight the balance between structured practices and adaptability. Svanberg also reflects on the dynamics between CEOs and Chairs, emphasizing communication and nurturing corporate culture.

Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield and leader in alternative investments, discusses his journey transforming the firm from a small real estate player into a global giant managing over $850 billion. He dives into the significance of private investment in infrastructure and how global megatrends like decarbonization impact investment strategies. With insights on the role of digitalization and the importance of patience in navigating market challenges, Flatt emphasizes the blend of youth and experience to foster innovation and long-term value creation.

Adam Selipsky, CEO of AWS and cloud innovator, shares insights into the future of cloud computing. He emphasizes AWS's commitment to customer obsession and the importance of a culture of innovation. Selipsky explains the two pizza rule for team efficiency and discusses Project Kuiper, aiming to provide global internet access. He highlights the balance of seasonal demand management with robust security measures in data centers. His vision also touches on sustainable tech development and the significance of long-term investments for transformative growth.

James Gorman, a prominent figure in banking, shares his journey from a family of 12 to leading Morgan Stanley. He delves into the importance of cultural alignment when integrating companies and discusses the qualities of effective leadership amidst high stress. Gorman also emphasizes coping strategies for stress, including fitness and mindfulness. He touches on geopolitical tensions affecting business and the competitive landscape of AI, advocating for nurturing young talent while balancing personal life and career.

Christopher Nassetta, CEO of Hilton, shares his journey transforming the hotel giant since 2007, navigating challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and rising competition from platforms like Airbnb. He discusses the core elements of a great hotel experience—personalized service, cleanliness, and amenities—while revealing how Hilton is adapting to post-pandemic travel trends. Nassetta also reflects on effective CEO leadership and the importance of sustainability in today's hospitality landscape, emphasizing growth, resilience, and community.

Tim Höttges, CEO of Deutsche Telekom since 2014, discusses the future of connectivity, emphasizing the revolutionary role of 5G and AI. He highlights the need for improved infrastructure and equitable contributions from tech giants. The conversation delves into the complexities of telecommunications and globalization, stressing multi-vendor strategies amid geopolitical tensions. Höttges also shares insights on fostering a customer-first culture and the balance between ambition and well-being within corporate leadership.

Kenichiro Yoshida, the visionary Chair and CEO of Sony Group, shares insights on his leadership since 2018, emphasizing creativity and innovation. He discusses how Sony has evolved from audio equipment to a multimedia powerhouse, highlighting emotional storytelling in entertainment. Yoshida delves into the future of gaming, focusing on AI collaboration and multi-platform gaming experiences. He also reflects on the importance of diversity in leadership and how personal challenges have shaped his approach to communication and innovation.

Thomas Curran, a Professor at the London School of Economics and a leading expert on perfectionism, discusses the cultural implications of striving for perfection in modern society. He explores how social media drives unrealistic standards and the mental health crises they can trigger. Highlighting the Wabi Sabi philosophy, Curran advocates for embracing imperfection and promoting a 'good enough' mindset. He emphasizes the importance of valuing authenticity over flawless performance in workplaces, suggesting that fostering resilience and creativity leads to greater well-being.

Ignacio Galán, Executive Chair of Iberdrola and visionary behind its transformation into a renewable energy powerhouse, shares insights into the slow pace of the energy transition. He discusses the balance between rural values and sustainability, the necessity for diverse technologies like offshore wind and green hydrogen, and the importance of trust in project execution. Galán emphasizes the need for urgency in decision-making and highlights how cultural diversity can enhance corporate strategy while encouraging the next generation to embrace sustainable practices.