In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Georgi Ganev, CEO of Kinnevik, and James Anderson, Chair of Kinnevik and a top European tech investor, dive into the art of long-term investing. They discuss how a resilient mindset is essential for navigating innovative business models and the contrasts in startup cultures between Europe and the USA. The duo emphasizes the importance of leadership and governance during challenging market times, advocating for embracing failures as learning opportunities. They also explore future investment avenues in clean technology and AI, underscoring the need for a passion-driven approach.

Erin Meyer, a leading expert on cross-cultural management and author of "The Culture Map," shares insights on how cultural differences shape communication and trust. She explores distinctions between low-context and high-context communication styles, highlighting their impact on feedback and interpersonal interactions. Meyer discusses the dual nature of trust—cognitive and effective—and how this varies across cultures. Additionally, she delves into the evolution of leadership styles and the necessity of fostering an inclusive corporate culture for global success.

Patricia Poppe, CEO of PG&E, shares her inspiring journey of leading a major energy company through recovery from bankruptcy. She discusses her unique philosophy of leading with love, emphasizing the impact of emotional connections in the workplace. Topics include fostering joy among employees through innovative practices, the challenge of rebuilding trust with millions of customers, and the potential of nuclear energy for sustainability. Moreover, she highlights the importance of empowering the next generation in engineering and AI-driven initiatives.

Jane Sun, CEO of Trip.com and a pioneer in the travel industry, shares her remarkable journey from Shanghai to leading a global company. She discusses how Trip.com adapted during the pandemic and the significance of nurturing a service-oriented corporate culture. Sun highlights the unique strengths women bring to leadership and the challenges of creating a supportive workplace. With a look at emerging trends in travel, she emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions and the evolving demands of young adventurers.

Magnus Carlsen, the highest-rated chess player in history, shares insights on the intersection of chess and investing. He discusses the balance of intuition and analysis in decision-making and the importance of adapting to different opponents. Carlsen also delves into overcoming self-doubt and the role of optimism in achieving success. Additionally, he highlights the impact of AI on chess strategy and how curiosity fuels personal growth outside the game. This engaging conversation reveals the intricate mental strategies of a world champion.

Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, CEO of Novo Nordisk, dives into the pressing issue of obesity as a complex health crisis. He shares insights on the company's innovative GLP-1 medication, addressing the major challenges of accessibility in Europe and the U.S. Jørgensen emphasizes the significance of purpose in the pharmaceutical industry and reflects on grounded leadership principles. The discussion also touches on navigating cultural differences in global teams and the value of non-linear career paths for fostering a sustainable work-life balance.

James Gorman, former Chairman and CEO of Morgan Stanley, shares his journey from lawyer to banking leader, emphasizing the impact of upbringing on leadership styles. He discusses the art of integrating company cultures during mergers and the necessity of ethical standards in finance. Gorman also delves into the stress of leadership roles, advocating for mindfulness and exercise to maintain well-being. Plus, he reflects on the importance of selecting leaders who align with company values in a rapidly changing geopolitical and technological landscape.

Jensen Huang, the visionary Founder and CEO of Nvidia, shares insights into the groundbreaking world of AI and graphics processing. He discusses the significant milestones in AI computing and the evolution of digital biology for health and climate solutions. The conversation delves into the quest for artificial general intelligence, emphasizing ethical governance and societal benefits. Huang also reflects on the dual nature of AI in misinformation and the importance of resilience in tech, alongside his personal approach to balancing work and relaxation.

David Epstein, author of the acclaimed book Range, dives into the advantages of being a generalist in a world that often rewards specialization. He discusses the importance of a 'sampling period' for personal growth, highlighting how diverse experiences can reveal true interests. Epstein critiques the rigid 10,000-hour rule, advocating for adaptability and innovation through interdisciplinary collaboration. He also explores how team diversity enhances problem-solving and creativity, stressing that embracing change is essential in our tech-driven future.

Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic, is a prominent voice in AI safety and ethics, celebrated for his work on the Claude language model. He discusses the future of AI, including exciting advancements and the economic impacts of these technologies. Dario emphasizes the importance of responsible scaling and ethical design in AI models. The conversation also touches on AI's influence on democracy, the challenges of regulation, and the need for collaboration and innovative hiring practices to build a responsible AI landscape.