In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Wael Sawan, the Lebanese Canadian CEO of Shell, shares his insights on navigating the complex energy landscape. He discusses the stark disparity of energy access, connecting personal stories to broader issues faced by billions. Sawan highlights his leadership journey within Shell, emphasizing trust and transformative strategies. He explores the multifaceted transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, the need for corporate transparency, and the cultural evolution at Shell. Drawing on his childhood in Lebanon, Sawan reflects on resilience and the importance of family.

Sal Khan, the founder and CEO of Khan Academy, transformed the educational landscape with his innovative approach to accessible learning. He shares his journey from hedge funds to philanthropy, driven by a mission to make education free for everyone. The conversation delves into the power of AI in personalizing education, as well as the challenges it brings to equity. Sal also reflects on the rise of educational videos during the 2008 financial crisis, highlighting how this shift spurred a new wave of learning opportunities.

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, shares his insights on a range of futuristic topics. He dives into the rapid advancements in AI, discussing the timeline for achieving human-level intelligence. Musk elaborates on plans for establishing a sustainable human presence on Mars while balancing Earthly concerns. He also reflects on the demanding 'ultra hardcore' work culture and the unsustainability of such a lifestyle. Additionally, he talks about the importance of speed in innovation and how strategic gaming parallels real-world decision-making.

Joe Tsai, co-founder and chair of Alibaba Group, shares his journey from a legal career to shaping one of the world's largest companies. He discusses insights about the evolving Chinese consumer market and the delicate balance of production and consumption. Tsai also explores the integration of AI in business, emphasizing the importance of self-disruption. As an avid sports fan and owner of the Brooklyn Nets, he reflects on lessons from leadership in both tech and sports, all while highlighting the need for resilience and humility.

Tony Xu, co-founder and CEO of DoorDash, shares his incredible journey from student to entrepreneur, emphasizing hard work and determination. He reveals the origins of DoorDash, illustrating the challenges faced in the early days and the importance of teamwork. Topics include navigating the complex logistics of food delivery and the balance between swift innovation and sustainable growth. Tony also touches on the evolving landscape of delivery services, AI integration, and fostering a strong company culture to nurture talent and drive success.

Join Patrick Doyle, Executive Chair of Restaurant Brands International, and Josh Kobza, the CEO, as they delve into the fast-paced world of fast food. They explore the current economic challenges shaping consumer behavior and discuss how factors like inflation impact dining out. The duo highlights Burger King's unique flame-grilled edge and Tim Hortons' cultural significance in Canada. They also emphasize the importance of mentoring young employees and fostering a positive atmosphere within their restaurants.

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, shares his insights on leading in a rapidly evolving tech world. He discusses the impact of AI on the economy and the challenges posed by the ongoing chip shortage. Nadella emphasizes the importance of empathy in leadership and innovation, shedding light on how personal values can transform corporate culture. The conversation also touches on Microsoft’s gaming journey and the exciting convergence of AI with quantum computing, highlighting the potential for scientific breakthroughs in the future.

Sergio Ermotti, the returning CEO of UBS, shares insights from his pivotal role during UBS’s historic acquisition of Credit Suisse. He reveals the challenges he faced as new CEO and discusses why Credit Suisse stumbled. The conversation dives into the evolution of Swiss banking, contrasting the dynamics of US and European banks, and highlights the importance of corporate culture. With anecdotes reflecting his football background, Ermotti emphasizes teamwork's role in achieving success and the significance of nurturing leadership talent.

Peter Carlsson, CEO of Northvolt and former Tesla exec, discusses the future of sustainable battery production. He highlights the challenges of competing in a market dominated by China and the necessity for innovation and strategic partnerships. Peter emphasizes the role of batteries in transitioning away from fossil fuels and the importance of local supply chains in Europe. He shares insights on fostering a vibrant corporate culture while scaling and even takes listeners on a unique team-building journey through cross-country skiing.

David Schwimmer, CEO of the London Stock Exchange Group, shares his insights on leading a financial giant with a rich history. He discusses the impact of macroeconomic trends on executive pay and cultural shifts in the corporate landscape. Schwimmer also explores the transformative power of AI in improving business operations and customer experiences. Additionally, he dives into building a cohesive corporate culture at LSEG and the importance of resilience and learning from mistakes in decision-making.