In Good Company with Nicolai Tangen

Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo, shares her insights as a leader in the global beverage industry. She discusses how Gen Z's 'zebra striping' trend is reshaping drinking habits, blending alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. Debra highlights the importance of understanding evolving consumer preferences and how this informs Diageo's brand strategies. She also reveals a cultural shift towards embracing a 'fail fast and learn' philosophy, celebrating past failures as learning opportunities in leadership.

Debra Crew, CEO of Diageo, leads a company renowned for iconic brands like Guinness and Johnnie Walker. She discusses the shift in drinking habits, particularly among Gen Z, highlighting the trendy practice of 'zebra striping'—alternating between alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Debra also dives into Diageo's marketing strategies, emphasizing premiumization and brand innovation. Moreover, she reveals the company's cultural transformation towards a more agile and experimental mindset, ultimately enhancing product development and sustainability.

Jennifer Scanlon, the President and CEO of UL Solutions, dives into the crucial world of safety testing. She discusses how products from toys to lithium batteries undergo rigorous testing to ensure consumer safety. Jennifer shares an entertaining story about unusual testing regulations, including a soda can test that highlights the need for thorough evaluations. She also reveals her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the significance of honest feedback and the rewarding journey of transitioning UL Solutions from private to public ownership.

In this engaging discussion, Jennifer Scanlon, President and CEO of UL Solutions and a champion for safety, shares insights on evolving safety testing in a tech-driven world. She explores how AI is reshaping safety standards and the challenges of global regulatory compliance. Scanlon reflects on leadership styles influenced by her diverse experience and introduces the Straight Puck Award, recognizing employees who provide honest feedback. Tune in for a look at the vital role of safety in innovation and corporate culture.

Ruth Porat, President and CIO of Alphabet and Google, discusses her significant role in shaping the tech landscape. She dives into AI advancements, including the power of the Gemini model and the Willow quantum chip's transformative impact. Ruth shares how AI is revolutionizing early cancer detection and improving healthcare outcomes. Moreover, she reflects on her time at Morgan Stanley, emphasizing the importance of long-term investment and lifelong learning, inspired by her family’s resilience.

Join Ruth Porat, President and CIO of Alphabet and Google, as she dives into the future of technology. She shares how Google is shaping AI, discussing advancements like the Willow quantum chip and the transformative potential of self-driving cars. Ruth offers insights from her time at Morgan Stanley during the financial crisis, highlighting the importance of long-term investment and mentorship. Additionally, she explores AI's impact on healthcare and public service, illustrating how innovation can drive economic growth.

Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, is reshaping business education by integrating arts and culture. He emphasizes how creativity enhances learning and builds essential human skills, which AI cannot replicate. The discussion includes why fiction reading builds better leaders and how business schools can draw inspiration from art museums. Strannegård shares insights on fostering empathy, the need for diverse perspectives in leadership, and the vital intersection of AI and human intelligence in education.

Lars Strannegård, the President of the Stockholm School of Economics, champions the fusion of art and culture with business education. He reveals how engaging with art enhances empathy and cultivates invaluable human skills that AI can’t replicate. The discussion touches on the transformative power of storytelling, the significance of a vibrant learning environment, and the traits of effective leadership. Strannegård emphasizes that reading fiction can even boost leadership qualities, advocating for a more culturally rich curriculum in today's AI-driven landscape.

Delve into the mind of legendary investor Paul Singer as he discusses the impact of activist investing on company strategy and management. He emphasizes the necessity of external pressure for genuine change and shares insights on long-term value versus short-term risks. The conversation also touches on his concerns about today's market being extraordinarily risky and critiques current economic policies like negative interest rates. Singer advises the younger generation to pursue a broad education to navigate future uncertainties.

In this enlightening discussion, Paul Singer, legendary investor and founder of Elliott Asset Management, sheds light on the ins and outs of activist investing. He shares how external pressure can drive corporate change and discusses past investment cases, including Starbucks. Singer reveals his risk management strategies amid today's volatile markets and expresses concerns about crypto's future in relation to central bank money. He emphasizes the need for a well-rounded education in business, advocating for critical thinking in aspiring investors.