Bloomberg Talks

Robyn Denholm, Chair of the Board at Tesla and former CFO, dives into Elon Musk's proposed $1 trillion pay package, tied to the company's ambitious goals. She reveals the board's intense discussions around Musk's compensation and political activities. The importance of leadership incentives and brand loyalty on Tesla's sales is highlighted, along with succession planning should Musk step back. Denholm also touches on shareholder discussions regarding AI investments and the safety innovations being rolled out in Tesla's designs.

Clive Higgins, CEO of Leonardo UK, delves into Europe's defense spending surge driven by geopolitical tensions, especially concerning Poland and Russia. He discusses ambitious job creation through substantial defense contracts, including a £10 billion shipbuilding deal. Higgins also highlights challenges in attracting talent to the defense sector due to rising anti-defense sentiments. Furthermore, he addresses the importance of strategic partnerships and the efficiency of defense procurement processes to meet increasing government orders and bolster regional security.

A deep dive into the independence of the Federal Reserve reveals the complexities surrounding recent controversies involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook. The discussion highlights the balance between oversight and financial stability. The talk also critiques the timing of government personnel decisions amid serious regulatory allegations. As inflation looms, skepticism about interest rate cuts grows, alongside a light take on Arkansas football and its connection to economic priorities.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul joins the discussion, bringing her expertise in harnessing AI for the state's growth. She dives into the complexities of energy sourcing, critiquing President Trump's stance on offshore wind power. Hochul emphasizes her commitment to innovation and economic growth, focusing on attracting tech talent through strategic policies. She also addresses U.S. immigration's impact on NYC's tech landscape and the potential of casinos to boost tourism and revenue. Hochul's insights reveal a dynamic vision for New York's future.

Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield Asset Management, dives into the company's innovative approach to insurance annuities and the evolving landscape of private credit markets. He discusses the vital importance of investing in AI infrastructure for a strong economy and the potential shift towards alternative assets in retail investments. Flatt also examines government involvement in these sectors, highlighting the interplay between strategic tech investments and national security.

Sebastian Siemiatkowski, CEO of Klarna, reveals the company's exciting transition into the public market with a successful IPO. He dives into how integrating generative AI has redefined success metrics and enhanced customer engagement. Siemiatkowski discusses the competitive landscape of 'buy now, pay later' services and how Klarna’s new banking license positions them against traditional banks. The conversation highlights the challenges and innovations shaping the future of retail banking.

Dan Ives, the Global Head of Technology at Wedbush Securities, offers keen insights into the tech landscape. He discusses Oracle's impressive cloud business growth and its ripple effects on competitors like Microsoft and Google. Ives also highlights Apple's struggles in AI, emphasizing the need for fresh talent to boost innovation. The conversation features light banter about personal branding amidst serious market analysis. Plus, they explore unique tech intersections, including iris scanning for authentication, revealing the quirky side of the industry.

Jim Zelter, President at Apollo Global Management, shares insights on the U.S. economy's “legacy inflation issues” and how companies struggle to pass costs to consumers. He discusses the shift from low interest rates to structural inflation and its impact on investment strategies. The conversation delves into the evolving landscape of public and private markets, the rise of private credit, and the complexities of investing in technology. Zelter also touches on the challenges faced by European insurers compared to their U.S. counterparts.

Nicholas Hopton, the former British Ambassador to Qatar, Libya, and Iran, shares his expertise on the recent Israeli strike targeting Hamas leaders in Doha. He dives into the international uproar, including reactions from U.S. President Trump and European leaders, warning about potential setbacks in diplomatic efforts to resolve the Gaza conflict. Hopton explores the complexities of Qatar's sovereignty amidst military actions, and the broader implications for regional stability and U.S. foreign policy, shedding light on the unfolding geopolitical chess game.

Dan Ives, Global Head of Technology Research at Wedbush Securities and Chairman of Eightco Holdings, dives into the launch of the iPhone 17 Air, highlighting its innovative design and potential impact, especially in China. He discusses Apple's cautious AI strategy amid fierce competition from players like OpenAI and Google. Ives also touches on the success of a new AI-focused ETF and warns against market hype, encouraging investors to seek out true leaders in the evolving tech scene.