The David Rubenstein Show

Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly, leads the pharmaceutical giant known for its revolutionary anti-obesity drugs. In this insightful conversation, he reveals plans to explore how weight-loss medications might address addictive behaviors. Ricks also tackles the pressing issue of counterfeit drugs and discusses healthcare affordability, stressing that many families shy away from medical care due to costs. His personal journey from Indiana to leading innovation in healthcare highlights the importance of tackling health challenges with creativity and resolve.

Carla Hayden, the first female and only the 14th Librarian of Congress, shares her inspiring journey in promoting accessibility to the library's vast 178 million items. She discusses the library's evolution into a community hub in the digital age, emphasizing its vital role amidst misinformation. Hayden reflects on her leadership experiences and the significant push for diversity and literacy initiatives. Listen in as she highlights the future of libraries and the power of books, including the vibrant National Book Festival.

Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi's Department of Culture and Tourism, is at the forefront of transforming the city into a cultural hub. He discusses a $10 billion initiative to attract expatriates and boost tourism, highlighting iconic projects like the Louvre and the Guggenheim. Al Mubarak notes a surge in demand for luxury homes driven by foreign buyers, and emphasizes the positive impacts of immigration on the city’s growth and quality of life. His insights illuminate the strategic development and vibrant future of Abu Dhabi.

Cal Ripken Jr., a Baltimore Orioles legend and Hall of Fame player, shares insights from his iconic career and transition to business. He discusses the challenges of maintaining focus through 2,632 consecutive games and reflects on the evolution of baseball, including the impact of specialization. Ripken also highlights the importance of loyalty in Major League Baseball, contrasts experiences of small-market teams, and recounts emotional moments from pivotal career milestones that deepened his bond with fans.

Josh Harris, a billionaire private equity investor and founder of 26North Partners, discusses his impressive journey from co-founding Apollo Global Management to owning major sports franchises. He shares insights on the dynamics of private equity and the thrilling experience of owning teams like the 76ers and the Washington Commanders. Harris emphasizes the importance of community involvement and plans for a new stadium, while drawing parallels between the emotional highs of investment success and winning in sports.

Peter Orszag, an economist and former government official, now CEO of Lazard, shares his insights on navigating both Wall Street and Washington. He dives into the complexities of today’s M&A landscape, influenced by technology and regulations. Orszag discusses the critical role of geopolitical knowledge in financial decision-making and highlights the significance of effective leadership in the face of international tensions. He also reflects on the evolution of sustainability initiatives within finance and the impact of diverse teams on advisory success.

Sundar Pichai, the CEO of Google and Alphabet, has been a transformative figure in tech since joining in 2004. He discusses his belief that AI is as revolutionary as fire and electricity, reshaping every industry. Pichai tackles Google's legal challenges amid antitrust lawsuits and shares insights on elevating cloud computing. He reflects on his journey from India to Silicon Valley and highlights the significance of innovation within large organizations, emphasizing the need for small, empowered teams to drive progress.

Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix and a former movie rental expert, shares insights on the streaming giant's evolution from DVD rentals to creating award-winning original content. He discusses key strategic moves like 'House of Cards' that reshaped TV viewing habits and the rise of binge-watching. Sarandos also addresses the challenges of the streaming landscape, the role of AI in creativity, and Netflix's focus on audience satisfaction while exploring growth opportunities in sports and gaming.

John Collison, co-founder and president of Stripe, shares the journey of creating a game-changing payment solution for online businesses. He discusses the transformation from a complicated process to a user-friendly platform. The conversation delves into the collaboration between tech firms and banks, navigating the ups and downs of valuations, and the lessons learned from startups. Collison also reflects on sibling dynamics in entrepreneurship and the importance of innovation spurred by customer feedback. His insights offer a fascinating peek into the fintech landscape.

Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve Chair known for overseeing interest rates and inflation, discusses the latest economic trends and their implications on monetary policy. He expresses optimism about inflation trending down to the 2% target and hints at possible interest rate cuts. Powell elaborates on the complexities of navigating economic uncertainty while emphasizing the importance of central bank independence. He also touches on lessons learned from post-COVID inflation, providing insights into the Fed's decision-making processes and the challenges of managing growth.