Most Innovative Companies

You know Dick’s Sporting Goods as one of America’s largest and most successful sports retailers. It has used that status to help create an impressive catalog of five feature-length films and 10 short-form or episodic documentaries over the past decade, including the Emmy-winning docs We Could Be King (2014) and The Turnaround (2024). But in August, Dick's took things to a new level, officially launching an in-house studio division called Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios. In this episode, I talk to Dick’s chief marketing officer Emily Silver about why now is the perfect time for an in-house studio, the evolution of the brand’s entertainment strategy, how the company measures success for these projects, and where it all goes from here.    Before that, I wanted to put what Dick’s is doing into some context. So I called up Zac Ryder, co-founder and chief creative officer at Modern Arts—the agency that helped WhatsApp produce the Netflix doc The Seat, which we talked about back in Episode 1 of this season. Zac and I nerd out on the evolution of brand entertainment, then break down our picks for the "Best Brand Entertainment of the Past Decade."

Prem Natarajan, EVP and head of enterprise AI at Capital One, shares insights on harnessing generative and agentic AI to transform businesses. He discusses the balance between quick AI implementation and strategic long-term investments, emphasizing the importance of a robust technological framework. The conversation highlights Capital One's innovative approach to cloud technology and upskilling initiatives like 'Tech College.' Natarajan also underscores the significance of data quality and governance in successfully integrating AI to enhance customer experiences.

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include Google being allowed to keep Chrome, Kraft and Heinz splitting back into two companies, and another government funding deadline for Congress.   Next, Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel Walker about Spotify's bet on bringing messaging back to the platform. They discuss why Spotify is making a move toward creating a super app and whether anyone actually wants that.     Finally, Yaz chats with senior staff writer Liz Segran about former Target CEO Brian Cornell stepping down and the plans of new executive Michael Fiddelke to revamp the company. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Chris Stokel-Walker’s reporting on Spotify:https://www.fastcompany.com/91393161/spotify-and-the-problem-with-our-everything-app-era To read more of Liz Segran’s reporting on Target:https://www.fastcompany.com/91389333/targets-new-ceo-has-to-fix-design-experience-dei

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook affirming she won't step down despite President Trump threatening to fire her; Elon Musk’s X and xAI suing Apple and OpenAI for anticompetitive collusion; Germany and Italy suspending shipments to the U.S. over tariffs; Spotify launching a messaging feature on their platform; and Cracker Barrel shares rising after reverting to its original logo. Next, Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company senior editor Max Ufberg about Mark Zuckerberg increasing his spending on his private security to $27 million this past year. And he isn’t the only one; they discuss why many CEOs are investing more in personal protection. Finally, Yaz interviews Tubi CEO Anjali Sud about the company's massive library, its revenue model, its product strategy to help users navigate its massive content catalog, and creating fan-driven original content. Currently, the streaming platform has 100million monthly active users and 300,000 movies and TV episodes to date. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Max Ufberg’s article on Mark Zuckerberg:https://www.fastcompany.com/91387503/meta-spent-27-million-protecting-mark-zuckerberg-last-year

President Trump just created the National Design Studio and tapped Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia to lead the charge. Cracker Barrel has offended or enraged just about everyone with its new logo. Figma hit Wall Street with a bang.  It’s been a big month for design. And on this episode of By Design, hosts Liz Stinson and Mark Wilson give the rundown of the latest news before talking with Figma chief design officer Yuhki Yamashita just after the company’s super successful IPO.  Yuhki shares where Figma goes from here and how he’s thinking about design products in the age of AI and vibe coding.  Then, we’ll round things out the best and worst designs of the month as Teenage Engineering, Apple, A24, and AOL battle for the crown (or not). 

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Mark Zuckerberg's plans to continue shaking up Meta’s AI efforts, MSNBC changing its name to MS Now, Sam Altman acknowledging the horrible launch of ChatGPT-5, and the Trump Administration’s plan to take a 10% stake in Intel.   Next, David’s Bridal has gone through two bankruptcies in recent years. However, in 2023, they were acquired by a private equity group, CION Investment Corporation. Yaz spoke to Senior Staff Writer Liz Segran about the company's past hardships and new AI pivot as a digital-first marketplace business. Finally, Yaz interviews showrunner and creator of FX’s Alien: Earth, Noah Hawley, about his vision for the show, why the themes of AI draw inspiration from current events, and his approach to creating material based on this iconic franchise. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Liz Segran’s article on David’s Bridal: https://www.fastcompany.com/91377981/davids-bridal-ai-turnaround

Pixar's chief creative officer discusses risk-taking and AI on the job.

On today's episode, co-host Yasmin Gagne and associate editor David Salazar, filling in for Josh Christensen, discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Nvidia and AMD cutting a chip revenue–sharing deal with Trump, OpenAI unveiling the GPT-5 model, Trump signing an executive order to extend the trade truce with China for another 90 days, Paramount announcing a 7-year deal with the UFC, and Ford planning to revamp its assembly line to better produce electric vehicles. Next, David and Yaz speak to contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker about the rise in popularity of AI chatbots, how people are not using AI chatbots as they were programmed, and why the excitement for the new ChatGPT-5 fell flat with users. Finally, Yaz chats with the founder and CEO of Abridge, Shiv Rao, about the AI platform that can turn conversations between doctors and patients into clinical notes in real-time. The company reached a valuation of $5.3 billion after its $300 million Series E funding round. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Chris Stokel Walker’s article on Chat GPT and the rise in popularity of AI chatbots:https://www.fastcompany.com/91385268/most-people-are-using-chatgpt-totally-wrong-and-openais-ceo-just-proved-it

Clint Rainey, a Fast Company contributor, reveals insights into Beyond Meat's rebranding to 'Beyond,' tackling the challenges of a competitive market. Kristen Toussaint, staff editor, discusses the company’s strategic shifts and evolving identity in the alternative protein sector. The conversation also shifts to tech nostalgia, as Harry McCracken and Jared Newman reminisce about 1995's technological milestones, like Windows 95, and their impact on modern innovations, celebrating how far tech has come since those early days.

James Kirkham, a London-based brand consultant with expertise in merging brands with football and events, joins John Patroulis, CMO of Tools for Humanity. They discuss the vital role of human verification in the age of AI, exploring the innovative brand strategies behind the World platform. The conversation dives into fan engagement dynamics, the excitement surrounding the upcoming World Cup, and the challenges of building trust in digital identities. They also highlight a groundbreaking superfan community platform and the evolution of WorldCoin into a more transparent brand.