Most Innovative Companies

Chris Stokel-Walker, a Fast Company writer, discusses Linda Yaccarino's exit as CEO of X and the challenges she faced under Elon Musk's leadership. He unpacks the turbulent aftermath and speculates on the company's trajectory. Michelle Zatlyn, co-founder of Cloudflare, shares insights on the future of cybersecurity and how her company is evolving amidst geopolitical challenges. Their dynamic conversation touches on the intersection of technology, responsibility, and innovation in today's fast-changing landscape.

Joy-Ann Reid, an award-winning journalist and MSNBC host, shares her bold transition to independent podcasting after her unexpected firing. She discusses the challenges of the current media landscape, emphasizing the power of owning one's content. Joy reflects on her journey from film to news, the importance of diverse voices, and the resilience shaped by her Gen X experiences. With insights on media freedom and the need for authenticity, she inspires listeners to embrace change and courage in telling their stories.

David Salazar, an associate editor at Fast Company, discusses groundbreaking business innovations, including Bilt Rewards, a startup that rewards renters with points for timely payments. Ainsley Harris, a senior writer who profiled Bilt and founder Ankur Jain, shares insights on its ambitious plans for the future. Mark Barrocas, CEO of SharkNinja, dives into how his company innovates by developing consumer products to meet unmet needs, leveraging consumer insights to shape their product strategies and expand their market reach.

Here are some deets fresh off the Croisette from the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity—basically the ad industry’s Oscars but also the global epicenter of brand culture—that happened in mid-June. Brands, marketers, ad agencies, tech companies, platforms, people from entertainment and sports, and anyone and everyone part of the brand world ecosystem were there. To make sense of it all, or at least a good portion of it, I called up Tim Nudd, creativity editor at Ad Age and a journalist who’s been covering and commenting on this industry for longer than almost anyone. In a conversation that included inside scoops, gossip, and good stories, Nudd and I talked about what impressed him most, what surprised him, and what he’s hearing we can expect from major brands heading into the second half of the year. Then, I really wanted to find out how Expensify landed the real estate on Brad Pitt’s chest for the new blockbuster film F1. Expensify’s chief financial officer Ryan Schaffer, and Hannes Ciatti, founder and head creative at ad agency Alto, gave me the inside story of how the brand got such a prominent role, including a scene in which they shoot an Expensify commercial in the film. This is getting under the hood on 1,000-horsepower product placement.

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Zohran Mamdani’s stunning victory in the New York City mayoral primary, Tesla’s robotaxi launch, and another round of layoffs for dating app Bumble. (00:46) Next, for the past six years, OpenAI and Microsoft have enjoyed a moderately mutual partnership. Microsoft invested a significant amount into OpenAI, leading to the development of AI Boom and ChatGPT. Now, they find themselves at a crossroads. Josh and Yaz discuss with Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker and senior editor Max Ufberg how the two tech giants are presenting a united front to the press, while privately bickering about intellectual property, profit-sharing, and the structure of OpenAI. (05:34) Finally, Josh and Yaz talk to Fast Company senior editor and author of An Exercise in Uncertainty: A Memoir of Illness and Hope, Jon Gluck, about his battle with multiple myeloma, a rare and incurable blood cancer. (28:31) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Chris Stokel-Walker’s article on Microsoft and Open AI: https://www.fastcompany.com/91353775/openai-microsoft-ai-partnership-breakup To find out more about Jon Gluck’s memoir: https://www.grassrootsbookstore.com/item/ZoOPMvNQhqYA3gQ-9mg8pg/lists/LFUIg6W8hc9s/

Michael Bierut, a legendary designer from Pentagram, shares insights from his illustrious career as he approaches semi-retirement. He discusses the importance of collaboration between humans and technology in design innovation. The conversation revisits his infamous 'H' logo for Hillary Clinton, emphasizing the emotional power of political branding. Additionally, Bierut reflects on mentorship and its influence on success, while the hosts analyze the latest design trends including Apple's Liquid Glass and new product innovations.

On today's episode, Josh Christensen and guest co-host Liz Stinson discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation including the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, OpenAI and Microsoft's falling out, and the Trump phone. (00:44) Next, Josh and Liz talk to staff writer Liz Segran about the state of apparel manufacturing in America.(07:43) Finally, Yaz interviewed author and journalist Evan Osnos on his latest book The Haves and Have-Yachts: Dispatches on the Ultrarich. (36:59) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Elizabeth Segran’s story on Walmart and American Giant:https://www.fastcompany.com/91333584/walmarts-plan-to-make-clothes-in-america-again

In an exclusive interview with Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan, the U.S. labor leader also discusses DOGE, Musk, and AI.

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including Apple’s newest product announcements at WWDC, Warner Bros. Discovery’s split back into two companies, and the U.S. and China meeting in London to discuss trade talks. (00:45) Next, since its inception in 2008, NPR's Tiny Desk Concerts have become a staple on YouTube with over 11 million subscribers. Josh and Yaz speak with Fast Company associate editor David Salazar about the lasting influence, favorite acts, and future programming of Tiny Desk Concerts. (08:43) Finally, Yaz and Josh interview Sweetgreen CEO Jonathan Neman about the company's new menu items, advancements in culinary technology like Infinite Kitchens, and the removal of seed oils from their food preparation process. (31:25) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read David Salazar’s piece on NPR’s Tiny Desk concerts:https://www.fastcompany.com/91337277/npr-tiny-desk-concert-artist-impact

Moby’s prolific music career spans 35 years, most notably helping to bring electronic music to the mainstream—and perhaps less notably, but still importantly, giving so much of that music away for free. Amid consistently putting out albums, Moby launched Mobygratis in 2005, a platform where creatives can download instrumental music made by Moby to use in any number of projects. Moby has continued to update and iterate on Mobygratis, but the ethos has remained the same: helping creatives realize their projects with less financial burden and unleashing the “democratic chaos” of seeing what people create with the music. In this episode, Moby explores his relationship to creativity and commerce, the tsunami of AI, what effective activism looks like, and why as a creative it’s okay (and even better) to not have a plan B.  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control Visit Mobygraits