Most Innovative Companies

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation including Chime Financial’s upcoming IPO, Microsoft introducing the Bing Video Creator using OpenAI’s Sora, layoffs at Business Insider, Meta's plan to meet AI energy demands, and the long awaited release of the Nintendo Switch 2. (00:39) Next, Tinder and Bumble are facing challenges, leading their management to pursue ambitious turnaround strategies. Josh and Yaz talk about the current state of dating apps and what they can learn from Hinge. (07:54) Finally, Josh and Yaz speak with Chairman of Bravo & Peacock Unscripted, Frances Berwick, and star of the reality TV show Below Deck Mediterranean, Captain Sandra “Sandy” Yawn, about the growth of Bravo’s reality TV empire, NBCUniversal's streaming strategy, and what it’s like to go from Yacht Captain to TV star. (35:39) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Yaz’s article on dating apps: Why Bumble and Tinder are suddenly scrambling to keep up with Hinge

The first iteration of Brand New World was a very specific look at how AI is changing how brands and marketers work. Now we’re back to talk about brand culture more broadly. Of course that will involve AI from time to time, but I’ll also be digging into sports, entertainment, music, comedy, and everywhere else brands squeeze their way into pop culture.For those who don’t know or are unfamiliar, the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity is part awards show, part industry conference, and probably the biggest annual gathering of brands, marketers, entertainment folks, tech folks, and media on the planet. Anything and anyone that touches a brand—from social platforms, to sports stars to celebrities—is there. This year, ahead of the festival that kicks off June 16th, Apple has been named the Creative Marketer of the Year. Now, Apple is an iconic marketer, an all-time, first ballot Hall of Famer. But in my opinion, 2024 has been a bit of a mixed bag. So why is this Apple's year? To discuss where this past year fits in the pantheon of Apple’s greatest hits, I called up Elizabeth Paul. A strategist by trade, Paul is the chief brand officer at award-winning ad shop The Martin Agency. You’ll know their work for major brands like Geico, UPS, the new Axe work with Pete Davidson, and much more. More importantly, she’s always up for some hot take banter about the work and culture around advertising and brands. Last month, a new doc called The Seat debuted on Netflix about how Mercedes’ Formula One team decided on a successor for racing legend Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton had announced his departure, so the racing giant was forced to strategize its next move quickly and discreetly. That’s where WhatsApp comes in. The entire process of evaluating and naming young Italian driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli played out over the messaging app. “The Seat” is not only a feature doc, but an excellent piece of brand entertainment, produced in partnership with WhatsApp. This episode I was excited to chat with Meta’s head of global consumer marketing Eshan Ponnadurai to talk about the process behind the doc, as well as the role it plays in the brand’s overall strategy. Esh has worked on major brands from Ford and P&G, to Uber, YouTube and Google. He’s got a long history of finding compelling and authentic brand stories to tell in unique ways.

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including a U.S. trade court’s ruling on the Trump administration's tariffs, Salesforce's acquisition of AI-powered data management company Informatica, and the end of Elon Musk’s time in government. (00:39) Next, Josh and Yaz speak with the showrunner and co-creator of "Hacks," Lucia Aniello, about the Emmy-winning comedy’s season finale. They also discuss how Aniello created and runs the show with her husband, Paul W. Downs, and her close friend Jen Statsky, as well as how they foster a supportive writers' room. (06:06) Finally, Yaz interviews the co-author of "Like: The Button That Changed the World," Bob Goodson, about how data from your likes can be used to train AI-driven algorithms to deliver more content you’re obsessed with. (29:59) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Including OpenAI’s acquisition of Jony Ive’s hardware firm, io; Walmart’s likely price increases due to tariffs; and the sale of 23andMe. (00:49) Next, Yasmin talks to Fast Company contributing writer Joe Berkowitz and Fast Company Associate Editor David Salazar about Bill Gates ending his philanthropic organization, the Gates Foundation, in the next two decades, the state of philanthropy, and the next class of billionaires. (08:33) Finally, Yaz and Josh interview Fast Company contributing writer Clint Rainey about Vincent Bolloré and the allegations surrounding his business ventures in Africa. (26:50) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Joe Berkowitz’s coverage of Bill Gates: https://www.fastcompany.com/91333066/bill-gates-warren-buffett-benevolent-billionaire-era-over To read Clint Rainey’s article on Vincent Bolloré: https://www.fastcompany.com/91334554/vincent-bollore-restitution-for-africa-complaint

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including the latest consumer price index report, the deal between China and the United States to pause tariffs for 90 days, and Microsoft’s latest round of layoffs. (00:47) Next, Yasmin and Josh speak with Platformer’s Casey Newton about Grindr and how the dating app has expanded its business into telemedicine services. (07:27) Finally, Yasmin interviews Amber Venz Box, the cofounder and president of the social commerce platform LTK (LikeToKnow), about how the company is handling major shifts in social media and where AI fits in. (26:54) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Casey Newton’s article about Grindr:https://www.fastcompany.com/91328918/grindr-ceo-george-arison-interview-ai-wingman

In this engaging discussion, Jim Lanzone, CEO of Yahoo, shares insights on integrating the AI platform Artifact into Yahoo News for personalized content delivery. Meanwhile, Hauwa Otori, a Fast Company producer and founder of Founders International Network, alongside Mark Wilson, Fast Company Global Design Editor, dives into Slate Auto's innovative approach to creating affordable electric vehicles priced around $20,000. They discuss customization options, the importance of appealing to budget-conscious consumers, and the potential impact on American manufacturing.

In this discussion, Liz Segran, a senior writer at Fast Company known for her insights on business trends, delves into Target's recent struggles, particularly highlighting the backlash from their DEI policy rollback that has led to significant boycotts and sales declines. Todd Sherman, a senior director at YouTube Shorts, shares the evolving landscape of short-form video content, detailing YouTube's strategic positioning against rivals like TikTok. The chat navigates how these shifts impact consumer behavior in retail and digital media.

Mark Wilson, Global Design Editor at Fast Company, shares thought-provoking insights on the current challenges in the design industry, asking whether design is dead in an era obsessed with immediate results. Ryan Weaver, cofounder of Overdrive, dives into innovative marketing strategies aimed at destigmatizing drug testing. They discuss the brand’s mission to promote safety and normalize conversations around substance use, while also touching on the evolving landscape of design and its significance in entrepreneurship.

Patrick Sisson, a freelance reporter for Fast Company specializing in clean tech, joins Molly DeWolf Swenson, cofounder of Mosey, to discuss the rebranding of climate technology as essential for national security amid political shifts. They explore how cleantech companies are adapting to funding cuts and changing narratives, emphasizing the intersection of sustainability, job creation, and governmental policies. The conversation also touches on the evolution of social media and the importance of fostering in-person connections through innovative platforms.

Kate Rouch, Chief Marketing Officer of OpenAI, discusses the evolving branding landscape of the AI sector. She shares insights on the strategies behind OpenAI's memorable Super Bowl ad and emphasizes the importance of educating the public on advanced AI technologies. Rouch highlights the balance between creativity and efficiency in AI-driven branding while addressing the need for authenticity. The conversation touches on ChatGPT's impact on younger demographics and the shifting narratives within the investor landscape in AI and crypto.