Most Innovative Companies

Mung Chiang, President of Purdue University, is a champion for university-industry collaboration aimed at transforming the pharmaceutical landscape. He discusses how Purdue partners with companies like Elanco and Eli Lilly to foster innovation. The conversation dives into the profound effects of AI on drug discovery and manufacturing, highlighting cross-industry partnerships that tackle clinical trial challenges. Chiang emphasizes the One Health initiative and how academic startups are vital for advancing healthcare outcomes and adapting to industry needs.

Join Ryan Petersen, CEO of Flexport, who shares expert insights on the impact of recent tariffs and global trade challenges. He discusses how businesses, especially small manufacturers, are navigating the tumultuous landscape. Meanwhile, Ben Lamm, cofounder of Colossal Biosciences, reveals exciting progress on de-extinction projects, including the revival of the Woolly Mammoth and the astonishing introduction of genetically modified direwolves, sparking debates on ethics and ecological implications.

Lorraine Twohill, Global CMO at Google, shares insights on transforming Google into a top-tier brand while integrating AI in marketing strategies. She discusses the challenges of launching AI tools like Gemini and the innovative ad campaigns that accompany them. Nilesh Ashra, an AI strategy consultant, joins to highlight how AI reshapes creative processes and simplifies content production. They emphasize the need for balancing creativity with efficient execution, especially in the face of mixed public reactions to new technologies.

On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including the latest on the sweeping tariffs announced on wednesday, the Trump administration being sued by federal workers, Newsmax stock pops 500% on NYSE, Meta’s head of AI research Joelle Pineau is leaving the company, and fast-fashion giant H&M plans to use AI clones of its human models—plus the backlash. (00:44)Next, Josh and Yaz speak to ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Max Ufberg about the Tesla Takedown protests happening across the globe. Plus, Max shares details of the coordinated event called Global Action Day where worldwide protests are calling on people to sell their Teslas and their shares of Tesla stock. (05:17)Finally, Yaz spoke to award-winning actor Walton Goggins and GoDaddy's CEO Aman Bhutani about GoDaddy's partnership with Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses. (26:26)For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo read the latest on Fast Company’s coverage of Tesla:https://www.fastcompany.com/91308723/elon-musk-blames-tesla-protests-shady-payoffs-while-making-shady-payoffs-wisconsinVisit Walton Goggins Goggle Glasses

Sephora is compelling for any number of reasons, and one is it’s been a leader in the beauty industry working with GenAI and broader AI technology.A McKinsey piece reported earlier this year that Gen AI could add up $9 billion to $10 billion to the global economy based on its impact on the beauty industry alone.As consumer brands go, the beauty industry has been ahead of the curve on AI, with companies like Sephora, L’Oreal, Dior, Estee Lauder, P&G, all creating AI-powered tools for customers to use as early as 2017.In this episode, host Jeff Beer talks to Sephora’s US CMO Zena Arnold, and Vlad Kuznetsov, the company’s Chief Information Officer, to get a peek under the hood for a glimpse at how one of the most powerful brands in an incredibly influential consumer industry is thinking about Gen AI right now.

With more than a century of expertise, Williams is shaping the future of energy—delivering reliable, sustainable solutions to fuel economic growth and global progress. ‘Fast Company’ speaks with Chad Zamarin, EVP of corporate strategic development for Williams, about the urgent need for companies to adapt in a rapidly evolving energy landscape—and how AI and media trends are reshaping our energy demands.

On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including the Trump administration’s Signal scandal, Postmaster General Louis DeJoy’s resignation, Chinese electric-vehicle maker BYD outperforming Tesla per its 2024 revenue, and important privacy issues related to the bankruptcy announcement of DNA-testing site 23andMe. (00:50) Next, ‘Fast Company’ associate editor David Salazar joins the show to discuss the anime streaming service, Crunchyroll, and why it made Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies list. (07:36) Finally, Yaz speaks to clinical psychologist and co-founder of the parenting company Good Inside, Dr. Becky, about the Good Inside method for raising children. (27:46) For more of the latest business and innovation news go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To check out the 2025 Most Innovative Companies list go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list For more on Dr. Becky, visit: https://www.goodinside.com/

On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation including Elon Musk’s DOGE staff breaking into the U.S. Institute of Peace, the Trump administration's plans to cut 25% of the IRS workforce, and Pepsi's acquisition of prebiotic soda company Poppi for nearly $2 billion. (01:01)Next, Fast Company executive editor Amy Farley joins the show to discuss this year's Most Innovative Companies. (07:41)Finally, senior staff writer Ainsley Harris talks to Yaz and Josh about her feature on Robinhood and the company's recent bets on crypto and prediction markets. (34:45)

Pratik Thakar, Global Vice President for Generative AI at Coca-Cola, drives the brand's innovative approach to AI in marketing. Jason Zada, a creative director known for his AI-generated work, shares insights on the recent Coca-Cola holiday ads. They discuss the unique challenges and passionate backlash surrounding these AI animations, while still highlighting their effectiveness. The conversation delves into the balance of nostalgia and modern technology, exploring how AI can revolutionize brand storytelling and influence future marketing strategies.

On today’s episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation including the stock market tumble, what’s going on with all those tariffs, Elon Musk blaming X’s outage last week on an alleged cyberattack, and Mark Carney becoming the next prime minister of Canada. (00:51) Next, It’s SXSW again with Josh and Yaz down in Austin for the annual festival and holding court at the Fast Company Grill. We recapped our time at SXSW with ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Max Ufberg. (09:33) Finally, Yaz interviewed author, activist, and founder of the MeToo Movement, Tarana Burke, on stage at SXSW. (24:01) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To see the latest ‘Fast Company’ coverage on SXSW, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/section/sxsw Be sure to subscribe, rate and review Most Innovative Companies on your podcast app of choice. You can also find more Most Innovative Companies podcast content on Fast Company’s YouTube channel along with more videos on business news, tech, design, and work/life.