

Most Innovative Companies
Fast Company
Which companies are on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence? What’s the next major breakthrough in healthcare? How do iconic brands reinvent themselves to appeal to the next generation? Most Innovative Companies is where tech, business, and innovation convene. Join hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen as they bring you the latest innovations transforming business and society—and highlights the companies that are reshaping industries and culture.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
Inside Trader Joe’s and NVIDIA
Fast Company contributing writer Clint Rainey discusses his recent series on Trader Joe’s. He explains how the grocer remains a beloved brand despite a record number of product recalls, safety violations, worker misconduct complaints, and an environmental record that belies its reputation. (07:46)Then, Tae Kim, a senior technology writer at Barron's and author of The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant, explains the secret behind NVIDIA's success. (30:18)

Jan 15, 2025 • 25min
How a fully remote team uses AI to stay connected and creative - FROM FASTCO WORKS AND ATLASSIAN
In this custom episode, we hear from Susannah Shattuck, head of product at Credo AI. She discusses why staying closely connected is critical for a distributed workforce and how AI tools are making that easier. Also, learn how Credo AI uses Atlassian tools to manage collaboration, unlock areas for more creative thinking, and drive business growth.

Jan 9, 2025 • 55min
Police departments are embracing AI-enhanced surveillance technology to stop crime
Police departments across the country are embracing AI-enhanced surveillance technology in the name of stopping crime. One prominent security firm called Flock Safety is leading the effort and profiting off our fears. Fast Company Senior Writer Ainsley Harris joined Yaz and Josh to explain how the Atlanta-based startup signed a deal with San Francisco in March 2024 to install and operate 400 LPRs (license plate recognition systems).Then, Yaz chats with President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming and Games JB Perrette about how (HBO) Max's globalization efforts are the biggest aspect of its growth.

Jan 2, 2025 • 22min
The AI revolution: Why data storage is the hidden hero - FROM FASTCO WORKS AND SOLIDIGM
In this custom episode from FastCo Works and Solidigm, Abigail Bassett chats with Avi Shetty, senior director of AI ecosystem and partnerships at Solidigm, and Sachin Gupta, vice president and general manager of the Infrastructure and Solutions Group at Google Cloud. Artificial intelligence’s transformative power is set to reshape the business world, revolutionizing industries as diverse as medicine to manufacturing. But amid the buzz, one critical feature is often overlooked: the importance of data storage in implementing smart AI strategies. In this episode, we’ll discuss data storage’s integral role in long-term AI success and how solid-state drive (SSD) innovations eliminate storage bottlenecks to make AI pipelines faster and more efficient. We’ll also highlight the impact of high-capacity storage solutions on AI scaling and why future-proof storage investments are essential.

Dec 26, 2024 • 39min
Fast Forward at One Madison with IBM and Debbie Millman
In this episode, writer, designer, educator and host of the 'Design Matters' podcast Debbie Millman, chats with Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer at Mansueto Ventures, parent of Inc. and Fast Company. They explore the future of design, from the role of generative AI in creativity to the evolving relationship between design and business.

Dec 23, 2024 • 30min
Fast Forward at One Madison with IBM and Krishna Bhagavathula
This episode features Krishna Bhagavathula, Chief Technology Officer and NBA Executive Vice President with Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer at Mansueto Ventures, parent of 'Inc.' and 'Fast Company.' They explore the role technology-including generative AI-is playing in enhancing experiences for teams, players, and fans. One Madison is the site of IBM's new headquarters in New York City.

7 snips
Dec 19, 2024 • 57min
Looking back at the biggest stories of 2024
On today’s episode, it’s our year-end spectacular! Yaz and Josh are joined by ‘Fast Company’ editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughn and executive editor Amy Farley to help bring 2024 to a close. From design jobs to tech bros to everything AI, we look back on the biggest and most interesting stories of the year.Plus, a game Josh invented and our New Year’s resolutions.

5 snips
Dec 17, 2024 • 26min
How the most innovative companies work: Mattel - FROM FASTCO WORKS AND ATLASSIAN
Roberto Stanichi, Executive Vice President of Hot Wheels, and Ted Wu, Head of Design for Hot Wheels, dive into the innovative spirit of Mattel. They discuss the enduring legacy of Hot Wheels, rooted in authentic car culture and collaborative design. The conversation highlights the exciting Hot Wheels Legends Tour, celebrating custom cars while fostering teamwork globally. The duo emphasizes how trust and respect drive their creative processes, showcasing tools like Jira Align and Confluence that enhance efficiency and innovation at Mattel.

4 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 1h 10min
Why the NFL, Universal Pictures, and erotic audio company Quinn made our Brands That Matter list
Tyler Dean Kempf, Creative Director at Second City Works, shares his expertise on using improvisation to enhance corporate culture. He discusses how improv aids employees in adapting to changes, especially with the rise of AI tools. The conversation also highlights the importance of empathetic communication across generations and the role of storytelling in workplace dynamics. Tyler emphasizes the transformative power of Second City's classes in fostering connection and innovation within corporate settings. Expect laughter and insightful anecdotes along the way!

Dec 9, 2024 • 20min
How smarter spending drives sustainable growth - FROM FASTCO WORKS AND BREX
Pedro Franceschi, CEO of Brex, shares his insights on driving sustainable growth through smarter spending. He discusses how evolving financial strategies are crucial in today’s economic landscape, especially for CFOs. The conversation includes how Brex empowers employees to make informed financial decisions and highlights the impact of AI on finance. Franceschi showcases the benefits of automation in optimizing financial processes and the integration of embedded finance to enhance corporate efficiency amidst rapid payment technology changes.