

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

Dec 5, 2024 • 55min
Are Amazon robots taking over their fulfillment centers?
Tye Brady, Chief Technologist at Amazon Robotics, dives into the fascinating world of robots in Amazon's fulfillment centers. He discusses how these bots are designed to assist workers during peak shopping seasons. The conversation raises important questions about worker safety and job displacement. Tye also shares insights on the benefits of automation, including reduced injury rates and the creation of skilled roles for employees. With a touch of humor, he reveals the whimsical names of these robots, showcasing the human side of technology.

Nov 26, 2024 • 32min
Fast Forward at One Madison with IBM and Ken Chenault
The series, Fast Forward @ One Madison, brings together some of the world’s most compelling innovators for intimate and provocative conversations on technology, culture, and leadership. In this episode, Stephanie Mehta, CEO and Chief Content Officer at Mansueto Ventures, parent of Inc. and Fast Company, talks to Ken Chenault, Chairman and Managing Director of General Catalyst.

Nov 21, 2024 • 1h 21min
Why everyone is leaving Twitter for Bluesky
There’s a new social media giant on the scene. After Donald Trump’s Elon Musk–assisted reelection, Blueksy’s user base ballooned. It now has over 20 million users and is the No. 1 app in the App Store. Yaz and Josh sit down with Bluesky COO Rose Wang to discuss Bluesky’s core tenets, what the surge in users has meant for her team, and whether Bluesky can succeed where others have failed: at being a permanent replacement for X. Plus, a special segment with our senior 'tween' correspondent Eleanor Woodsworth and her review of the 'Wicked' movie.Then, Yaz and Josh talk with Fast Co. staff editor AJ Hess about the new docuseries, 'The Offseason,' and recent big investments in women’s sports.

Nov 20, 2024 • 20min
A New Frontier in Healthcare: How technology is transforming lives - FROM FASTCO WORKS AND MEDTRONIC
In this custom episode from FastCo Works and Medtronic, Kathleen Koch chats with Medtronic chairman and CEO Geoff Martha and chief technology and innovation officer Ken Washington. New medical devices and therapies, including those powered by data, AI, and robotics, are pushing the boundaries of what we once dreamed medically possible. While the latest health tech innovations are helping doctors establish new standards of care and improving people’s quality of life, we’ve only scratched the surface of tech’s potential. Learn how revolutionary technologies are powering a new era in healthcare, and how health tech executives are navigating a dynamic landscape.

Nov 14, 2024 • 57min
Why Gen Z men really voted for Trump
Since the 2008 election, Democratic candidates for president have won at least 60% of the under-30 vote. After last week’s election, that number is down to 54%. Joining Yaz and Josh to discuss Donald Trump’s success with young male voters is ‘Fast Company’ contributing writer, a Gen Zer himself, Henry Chandonnet. Then, Yaz sits down with Oura CEO Tom Hale to discuss the state of the wearable health-tech space.And for more content, subscribe to Fast Company Premium : https://www.fastcompany.com/premium

Nov 7, 2024 • 55min
Why Andrew Yaffe left the NBA to run Dude Perfect
Dude Perfect is winning YouTube. The sports-comedy group known for their outrageous trick shots have 60 million subscribers on the platform, more than the NBA, NFL, and MLB combined. Yaz sat down with Dude Perfect’s new CEO, Andrew Yaffe, to discuss what comes next for this burgeoning media empire.Then Yaz and Josh discussed Saudi Arabia’s massive investment in the entertainment industry with The Ankler executive editor David Lidsky. Plus, as always, Keeping Tabs and a rundown for all the news you need to know.

Oct 31, 2024 • 1h 2min
Why David Hogg thinks there's still hope for our political system
As the election draws near, Yaz sits down with David Hogg and Kevin Lata of Leaders We Deserve, a grassroots organization committed to helping young, progressive candidates win legislative seats across the country. Then, Yaz and Josh chat with author and Fast Company contributing writer Will Leitch to discuss the boom of sports-betting apps and the major sports leagues that have gone all in on gambling. Plus, as always, a rundown of the business and innovation news you need to know.Check out Will Leitch's books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IGOYR0And his podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0CNENMhZsV3R1kXCzc2il5?si=93b7bec750224de3

Oct 24, 2024 • 1h 8min
The Victoria’s Secret fashion show is back. Are the company’s old problems back too?
After a slew of problems—some of them really dark—Victoria's Secret cancelled its fashion show in 2018. Now, the company has brought back the event, which included legendary models and performances from the iconic Cher. It reverberated across social media, but has the company really put its problems in the past or are they are still there, simmering just below the surface? Most Innovative Company’s cohost Yasmin Gagne went to the show and gives her assessment.Also, Yaz talks with celebrity stylist Law Roach about his career evolution and abrupt retirement . . . and the work he has done since retiring.and check out the YouTube Video of Yaz's chat with Law Roach!

Oct 17, 2024 • 57min
Why is fast food so expensive now?
There’s a growing shift in consumer sentiment about the fast-food industry. As inflation pushes menu prices steadily upward, more people are asking themselves if that weekly trip to Taco Bell, Wendy’s, or KFC is still worth the cost. ‘Fast Company’ senior editor Christopher Zara breaks down the economics of fast food and discusses what companies are doing to try and lure customers back to the drive-through. Also, ‘Fast Company’ senior staff editor Jeff Beer discusses the most recent advertising fails and successes, from Heinz’s racially tone-deaf imagery to the surprisingly popular combination of Grimace and the New York Mets.

Oct 10, 2024 • 60min
Can WeightWatchers survive the Ozempic era?
Two weeks ago, the WeightWatchers board ousted CEO Sima Sistani, who helmed the company for two-and-a-half years, appointing board member Tara Comonte interim CEO. During that time, the company has radically altered its business model to stay competitive in the Ozempic era. Cohost Yasmin Gange analyzes what this leadership change signals for the company’s strategy. Also, ‘Fast Company’ associate editor David Salazar talks with Harvey Mason Jr., CEO of the Recording Academy. His tenure of the past 3 years comes amid a cultural discussion about whether or not the Grammys and the Academy are still relevant. They chatted about diversifying the Grammy voting process, advocating for artists, and how Mason feels about AI in the music industry.