Most Innovative Companies

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.