Most Innovative Companies

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.

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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

Over the past week, it was announced that Mira Murati, CTO of OpenAI, would be the latest to depart the company. This leaves Sam Altman as the last remaining leader from the early days of OpenAI, signaling a clear shift in direction. And maybe most importantly, the company has abandoned its nonprofit status and become a for-profit benefit corporation. ‘Fast Company’ senior writer Ainsley Harris talks through these changes and what it could mean for the future of OpenAI. Also, Shion Kaji, father of Ryan Kaji of Ryan’s World, and Albie Hecht of pocket.watch talk about working with child stars and creative influence across platforms, from YouTube to the big screen.

Alabama’s ecosystem of innovation is built on the strength of its entrepreneurs, workforce, policymakers, and community leaders. Leading economic development at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, Carter Wells has long worked at the intersection of these stakeholders, fueling innovation, collaboration, and impact across 45 biotech companies in the state. In this custom episode, learn how Carter connects Alabama’s best institutions, organizations, and people behind HudsonAlpha’s mission — and how Alabama creates an ecosystem for this mission to thrive.

If you were on YouTube in the Golden Age of BuzzFeed videos, there’s a good chance you remember the Try Guys, a group of four friends, who hosted a hugely popular series about trying new experiences. Like many BuzzFeed creators, the four eventually left to start their own production company, 2nd Try. But a couple years ago, the ‘guys’ were thrust into the spotlight when one of them was caught having an affair with an employee and left the company. We got to talk with two of the original guys, Zach Kornfeld and Keith Habersberger, about navigating the upheaval and their strategy around YouTube and 2nd Try’s new streaming platform.Also, Stephanie Smellie, head of business development at Patreon, talks about how the platform supports podcasters and other creators in building a unique relationship with their audiences.