Bloomberg Businessweek

This discussion features Kevin Gordon, a Senior Investment Strategist at Charles Schwab, who delves into market concentration and AI's economic implications. Jenny Rooke, Founder of Genoa Ventures, talks about the challenges in biotech funding and the impact of pharmaceutical policy on innovation. Jan van Eck, CEO of VanEck, rounds it out by examining the implications of gold prices and ETF trends amid market uncertainties. Together, they explore the intersection of politics, economy, and technology.

Udemy is transforming into an AI-powered skills platform, focusing on reskilling rather than just learning. The new approach emphasizes personalized, continuous learning with adaptive assessments. Insights from 17,000 enterprises highlight rising demands for AI-related courses and adaptive skills. The urgency for workforce reskilling is palpable, driving both consumer and enterprise revenue shifts. AI also aids instructors in creating tailored content, making the learning process more efficient and engaging.

Dan Williams, a Jerusalem-based Bloomberg News reporter, provides insights on the Trump-Netanyahu 20-point plan to address the Gaza conflict, highlighting the challenges in securing Hamas's acceptance. Josh Weinstein, CEO of Carnival Corporation, shares robust quarterly results and discusses consumer trends in cruising, indicating a strong demand outlook. Joyce Huang, a senior portfolio manager, navigates the complexities of the bond market, analyzing yield curve dynamics and strategies amidst economic uncertainties.

Chris Rauser, an editor at Bloomberg Pursuits focusing on wellness trends, dives into the intriguing world of Katalyst EMS suits. He and CEO Brendan Kennedy discuss how electrical muscle stimulation mimics brain signals to enhance workouts and recovery. Their candid experiences reveal initial skepticism turned into enthusiasm, thanks to time-saving benefits. They explore pricing, practical usage, and how the tech aims to revolutionize at-home fitness. With FDA clearance and a push for broader market adoption, Katalyst may reshape the future of wellness.

Chris Nicholas, President and CEO of Sam's Club, shares insights on retail trends and AI investments for efficiency. Lane Dilg, an expert in AI partnerships, discusses the competitive landscape of AI and the workforce challenges it presents. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez highlights Spain's economic growth linked to green policies and migration benefits. Mahmoud Mohielddin dives into global climate finance, focusing on adaptation needs. Lori Kerr from FinDev Canada emphasizes innovative approaches to development finance in emerging markets.

Max Abelson, a Bloomberg News finance reporter known for his investigative work on Jeffrey Epstein, joins the discussion. He dives into the latest consumer spending trends, revealing how resilient Americans are despite persistent inflation. The podcast explores what Epstein's private emails disclose about his network and strategic crisis management. Abelson also shares insights on the implications of these revelations for understanding power dynamics and public relationships.

Dr. Joan LaRovere from the Virtue Foundation discusses how data science and AI are transforming global health. She shares insights on their initiatives to create a marketplace that matches healthcare needs with resources, particularly in low-income countries. The conversation delves into the challenges of conflicting medical guidance, the exciting potential of AI in healthcare, and the importance of patient-centered care. Innovations like VFMatch stand to enhance efficiency and scalability in addressing medical deserts.

This discussion features Becca Wasser, a defense expert focused on NATO strategies, who shares insights on potential responses to Russian airspace violations. Cristiano Amon, Qualcomm's CEO, reveals breakthroughs in AI-capable PCs and the company's strategy amidst competition with Apple and Intel. Meanwhile, Rob O'Hare, CFO of Affirm, highlights the robust health of consumer credit, stable delinquencies, and promising growth outlooks for the company. The conversation captures the intersection of defense, technology, and consumer finance in today's market.

David Marchick, the Dean of American University's Kogod School of Business, leads an ambitious AI-first initiative in higher education. He discusses integrating AI into the curriculum, ensuring all students use AI tools from day one. Marchick emphasizes the importance of teaching students how to verify AI outputs and the critical thinking skills necessary in an AI-driven economy. He also shares insights on adapting faculty to this tech shift and highlights that curiosity and an entrepreneurial mindset are now key in admissions.

Chris Nicholas, President and CEO of Sam's Club, dives into retail trends and how AI is enhancing operations. He shares insights on managing tariffs and preparing for the holiday rush. Lane Dilg, formerly with OpenAI, discusses AI partnerships and the growing demand for compute, while questioning if the current funding boom is sustainable. Lori Kerr, CEO of FinDev Canada, addresses the impact of reduced U.S. aid and emphasizes the importance of development finance in climate and gender-focused investments.