Bloomberg Businessweek

Shiz Aoki, Founder and CEO of BioRender, is a former lead medical illustrator for National Geographic and a Y Combinator co-founder. In this engaging discussion, she highlights the importance of accurate scientific imagery, especially concerning AI’s potential pitfalls. Shiz delves into BioRender’s mission to streamline scientific communication, emphasizing its extensive biovisual library. She also shares insights on the platform’s rapid growth, early profitability, and innovative approach to copyright through community collaboration.

Joining the conversation are Ed Ludlow, Bloomberg Tech co-host and Nvidia expert; Jay Goldberg, semiconductor analyst sharing his insights; Sarah Frier, Big Tech leader discussing AI spending implications; and Samuel Sahn, real estate investor highlighting AI's impact on data centers. They dive into Nvidia's impressive revenue forecast, discuss fears of an AI bubble, and the ongoing demand for AI accelerators. The discussion also covers the electrifying issues of resource constraints and the optimism in Silicon Valley regarding AI's future.

Christina Stembel, the visionary founder and CEO of Farmgirl Flowers, bootstrapped her startup from her dining room in 2010. In this insightful chat, she dives into the challenges of prioritizing profitability over rapid growth and her courageous decision to reject a buyout offer, opting instead for long-term ownership. Christina sheds light on the difficulties of sourcing U.S.-grown flowers amid labor shortages and tariffs. She also shares her unique approach to integrating farming into her business, ensuring top-notch quality in her beloved burlap-wrapped bouquets.

Vance Howard, CEO at Howard Capital Management, discusses market momentum and the concerns surrounding AI valuations, likening them to the tech boom of '99. Ellen Wald, a Middle East expert, provides insights into the dynamics of the US-Saudi relationship and the Kingdom's investment strategies, highlighting diversification efforts beyond oil. Dr. Adam Posen analyzes the global economic outlook and the implications of US foreign policy, stressing the need to prioritize domestic challenges while balancing international engagements.

Denise Paulonis, President and CEO of Sally Beauty Holdings, shares insights on the thriving beauty industry. She discusses the recent earnings report, emphasizing consumer resilience paired with selective spending. Denise highlights popular trends like DIY hair maintenance and vivid colors gaining traction. She also addresses supply chain challenges, particularly tariffs on tools from China. With a dual retail and salon model, Denise credits innovative product adoption for driving their success.

R.C. “Chris” Whalen, a banking and credit market expert, discusses the risks of private credit and the hype surrounding AI valuations, cautioning against over-investment. Aaron Jagdfeld, CEO of Generac, shares insights on the company's earnings miss, driven by weak residential demand due to mild weather, while highlighting growth in commercial markets. The two also delve into the challenges facing the U.S. power grid and the importance of backup generators amid increasing outages.

Linda Tong, CEO of Webflow, an AI-native website experience platform, dives into the future of web design. She discusses the split between user-friendly websites and those optimized for AI bots. Tong introduces answer engine optimization (AEO), highlighting its focus on authoritative content rather than outdated keyword tactics. As AI-driven traffic rises, AEO is reshaping discovery and conversions by attracting more intent-driven visitors. She also touches on the evolving role of ads within AI answer engines and the changing landscape of online user control.

This week, Peter Atwater explores the complexities of a K-shaped economy, highlighting how consumer sentiment varies across different income levels. Swami Kotagiri dives into the auto industry's challenges, discussing tariffs and the demand for electric vehicles. Rick Smith reveals how Axon is evolving from hardware to AI-driven services. Dr. Julia Wolfson sheds light on the impact of ultra-processed foods on diets, offering actionable tips for parents. Finally, Stephen Kronk shares insights on regenerative viticulture and the art of producing Provence rosé.

In a compelling discussion, Dr. Joan LaRovere, Interim Chief Medical Officer at Boston Children's Hospital, addresses the fusion of clinical care and research, highlighting AI applications improving pediatric outcomes. Dr. Ellen Grant, leading neuroimaging efforts, shares insights on early brain development and the innovative imaging technologies for infants. Meanwhile, Dr. Martha Murray unveils groundbreaking ACL repair techniques like BEAR, emphasizing prevention strategies for young athletes. Together, they explore Massachusetts' push to safeguard research amidst federal funding cuts.

Eric Trump, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of American Bitcoin, shares insights on Bitcoin mining strategies and the shift to renewable energy sources in West Texas. He emphasizes the potential of mining as a hedge and his company's long-term growth plans. Elizabeth Renter, Senior Economist at NerdWallet, discusses the U.S. labor market's steady yet cooling nature and the persistent inflation pressures affecting policy decisions. Together, they navigate the complex intersections of cryptocurrency and economic trends.