Most Innovative Companies

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include OpenAI launching Sora 2, Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg stepping down and former PayPal CEO Dan Schulman taking over, Bari Weiss becoming the new editor-in-chief of CBS News, and the latest on the federal government shutdown.   Next, Josh and Yaz speak to contributor Michael Linhorst to learn more about America’s largest private prison company, Geo Group, and its founder, George Zoley. They also discuss how the almost $3 billion company is handling the 43% increase in detainees from ICE, its status as the government agency’s top contractor, and its operation of some 100 facilities across the country.   Finally, Yaz and Josh talk to editorial assistant Grace Snelling about her interview with Friend AI CEO Avi Schiffmann regarding his NYC Subway ad campaign. They discuss the campaign's impact, the entrepreneur's approach to virality, and the challenges of product development and data privacy concerns. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Grace Snelling’s reporting on Friend AI:https://www.fastcompany.com/91413814/friend-ai-ad-campaign-founder-qa To read Micheal Linhorst’s reporting on Geo Group:https://www.fastcompany.com/91396722/the-house-that-ice-built

This month’s episode of Brand New World was largely created during Fast Company’s Innovation Festival, which was held in New York City in mid-September.    So, we’re bringing you my interview with Bozoma Saint-John, former chief marketing or brand officer at companies including Netflix, Uber, and Beats by Dre—who also just happens to star on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She’s also the cohost of NBC’s newest reality show On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, where 10 everyday people compete to have their advertising ideas actually used by major brands like Samsung, Dunkin', Southwest, Captain Morgan, and Therabody.    But first, I had the chance to tap into my inner pizza nerd and talk to founder Tom Gozney about content and design as pillars of his brand’s success, how he’s working to maintain the brand’s culture amid international expansion, and more. (WHICH BRAND?)   Pizza and reality TV? Let’s gooooo.

In this custom episode in partnership with Capital One, you will hear how your company can build a tech stack that serves as the foundation for building innovative customer experiences at scale. You’ll learn best practices to develop this advanced infrastructure, including converging to enterprise platforms, building standards and automation, and leveraging data at scale. We’ll share how these technologies enable businesses like Capital One to move faster, enable scalable product innovation, and personalize customer experiences.

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the federal government shutdown, YouTube settling a lawsuit and paying out $24.5 million to Trump, and a roundup of the latest AI developments.    Next, Josh and Yaz speak to senior writer Ainsley Harris about the reproductive technology startup Orchid. They discuss how the company is allowing parents using IVF to screen their embryos for not only genetic anomalies but also to assess the statistical risks for developing hundreds of diseases, from diabetes to cancer. But, to some, the technology blurs the line between disease prevention and “designer babies” for those who can afford the high price of screening.   Finally, Josh interviews House of Highlights vice president and GM Drew Muller about how they built their brand, creating original content, long-form franchises, and even a sports league of their own. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo read Ainsley Harris’s reporting on Orchid:https://www.fastcompany.com/91396712/silicon-valley-wants-you-to-stop-rolling-the-dice-about-your-future-babys-health

Brian Niccol is on a mission to change how you get your morning coffee, and on this episode, we learn how in Niccol’s first public interview since taking over as Starbucks CEO a year ago.  We also run down the latest news on NikeSkims’ first lookbook, Apple’s Liquid Glass launch, and Amazon’s settlement over its deceptive UX — the “Iliad Flow.”  Then, we close the episode with a new game: Hot or not…but for design.

Generative AI and Agentic AI are now raising the stakes on how companies deliver customer value and innovate to stay one step ahead. Accelerating with AI comes down to the long game: technology infrastructure, data, and talent. This episode will focus on practical insights into how top enterprise leaders should approach AI for long term investment, including building a modern tech stack, creating enterprise platform capabilities, proprietary data and AI solutions, and building and cultivating world-class AI talent. These best practices will be shared through the lens of Capital One’s AI journey.

On today's episode, co-hosts Josh Christensen and associate editor David Salazar, filling in for Yasmin Gagne, discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Jimmy Kimmel’s return, Nvidia's plans to invest $100 billion in OpenAI, and the Trump administration’s unfounded claims about Tylenol.   Next, Yaz speaks to Jessica Schinazi, CEO of the direct-to-consumer luggage brand Away. They discuss making the company profitable, launching soft-shell suitcases and other accessories, and transitioning away from DTC to sell on Amazon and at Nordstrom.   Finally, Yaz interviews David Allemann, co-founder of premium sportswear brand On, about competing in a crowded athletic shoe market, receiving an investment from Roger Federer, and the company’s innovative physical retail strategy. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

In this custom episode from Fast Company Custom Studio and Capital One, you will learn best practices for how companies can help developers move up the stack, including how to reduce infrastructure management, embrace automation and AI-enhanced development, and equip developers with the right tooling. We’ll discuss these best practices through the lens of how Capital One does it scale, and ultimately show how this focus powers modern, fully-managed software solutions in banking.

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen are at Fast Company's 2025 Innovation Festival to discuss the latest business news and the event's festivities. Topics include the TikTok deal “framework” with new investors, California lawmakers passing an AI safety bill, Apollo Global Management considering the sale of AOL, and the top takeaways from the Emmys.   Next, senior editor Max Ufberg talks with Glean's founder and CEO, Arvind Jain, about the future of agentic AI. They discuss his thoughts on improving workplace knowledge for enterprise clients and staying ahead of major competitors as this market continues to evolve competitively. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo follow the latest on Innovation Festival:https://events.fastcompany.com/innovationfestival25

Las Vegas Aces star Jewell Loyd has amassed a stack of staggering accolades: garnering two WNBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and six WNBA All-Star nods, not to mention being anointed as the "Gold Mamba” from the late great Kobe Bryant himself. But Loyd’s impact goes beyond the court.   In 2015, she and her brother launched Loyd & Co., a financial services firm they built to give underserved communities real access to capital, wealth-building tools, and long-term financial security. And in recent months, they've been ramping up their ambitions with several acquisitions that are expanding the firm's reach. In this episode, Loyd opens up about the inspiration behind her company, the impact they’re already making, and her audacious next step: creating what she calls a “bank with a soul.” For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the latest jobs report, a busy week for IPOs, and Apple’s new slate of products.   Next, Yaz and Josh speak with Fast Company contributing editor Alex Pasternack about Google’s ongoing antitrust case. They cover a federal judge's recent ruling, the company's stock jumping 8% after the court’s decision, and what this means for Google, the tech industry, and consumers overall.   Finally, Josh talks with Laura Bates about her new book, The New Age of Sexism: How AI and Emerging Technologies Are Reinventing Misogyny. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

You know Dick’s Sporting Goods as one of America’s largest and most successful sports retailers. It has used that status to help create an impressive catalog of five feature-length films and 10 short-form or episodic documentaries over the past decade, including the Emmy-winning docs We Could Be King (2014) and The Turnaround (2024). But in August, Dick's took things to a new level, officially launching an in-house studio division called Cookie Jar & A Dream Studios. In this episode, I talk to Dick’s chief marketing officer Emily Silver about why now is the perfect time for an in-house studio, the evolution of the brand’s entertainment strategy, how the company measures success for these projects, and where it all goes from here.    Before that, I wanted to put what Dick’s is doing into some context. So I called up Zac Ryder, co-founder and chief creative officer at Modern Arts—the agency that helped WhatsApp produce the Netflix doc The Seat, which we talked about back in Episode 1 of this season. Zac and I nerd out on the evolution of brand entertainment, then break down our picks for the "Best Brand Entertainment of the Past Decade."

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include Google being allowed to keep Chrome, Kraft and Heinz splitting back into two companies, and another government funding deadline for Congress.   Next, Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel Walker about Spotify's bet on bringing messaging back to the platform. They discuss why Spotify is making a move toward creating a super app and whether anyone actually wants that.     Finally, Yaz chats with senior staff writer Liz Segran about former Target CEO Brian Cornell stepping down and the plans of new executive Michael Fiddelke to revamp the company. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Chris Stokel-Walker’s reporting on Spotify:https://www.fastcompany.com/91393161/spotify-and-the-problem-with-our-everything-app-era To read more of Liz Segran’s reporting on Target:https://www.fastcompany.com/91389333/targets-new-ceo-has-to-fix-design-experience-dei

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include Federal Reserve Board of Governors member Lisa Cook affirming she won't step down despite President Trump threatening to fire her; Elon Musk’s X and xAI suing Apple and OpenAI for anticompetitive collusion; Germany and Italy suspending shipments to the U.S. over tariffs; Spotify launching a messaging feature on their platform; and Cracker Barrel shares rising after reverting to its original logo. Next, Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company senior editor Max Ufberg about Mark Zuckerberg increasing his spending on his private security to $27 million this past year. And he isn’t the only one; they discuss why many CEOs are investing more in personal protection. Finally, Yaz interviews Tubi CEO Anjali Sud about the company's massive library, its revenue model, its product strategy to help users navigate its massive content catalog, and creating fan-driven original content. Currently, the streaming platform has 100million monthly active users and 300,000 movies and TV episodes to date. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Max Ufberg’s article on Mark Zuckerberg:https://www.fastcompany.com/91387503/meta-spent-27-million-protecting-mark-zuckerberg-last-year

President Trump just created the National Design Studio and tapped Airbnb co-founder Joe Gebbia to lead the charge. Cracker Barrel has offended or enraged just about everyone with its new logo. Figma hit Wall Street with a bang.  It’s been a big month for design. And on this episode of By Design, hosts Liz Stinson and Mark Wilson give the rundown of the latest news before talking with Figma chief design officer Yuhki Yamashita just after the company’s super successful IPO.  Yuhki shares where Figma goes from here and how he’s thinking about design products in the age of AI and vibe coding.  Then, we’ll round things out the best and worst designs of the month as Teenage Engineering, Apple, A24, and AOL battle for the crown (or not).

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Mark Zuckerberg's plans to continue shaking up Meta’s AI efforts, MSNBC changing its name to MS Now, Sam Altman acknowledging the horrible launch of ChatGPT-5, and the Trump Administration’s plan to take a 10% stake in Intel.   Next, David’s Bridal has gone through two bankruptcies in recent years. However, in 2023, they were acquired by a private equity group, CION Investment Corporation. Yaz spoke to Senior Staff Writer Liz Segran about the company's past hardships and new AI pivot as a digital-first marketplace business. Finally, Yaz interviews showrunner and creator of FX’s Alien: Earth, Noah Hawley, about his vision for the show, why the themes of AI draw inspiration from current events, and his approach to creating material based on this iconic franchise. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Liz Segran’s article on David’s Bridal: https://www.fastcompany.com/91377981/davids-bridal-ai-turnaround

Pixar's chief creative officer discusses risk-taking and AI on the job.

On today's episode, co-host Yasmin Gagne and associate editor David Salazar, filling in for Josh Christensen, discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Nvidia and AMD cutting a chip revenue–sharing deal with Trump, OpenAI unveiling the GPT-5 model, Trump signing an executive order to extend the trade truce with China for another 90 days, Paramount announcing a 7-year deal with the UFC, and Ford planning to revamp its assembly line to better produce electric vehicles. Next, David and Yaz speak to contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker about the rise in popularity of AI chatbots, how people are not using AI chatbots as they were programmed, and why the excitement for the new ChatGPT-5 fell flat with users. Finally, Yaz chats with the founder and CEO of Abridge, Shiv Rao, about the AI platform that can turn conversations between doctors and patients into clinical notes in real-time. The company reached a valuation of $5.3 billion after its $300 million Series E funding round. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Chris Stokel Walker’s article on Chat GPT and the rise in popularity of AI chatbots:https://www.fastcompany.com/91385268/most-people-are-using-chatgpt-totally-wrong-and-openais-ceo-just-proved-it

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen, as well as 'Fast Company' associate editor David Salazar, discuss the latest news in the world of business and innovation. Topics include Cloudflare's clash with Perplexity over its AI training, former CEO of X/Twitter Linda Yaccarino's new job, Tesla giving Elon Musk $29 billion to stay, and Disney+ integrating Hulu on its streaming platform by 2026. (00:50) Next, Josh and Yaz speak to staff editor Kristin Toussaint and contributor Clint Rainey about Beyond Meat's rebrand to "Beyond" and all of the alternative meat company's growing pains and strategy shifts to reach its target audience. (10:10) Finally, Yaz and Josh chat with global technology editor Harry McCracken and contributing tech journalist Jared Newman about why 1995 was one of the most important years in tech history. (41:05) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/news To read Clint Rainey’s article on the shift from “Beyond Meat” to “Beyond”: https://www.fastcompany.com/91374217/beyond-meat-rebrand-pivot-protein-fava-ground-ethan-brown-ceo To read Kristen Toussiant’s Beyond Meat piece: https://www.fastcompany.com/91160776/beyond-meats-newest-sausages-vegetables-fruits-legumes To learn more about Jared Newman’s 1995 piece: https://www.fastcompany.com/91356466/windows-95-anniversary To learn more about Harry McCracken’s 1995 article: https://www.fastcompany.com/91356463/ibm-thinkpad-701-butterfly-keyboard

Tools for Humanity CMO John Patroulis talks about the brand strategy behind World, The Orb, and being human in the AI age.