Most Innovative Companies

On today’s episode, Donald Trump has been sworn in as president once again and almost immediately began enacting his agenda. Hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen break down the president's executive orders and policy promises relating to the economy, the tech industry, labor and climate Then, the fires in Los Angeles are still burning. ‘Los Angeles Times’ climate columnist Sammy Roth unpacks the fallout from this disaster and the role climate change has played. Finally, The TikTok ban went into effect over the weekend for a grand total of 12 hours. For now, the app remains operational in the U.S. after former President Biden declared he wouldn’t enforce the ban and President Trump signed an executive order on Monday pausing the ban for 75 days. But, what comes next for TikTok and the creators who lobbied for it to be saved? ‘Fast Company’ executive editor Maia McCann and senior staff editor Max Ufberg help explain the state of TikTok. But, what comes next for TikTok and the creators who lobbied for it to be saved? ‘Fast Company’ executive digital director Maia McCann and senior staff editor Max Ufberg try to explain the state of TikTok. For more of the latest news coming out of the Trump administration, and in the world of business, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news For more on the Los Angeles Fires and Sammy Roth’s writing on climate change, you can find his newsletter, Boiling Point, here and subscribe to his podcast of the same name here  Be sure to subscribe, rate and review Most Innovative Companies on your podcast app of choice. You can also find more Most Innovative Companies podcast content on Fast Company’s YouTube channel along with more videos on business news, tech, design and work life.

Fast Company contributing writer Clint Rainey discusses his recent series on Trader Joe’s. He explains how the grocer remains a beloved brand despite a record number of product recalls, safety violations, worker misconduct complaints, and an environmental record that belies its reputation. Then, Tae Kim, a senior technology writer at Barron's and author of The Nvidia Way: Jensen Huang and the Making of a Tech Giant ,explains the secret behind NVIDIA's success.

In this custom episode, we hear from Susannah Shattuck, head of product at Credo AI. She discusses why staying closely connected is critical for a distributed workforce and how AI tools are making that easier. Also, learn how Credo AI uses Atlassian tools to manage collaboration, unlock areas for more creative thinking, and drive business growth.

Police departments across the country are embracing AI-enhanced surveillance technology in the name of stopping crime. One prominent security firm called Flock Safety is leading the effort and profiting off our fears. Fast Company Senior Writer Ainsley Harris joined Yaz and Josh to explain how the Atlanta-based startup signed a deal with San Francisco in March 2024 to install and operate 400 LPRs (license plate recognition systems). Then, Yaz chats with President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery Global Streaming and Games JB Perrette about how (HBO) Max's globalization efforts are the biggest aspect of its growth.

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.

With a history exceeding 50 years, Hot Wheels has proven it has staying power. Rooted in authentic car design and performance, the brand continues to innovate. In this episode, part of the Atlassian-sponsored 'Behind The Teams' series, Roberto Stanichi, executive vice president of Hot Wheels & the global head of vehicles; Ted Wu, head of design; and Subri Kovilmadam, Mattel’s vice president of technology, reveal how Mattel’s culture of collaboration works.

On today’s episode, Yaz and Josh are joined by ‘Fast Company’ senior staff editor Jeff Beer and ‘Fast Company’ associate editor David Salazar to discuss the annual Brands That Matter list. This year, the list includes not just such companies as Athletic Brewing, Quinn Erotic Audio, and DoorDash, but, for the first time, it includes CMOs who have taken some really interesting creative risks. Plus, Josh talks with Second City Works creative director Tyler Dean Kempf about improv classes for corporate teams, the recent influx of AI tools, and Josh’s former life as an improviser.

In this custom episode, Brex CEO Pedro Franceschi discusses how the company is committed to helping companies achieve sustainable growth.

In today’s episode, Yaz and Josh take a trip to an Amazon fulfillment center to get a firsthand look at the retailer’s fleet of robots. Meant to help their workers cope with the onslaught of holiday shopping, these robots cause Yaz and Josh to wonder: Will the robots help the workers or replace them? To delve even deeper, Yaz and Josh also spoke with Amazon Chief Technologist Tye Brady about the development of these robots, what they mean for worker safety, and their grandiose names.

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.

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/B001IGOYR0 And 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.