Most Innovative Companies

On today's episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest on the war in Iran, 7-Eleven store closures, and Amazon's bid to boost its satellite internet business.  Next, David and Josh sit down with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil to discuss her deep dive into what makes SpaceX an impressive founder factory. And finally, Josh and David are joined by Fast Company senior tech editor Max Ufberg in a game of sorts about the tech we use everyday.  To check out Rebecca's reporting, go to fastcompany.com/91518561/inside-spacex-founder-factory-race-solve-next-generation-impossible-problems  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Anthropic's new AI model, the deal between Amazon and USPS, and the latest on the war in Iran. Next, Josh and Bryan talk with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about how robotics is taking over Amazon warehouses.   And finally, Bryan talks with the CEO of TED, Logan McClure Davda, about the transformation of TED and what the TED community will look like in the future. To check out Pavithra's reporting on Amazon, go to fastcompany.com/91514112/what-will-the-robot-jobs-apocalypse-look-like-ask-amazon-warehouse-workers  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest on the war in Iran, layoffs at Oracle, and shutting down Sora. Next, Josh and Kristin talk with Fast Company global technology editor Harry McCracken about what he found out when he collected an oral history of Apple's earliest days. And finally, Kristin speaks with Inequality Media cofounder Robert Reich and executive director of Inequality Media Heather Kinlaw Lofthouse on their organization and how the team educates a broad range of audiences about power imbalance and civic issues in the United States today. To read about Apple's early days, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/91514404/apple-founding-50th-anniversary-apple-1-apple-ii-jobs-wozniak  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

In this special episode of Most Innovative Companies, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company's flagship franchise to unpack how this year's list comes together—and what it takes for a company to truly stand out. Joined by Fast Company contributor Clint Rainey and restaurant technology expert Kristen Hawley, the conversation explores how innovation shows up across the food and restaurant industries—from rethinking agriculture and supply chains to reinventing convenience and sustainability. You'll hear how companies like Row 7 are reshaping the way we grow and experience vegetables, how Kraft Heinz is using AI to modernize a pantry staple, and why QuikTrip is turning gas stations into unexpected destinations for premium beverages. Plus, a look at Shia, a small but ambitious nonprofit restaurant proving that sustainability and profitability don't have to be at odds. Along the way, the group breaks down what makes a strong Most Innovative Companies pick, how editors balance applications with industry expertise, and why impact—not just novelty—is the ultimate measure of innovation. Whether it's a global brand or a 22-seat restaurant, this episode reveals how bold ideas in food are shaping the future of how—and what—we eat.  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list

In this special miniseries, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company's 2026 Most Innovative Companies list with two of the journalists who helped shape its AI coverage: senior writer Mark Sullivan and global technology editor Harry McCracken. Together, they break down why Fast Company separates AI from applied AI, and what that distinction reveals about the companies building the future of the category. The conversation spotlights three major players—Anthropic, Sierra, and Google—and explores what made each one stand out on this year's list. Along the way, they discuss Anthropic's rise in the enterprise market through Claude Code, Sierra's push to reinvent customer service with AI agents, and Google's comeback story as Gemini becomes central to its broader product ecosystem. They also dig into the editorial judgment behind the list itself: how Fast Company weighs innovation, business impact, momentum, and controversy in one of the most closely watched sectors in business. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list

In this special episode of Most Innovative Companies, host David Salazar goes behind the scenes of Fast Company's flagship recognition program to unpack how the 2026 list comes together—and what separates true industry changers from the rest. Focusing on the Television, Streaming, and Film category, Salazar is joined by Fast Company editorial director Jill Bernstein and contributor Thom Geier to break down the intersection of creativity, technology, and business shaping Hollywood today. From bold, genre-defying storytelling to new distribution strategies and cutting-edge production tools, they explore how innovation is redefining what—and how—we watch. The conversation highlights standout companies, including Ryan Coogler's Proximity Media, IMAX's big-screen resurgence, AI dubbing startup Flawless, John Wells Productions' real-time hit The Pitt, and Apple TV+'s evolving prestige strategy. Along the way, the group unpacks the key criteria behind the list—innovation and impact—and why the most meaningful shifts in entertainment often happen behind the scenes. More than just a list, this discussion reveals how storytelling itself is evolving—and why it still matters as much as ever. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To see the Most Innovative Companies 2026 list, go to:https://www.fastcompany.com/most-innovative-companies/list

On today's episode of the Most Innovative Companies podcast, our host, Josh Christensen, Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan, and executive editor Amy Farley break down this year's Most Innovative Companies list. They discuss why companies like Anthropic, Unwell, Rimas Entertainment, Proximity Media, Google, Diplo's Run Club, and the Professional Women's Hockey League made the list. They also unpack the themes that emerged and the biggest takeaways from a year in innovation.   To read more about the most innovative companies of the year, go to: Fastcompany.com  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode of Most Innovative Companies, Josh Christensen and guest cohost Sarah Whittle discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the war in Iran, the FFC's threats to broadcasters covering the war critically, and the meatpackers' strike in Colorado.  Next, Sarah and Josh talk with Fast Company contributor Lilly Smith about how low-rise jeans have come back into style and what differentiates them today from denim in the early 2000s. Finally, Sarah tells Josh about the lessons she's learned over her long career in social media. To read Lilly's reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/91480581/ultra-low-rise-denim For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic effects of the war in Iran, Microsoft's support for Anthropic in the lawsuit against the Trump administration, and the latest jobs report.  Next, Elizabeth and John talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the self-driving Waymo robotaxis are causing problems for the transit systems in San Francisco and other cities.  And finally, Josh speaks with Mozilla CEO Athony Enzor-DeMeo about how Mozilla plans to build trust, grow its user base, and diversify its revenue. To check out Rebecca's reporting on Waymo, go to: https://www.fastcompany.com/91501807/waymo-robotaxis-san-francisco-uncovered-records-exclusive For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the economic impacts of the Middle East conflict, how prediction markets drew criticism for allowing bets on the U.S. and Israel strikes on Iran and Crypto rebound. Next, Kristin and Josh talk with Fast Company senior writer Rebecca Heilweil about how the Anthropic-Pentagon dispute unfolded and what it will take if the U.S. military wants to start working with other AI companies.  Finally, Kristin speaks with Beehiiv CEO Tyler Denk about how Beehiiv started, how they think about their relationship with the publishers and content creators, and their plans for the future. To read Rebecca's reporting, go to fastcompany.com/user/rebecca-heilweil  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

NOTE: After recording this episode Netflix backed out of bid for Warner Bros. Discovery . We discuss the state of the deal prior to this news. For up to date recording, go to ⁠fastcompany.com/news. On today's episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the Supreme Court's ruling on tariffs, Trump's State of the Union address, and how Meta's AI safety specialist lost control of an AI agent. Next Josh and Bryan talk with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about layoffs, the impact of AI on the workforce, and other trends in the labor market. And finally, Bryan talks with the author, entrepreneur, and Fast Company contributor Faisal Hoque about what companies get wrong when rolling out AI and how to do it better.  To read more of Fast Company's Work Life coverage, go to fastcompany.com/work-life.  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.

Description:  On today's episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Paramount's last-chance-bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery, Mark Zuckerberg's testimony in a social media addiction trial, and the latest investment in Elon Musk's xAI by a Saudi Arabian AI company. Next, Josh and David talk with Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris on the delivery robots in her neighborhood and the controversy surrounding them. Finally, David speaks with the journalist and writer Gabriel Sherman about his new book Bonfire of the Murdochs, diving deep into how Rupert Murdoch became one of the most influential people on the planet and how his ambitions tore apart his family. To read Ainsley's reporting, go to fastcompany.com/91486773/sidewalk-delivery-robots-coco-serve-chicago-backlash For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

AI, advanced manufacturing and economic growth are driving unprecedented power demand In this bonus episode, Williams CEO Chad Zamarin joins from the company's 2026 Clean Energy & Technology Expo to unpack why energy demand is surging faster than new infrastructure can be built—and what it will take to close the gap. For Williams, the answers lie in a holistic approach combining innovative partnerships and next‑generation infrastructure to deliver reliable, sustainable, and affordable solutions at scale. It's a multifaceted challenge that demands nuanced solutions, but our very planet depends on it.

On today's episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the latest jobs report, Kraft Heinz putting their split on pause, and Spotify's blockbuster earnings report.  Next, Josh and Elizabeth speak with Fast Company's head of editorial strategy, David Lidsky, on what's next for Disney under Josh D'Amaro's leadership. And finally, Elizabeth talks to the CEO of Ulta Beauty, Kecia Steelman, about how the company grew so significantly over the past few years, what makes Ulta stand out, and what the retailer's big plans are for the future. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Disney's new CEO, the SpaceX and xAI merger, and business leaders in the Epstein Files. Next, Josh and Kristin talk with Fast Company contributing writer Adam Bluestein on why America wants more mining engineers. Finally, Fast Company senior staff editor Jeff Beer speaks with NBCUniversal Media Group chairman Matt Strauss on NBC's place in the streaming industry and their upcoming coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics. To check out Adam's story, go to fastcompany.com/91471471/mining-engineer-hot-career-path-metals-minerals-college-columbia-university-colorado-rare-earth-china  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts Bryan Lufkin and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Minnesota executives' response to ICE killings and the ensuing protests, the TikTok deal, and a round of layoffs from Amazon, UPS, and Nike. Next, Bryan and Josh sit down with David Lidsky, head of editorial strategy for Fast Company and Inc., about his deep dive into what makes Palantir such a successful founder factory.  And finally, our guest cohost, Fast Company staff editor Kristin Toussaint, talks about all things energy sustainability and efficiency in the U.S. and internationally with Mike Zatz, senior VP and head of global data ecosystem and partnerships at Measurabl. To check out David's story, go to fastcompany.com/91476499/inside-the-founder-factory-known-as-palantir-americas-most-polarizing-company  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including highlights from Davos, Minnesota-based corporations' lack of reaction to ICE, and the latest on Netflix's bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery. Next, Josh and David talk to Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker about the sexualized deepfakes X users have been creating with Grok and how regulators, and the public, have been responding.  Finally, Fast Company global tech editor Harry McCracken spoke with Arm chief marketing officer Ami Badani about the future of the company that designs the architecture of the chips most of our smartphones use. To check out more of Chris's reporting, go to: fastcompany.com/user/chrisstokelwalker  For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts Elizabeth Segran and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the investigation of Fed Chair Jarome Powell, the nurses strike in New York City, and Paramount's escalated hostile bid to take over Warner Bros. Discovery. Next, Elizabeth and Josh talk to Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris about a startup, Rainmaker, that can bring rain to places that need it.  And finally, Elizabeth speaks with Walmart's executive vice president and chief merchandising officer Latriece Watkins about how Walmart has attracted higher income families and what's next for the retail giant. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news To read Ainsley's reporting on Rainmaker, go to fastcompany.com/91448561/this-is-the-hardest-startup-in-america 

On today's episode, cohosts Kristin Toussaint and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the aftermath of Nicolás Maduro's capture, the latest on the Warner Bros. Discovery deal, and the new Nvidia chip. Next, Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan talks with journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin about his new book, 1929: Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History—and How It Shattered a Nation, as well as similarities he sees between now and then. And finally, Fast Company senior writer Ainsley Harris speaks with Kalshi cofounder Luana Lopes Lara about the company's success, its future in the growing prediction markets industry, and its partnership with CNN. Check out Andrew Ross Sorkin's book ‘1929' here: penguinrandomhouse.com/books/665634/1929-by-andrew-ross-sorkin/   For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news

On today's episode, cohosts David Salazar and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including unemployment rates, the partnership between Disney and OpenAI, and the word of the year. (00:45) Next, Josh and David talk to Fast Company senior staff editor Jeff Beer to discuss the annual Brands That Matter list. This year, the list includes brands like JLab, Liquid I.V., Levi's, Bubble Skincare, State Farm, and Gozney. (09:55) Finally, Yasmin Gagne talks to the VP of product at Instagram, Tessa Lyon, about how she's thinking about the company's future. They discuss Instagram's new features, like Your Algorithm, the creator economy, and the use of AI on the app. (40:00) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news To read about the brands that matter in 2025, go to: fastcompany.com/brands-that-matter/list 

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including the Warner Bros. Discovery deals, Nvidia's permission to sell AI chips to China, and Trump's attempt to bail out farmers. (00:44) Next, Yaz and Josh speak with writer, filmmaker and Fast Company contributor John Pavlus about AI hallucinations and how Amazon is trying to minimize them. (03:04) And finally, Yaz talks to Matt Baer, CEO of the subscription styling service Stitch Fix, about his turnaround plan to increase revenue and active client growth, and how Stitch Fix partners its stylists with in-house AI tools for a better personalized styling experience. (30:17)   For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/newsTo read John's reporting about Amazon's usage of AI that minimizes hallucinations, go to fastcompany.com/91446331/amazon-byron-cook-ai-artificial-intelligence-automated-reasoning-neurosymbolic-hallucination-logic

On today's episode, cohosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Costco's lawsuit against the U.S. government over Trump tariffs, Apple's new AI chief, and OpenAI's new “code red.”  (00:51) Next, Yaz and Josh speak with Fast Company staff writer Pavithra Mohan about Silicon Valley's obsession with hustle culture and how a billion-dollar AI startup is doing things differently. 08:14 And finally, Josh sits down with Anthony Padilla, Ian Hecox, and Ale Catanese of Smosh to discuss their 20th anniversary and how Smosh went from a comedy channel on YouTube to a thriving production company and brand. They chat about growth, selling and buying back the brand, and some exciting plans. (32:32) For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news To read Pavithra's reporting on the Silicon Valley hustle culture, read fastcompany.com/91445544/the-1-25-billion-ai-startup-that-rejects-hustle-culture

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including Cloudflare's glitch that briefly broke half the internet, the U.S. House's overwhelming vote to release all remaining Jeffrey Epstein files, and Anthropic's discovery of what may be the first largely AI-led global cyber-espionage campaign. In addition, they talk about Jeff Bezos reentering the spotlight with a mysterious new AI venture; the latest on media industry shake-ups, including the bidding war for Warner Bros. Discovery; Disney's truce with YouTube TV; a major settlement between NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting; and how Google introduced Gemini 3 along with its enigmatic Antigravity coding platform. Next, Fast Company senior writer Mark Sullivan joins the conversation to discuss SoftBank and Peter Thiel's surprising decision to dump Nvidia stock despite the company's blowout earnings. Finally, Harvey Spevak, executive chairman and managing partner of Equinox Group, shares how the company rebuilt after COVID, why it's expanding globally, and why it ditched Kiehl's for Grown Alchemist. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To learn more about Mark Sullivan's coverage on Softbank, read:Why did SoftBank sell off its Nvidia stake?

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the end of the government shutdown, SoftBank selling off it's Nvidia stake, and yet another betting scandal in professional sports   Next, Bill McKibben is an author, and activist focusing on climate change and other environmental issues. He is a co-founder of the international climate organization 350.org and the founder of Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 for climate and racial justice. He came on the show to talk about his book, Here Comes The Sun, in which he argues for the potential of solar and wind power to address the climate crisis and help society. We also talked about Bill Gates's recent about-face on climate change, and what the billionaire is getting wrong.   Finally, This year, Sony PlayStation has maintained its leadership in the gaming industry, with a 12% increase in global sales compared to last year, outpacing Nintendo's 8% and Xbox's 7% growth. Yaz spoke with Eric Lempel, the company's head of marketing, business operations and consumer experience to find out how the business got where it is today, and what the future of gaming in an AI-dominated world looks like. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.

Small business owners are staying optimistic — three-quarters expect revenue gains despite ongoing labor shortages, inflation pressures, and economic uncertainty. Their confidence, fueled by strong demand and increased clarity around tax policy, is driving investment and innovation heading into 2026.

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the most recent info on the government shutdown, OpenAI's deal with Amazon, and Elon Musk's potential big payday   Next, Yaz and Josh talk to Jay Willis, a Fast Company contributing writer and the editor-in-chief of Balls and Strikes, about the latest gambling scandal to hit the NBA, what led up to this moment, and where the league may go from here.   Finally, Yaz interviews Hinge founder and CEO Justin McLeod about why his business is succeeding, and whether he worries that younger daters might choose to date AI bots rather than real people. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to fastcompany.com/news.

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the latest on tariffs, layoffs at companies like Amazon and Target, and NBCUniversal's poaching of Taylor Sheridan.     Next, Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company senior editor Bryan Lufkin about “ghost jobs” and other hiring trends in the current, uncertain economic climate.   Finally, Yaz interviews Lucy Guo. Guo is the founder of the content creator monetization platform Passes, which lets creators make money from fans through things like selling merch and private chats. The company hasn't been without controversy and has faced lawsuits accusing it of allowing and encouraging the distribution of illegal content, including child sexual abuse material, as well as engaging in unfair business practices. Guo is also the cofounder of Scale AI, which Meta recently bought a 49% stake in. That sale made her, by some metrics, the youngest self-made billionaire. Yaz spoke to Guo about why she left Scale AI in 2018, how she responds to those lawsuits, and why she doesn't think we're in an AI bubble. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo read more of our reporting on hiring trends, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/work-life

You might not know the name Tyler Evans, but you've definitely seen his work. He designed Zorhan Mamdani's iconic campaign poster, led design for Bernie Sanders' campaign, and was the Teamster's creative director. Now the creative director for Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Evans has a front-row seat to some of the biggest players in progressive politics.  This week on “By Design,” Evans shared his takes on modern political designs including the “shameful” rise of AI in politics and why the left haven't been able to counter the MAGA movement.  We'll also cover the latest in design news (AI slop, Nike, White House demolition) and play our hot-or-not game.

Host Greg Lindsay talks to Jaclyn Presnal, Vice President of new energy ventures at Williams. They discuss how her team is developing solutions to navigate growing power demands including carbon capture and solar farms.

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation. Topics include the AWS outage, Anthropic bringing Claude to the web, Apple rolling back liquid glass, X launching a handle marketplace, and the latest on the federal government shutdown.   Next, Yaz speak to Fast Company senior staff editor Jeff Beer about how Meta's latest AI advertising features, breaking down what the tools do, why they're important to the future of your brand, and how they might change what you see on your feed.   Finally, Yaz talks to Kraft Heinz chief growth officer Diana Frost about the company's plans to split up, how it's adapting to the Ozempic era, and how it meets customers' evolving needs. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/newsTo read Jeff Beer's reporting on Meta's AI advertising business:https://www.fastcompany.com/91415443/how-to-make-sense-of-metas-growing-ai-powered-advertising-machine

On today's episode, co-hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen discuss the latest news in business and innovation, including renewed trade tensions with China, Instagram's new approach to protecting minors from harmful content, and Spotify's new partnership with Netflix.   Next, AI video technology has come a long way since 2023's famous fever dream of a video featuring Will Smith eating spaghetti. Tech giants OpenAI and Meta have recently released powerful AI video generators—Sora 2 and Vibes, respectively. Both generators make it possible for users to create hyperrealistic videos, with Sora 2 allowing content to be generated that features “real life” characters. But these videos now add to the heaps of AI-generated image slop that dominates social media feeds, raising concerns about our ability to discern what is fact and fiction. And in our post-truth media ecosystem, only “vibes” seem to matter. Yaz and Josh talk to Fast Company contributing writer Chris Stokel-Walker about the societal and ethical gray areas of this development.    Finally, workwear brand M.M. LaFleur makes versatile, office-appropriate, affordable clothing for professionals. The company had raised money from traditional VC firms prior to the pandemic, but following the pandemic and the start of DTC winter, the company struggled. Yaz speaks with Katie Tidwell, the company's SVP of sales and operations, about how the company raised $3 million from its biggest fans and individual female investors and how it became profitable. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news

In this custom episode brought to you by Capital One, you will hear insights from Capital One's journey as a data-native organization and leader in enterprise AI. From challenges to tips, we'll discuss best practices for building a multifaceted data ecosystem that enables people to use data in a well-managed way to better inform key business decisions. You will also learn about the latest trends in how companies use and manage data, including the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

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

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.

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.

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. 

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."

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.