Teflon Son? How Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son’s legend keeps growing
On today’s episode, host Josh Christensen is joined by ‘Fast Company’ associate editor David Salazar to help break down the latest news in the world of business and innovation, including the fallout from DeepSeek’s LLM launch, the backtracked federal funding freeze, and the rising price of eggs. (01:02)
Next, Yasmin Gagne interviews Lionel Barber, former editor of the ‘Financial Times,’ about his new book, a biography of Softbank CEO Masayoshi Son: ‘Gambling Man: The Wild Ride of Japan’s Masayoshi Son.’ They discuss Son’s biggest wins, even bigger losses, and the recently announced $500 billion AI infrastructure project alongside OpenAI and Oracle called Stargate. (06:54)
Then, ‘Fast Company’ editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan discusses the reaction at Davos to President Trump’s inauguration. (37:40)
For more of the latest business and innovation news go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news
Gambling Man: The Wild Ride of Japan’s Masayoshi Son: https://www.penguin.co.uk/books/451627/gambling-man-by-barber-lionel/9780241582725
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1:03:47
Police departments are embracing AI-enhanced surveillance technology to stop crime
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.
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56:34
Why the NFL, Universal Pictures, and erotic audio company Quinn made our Brands That Matter list
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.
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1:11:51
Why is fast food so expensive now?
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.
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59:13
Can Brian Niccol turn Starbucks around?
Last week in a major shakeup, Starbucks announced the appointment of Brian Niccol as its new chairman and CEO. Niccol, then CEO of Chipotle, will succeed Starbucks’s Laxman Narasimhan, who is stepping down immediately from the position he’s held for only 17 months. For a company that has aggressively claimed it does not make fast food, this could signal a shift in how Starbucks views itself . . . and how it attempts to regain the 20% in market cap that it’s lost. ‘Fast Company’ contributing writer Clint Rainey discusses the coffee chain’s past mission and values, and how different leadership has shifted the brand’s focus.
Also, we talk with rapper Saweetie about her successful brand partnerships with Postmates and McDonald’s, and her perspective on growing her own brand and image. And Candace Bushnell, author of ‘Sex and the City’ (the book!), chats about looking back on her writing and TV career and what stories she wants women to see today.
What if we spent more time thinking about solutions rather than problems? Are you looking for more positive news? World Changing Ideas travels around the globe to find the leaders, experts and activists who are dreaming big and working to change the world for the better. With a focus on the environment, social justice and innovation, these are stories that will get you thinking. World-changing ideas come in all shapes and sizes. Join the conversation with solutions journalist and filmmaker Amelia Hemphill.
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