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
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How to leverage your data for AI - FROM CAPITAL ONE AND FC CUSTOM STUDIO
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.
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The house that ICE built
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
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Advertising’s reality TV moment goes 'On Brand' with Bozoma Saint-John
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.
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How to build a tech stack that enables innovative customer experiences - FROM CAPITAL ONE AND FC CUSTOM STUDIO
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.
Which companies are on the cutting edge of artificial intelligence? What’s the next major breakthrough in healthcare? How do iconic brands reinvent themselves to appeal to the next generation? Most Innovative Companies is where tech, business, and innovation convene. Join hosts Yasmin Gagne and Josh Christensen as they bring you the latest innovations transforming business and society—and highlights the companies that are reshaping industries and culture.
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