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Inside Meta’s AI advertising strategy Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

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

We need to stop the AI slop before it’s too late Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

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

How to leverage your data for AI - FROM CAPITAL ONE AND FC CUSTOM STUDIO Oct 14, 2025

Show notes

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.

The house that ICE built Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

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

How to build a tech stack that enables innovative customer experiences - FROM CAPITAL ONE AND FC CUSTOM STUDIO Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

Advertising’s reality TV moment goes 'On Brand' with Bozoma Saint-John Oct 07, 2025

Show notes

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.

Silicon Valley wants you to stop ‘rolling the dice’ over your future baby’s health Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

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/news
To 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

Starbucks' $100 million man shares his vision Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

How to Accelerate Your Business with Generative and Agentic AI - FROM CAPITAL ONE AND FC CUSTOM STUDIO Sep 30, 2025

Show notes

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.

Unpacking Away’s business model Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

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

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