WM CEO Jim Fish joins Leadership Next to unpack how the company formerly known as Waste Management is reinventing itself for a new era—one defined by sustainability, automation, and culture-first leadership. Fish explains how WM is transforming from a landfill-dependent waste hauler into a high-tech environmental leader, investing in profitable recycling centers and piloting autonomous garbage trucks. He shares why recycling is not only good for the planet but a major business driver, and reveals WM’s plan to reduce 5,000 jobs through attrition—not layoffs—by automating hard-to-fill roles. Along the way, Fish reflects on the surprising role trash collection has played in improving public health, and why, in his eyes, managing waste responsibly is a civic duty we all share.

What does it take to lead during a new era of health, culture, and commerce? Brooks Running CEO Dan Sheridan joins Leadership Next to discuss the company’s pivotal role in today’s running resurgence, and how it’s winning over Generation Well. From investing in biomechanics and injury prevention to launching lifestyle collaborations, Sheridan shares how Brooks remains purpose-led and performance-focused while adapting to modern consumer habits. He also reflects on navigating global expansion, tariff challenges, and how a strong internal culture has kept Brooks grounded as it grows. 

Gillian Zucker, master operator at the L.A. Clippers, discussed her unique relationship with owner Steve Ballmer, emphasizing his genuine love for the game. She detailed her career journey, from Hamilton College to roles in PR, sales, and operations. Zucker highlighted the transformation of the Clippers’ fan base and the development of Intuit Dome, focusing on frictionless technology and fan engagement. She shared insights on leveraging data for personalized experiences, such as rewarding loud fans and using facial recognition. Zucker also touched on the Clippers’ commitment to sustainability and efforts to enhance the fan experience through innovative features like the Halo scoreboard and the Wall. 

Yahoo CEO Jim Lanzone joins Leadership Next to unpack the company’s bold transformation from a sprawling media conglomerate into a streamlined, product-first tech company. He shares lessons from turning around Ask Jeeves; why authenticity, not hype, is key to rebuilding trust; and how Yahoo’s future rests on delivering real utility to users through innovation in AI, sports, finance, and beyond.    Plus, Lanzone gets personal about leadership, family, and why Yahoo’s next 30 years might be its most exciting yet. 

Daphne Koller, CEO of insitro and cofounder of Coursera, joins Leadership Next to unpack a bold idea: Just as calculus revolutionized our understanding of physics, AI could do the same for biology. In this episode, Koller explains how insitro is blending biology and machine learning to unlock new treatments for diseases like ALS and fatty liver. She also opens up about her leap from academia to entrepreneurship, the ethical challenges of data collection, and why the future of medicine lies in personalized, AI-driven care. Plus, her take on why humans and machines must work in tandem to drive meaningful innovation. 

Zillow CEO Jeremy Wacksman joins Leadership Next to unpack the forces reshaping American real estate—and the friction threatening its transparency. In a wide-ranging conversation, Wacksman addresses the industry lawsuit brought by Compass and defends Zillow’s stance on keeping property listings open and accessible to all. He explains how the current system—a uniquely American one that allows any buyer or agent to view every listing—is now at risk.With home prices nearly doubling since the pandemic and affordability out of reach for many millennials and Gen Z buyers, Wacksman outlines how Zillow is leaning into AI, computer vision, and immersive virtual experiences to create “super listings” that streamline the buying process. He also shares Zillow’s strategy for supporting buyers long before they’re ready to transact, highlighting the role of casual browsing in shaping the future of homeownership.Wacksman discusses the emotional weight of buying a home, why nearly half of buyers report crying during the process, and how Zillow is building tools to ease the burden. He also opens up about the company’s remote-first culture, the power of retreats to foster creativity, and why he champions a “career jungle gym” over a traditional ladder.

Brian Moynihan, CEO of Bank of America, joins Leadership Next to reflect on his journey from law to banking—and how that unexpected pivot brought him to the head job at one of the world’s largest financial institutions. He shares his leadership philosophy, emphasizing the power of staying calm in a crisis and the importance of giving energy to his team, not taking it away.  Moynihan discusses Bank of America's strategic shift from aggressive acquisitions to organic growth, fueled by major investments in technology—like the AI assistant Erica. He explains why Erica is evolving from “third-grade Einstein” to near-genius capabilities.  He also shares his perspective on responsible capitalism, the importance of expanding opportunities for underserved communities, and how he's preparing the bank for its next generation of leaders.  Tune in to hear Moynihan's take on what it means to wear responsibility like a “comfortable sweater”—and how corporate leaders can help combat hate and promote dignity in today’s world. 

Michelle MacKay, CEO of Cushman & Wakefield, doesn’t see the company as just a real estate firm—she sees it as an architect of the built world. In this episode of Leadership Next, she joins us to discuss the evolving definition of commercial real estate and Cushman & Wakefield’s expansive global strategy, from solar installations to hospital management. Michelle reflects on her unconventional path from political science to the C-suite, her “filters-off” approach to hiring, and the lessons boardrooms have taught her about resilience. She also breaks down why adaptability is crucial in cities like New York and Singapore, how AI is reshaping the future of the industry, and why she’s placing big bets on underdog markets like Baltimore and St. Louis.

In this episode, Dropbox founder and CEO Drew Houston joins Leadership Next to share how he's reimagining work in the age of AI. He traces Dropbox’s evolution—from solving file-syncing in the early cloud era to launching Dropbox Dash, a new AI-powered search and knowledge-management tool. Houston reflects on the hard lessons from failed ventures into email and photo apps, the pressures of self-disruption, and what it takes to stay relevant in a crowded productivity space. He also opens up about distributed work, leadership growth, and the books and mentors that have shaped his journey toward becoming a “bionic CEO.” 

In this episode of Leadership Next, cohosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller speak with Kate Johnson, CEO of Lumen, about her bold effort to reinvent a legacy telecom as the digital backbone of the AI era. Johnson shares how Lumen is capitalizing on its vast fiber network to support the explosive data demands of artificial intelligence—and how partnerships with innovators like Corning are helping supercharge that capacity.  Johnson opens up about the cultural overhaul she led inside the company, shifting Lumen’s mindset from “play not to lose” to “play to win,” and implementing leadership frameworks like Brené Brown’s Dare to Lead across tens of thousands of employees.  She also reflects on her personal evolution as a leader, the phases of AI adoption she sees ahead, and why she believes human creativity and empathy will remain central in an AI-driven world. 

What does the future of money look like when plastic disappears—and payments happen seamlessly in the background?   In this episode of Leadership Next, Mastercard CEO Michael Miebach joins hosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller to explore how technology is reshaping the way we spend, save, and connect. With 150 billion transactions processed each year, Mastercard is positioning itself as a key player in the digital economy—far beyond credit cards.  Miebach discusses the company’s push to eliminate manual account entry by 2030, innovations in fraud prevention, and why tokenization is central to building trust in a cashless world. He also reflects on his own path—from a German exchange student in Michigan to the helm of a global financial powerhouse—and Mastercard’s mission to expand financial inclusion, particularly across Africa. From post-COVID spending habits to the end of card numbers, this conversation reveals why payments are more than just transactions—they’re infrastructure for a connected world. 

What do mortgage lending and pro basketball have in common? For Mat Ishbia, everything. In this episode of Leadership Next, cohosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller sit down with the CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage—and owner of the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury—to explore how Ishbia channels his experience as a Michigan State basketball player into building winning teams in boardrooms and arenas alike.  Ishbia shares how he balances being a hands-on CEO, sports team owner, and father of three, while staying laser-focused on culture, execution, and doing things “the right way.” He opens up about leading UWM to become the country’s largest mortgage lender, revolutionizing fan experiences in Phoenix, and why he believes money follows people—not the other way around. 

Ethan Brown, founder and CEO of Beyond Meat, isn’t just trying to disrupt the meat industry—he’s challenging the cultural, political, and economic systems that uphold it. In this episode of Leadership Next, Brown speaks with Fortune’s Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller about the uphill battle of building a plant-based food company in a world dominated by Big Meat.  He shares why he believes alternative proteins are key to addressing the climate crisis, what the latest research says about the health benefits of going plant-based, and how legacy food giants—and even the pharmaceutical industry—are pushing back. From regulatory hurdles in Europe to cultural resistance in the U.S., Brown offers a candid look at what it takes to lead a mission-driven food innovation company in an increasingly polarized marketplace. 

Citizens Financial Group CEO Bruce Van Saun joins Leadership Next to discuss the bank’s evolution in an era of digital disruption and economic uncertainty. Van Saun shares insights on Citizens' fintech partnerships, its focus on affluent and rate-sensitive customers, and the expansion into private banking. He reflects on leading through financial crises, including the aftermath of 9/11, and the importance of balancing regulatory oversight with innovation. From AI integration to community investment, Van Saun reveals how Citizens is positioning itself as more than just a bank—but a trusted advisor for customers navigating life’s biggest financial moments. 

Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner is betting big on Wendy’s future—expanding internationally, doubling down on breakfast, and leveraging data to drive smarter decisions. In this episode of Leadership Next, cohosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller sit down with Kirk to discuss the fast-food giant’s evolving strategy. Tanner shares insights on the brand’s commitment to fresh ingredients, digital innovation, and international expansion, while reflecting on key leadership lessons from his time at PepsiCo. He also explains why failing forward is essential, how customer behavior—not just feedback—shapes decisions, and sets the record straight on Wendy’s so-called “surge pricing” controversy. Plus, he shares Wendy’s approach to transparency and career advice for rising professionals. 

Chipotle is more than just burritos and bowls—it’s a $4 billion digital business with ambitious plans for international expansion. In this episode of Leadership Next, cohosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller sit down with Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright to discuss the brand’s strategy for sustainable growth, the role of AI in streamlining operations, and how external factors like immigration and economic uncertainty shape the fast-casual industry. Boatwright shares his journey from flipping burgers at McDonald’s to leading one of the most recognized food brands, opens up about his friendship with former CEO Brian Niccol, and explains why Chipotle is holding off on breakfast—at least for now. 

Roblox started as a simple gaming platform, but today it’s an expansive digital ecosystem powered by AI and user-generated content. In this episode of Leadership Next, cohosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller sit down with Roblox CEO Dave Baszucki to discuss the company’s evolution, the future of interactive entertainment, and how AI is reshaping digital experiences. Baszucki also shares insights on Roblox’s commitment to online safety, its growing role in digital commerce, and even his personal approach to health and wellness—revealing how a ketogenic diet and continuous glucose monitoring influence his leadership. Plus, he offers advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on how to shape their own realities. 

From spontaneous backpacking trips to AI-powered, hyper-personalized itineraries, travel has undergone a radical transformation. In this episode of Leadership Next, hosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller sit down with Booking Holdings CEO Glenn Fogel to explore the future of travel. Glenn reflects on his early experiences navigating the world before smartphones, how AI is revolutionizing trip planning, and why personalization is key to the industry's evolution. He also discusses Booking Holdings’ rapid growth, its response to global crises like the Ukrainian refugee situation, and the industry’s potential next frontier—hypersonic travel. Plus, he shares insights on leading through uncertainty, the resilience of the travel industry, and why, despite a lifetime of global adventures, his favorite place to travel is home.

In this episode of Leadership Next, recorded live at Deloitte University’s Next Generation CEO Conference, hosts Diane Brady and Kristin Stoller sit down with Qualtrics CEO Zig Serafin for a deep dive into the future of experience management, the transformative power of AI, and the importance of defining your “why” as a leader. Serafin reflects on his 18-year tenure at Microsoft, his leadership journey at Qualtrics, and how the company navigated SAP’s $8.5 billion acquisition, went public, and later returned to private ownership. He also explores the rise of agentic AI, customer experience lessons from Delta Airlines, and what today’s leaders can learn from the early skeptics of the iPhone.

Oura is more than just a sleep tracker—it’s a cultural phenomenon. In this episode of Leadership Next, Oura CEO Tom Hale joins Diane and Kristin to discuss how the smart ring has become a symbol of well-being, embraced by everyone from high-profile figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Kim Kardashian to everyday users looking to optimize their health. Hale explores Oura’s expansion into activity readiness and women’s health, the importance of accuracy in wearables, and the growing consumer demand for data privacy—especially in the wake of Roe v. Wade being overturned. He also shares compelling stories of how Oura has helped athletes, cancer patients, and even non-drinkers make informed lifestyle choices and develop healthier habits. Plus, hear his take on whether too much health data can be a bad thing—and what Oura is doing to remain a trusted companion in personal health. Leadership Next is powered by Deloitte.