Lyft CEO David Risher on comebacks, customer obsession and moonlighting as a Lyft driver
In this episode, Diane and Kristin sit down with Lyft CEO David Risher to explore his leadership philosophy, deeply rooted in firsthand experience and an unwavering commitment to customer experience. David shares insights on the future of ride sharing, his dedication to delivering exceptional service for both riders and drivers, and the journey that shaped his path to leadership.
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Breaking Ground and Glass Ceilings: Sheryl Palmer’s Mission to Humanize Homebuilding
Sheryl Palmer, Chairman and CEO of Taylor Morrison, joins Leadership Next to share her journey from McDonald’s crew member to the first—and still only—woman leading a publicly traded home builder. In this live episode recorded in Scottsdale, Palmer opens up about leading through the housing crash, the challenges of going public, and what it takes to grow a billion-dollar business without losing its soul. She reflects on navigating the post-2008 crisis, standing up to private equity, and building a culture rooted in empathy and impact. Palmer also unpacks how Taylor Morrison is tackling housing affordability through innovation and policy, why she believes “love the customer” is more than a slogan, and how CEOs today must balance public scrutiny with purpose-driven leadership.
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From Meme Stocks to Financial Futures: Vlad Tenev’s Vision for Robinhood
Vlad Tenev, CEO and cofounder of Robinhood, joins Leadership Next to discuss his evolution as a leader, from weathering the GameStop firestorm to reshaping the platform into a full-spectrum financial services provider. Tenev reflects on how Robinhood disrupted Wall Street giants, the leadership lessons he learned under pressure, and why he sees AI as both a labor market disruptor and a catalyst for wider retail investing. He also opens up about navigating viral misinformation, the power of financial education, and how memecoins and tokenized assets could transform capital markets.
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Inside WM’s Plan to Automate the Future of Trash
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.
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Running Through the Boom: How Brooks Is Winning Over Generation Well
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.
Something big is happening in the world of business. CEOs increasingly say their jobs have become less about giving orders, more about inspiring, motivating, setting a north star. They are taking the lead on big issues like climate change, worker retraining, and diversity and inclusion. They are under pressure from employees, customers and investors not just to turn a profit, but to prove they are doing good in the world. And in the process, they are fundamentally redefining the relationship between business and society. Join Fortune Executive Editorial Director Diane Brady and Editorial Director Kristin Stoller as they engage global leaders on the insights, experiences and issues you need to know.
Ireland