Bold Names

When McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski took a small bite out of a big burger on camera, the internet—and his rivals—pounced. But in an era where CEOs are the face of the brand, is there such a thing as bad publicity? In this episode of Bold Names, WSJ’s Tim Higgins sits down with Kempczinski at McDonald's Chicago headquarters to discuss the fallout of his viral moment. Plus, they dive deep into the fast food giant’s strategy to compete by balancing a premium half-pound burger against the urgent need for meal deals in an economy where many customers are concerned with affordability.

To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com.

Check Out Past Episodes:

Roses, Revenue, and Retention: Hinge’s Strategy for a $1 Billion Year

Southwest’s $1 Billion Pivot: CEO Bob Jordan on Bag Fees And Other Changes

The Five Step “Algorithm” Driving Tesla’s Success

How Athletic Brewing Sells Beer for a Post-Alcohol Generation

Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at [email protected].

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Read Tim Higgins’s column.

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For years, dating app Hinge’s slogan has been “Designed to be Deleted” — a bold mission for a company on track to hit $1 billion in annual revenue in the coming years. In this episode of Bold Names, WSJ’s Tim Higgins sits down with Hinge’s new CEO, Jackie Jantos, to discuss the high-stakes evolution of digital romance. How is the company working to remain relevant with Gen Z? Is the rise of AI companions changing real-life dating? And what does the future hold for Hinge’s “Roses”?

To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com.

Check Out Past Episodes:

The Five Step “Algorithm” Driving Tesla’s Success

Southwest’s $1 Billion Pivot: CEO Bob Jordan on Bag Fees And Other Changes

Can Zillow’s 'Super App' Fix a Broken Housing Market?

‘We Sell Scarcity:’ How Lamborghini Continues to Stay So Cool

Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at [email protected].

Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.Read Tim Higgins’s column.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the trick behind the Elon Musk school of management? In this episode of Bold Names, host Tim Higgins sits down with Jon McNeill, the former president of Tesla and current GM board member, to deconstruct the operating system that powered Tesla’s growth during his tenure. McNeill explains why he thinks automation should always come last, how to inject urgency into a corporate culture, and whether companies need an Elon Musk to reach the heights of innovation.

To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com.

Check Out Past Episodes:

Why This Tesla Pioneer Says the Cheap EV Market 'Sucks'

Why Elon Musk’s Battery Guy Is Betting Big on Recycling

‘We Sell Scarcity:’ How Lamborghini Continues to Stay So Cool

How Uber Plans to Win the Self-Driving Car Race

Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at [email protected].

Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.Read Tim Higgins’s column. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Southwest Airlines was built on three pillars: low fares, friendly service, and a quirky "sit anywhere" policy. But in a post-pandemic market, the rules are changing. On the latest episode of the Bold Names podcast, CEO Bob Jordan joins host Tim Higgins to discuss one of the airline’s most transformational periods in its 60-year history.

To watch the video version of this episode, visit our WSJ Podcasts YouTube channel or the video page of WSJ.com.

Check Out Past Episodes:

How SAP's CEO Is Remaking the European Tech Giant For The Age Of AI

How Corning Is Using Trump’s Tariffs To Its Advantage

How Athletic Brewing Sells Beer for a Post-Alcohol Generation

McLaren CEO Zak Brown On F1 And Business Strategy At 200 Miles Per Hour

Let us know what you think of the show. Email us at [email protected].

Sign up for the WSJ's free Technology newsletter.Read Tim Higgins’s column. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plus: FedEx plans to expand its use of AI agents. And Adobe’s CEO abruptly steps down after 18 years. Danny Lewis hosts.

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