Bold Names is a flagship business and technology podcast produced by The Wall Street Journal that explores the strategies, challenges, and foresight of the world’s most prominent corporate leaders. Hosted primarily by WSJ reporter Tim Higgins and technology columnist Christopher Mims, the series serves as a high-impact interview platform within The Wall Street Journal’s wider "Future of Everything" audio feed. It is specifically designed to take listeners inside the C-suite, offering a detailed look at the high-stakes decision-making processes that shape global markets and societal trends.
The program focuses on long-form conversations with CEOs and innovators from "bold-named" companies—those frequently featured in the headlines of the Journal. The guest list represents a diverse array of sectors, ranging from technology giants and automotive pioneers to consumer brands and financial services firms. Notable interviews have featured the executives behind organizations such as McDonald’s, Tesla, Hinge, Southwest Airlines, and Qualcomm, as well as influential venture capitalists and defense tech founders.
In each episode, Higgins and Mims move beyond standard corporate talking points to challenge conventional wisdom and probe the long-term visions of their subjects. Recurring themes include the integration of artificial intelligence into legacy industries, the complexities of global trade policy, and the evolution of consumer behavior in an increasingly digital economy. The format blends rigorous business journalism with forward-looking analysis, examining how current leadership decisions will influence the future landscape of global industry.
By leveraging the institutional expertise and editorial standards of The Wall Street Journal’s global newsroom, Bold Names provides an authoritative resource for professionals, investors, and those interested in the intersection of executive leadership and industrial transformation. The show is available across major podcast platforms and often includes video counterparts on the WSJ’s digital channels, reinforcing its role as a primary source for elite business insights and strategic analysis.