Tara Viswanathan, cofounder of AI-powered construction startup Unlimited Industries, recently put OpenAI's agentic capabilities to the test and was impressed by the results.
In a post on X, Viswanathan described how she used ChatGPT (Pro version) to find an Airbnb for an October event. This was her prompt:
"I want to find an Airbnb for [event] in [city / neighborhood] in October this year. I want it for at least that Wednesday through ideally the next Monday. And I want a super nice modern spot that is ideally walkable to the event. Tell me about the area nearby. And ideally it's walkable to coffee shops and things like that too. And I want it to have at least four bedrooms."
She also helped ChatGPT do preparatory work by getting the chatbot to absorb information about her preferences upfront.
"What are some core things that you need to know about me so that you can execute on more complicated tasks accurately?," she wrote to ChatGPT. "Different types of preferences or styles, things like that. Give me a list of questions that I can answer so you can remember. And give me multiple choice answers to make it easy for me."
That resulted in Viswanathan sharing likes and dislikes on topics such as food/meals, hotels, travel, and communication, helping the ChatGPT agent conduct more bespoke research on her behalf.
The AI delivered a spot-on recommendation within about 10 minutes, versus more than an hour if she'd done this online research herself.
"I'm very picky about where I stay," she wrote. "The benefit is less about the time savings and more about the peace of mind knowing it's going to handle it. Insane."
Some travelers love organizing trips more than actually going on them. For everyone else, Viswanathan's experiment offers a compelling glimpse of the future: A proactive AI concierge that knows you well enough to get travel recommendations right the first time.
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There's a fear in investing when a sector swells rapidly. Booming stock prices and aggressive spending feel great, until things inevitably cool off. Then comes the reckoning: Who overdid it in irreversible ways?
Big Tech is in an AI arms race, each company trying to outspend the others on data centers, GPUs, networking gear, and talent. Engineers can be let go. But the infrastructure? That's permanent. If the AGI dream fades, you're stuck with massive, costly assets.
So when Google announced it would hike capex by $10 billion to $85 billion in 2025 eyebrows went up. Most of it is for things you can't walk back: chips, data centers, and networking.
Google is "jumping aboard the AI crazy train," Bernstein Research analyst Mark Shmulik wrote, referencing a song by the late bat biter Ozzy Osbourne.
It's no shock when Elon, Zuck, and Sam flex on capex. But Google? That's surprising. "Google doesn't do this," Shmulik said. The company has been viewed as measured in recent years, prioritizing investment intensity with care. Not anymore.
Now investors want to know: Will these swelling bets pay off?
There are promising signs. Since May, Google's monthly token processing (the currency of generative AI) has doubled from 480 trillion to nearly a quadrillion. Search grew 12% in Q2, beating forecasts. Cloud sales surged 32%. CEO Sundar Pichai said Google is ramping up capex to support all this growth.
But it's still a huge gamble. "Does the current return on invested capital seen in both Search and Cloud hold up at higher [capex] intensity levels," Shmulik asked, "or is the spend a very expensive piece of gum trying to plug an AI-sized hole?" He leans optimistic.
Still, Google shares rose just 1% after these results. Not exactly a resounding endorsement.
Sign up for BI's Tech Memo newsletter here. Reach out to me via email at [email protected].
Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we round up some of our top stories and take you inside our newsroom. Dell employees are not OK. Every year, the company conducts an engagement survey for its workers, called "Tell Dell." One metric of employee satisfaction has dropped by 50% in two years amid layoffs and its push to get workers back in the office.
On the agenda today:
Six former federal workers spoke to BI about what life is like after being laid off by DOGE.
The freakiest aspect of the Coldplay "kiss cam" fiasco isn't a potential office affair, writes BI's Katie Notopoulos.
But first: Unpacking the new generational debate.
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This week's dispatch
BI
Your ultimate guide to the 'Gen Z stare'
Millennials gave us skinny jeans and avocado toast. Gen Z? They've mastered the stare.
Yes, that stare — the blank, expressionless look from the younger generation that's been lighting up the internet lately. Is it real? A post-pandemic side effect? A silent cry for help? Or is it just how Gen Z vibes?
At Business Insider, we dove headfirst into the phenomenon, decoding the psychology, exploring what it means for careers, and examining how it plays out in the workplace.
What is it? As more of Gen Z enters the workforce, some millennials say younger workers greet customers and colleagues with wide eyes, blank expressions, and pregnant pauses. Most of the debate hinges on Gen Zers working customer service roles, like hostessing at restaurants or taking orders at coffee shops. While this could be a sign of workplace awkwardness or underdeveloped soft skills, others are pushing back and saying the trend's blame is misplaced.
The value of silence. BI's Katie Notopoulos, an older millennial, said if you're on the receiving end of the "Gen-Z stare," maybe you're the problem. "One thing I learned is that sometimes silence is the best way to handle a situation. In other words, you might say: Give 'em the 'Gen Z stare.' If someone keeps pushing, eventually you have to leave some silence hanging in the air — no more room for them to negotiate." Just don't get Katie started on how Gen Zers answer the phone!
Is screen time to blame? Psychologists and generational experts are weighing in, saying the phenomenon could have more to do with natural growing pains on a first job. There are also factors unique to Gen Z's upbringing, including how the generation has grown up in front of screens. One professor told BI that it's naive to underestimate the impact that COVID-19 shutdowns and online learning could have had on young people's development.
What do Gen Zers think? We asked several young people between the ages of 17 and 27 what they thought about the debate. A 21-year-old from Boston thinks the whole thing is overblown. A 20-year-old from the Bay Area said she sees it all the time. A 17-year-old heard from her parents that she had been inadvertently doing it.
We asked our readers if they had experienced the "Gen Z stare." The results are in, and spoiler — a majority of you have!
Life after DOGE
Greg Kahn for BI
It's been six months since Elon Musk and the Department of Government Efficiency slashed the federal workforce in an effort to "streamline the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency."
After months of being in limbo, a recent Supreme Court ruling allowed the stalled firings to proceed. In a series of conversations with BI, six former government employees spoke about their career shifts, what life is like outside government work, and more.
The ability to return a purchased item has become a core part of the shopping experience. Retailers say consumers are taking advantage of returns — and a recent report from Appriss Retail and Deloitte found it's costing businesses $103 billion a year.
Some consumers are committing outright fraud by shipping back empty boxes or claiming a package never arrived. Others are sending back items after months of use. The culprits are often everyday consumers, and they don't feel bad.
Elite millennials like Dan Schweber are quitting corporate America in favor of search funds: the practice of buying and running small businesses, also known as "mini private equity."
Plenty of these unglamorous small businesses — like carwashes, plumbing, or snowplowing — are owned by boomers looking to retire. That makes them prime for millennial MBAs like Schweber, who can, in some cases, turn them into multimillion-dollar companies.
Chris Martin of Coldplay wondered about the relationship status of Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot, who were broadcast on a jumbotron during a concert this week.
Robert Okine/Getty Images
You've probably heard of the viral concert "kiss cam" video that appeared to show Astronomer CEO Andy Byron embracing the company's head of HR Kristin Cabot, then springing apart once they realize they're on camera. The reaction prompted Coldplay's Chris Martin to comment, "Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy."
A potential office affair is good gossip, but BI's Katie Notopoulos thinks there's something more troubling here: the knee-jerk reaction to identify the people in the video.
Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we spotlight some of our top stories and bring you behind the scenes of our newsroom. This week, we put a big question to BI readers: Can millennial dads really have it all?
Many fathers told us they're feeling burned out trying to excel at work and be fully present at home. I get it. As a dad of two young kids, I do my best to be an active, present, and equal parenting partner. But I also see, every day, just how much of the heavy lifting my wife does.
What's your take on the millennial dad paradox? Is true balance possible—or just a myth we're still chasing? We'd love to hear from you.
On the agenda today:
The Supreme Court won't stop DOGE cuts. The mood in DC is bleak.
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This week's dispatch
MDS hosts monthly member-exclusive events.
Courtesy of MDS
Inside an exclusive entrepreneurs' club
Kathleen Elkins is the kind of journalist who preaches what she covers. She's been writing for years about real estate investing, e-commerce entrepreneurs, and side hustles. She has taken this coverage and put it to practical use: Last year, she started her own business selling pickleball paddles online.
Kathleen recently profiled an exclusive group of Amazon sellers making seven figures in annual revenue. (No, she's not a member — maybe one day!) I sat down with Kathleen to learn more about these entrepreneurs and how they achieved their success.
How did you find out about this niche community of thriving Amazon sellers?
A previous source who I keep in touch with is super ingrained in the Amazon seller community and suggested I talk to one of the cofounders of Million Dollar Sellers. She put us in touch, we set up an intro call, and I pretty immediately knew that I wanted to proceed with a story about the community and how one gets into the exclusive club.
What is it like to be a member of this club? How does one get into it, and what are the benefits?
The cofounder I spoke to, Eugene Khayman, told me the two biggest perks of being a member are the Facebook Group and the events. He likened them to "a family reunion, where you're actually excited to see everybody there." He knows how difficult and lonely it can feel at times to sell to faceless customers, and the in-person events help him get fired up and gain positive momentum.
What did you learn from these e-commerce sellers that might help you in your own side hustle?
After writing about e-commerce entrepreneurs for years, I decided to give it a go myself, mostly out of curiosity: Can anyone — including a journalist with some savings and a couple of free hours after work — make money selling things online? What does it really take? Turns out, a lot of time and effort. Starting a business, even as a side project, is all-consuming.
I'll leave you with two takeaways: One, I'm going to have to spend money on Amazon ads. Two, keep talking to people in the e-commerce space who know what they're doing and get curious. As Eugene told me, "It's all about putting yourself in a room with people that are smarter than you."
Fear and denial in DC
Momo Takahashi for BI
For months, mass DOGE layoffs were stalled as a legal battle between the White House and advocacy groups played out. That all changed Tuesday, when the Supreme Court announced it wouldn't stand in the way of the Trump administration.
BI spoke to 16 employees at federal agencies to gauge the reaction. Most used words like "fear," "uncertainty," "disheartening," and "bleak" to describe the mood within their agencies. Some expressed concern about their livelihoods and financial security, as well as the future of public service.
When the Sequoia Capital partner called NYC mayoral hopeful Zohran Mamdani an "Islamist," it made national news and prompted two open letters. Instead of an apology or deleted tweet, however, Maguire only doubled down on his comments.
The saga might just mark a new era in a post-pandemic tech ecosystem. Top investors have learned they can be loud, bold, and polarizing, and it won't impact their ability to secure deals.
Though the financial industry isn't the obvious target of Trump's immigration crackdown, its effects are still being felt across hiring, travel, and dealmaking.
Lawyers, executives, and business leaders told BI how Trump's border policy is changing their daily lives, from amending the language they use at the border to scrutinizing immigration compliance in M&A deals.
The search and cloud giant keeps salary data confidential. However, publicly available work visa data filed with the US Labor Department offers a glimpse of how much it pays certain roles.
Google has hired thousands of software engineers through this process. The data shows they can command salaries as high as $340,000 before equity and bonuses.
Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we round up some of our top stories and take you inside our newsroom. Want to know what a day in the life is like for the CEO of a superyacht firm? Anders Kurtén of Fraser Yachts told BI about his daily drive to Monaco and his nightly unwinding routine.
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This week's dispatch
Shutterstock; Emojipedia; BI
Hot takes
Katie Notopoulos is one of those people who articulates what you think before you quite realize you think it. A senior correspondent for BI who writes about tech and culture, she is curious, observant, funny, and spot-on. We chatted this week about the Chase Sapphire Reserve card, why she thinks Starbucks customers should pay for their extras, and more.
Katie, in a must-read for BI, you declared "vindication" after news broke that Chase Sapphire Reserve will increase its annual fee to $795. What's going on here?
The Chase Sapphire Reserve card had this big cult following for its rewards points. Meanwhile, I never had the card and felt a nagging resentment whenever I had to listen to friends talk about their free flights and other perks. (Chase Sapphire cardholders were famous for constantly talking about the card.) Recently, Chase announced a higher fee, which makes the card not worth it for many people. I was seeing meltdowns on Reddit and social media from people furious about the change. But for me, as someone who always felt FOMO about the card, I was delighted.
Earlier this month, you wrote about Meta AI's public feed and raised the possibility that people might not have understood their posts were public. After your piece, Meta changed the app's controls. Tell us how you sniff out stories.
I'm always interested in how people are using technology in unexpected ways. A lot of it is just spending a ton of time scrolling around and just being a user on social media. Meta is interesting because it wears its heart on its sleeve in a sense. You can get an understanding of the company's worldview — and how it sees the future of AI — just by using its apps and the AI chatbots they're rolling out.
I love low-stakes heterodoxy. One of my favorite older Business Insider stories was Josh Barro arguing that grilling is overrated. It's the perfect contrarian position, and he makes a strong case for it. I only want to argue something I truly believe and think can change someone's mind, or to have them think, "Omg yes, I've been saying this, too!"
What is the most fun thing you do online (or off!)?
Right now, I'm watching "Love Island USA" on Peacock. There's a really interesting fandom for the show happening on X, where people are using the "communities" feature to create custom feeds for fans of each contestant on the show, which is a new and organic user behavior. Maybe I should write about that …
Scale AI's cybersecurity problem
Scale AI founder Alexandr Wang is reportedly the focus of Meta's future AI plans.
Jeff Chiu/AP
The startup locked down its training documents after a BI review of thousands of files found that it exposed "confidential" data from its high-profile clients, such as Meta and xAI, in public Google Docs. The lockdown temporarily prevented contractors from accessing them, causing confusion and delays.
Scale AI has said it's investigating security gaps, following BI's initial reporting. It said it had disabled any user's ability to publicly share documents from Scale's systems. "We take data security seriously," a spokesperson said.
A US Air Force B-2 Spirit Bomber performs a fly-over during the Speed of Sound Airshow, at Rosecrans Air National Guard Base in St. Joseph, Missouri, September 14, 2024.
US Air National Guard
American stealth bombers recently flew 37 hours to bomb Iran's nuclear sites, with the Pentagon calling it one of the longest B-2 Spirit flights in decades.
But the record for the longest B-2 flight belongs to two retired Air Force pilots who flew 44 hours in October 2001, executing one of the first bombing missions in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks. They shared what it's like to carry out these exceedingly long bombing missions.
It's a good thing that workplaces have become friendlier and more inviting. It can also be exhausting when coworkers share a little too much information.
Gen Z might be the biggest culprit, but there's no age limit on oversharing. Boundaries at work are still important — talking about the wrong things can hurt your professional reputation.
On-cycle recruiting is known to drive junior bankers to extreme lengths to compete for lucrative and elusive private equity jobs. The practice got so intense that JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon said he'd fire anyone with a future-dated private equity job.
One private-equity professional shared with BI his experience of on-cycle recruiting when he was a junior banker. He described interviewing until 2:30 a.m. and hiding in the bathroom to text a rival firm, calling it one of the "most stressful" 12-hour periods of his life.
The finance industry's newest social media sensation roasts PE bros — and they love it.
The BI Today team: Jamie Heller, editor in chief, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York.Akin Oyedele, deputy editor, in New York. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York.
This is the space where I usually try an AI tool. This week, though, I'm featuring an experience shared by a Tech Memo reader who got in touch after last week's installment about AI coding services such as Replit, Cursor, and Bolt.new.
This person worked at Google for more than two decades, so they know their software! They recently tried out Replit, following Google CEO Sundar Pichai saying he's been messing around with this tool.
"Like Sundar, I've also tried Replit to test out a cat purring app I had (lol). I poked around on some other options, but I liked Replit because it took the query and really built an app for you (even on the free test version). So based on a query alone and answering some questions (e.g., do you want people to be able to log in and save their cat?), you had an app. And it would work! You could launch it if you were really interested and happy with it.
"The limitations came with fine-tuning the app from there, as it seemed to get confused (and use up your credits) if you asked it for changes, e.g., change how the cat looked. It also was a pretty rough product; ultimately, if you wanted more than a proof of concept, you'd probably want to delve into the software code and change things yourself versus relying on queries.
"Over time, I think they'll fine-tune these things and I love how it makes it easy to prototype ideas. It really lowers the upfront cost of testing ideas."
Thank you, dear reader, for getting in touch. I have also been messing around with an AI coding tool. I chose Bolt.new, partly because I recently met the cofounder of the startup behind this service, Stackblitz's Eric Simons (another Tech Memo reader, btw). Next week, I'll share some thoughts about Bolt. I've been building something with my daughter Tessa and we can't wait to show you!
WWDC was a bit of a bust. Apple's Liquid Glass design overhaul was criticized on social media because it makes some iPhone notifications hard to read. A few jokers on X even shared a screenshot of YouTube's play button obstructing the "Gl" in a thumbnail for an Apple Liquid Glass promo. Need I say more?
The more serious question hanging over this year's WWDC was not answered. When will Siri get the AI upgrade it desperately needs? Software chief Craig Federighi delivered the bad news: It's still not ready. That knocked roughly $75 billion off Apple's market value. The stock recovered a bit, but it's still badly lagging behind rivals this month.
Andy Kiersz/BI; Google Finance
Google, OpenAI, and other tech companies are launching powerful new AI models and products at a breakneck pace. Apple is running out of time to prove it's a real player in this important field. Analyst Dan Ives is usually bullish, but even he's concerned. "They have a tight window to figure this out," Ives wrote, after calling this year's WWDC a "yawner."
AI is complex, expensive, and takes a long time to get right. Apple was late to start building the needed foundational technology, such as data centers, training data pipelines, and homegrown AI chips. By contrast, Google began laying its AI groundwork decades ago. It bought DeepMind in 2014, and this AI lab shapes Google's models in profound ways today.
When I was at Google I/O last month, one or two insiders whispered a phrase. They cautiously described an "intelligence gap" that could open up between the iPhone and other smartphones. Many Android phones already feature Google's Gemini chatbot, which is far more capable than Siri. If Apple's AI upgrade takes too long, this intelligence gap could widen so much that some iPhone users might consider switching.
At I/O, these insiders only whispered this idea. That's because it will take something pretty dramatic to get people to give up their iPhones. This device has become a utility that we can't live without — even for the few days (weeks?) it might take to get used to an Android replacement.
Still, if Apple doesn't get its AI house in order soon, this intelligence gap will keep growing, and things could get really siri-ous.
Welcome back to our Sunday edition, where we round up some of our top stories and take you inside our newsroom. The dust is still settling on the nasty breakup between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Here's the latest on how the bromance soured so quickly.
Friday's jobs report showed the winners and losers of the workforce are increasingly coming into focus. Roles in healthcare and service work are still growing, whereas the white-collar workforce and new grads looking for work are struggling.
In this market, one way for job seekers to get ahead is to build genuine relationships that can help them stand out in competitive hiring processes.
"You've got more reasons to treat networking like healthy eating or hitting the gym — and not something you do only in January," Paradis writes.
Be specific: Make sure your LinkedIn messages stand out. When it comes to online outreach, send a tailored message instead of a boilerplate one.
Keep it professional — even online: Experts say maintaining professionalism on social media is key.
Dress for the industry: In-person schmoozing is back, and dressing the part is crucial. Each industry requires a slightly different look. Know your audience.
Don't wait until you need a job: A common mistake is that people often start networking only when they need a job. Maintaining relationships even when you're secure in a job matters.
Don't make it all about you: Too many people only highlight their own experiences. Come up with questions ahead of time for the people you are meeting.
Don't ask for too much: "You need to be very targeted and strategic about your ask, and you can probably only get away with asking them one thing," Dorie Clark, a communication coach who teaches at Columbia Business School, told BI.
On the ropes
Getty Images; Jeff Bottari/Getty Images; Rebecca Zisser/BI
Mayweather Boxing and Fitness had 70 franchises at its peak in 2023. Dozens have shuttered since then, and four of the franchisees have sued.
Ten franchisees who spoke to BI said their industry was facing broader economic challenges, but they also said Mayweather hasn't done enough to promote the brand. The company pushed back, saying it's "deeply misleading" to suggest a lack of contribution from the star boxer, and that Mayweather's stardom isn't a "silver bullet" for a small business.
Found Image Holdings/Corbis via Getty Images; Rebecca Zisser/BI
The Sunshine State was a pandemic-era hot spot, luring millions of movers. Now, residents are facing an affordability crisis, hurricane-fueled insurance headaches, and steep property tax bills.
Florida's net migration has waned since 2022 despite substantial housing supply. But it's not just a Florida issue; it could be a bellwether for the rest of the country.
Tesla halted production at its Austin factory during the week of Memorial Day and held cleaning and training events for employees, including one focused on company culture.
BI obtained a recording of the session, where the instructor encouraged employees to take responsibility for Tesla's culture and play a more active role in improving it. "A lot of people leave this company, and they have kind of a negative taste in their mouth," the instructor said, adding: "It's us as the people on the ground that are a reflection of the culture."
No, it's not just you. There's been an uptick in scam text messages offering fake job offers, and it's about to get worse.
The opportunity is ripe right now for job scammers targeting people desperate for work. The labor market is getting rocky and more Americans are on edge about finances. Plus, AI is making these scams harder to detect.
Good morning! It might only be two letters, but saying "no" in the workplace can be difficult. Etiquette experts shared some tips for setting boundaries at work without putting a target on your back.
TikTok is shifting away from sending traffic to US merchants for free. Instead, businesses will need to pay for TikTok ads to get the type of views they might have previously enjoyed, insiders tell BI's Dan Whateley.
It's been a particularly difficult transition for small businesses, which viewed TikTok as a cheat code for getting their products in front of a massive audience without breaking the bank.
Initially, TikTok was happy to play ball as it established its e-commerce business, TikTok Shop. Those freebies weren't going to last forever, though. While TikTok makes a commission from products sold on its app, the real value comes in getting companies to pay it to promote their stuff.
And after a difficult 2024 and not-so-great start to 2025, TikTok is starting to play hardball.
ROBYN BECK/AFP via Getty Images.
TikTok's pay-to-play approach to e-commerce is part of a bigger pivot.
Dan has reported on TikTok following in the efficiency footsteps of its Big Tech peers. TikTok Shop, in particular, has looked to keep costs down, staffers told Dan, including conducting multiple layoffs.
TikTok's growing pains are also reminiscent of the changes many popular apps have undergone. The "millennial lifestyle subsidy" was the idea that startups could offer below-market prices, thanks to plenty of VC cash, hoping they'd attract a big enough user base to eventually be profitable.
As time went on, and investors started asking questions, up-and-coming apps like Uber, Airbnb, and Instacart increased prices. For some, the bet has paid off, and the customers remained. Others … not so much.
TikTok's clampdown on freebies is unique, though. It's trying to get companies to shell out cash for ads while its future in the US is unclear.
If companies were hesitant to spend already, the threat of the TikTok ban certainly isn't helping things.
3 things in markets
Joe Ciolli/BI
1. The safest bonds might not be so safe. The US Treasury market has become volatile amid concerns over the growing US deficit, making investors hesitant to buy bonds with long maturities. Top fixed-income firms have been staging a "buyers' strike" of 30-year debt in favor of shorter-dated bonds.
2. Hedge funds' May report cards are in. Citadel's flagship fund, Wellington, was up 0.2% this month, pushing the fund's gains to just 0.8% this year, a person close to the firm told BI. AQR Apex, meanwhile, had another strong month (2.4%) in what has been a great year for the fund. Here's how other big-name firms stacked up.
3. Dear junior bankers: You should sweat the small stuff. Goldman Sachs' CFO and a top Morgan Stanley exec spoke to BI about how to get ahead early in your career on Wall Street. If you want to make an impression, say yes to tasks from the people you respect, even if it's as small as sharpening pencils.
3 things in tech
Kacper Pempel/REUTERS; Blind; BI
1. On the techie social app Blind, everyone has gotten super mean — and the site's infused with racism. In 2022, Blind was a chill place for tech workers, ID'd only by their companies, to talk smack about their employers. Amid a brutal job market, though, it's descended into a bad-vibes cesspit where users attack each other.
2. Why AI acts so creepy when it's about to be shut down. Models by OpenAI and Anthropic have tried to sabotage users who try to pull the plug. Researchers say that's because reward-based training can lead to deceptive, power-seeking behaviors. Here's what that means for everyday users' safety.
3. Even in the AI age, you should still study STEM. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis said it'll still be important for students to understand the fundamentals of science and tech and how AI systems work. He thinks students should be tinkering with the latest AI tools to get ahead.
3 things in business
SUZANNE CORDEIRO/AFP via Getty Images
1. How Tesla internally discusses its company culture. During a training session that BI exclusively obtained a recording of, an instructor encouraged staff to take some responsibility for Tesla's company culture and play a more active role in improving it. "A lot of people leave this company, and they have kind of a negative taste in their mouth," the instructor told the group, but added: "At the end of the day, it's us as the people on the ground that are the reflection of the culture."
2. Now's the time to network. Between economic factors and AI, desk workers these days don't have as much leverage as they did during the pandemic. That's why networking is more important than ever. And you should start before you're unemployed.
3. Layoffs come to Disney. The company is eliminating several hundred roles, mainly in film and TV marketing in its Disney Entertainment division. Disney is grappling with a shift away from traditional TV and toward streaming and has had several layoffs in recent years.
The Business Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.
Happy Saturday! With colon cancer rising for those under 50, we asked one gastrointestinal surgeon what three changes he's made to lower his risk. Here's what he said.
But where exactly do you sit on the plane to ensure your trip gets off to the best start? If you don't choose wisely, you could throw off your entire getaway.
Contributing writer Kelly Magyarics flies at least once a week (whew!) and has mastered the art of picking the right seat to maximize her comfort.
When traveling in economy, Magyarics says she prefers sitting "in the aisle seat in the roomy exit row." This seat typically offers more legroom for passengers, but just remember that you'd be required to help in case of an emergency.
"I'm also known to select seats in the bulkhead row that's directly behind a wall, curtain, or screen because they often come with extra legroom," Magyarics writes.
While it does mean giving up any storage space in front of you, Magyarics suggests boarding the plane early to ensure you get room in an overhead compartment. Those flight features might require an extra fee, but it could be worth it.
If you're not willing to spend extra, BI's travel reporter Monica Humphries prefers the back of the plane for long-haul flights because she's found it's her "best chance of getting accessible overhead storage."
"Another perk of the back of the plane is galley access. For long-haul flights, I stretch my legs every few hours," she writes. "It helps my body adjust to cramped quarters and keeps me from feeling claustrophobic."
Hack your hydration
Juan Jose Napuri/Getty Images
Staying hydrated is key to your mental and physical performance. Matt Jones, a sports nutritionist who works with elite athletes, shared five tips for optimizing daily water intake.
For instance, timing is important. It's helpful to consume 80% of your daily water intake before 4 p.m. so your body has enough time to process it before bedtime. Coffee, fruit, and tea can also help keep you hydrated.
Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner at the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.
Francis Specker/CBS via Getty Images
Kylie Jenner and Timothée Chalamet have reportedly been going strong for two years, but some fans still feel like the couple makes an odd pairing. However, any confusion is actually proof of a PR job well done.
Two PR experts explained how their strong individual brands are making some fans confused and the "perfection" of the relationship's slow rollout.
COS, a London-based fashion label, is having a major moment. Simple, elegant, and comfortable, its clothing appeals to people who want the quiet luxury look without the price tag.
The brand, owned by H&M, is finding a foothold among US consumers who aspire to the old-money aesthetic.
Skyrocketing prices. Market chaos. An uncertain future for Social Security. These are some of the factors eating away at older Americans' dreams of traveling the world in their golden years.
Several retirees told BI that instead of globetrotting, they're cutting corners and getting creative to afford trips. Some wonder whether it's now or never when it comes to their travel dreams.
"The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives": The Mormon MomTok influencers are back on Hulu for a second season filled with more friendship and relationship drama.
"Murderbot": Alexander Skarsgård stars as a rogue robot in a new Apple TV+ sci-fi series that blends comedy and thrills.
"Novocaine":In this R-rated action movie on Prime Video, "The Boys" actor Jack Quaid plays a regular guy who can't feel pain.
Inclusive swimwear with a perfect fit: We tried out Andie Swim and were genuinely impressed by their inclusive sizing and thoughtful designs. Finding the perfect swimsuit is as easy as taking the brand's fit quiz — learn more in our review.
About the viral "Crocs" bag: After using the Bogg Bag ourselves, it's clear why so many parents swear by it. It's spacious, waterproof, and a breeze to clean — ideal for carrying everything from beach toys to snacks without the stress.
Dress pants can be comfortable, too: We used extensive testing and research to find the best men's dress pants for all styles and budgets. From comfy stretch options to sharp yet affordable picks, there's something for every guy and every occasion.
More of this week's top reads:
"MAGA red" and hidden linings: A designer reveals the secrets of Karoline Leavitt's White House fashion.
Hi! It's me again. I'm back after eight weeks away with the newest addition to my family. Thanks to Hallam Bullock for running things while I was gone. (Hopefully he didn't do too good a job that you're sad to see me back.)
Speaking of leadership changes, Warren Buffett is stepping down as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. (How's that for a transition?) In today's big story, we're looking at why his successor could face an uphill battle taking over for someone who, according to one Buffett expert, is "literally not replaceable."
We're also growing our newsletter family! The great Alistair Barr is launching a new weekly newsletter for BI. Tech Memo will give you the scoop on what's happening inside the world's most powerful tech companies. Sign up here!
What's on deck
Markets: Wall Street forecasters are envisioning a recession this year. Here's how they think it'll play out.
Tech: Skype felt like magic for many millennials. Then came Zoom.
But first, so long, farewell.If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.
The big story
Bye bye Buffett
Warren Buffett at the Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders' meeting in Omaha, Nebraska, on May 3, 2024.
Scott Morgan/REUTERS
A 94-year-old retiring shouldn't be surprising, but Warren Buffett isn't your typical 94-year-old.
Business Insider's Theron Mohamed, who was at Berkshire Hathaway's annual meeting in Omaha, said the crowd was stunned into silence when Buffett first shared the news.
They'd eventually rally to give him two standing ovations (something Buffett, never one to miss a joke, pointed out could be interpreted a couple of different ways).
The adulation is well deserved. Berkshire's Class A stock has risen roughly 5,500,000% under Buffett from 1965 through 2024, compared to around a 39,000% increase for the S&P 500.
But the question remains: What's life without Warren going to be like?
Luckily for Berkshire backers, Buffett spent the past few years succession planning.
Greg Abel, the company's vice chair of non-insurance operations since 2018 and the chair of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, is Buffett's pick to fill his proverbial shoes.
The 62-year-old was first identified as Buffett's heir-apparent back in 2021. Abel even has a similar small-town vibe as Buffett. He lives in Des Moines, Iowa, and has previously been described as a "regular guy."
Still, Alice Schroeder, Buffett's friend and biographer, told BI's Katherine Tangalakis-Lippert the legendary investor is "literally not replaceable."
Succeeding a high-profile executive is no picnic. Some big-name CEOs have found themselves returning to the helm of their old company. Disney's Bob Iger and Starbucks' Howard Schultz are two recent examples.
Abel is also stepping into a unique role that has thrived on being somewhat hands-off. Despite having nearly 400,000 employees across the companies it owns, Berkshire has only a few dozen employees working at its corporate headquarters.
And while that might be viewed as a benefit for Abel, knowing when to step back can sometimes be just as hard as knowing when to step in.
There's also the added complication of Berkshire's sheer size. With a market cap north of $1 trillion, investing opportunities that move the needle for the massive conglomerate are becoming few and far between.
The value-focused investing that drove Berkshire to astronomical heights is also becoming harder to execute with valuations so high. It's why the company's cash pile, which currently stands at nearly $350 billion, continues to climb.
Still, Buffett seems confident in Abel's ability to take the torch, and if there's one thing investors have learned during his tenure: Don't bet against Buffett.
3 things in markets
ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images
1. How a recession could unfold. Some of Wall Street's top forecasters see a downturn materializing in 2025. Many believe tariffs could be the defining factor. Here's what economists from Moody's, JPMorgan, and Apollo think could happen.
2. The New York gold rush. Business has been booming lately for Isaac Kahan, owner of Bullion Trading LLC. With prices for the safe-haven asset soaring, BI visited the business to learn about recent trends.
3. All eyes on LA. The annual Milken conference at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles kicks off today, and BI's Bradley Saacks will be covering it all for us. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's chat with host Michael Milken opens the event and will set the tone for a conference that attracts the biggest names in the finance and business world.against Buffett.
3 things in tech
Nora Carol Photography/Getty, DrPixel/Getty, Vectorig/Getty, WhatsApp, Facetime, Messenger, Skype, Ava Horton/BI
1. RIP Skype. After 22 years in operation, Skype will be laid to rest today, adding another tombstone to the graveyard of early-2000s tech services millennials loved and left behind. Here's a look at Skype's rise and decline amid a sea of video-calling competitors.
2. An AI fix for a tedious legal task. Due diligence — when attorneys comb through thousands of pages before a deal is finalized — is a necessary but lengthy process for M&A lawyers. Startup Marveri has secured $3.2 million to revolutionize it with AI.
3. ChatGPT is great, but don't overuse it. OpenAI recently scrapped an update that made its chatbot a bit too friendly. The mistake is a good reminder: We shouldn't rely on ChatGPT in vulnerable moments. That's what human connection is for, BI's Alistair Barr writes.
against Buffett.
3 things in business
Tyler Le/BI
1. Everyone is stuck in their jobs. Americans are grumpy because they can't change jobs, and now, Trump's tariffs could make the Big Stay even worse. Pent-up bitterness in the office isn't just bad for the employees who feel stuck — it's bringing morale down for everyone else.
2.No more endless choices? American shoppers love having lots of options, but Trump's tariffs could soon change that. Whenever you're looking for a new pair of jeans in the near future, it's likely you'll have far less options to choose from.
3. Starbucks wants to bring "aperitivo" to the US. CEO Brian Niccol said he's looking to bring late afternoon bites, similar to its European menus, to US locations. BI's Katie Notopoulos checked out what the chain currently offers — and what could be worth bringing from Europe.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is on trial on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.
Ford Motors reports earnings.
The Met Gala is tonight.
The Business Insider Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York. Hallam Bullock, senior editor, in London. Grace Lett, editor, in Chicago. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Ella Hopkins, associate editor, in London. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.
If this was forwarded to you, sign up here. Download Business Insider's app here.
This week's dispatch
Brusinski/ Getty Images
Grown-up getaway
There's nothing like a family vacation, but every once in a while, you really do need adults-only fun. Think about it: You can properly relax with no unexpected (well, maybe) interruptions as you unplug.
Lucky for us, there are plenty of options to enjoy kid-free fun — from cruises to hotels.
Adults-only resorts cater to grown-ups, whether you're looking for a tranquil afternoon at the spa, adventure on nearby hiking trails, or delight in fine dining.
Brittany Chang, BI's senior visual features reporter, took readers inside Hyatt Vivid's first-ever adults-only all-inclusive resort in Cancún, Mexico, and it's a perfect paradise for travelers looking for something more casual. It doesn't mean there aren't plenty of activities to do.
"Guests can sign up for mezcal tastings or booze it up at the property's six watering holes, including a swim-up bar in the rooftop pool," she writes, adding that guests can also "sweat it out in an underwater cycling class, or take a 10-minute bus to Ennea Beach Club."
There are also adults-only cruises that still offer the space to act like a kid. BI's travel reporter Joey Hadden went on one with Virgin Voyages and was surprised to find not only a tattoo parlor on board, but also an actual playground.
"The cruise ship playground was surrounded by fun activities, like a human-size chess set, a boxing ring, and a net suspended above an ocean view," Hadden writes. "If there had been children around, I wouldn't have felt comfortable taking up space on this playground. Surrounded by only adults, however, I felt free to enjoy these activities."
Convinced yet? Great! Call the sitter.
POV: protein overload
Getty Images; Rebecca Zisser/BI
Protein-maxxing is the latest obsession in health, fitness, and longevity. Still, there is such a thing as too much protein.
Our bodies can't store it past a certain point, and the excess sometimes crowds out other necessary nutrients. Doctors and dietitians told BI what happens when you overdo it.
Korean plastic surgery, like K-pop and K-beauty, is riding the wave of global South Korean cultural influence. International tourists go to South Korea for procedures at low prices (by US standards, at least) to achieve "K-face."
The quest for K-face is not a grassroots movement, however. It's a carefully executed investment strategy by the Korean government worth more than a billion dollars.
BI asked successful women across industries about the clothes they wear to achieve a chic, professional look.
Their answers ranged from sustainably-sourced favorites to trusted Jenni Kayne sweaters and timeless Gucci loafers. Many said it's not the clothes that matter, but the feeling they give the wearer.
Justin and Annabelle Parfitt wanted to offer guests luxury stays at their two-villa Bali compound, and they spent $1.7 million to do so.
The five- and seven-bedroom villas boast separate pools, fine dining fare, and butlers, but the best part is the complimentary party-planning services. The Parfitts work with guests and planners to throw extravagant shindigs, especially big birthdays.
"Andor": Diego Luna reprises his role as the titular rebel soldier in season two of the "Star Wars" spin-off series.
"Babygirl": Nicole Kidman plays a powerful CEO who has an affair with her much younger intern in Halina Reijn's 2024 erotic thriller, now streaming on Max.
Weekend luggage: Not every trip requires a full set of suitcases. For your next long weekend, quick visit, or overnight stay, these are the best weekender bags we've tested.
A city-dweller essential: Our team's newest NYC transplant put the viral Hulken rolling tote to the test, and she can't believe anyone lives here without it. Make city-schlepping easier with her favorite find.
Make ice cream at home: The Ninja Creami has blown up on TikTok as an easy way to make ice cream with any kind of milk or dairy alternative. We tested it, and while it's useful for those with dietary restrictions, it has drawbacks.
More of this week's top reads:
"You" star Penn Badgley said he almost quit acting at 20 because he was "disillusioned and dried up" after starting work at 12.
I've been to 45 countries and think every traveler should add these five incredible places to their bucket list.
A bride chose the first wedding dress she tried on and paired it with a veil made by her grandmother.
The next Golden Bachelor is a 66-year-old former NFL player. Here's everything we know about "The Golden Bachelor" season 2.
The BI Today team:Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City (on paternity leave). Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.
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