The World’s Most Inspiring Companies
Peter Fisk helps you explore some of the world’s most inspiring brands, interesting business models, and incredible innovators. What can you learn from companies like ASML or BYD, Climeworks and Disney, Esillor or Ferrari, Guayaki and Hermes?
Which companies around the world inspire you?
In Amsterdam, ASML makes some of the most incredible machines, that themselves make the world’s semiconductors, that power most of our lives today. In Shenzhen, BYD has gone beyond many people’s dreams to become the world’s largest EV manufacturer. In Reykjavik, a Swiss company, Climeworks has built the world’s largest carbon direct air capture facility.
These are the companies, embracing the drivers of change, turning new ideas into practical realities, delivering profitable growth, who are shaping our futures. Their innovative visions and strategies, products and services, operations and business models, create new blueprints for how to work and win. More than any business book, or MBA, or consulting firm, they are the best places to explore, to learn, and to be inspired.
Each year I work in total with around 100 companies, I visit at least 30 different countries, and talk to many interesting people. Whether it be a keynote speech, a strategy workshop, executive coaching, an educational program, or research for my next book, I am fortunate to have the opportunities to meet so many incredible leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators.
From AI-driven technologies to the challenges of climate change, from the dreams of Gen Z consumers to the threats of polycrisis, every industry and every company has to think and act differently. By connecting the visions, strategies and innovations of real companies that are shaking up the world right now, I can help your business to innovate, transform and succeed.
As I travel around the world, these are some of the companies who have inspired me:
ASML
ASML makes the machines which make semiconductors. As the world’s largest supplier of photolithography machines, the Dutch company, a spin-off from Philips in 1984s, plays a crucial role in advancing technology by enabling the production of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient chips. Their innovation in extreme ultraviolet lithography (EUVL) is particularly inspiring, as it pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in chip manufacturing.
BYD
BYD, an abbreviation of Build Your Dreams, is a Chinese conglomerate founded by Wang Chuanfu in 1995. Initially a battery manufacturer, BYD has diversified into electric vehicles, renewable energy, and electronics. Their commitment to sustainable energy solutions, such as the Blade Battery for electric vehicles, demonstrates their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting green technology.
Climeworks
Climeworks is a Swiss company specializing in direct air capture (DAC) technology to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Their innovative approach to carbon removal is inspiring because it offers a scalable solution to combat climate change. At the new “Mammoth” DAC facility in Iceland, the CO₂ is permanently removed from the air by capturing and geologically storing it for thousands of years with storage partner Carbfix.
Disney
The Walt Disney Company started as an animation studio in 1923, and grew to become the world’s leading entertainment brand known for its iconic characters, theme parks, and media networks. In recent times its streaming services have championed IP assets from Marvel to Star Wars, National Geographical and ESPN. Disney’s ability to create magical experiences for audiences of all ages, along with its commitment to storytelling and innovation, makes it an inspiring company.
Essilor Luxottica
Luxottica, now merged with Esillor, is the Italian eyewear company that dominates the global eyewear market – it designs, manufactures, and distributes sunglasses and prescription glasses. Their extensive portfolio of licensed bands, including Ray-Ban and Oakley, and their commitment to quality and innovation in eyewear make them an inspiring company in the fashion and accessories industry.
Ferrari
Ferrari continues to push the boundaries of automotive engineering with its recent innovations, blending performance, luxury, and sustainability. The SF90 Stradale, a hybrid supercar, marks a major step toward electrification without compromising on speed or performance. Ferrari’s innovation extends beyond the car itself, incorporating cutting-edge technology in driver-assistance systems and digital interfaces. It has also has a strategy to take its brand IP into new markets such as food and fashion.
Guayaki
Guayaki is a California-based mission-driven company that produces Yerba Mate drinks, from loose-leaf mate to canned energy shots – while also promoting sustainable agriculture and reforestation. The company was founded in 1996 as a Cal Poly University project, and focuses on creating positive social and environmental impact through their business model is inspiring, as it demonstrates how companies can contribute to a better world while achieving commercial success.
Hermes
Hermès International S.A. is a French luxury fashion house known for its high-quality craftsmanship and timeless designs. Established in 1837 it has remained independent and continues to outgrow much larger competitors like LVMH and Kering. The company’s dedication to preserving traditional artisanal techniques and its commitment to sustainability makes it an inspiring example of how luxury brands can balance heritage with modernity.
Illumina
Illumina is a San Diego-based biotech company specialising in DNA sequencing technology. Their innovative sequencing platforms have revolutionized genomics research and personalized medicine. In the last 14 years, it has taken the cost of sequencing a human genome from $150,000 to $200, a drop of more than 99%. Illumina’s contributions to advancing human health and understanding the genetic basis of diseases make it an inspiring company in the biotechnology field.
Joby
Joby Aviation is a Californian aerospace company developing electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft. Their focus on creating sustainable urban air mobility solutions is inspiring, as it aims to reduce congestion and pollution in cities while providing a new mode of transportation. It has recently converted to hydrogen fuel cell model. Delta Airlines invested $60m in Joby, to offer home to airport shuttles.
Kweichow Moutai
Kweichow Moutai is the world’s most valuable drinks company, with a market cap higher than Coca-Cola or any brewer. It is China’s largest non-tech company, founded in 1951, known for producing Moutai liquor, a style of baijiu, a traditional Chinese liquor. The company’s long history, commitment to quality, and significant cultural impact make it an inspiring example of how traditional industries can thrive in the modern world.
L’Oréal
L’Oréal is a French cosmetics and beauty company that has been a leader in the beauty industry for over a century. Their commitment to innovation, sustainability, and empowering women through beauty makes them an inspiring company in the personal care sector. L’Oréal’s focus on tech-driven innovations includes Skin Genius, to personalised cosmetics using AI, and AR virtual try-on of make-up and hair colour.
Mercado Libre
Mercado Libre is a Latin American e-commerce and fintech company that operates the largest online marketplace in the region. Founded by Argentinian student Marcos Galperin at Stanford in 1999 it has grown rapidly with a mission to enable economic growth and financial inclusion in Latin America is inspiring, as it demonstrates how technology can drive positive social change.
Nvidia
Nvidia, founded by Jensen Huang in 1993, is a leading semiconductor business focused on high power chips, initially for gaming, and now driven largely by the demands of AI. Nvidia’s pioneering work in accelerated computing and AI has transformed industries such as automotive, healthcare, and data centres. In 2024 it became a £3 trillion business, and briefed became the world’s most valuable company.
On
On was founded by Swiss triathlete Olivier Bernard in 2010, based in Zurich, and is known for its innovative running shoes. On’s proprietary cushioning technology, CloudTec, made the brand distinctive, as how other innovations such as spray-on 3D printed production for a personalised fit. Roger Federer was an early investor in the company and helped to move it from a technical running shoe to broader premium lifestyle brand
Ping An
Ping An, founded in 1988 and based in Shenzhen, China, is the world’s largest insurance company. The company’s focus on digital transformation and technology drove its move into new sectors such as healthcare, real estate and mobility. In 2019 it developed Good Doctor, the world’s largest digital healthcare platform. With Co-CEOs leading its core and new businesses, it is a great example of extending beyond the core.
QuantumScape
QuantumScape, founded in 2010 and based in San Jose, is a leader in the development of solid-state lithium-metal batteries for electric vehicles. The company’s innovative technology aims to provide higher energy density, faster charging times, and improved safety compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. Its dedication to advancing clean energy solutions and its potential to revolutionise the electric vehicle industry make it an inspiring company in the field of sustainable technology.
Revolut
Revolut, founded in 2015 in London, is a digital banking and financial services company. The neobank offers a wide range of services, including personal and business accounts, currency exchange, and investment options. The company’s mission to make banking more accessible and affordable, along with its innovative use of technology to provide seamless financial services, makes it an inspiring player in the fintech industry.
Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric, founded in 1836 and based in Rueil-Malmaison, France, is a global leader in energy management and automation technologies. The company provides solutions for industries, infrastructure, and buildings to improve energy efficiency and sustainability. Its strategy is built on the decentralisation of energy production and distribution, based around microgrids, and the role of consumers as prosumers.
Tony’s Chocolonely
Tony’s Chocolonely, founded in 2005 in Amsterdam by a Dutch journalist outraged by the unethical cocoa industry, is dedicated to ending slavery. The company’s mission to make 100% slave-free chocolate and its transparent supply chain practices have set a new standard for ethical chocolate production.
Ubiquitous Energy
Ubiquitous Energy is a Silicon Valley-based company developing transparent solar technology. Their ClearView Power technology turns windows into solar panels without disrupting the view. This innovation allows everyday surfaces to generate electricity, promoting sustainable energy solutions. Their approach to integrating solar technology seamlessly into buildings is inspiring for its potential to reduce carbon footprints and advance renewable energy.
Veja
Veja is a French sneaker brand known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical production. The brand uses eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and wild rubber and ensures fair trade practices, in partnership with Amazonian farmers of Brazil. Veja’s dedication to transparency and social responsibility in the fashion industry sets an example for other companies to follow, making them a beacon of ethical consumerism.
Webtoon
Webtoon is a South Korean digital comics platform that has revolutionised the way comics are created and consumed. It offers a vast library of free webcomics across various genres and has a thriving community of creators and readers. Webtoon’s success in democratizing content creation and providing a global stage for artists is inspiring for its impact on the entertainment industry and its support for creative freedom.
Xiaomi
Xiaomi is a Chinese electronics company founded by Lei Jun in 2010, known for its affordable yet high-quality smartphones, smart home devices, and other consumer electronics. Their business model focuses on offering value-for-money products and maintaining a strong online presence. Xiaomi’s ability to disrupt the market with innovative products and competitive pricing is inspiring for its challenge to established brands and its commitment to making technology accessible to a broader audience.
Yeti
Webtoon is a South Korean digital comics platform that has revolutionised the way comics are created and consumed. It offers a vast library of free webcomics across various genres and has a thriving community of creators and readers. Webtoon’s success in democratizing content creation and providing a global stage for artists is inspiring for its impact on the entertainment industry and its support for creative freedom.
Zipline
Zipline is a medical drone delivery company founded in 2014 that uses autonomous drones to deliver blood and medical supplies to remote areas. Their technology has the potential to save lives by providing timely medical aid in hard-to-reach locations. Zipline’s innovative approach to healthcare logistics is inspiring for its humanitarian impact and its use of cutting-edge technology to address critical global health challenges.
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