• Home
  • Latest
  • Fortune 500
  • Finance
  • Tech
  • Leadership
  • Lifestyle
  • Rankings
  • Multimedia

Trendingnow

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

2

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

3

Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics

1

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 

2

Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'

3

Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
LeadershipCEO Daily

Facebook Flurry, Aramco IPO-No, China Tariffs: CEO Daily for March 20, 2018

By
Andrew Nusca
Andrew Nusca
and
David Meyer
David Meyer
Down Arrow Button Icon
By
Andrew Nusca
Andrew Nusca
and
David Meyer
David Meyer
Down Arrow Button Icon
March 20, 2018, 7:27 AM ET

Good morning. Andrew Nusca here, filling in for Alan.

For an industry as vast and complex as healthcare, the executives who spoke at Fortune’s Brainstorm Health conference on Monday were surprisingly focused on the individual.

I heard it in Aetna CEO Mark Bertolini’s opening conversation with Fortune editor-in-chief Cliff Leaf. “People never describe themselves as a disease,” Bertolini said. “But they may have limitations because of their disease.” Approach a condition from the position of “Tell me what’s bothering you” rather than “Tell me what you have,” Bertolini said, and you might convince a patient to hand over personal data in pursuit of a solution to what ultimately irks them. Not a bad strategy for a $69 billion health insurer.

I heard it at a luncheon that was focused on the issues with the drug development pipeline. It’s not technology or regulation or any complex system that is blocking more aggressive drug development in the almost half a trillion-dollar U.S. pharmaceutical industry, health executives in the room seemed to agree. It is simply an ingrained culture of conservatism. “You need to fail fast,” said Lesley Stolz of Johnson & Johnson. “But a lot of researchers are not incentivized to fail fast.”

And I certainly heard it in business strategist Tony Robbins’ stellar conversation with Dr. David Agus that closed the evening. Robbins made clear that he is an avowed technologist, yet one of the many themes he discussed was decidedly analog: how important it is to carry yourself in a way that encourages positive behavior. Want to stay depressed? Keep your shoulders slumped and your voice quiet and your breathing shallow. “Most people try to change the mind,” Robbins said, by telling themselves to be happier. “But when you change the body radically, you change the biochemistry, the state changes, and you make a shift.” (Watch the entire session here.)

At a time when macro forces seem to dominate our interconnected world today—the shifting impact of trade between nations, the ripple effects of digital disinformation, the scourge of sexual harassment in the corporate world—I found the scale of the conversation to be refreshing, if not empowering. Amid great change, perhaps we all have a little more control than we give ourselves credit for.

Speaking of sexual harassment: If you haven’t yet read Kristen Bellstrom and Beth Kowitt’s extraordinary report for Fortune on Michael Ferro, the former chairman of the company that publishes the Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, and New York Daily News, among many other American newspapers, set aside the time. It’s well worth your attention.

More news below.

Andrew Nusca
@editorialiste
andrew.nusca@fortune.com

Top News

Facebook Flurry

Mark Zuckerberg, now $6 billion poorer after the Cambridge Analytica scandal caused Facebook's stock to tank, still hasn't come out and said anything about the affair. Meanwhile, things keep getting worse. Facebook hired auditors to check whether Cambridge Analytica really didn't delete millions of Facebook users' data as it claimed it did, only to see the U.K. authorities order those auditors to stand down. And now the New York Times reports that Chief Security Officer Alex Stamos, who has publicly stepped up to defend the company over the Cambridge Analytica affair, is heading for the exit due to disagreements with management over transparency regarding the Russian influence saga. Stamos sort-of-denied the report. NYT

Aramco IPO-No

The ongoing drama around Saudi Aramco's eventual stock-market listing has taken a new twist. Now Aramco is apparently going to list on Saudi Arabia's domestic exchange first, then list elsewhere at a later point—"if at all." London, New York and Hong Kong had been vying for that international IPO honor, which was expected to be the largest-ever listing. The two big problems with that, though, have been the Saudis' high expectations for an Aramco valuation at listing, and the regulatory scrutiny that such listings generally entail. CNBC

China Tariffs

President Donald Trump is preparing to unveil a $60 billion-per-year package of tariffs against China by Friday, according to reports. As noted yesterday, U.S. industry groups have begged Trump not to follow through with this, but it looks like he might go ahead nonetheless. "There are real concerns about Chinese behavior on intellectual property, for example, but there are much more effective ways to address them," said Phil Levy, George W. Bush's former trade advisor. Washington Post

No Petro for You

President Trump has also banned Americans from buying the Venezuelan government's "Petro" cryptocurrency, which is supposedly backed by the South American country's oil reserves. The ban, issued by presidential order on Monday, may complicate the Petro scheme, as the virtual coin can only be bought in dollars or euros. Fortune

Around the Water Cooler

Uber Death

Is Uber responsible for the death of an Arizona pedestrian who walked in front of one of its self-driving cars? The police say probably not, as the deceased apparently "came from the shadows right into the roadway." So, although Uber has now paused all tests of its autonomous vehicles, there was likely nothing its car's systems or the safety driver who was in the vehicle at the time could have done to avoid the collision. Fortune

Sarkozy Detained

Former French president Nicolas Sarkozy has been taken into police custody for questioning over the financing of his successful 2007 campaign. It is alleged that he received millions of euros from the regime of Libyan strongman Muammar Gaddafi, which would have been highly illegal. The inquiry has been going on since 2013, but this is the first time that Sarkozy—who denies the allegations—has himself been taken in for questioning. Guardian

Texas Bombs

A parcel bomb, apparently bound for Austin, exploded last night at a FedEx facility in a nearby Texas town. Four bombs have been planted in Austin in recent weeks, leading to two deaths. Police say the city is probably facing a serial bomber, although the bomber's motivations remain unclear. BBC

Brexit Effect

One in seven European companies that had suppliers in the U.K. has moved their supply chain away from the country either fully or partially, according to a new report from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. It's the latest indication of fears over the effects of Brexit, although it did come shortly after the EU and U.K. agreed to keep their trading relationships pretty much unchanged until the end of 2020. Financial Times

This edition of CEO Daily was edited by David Meyer. Find previous editions here, and sign up for other Fortune newsletters here.

About the Authors
Andrew Nusca
By Andrew NuscaEditorial Director, Brainstorm; author, Fortune Tech
Instagram iconLinkedIn iconTwitter icon

Andrew Nusca is the editorial director of Brainstorm, Fortune's innovation-obsessed community and event series. He also authors Fortune Tech, Fortune’s flagship tech newsletter.

See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon
By David Meyer
LinkedIn icon
See full bioRight Arrow Button Icon

Latest in Leadership

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025

Most Popular

Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Finance
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam
By Fortune Editors
October 20, 2025
Fortune Secondary Logo
Rankings
  • 100 Best Companies
  • Fortune 500
  • Global 500
  • Fortune 500 Europe
  • Most Powerful Women
  • World's Most Admired Companies
  • See All Rankings
  • Lists Calendar
Sections
  • Finance
  • Fortune Crypto
  • Features
  • Leadership
  • Health
  • Commentary
  • Success
  • Retail
  • Mpw
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
  • CEO Initiative
  • Asia
  • Politics
  • Conferences
  • Europe
  • Newsletters
  • Personal Finance
  • Environment
  • Magazine
  • Education
Customer Support
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Customer Service Portal
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms Of Use
  • Single Issues For Purchase
  • International Print
Commercial Services
  • Advertising
  • Fortune Brand Studio
  • Fortune Analytics
  • Fortune Conferences
  • Business Development
  • Group Subscriptions
About Us
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • About Us
  • Press Center
  • Work At Fortune
  • Terms And Conditions
  • Site Map
  • Facebook icon
  • Twitter icon
  • LinkedIn icon
  • Instagram icon
  • Pinterest icon

Latest in Leadership

Young worker looking tired in front of a screen
EconomyYoung workers
A Nobel economist figured out 60 years ago that people learn best on the job. The Atlanta Fed says AI is making that almost impossible
By Tristan BoveMay 21, 2026
47 minutes ago
Intuit CFO on why the company is simplifying its structure
NewslettersCFO Daily
Intuit CFO on why the company is simplifying its structure
By Sheryl EstradaMay 21, 2026
2 hours ago
Anu Madgavkar, a partner at the McKinsey Global Institute
AIWorkplace Innovation Summit
McKinsey partner says up to 50% of work hours could be transformed within the next 5 years
By Emma BurleighMay 21, 2026
2 hours ago
Jeff Bezos
SuccessWealth
Jeff Bezos wants the bottom half of earners to pay zero income tax—he says nurses making just $75K should save $12K a year
By Preston ForeMay 21, 2026
3 hours ago
Photo of MacKenzie Scott
SuccessMacKenzie Scott
MacKenzie Scott gave away more than $7 billion last year—but her secretive style got her snubbed from a top donors list
By Sydney LakeMay 21, 2026
4 hours ago
allbirds
AILayoffs
Allbirds’ 600% stock surge says a lot about how ‘AI washing’ became the new ‘greenwashing’
By Suvrat Dhanorkar and The ConversationMay 21, 2026
5 hours ago

Most Popular

Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
Workplace Culture
Bolt CEO says he let go of his entire HR team for creating problems that didn’t exist: ‘Those problems disappeared when I let them go’ 
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
2 days ago
Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
Success
Despite a $500 million net worth, Shaq just finished his fourth degree. He warns graduates: 'Your character will take you further than your resume'
By Preston ForeMay 20, 2026
1 day ago
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
Future of Work
Meet a 21-year-old community college student who's going to China as the first American woman welder in the trades Olympics
By Mike Householder and The Associated PressMay 17, 2026
4 days ago
Pay transparency is exposing a bigger problem: Most companies can't explain why they pay what they pay
Workplace Culture
Pay transparency is exposing a bigger problem: Most companies can't explain why they pay what they pay
By Sydney LakeMay 20, 2026
22 hours ago
Dr. Bernice King on why companies that walked back DEI were never truly committed: 'If you retreat that quick…that reveals who you really are'
Workplace Culture
Dr. Bernice King on why companies that walked back DEI were never truly committed: 'If you retreat that quick…that reveals who you really are'
By Preston ForeMay 19, 2026
2 days ago
A 'proudly autistic' workplace expert says putting neurodivergent employees in a typical office is like dropping a polar bear in Austin, Texas
Conferences
A 'proudly autistic' workplace expert says putting neurodivergent employees in a typical office is like dropping a polar bear in Austin, Texas
By Tristan BoveMay 20, 2026
22 hours ago

© 2026 Fortune Media IP Limited. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information
FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. FORTUNE may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.