Amid a backlash against ‘woke’ companies, Fortune’s Change the World list is more important than ever

So I am happy to announce that we are now taking nominations for the ninth annual installment of the Change the World list. At a time when “woke” corporations are under political attack, it’s worth taking time to celebrate those that ignore the noise and focus on their contributions to humankind. Profits are critical, to be sure; but profits are a means to an end.

If you want to see companies that have earned the honor in the past, you can do so here. It’s an inspiring testament to the positive power of capitalism. And if you want to nominate a company for the 2023 list, you may do so here. If you have questions, feel free to reach out to Matt Heimer and Erika Fry, who curate the list, here. They are looking for companies that are finding better, smart and more profitable ways of reaching net zero; helping their workforces adapt and reskill in the face of unprecedented technological change; tackling global challenges of keeping people fed and healthy; or finding other innovative ways of helping the world. Don’t let politicians spoil what’s good about business at its best. Make your nominations by July 31. The list publishes in October.

And since it’s Friday, a bit of feedback. RP writes in to endorse the two CEOs who cited the Bible as the best book they’d read in the last year. In his view, it is “a reference book on how to address ESG issues and run a successful business.”

More news below. And read why the folks at Morgan Stanley think generative A.I. will catapult Microsoft into the $3 trillion club, here.

Alan Murray
@alansmurray
alan.murray@fortune.com

TOP NEWS

Twitter vs. Threads

Elon Musk is threatening to sue Meta over Threads, the Instragram-based Twitter clone launched earlier this week. A letter sent by Elon Musk’s personal lawyer accuses the Facebook owner of hiring former Twitter employees and using trade secrets to produce a "copycat." Twitter has laid off 80% of its workforce, Musk claimed earlier this year. Fortune

Binance exits

Several top executives at Binance, including its general counsel and chief strategy officer, are leaving the company over CEO Changpeng Zhao’s handling of regulatory investigations. Zhao has disputed the reported reasons for the exits on Twitter. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued the crypto exchange last month, accusing it of mishandling user funds and evading U.S. law. Fortune

Tesla’s ‘socialist values’

Tesla and its Chinese EV competitors are calling a truce in a fierce price war and agreeing to uphold “core socialist values.” Automakers have slashed prices in China in a bid to capture market share, with Tesla and BYD—the Chinese EV giant backed by Warren Buffett—being the main beneficiaries. Beijing has taken a dim view of these hardball tactics, with one official calling them “reckless.” Financial Times

AROUND THE WATERCOOLER

Commentary: Millennial and Gen Z employees are rejecting assignments, turning down offers, and seeking purpose. Here’s what they expect of their employers, according to Deloitte’s latest survey by Elizabeth Faber

Gen Z and millennials on a budget say they’re dumping their wealthier friends because they’re afraid of lifestyle creep by Jane Thier 

ChatGPT suddenly ‘isn’t booming anymore,’ Google A.I. researcher says—and kids are the big problem by Stephen Pastis 

Mark Zuckerberg says Elon Musk has blown his chance to make Twitter the conversation app as he gloats over Threads’ 10 million user start by Orianna Rosa Royle

How to nominate an executive for the 2023 Fortune Most Powerful Women list by Emma Hinchliffe and Claire Zillman

Remote work has increased steadily since the 1960s—and it will likely climb upward for decades, Stanford research finds by Amber Burton 

This edition of CEO Daily was curated by Nicholas Gordon.