ASPEN — CEOs Dan Smoot of Vantor, Ron Vachris of Costco, Chris Womack of Southern Company, and Ignacio Madridejos of Ferrovial participated in discussions at the Aspen Ideas Festival in June 2026. These leaders addressed topics including workforce challenges, artificial intelligence integration, and public-private sector collaboration, according to a report by Diane Brady.

Dan Smoot, CEO of the space-based intelligence firm Vantor, commented on the value of moderation in achieving objectives. "It used to be that being a moderate was the most valuable thing we could do, because that was how we got things done," Smoot said. He also stated that most individuals hold moderate views, noting, "Most people are right down the middle."

Smoot emphasized the importance of cooperation between industries and governmental bodies. "Industry needs to be working with the government, because we’re moving so fast that we might be leaving them behind," he said. Ron Vachris, the CEO of Costco, discussed the creation of equal opportunities for employees within his organization.

Chris Womack, CEO of Southern Company, focused his remarks on the role of clean energy. He discussed clean energy as a key component for developing an affordable, sustainable, and resilient power grid, essential for fostering innovation. Ignacio Madridejos, who serves as the CEO of Ferrovial, addressed concerns regarding the future workforce. He stated, "There are not enough students joining our sector." Ferrovial generates the majority of its $10.9 billion annual revenue from projects located in the United States, which include the construction of Texas toll roads and Terminal 1 at JFK International Airport.