CEO Perspectives - SoundSage

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Science and technology will bring more change to health care over the next decade than we saw in the past century, says Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO, Johnson & Johnson, and a 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award honoree. What drives his confidence, and how is the company creating this future?

Join David K. Young and Duato to discover what he has learned in 36 years at J&J, how the company innovates in science and technology, and how the company supports employees and communities.

This Leadership in Challenging Times discussion is featured as a C-Suite Perspectives podcast and a special CED Policy Watch Webcast. Leadership in Challenging Times features timely and insightful discussions with the outstanding CEOs who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. Business leader honorees discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

(04:08) Leadership Philosophy and Company Culture (06:48) Secrets to Johnson & Johnson's Longevity (09:11) Transforming Health Care with Science and Technology (12:09) Investment Strategies in Health Care Innovation (15:53) Advancing Technology and AI at Johnson & Johnson (18:38) Addressing the Global Health Care Workforce Shortfall (19:41) Ensuring Access to Health Care for Underserved Communities

For more from The Conference Board:

CED Announces Recipients of Its 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards
CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration

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If you work in sustainability or ESG, you’re already grappling with a rapidly evolving regulatory and policy landscape, all while proving the ROI of your sustainability strategy. What other crucial issues should sustainability executives prioritize for the remainder of 2025?

Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, PhD, principal researcher at The Conference Board Governance & Sustainability Center, to find out how AI is affecting sustainability work, the importance of supply chain sustainability and water stewardship, and why policy changes shouldn't affect your underlying goals.

At the midway point of 2025, The Conference Board is profiling the top 10 priorities for crucial job functions and business units. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, we look at the top priorities for sustainability executives.

(00:49) Priority Number 10: AI in Sustainability (02:27) Priority Number 9: Communicating and Storytelling (05:09) Priority Number 8: Integrating Sustainability into Business Operations (07:52) Priority Number 7: Biodiversity and Natural Capital (10:47) Priority Number 6: Water Stewardship and Scarcity (13:58) Priority Number Five: Supply Chain Transparency and Sustainability (16:47) Priority Number 4: Climate Strategy (18:44) Priority Number 3: Demonstrating ROI in Sustainability (20:25) Priority Number 2: Sustainability Reporting Regulations (22:28) 20:39 Priority Number 1: Navigating ESG Policy Changes

For more from The Conference Board:

Top 10 Sustainability Priorities for 2025
New Approaches to Telling Your Sustainability Story
Corporate Climate Disclosures and Practices: Risk, Emissions, and Targets
The EPA’s Deregulatory Agenda: Implications for Corporate Sustainability

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Cybersecurity has become top of mind for Fortune 500 companies, and yet attacks, breaches, and other incidents keep happening. Can companies really prevent cyber risks, and what approach should they be taking?

Join David Young and guest Jay Chaudhry, CEO, chairman, and founder of Zscaler, to find out the three lessons his parents taught him, why Zscaler has a customer obsession, and why zero trust architecture is critical for today's cyber approach.

For more from The Conference Board:

CED Announces Recipients of Its 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards
CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration
CED Report on Securing Cyberspace

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Tariffs and stock market movements remained top of mind for consumers in May. The Expectations Index—based on consumers’ short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—showed modest improvement overall. Expectations for business conditions and the labor market inched up but stayed in pessimistic territory. The key bright spot was income expectations, which moved into positive territory, supported by a stronger stock market and early signs of progress on a trade deal with China.

Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, sits down with Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators, and Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist, to discuss the outlook for the US GDP, whether consumers are worried about a recession, and how the Fed might handle the current uncertainty.

00:38 Consumer Confidence in May 

01:34 Impact of Tariffs and Financial Markets 

04:08 Consumer Expectations and Spending 

08:21 Inflation and Financial Concerns 

13:03 Changes in US and Global Economic Forecasts 

21:10 Factors Influencing Future Economic Outlook 

22:46 Conclusion and Farewell 

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Get insights on the President’s polling 100 days in and how Americans view crucial domestic issues.

The Administration’s approval rating has declined from 51% to 45% since Inauguration Day, but that's relatively in line with historical precedent. What does the President’s polling tell us about the American public today—and how they might vote in the 2026 midterms?

Join Steve Odland and guest Clifford Young, president of polling and societal trends at Ipsos, to explore the President’s polling versus his first term, the nuances of polling on immigration and taxes, and why domestic issues matter more to Americans than foreign affairs.

(00:55) Themes in Recent Polls: Trepidation and the President (02:22) The Administration’s Approval Ratings and Public Perception (07:15) Consumer Confidence and Economic Behavior (13:46) Geopolitical Issues and Immigration

For more from The Conference Board:

The Next One Hundred Days—and Beyond: What Lies Ahead
Navigating Washington: Insights for Business
Unpacking 2024’s Election Polling with Ipsos’ Clifford Young

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Can President Trump get Ukraine and Russia to agree on a peace deal? If so, what happens next?

The US administration is pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but progress has been slow, and success remains uncertain. How likely is a long-term cessation of hostilities, and how could that affect Russia’s military ambitions in Europe?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, senior fellow for national security and managing director of CEO programs at the Council on Foreign Relations, to find out the major issues prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war, the potential Russian threat to Finland and the Baltics, and the details of the recent US-Ukraine deal on critical minerals.

(01:36) Occupied Regions and Military Tactics (03:05) International Efforts and Ceasefire Attempts (04:48) US and European Support Dynamics (07:06) Russia's Strategic Moves in Europe (10:06) Challenges in Peace Negotiations (11:22) Security Guarantees and Territorial Issues (23:52) Economic Agreements and Broader Implications

For more from The Conference Board:

Analyzing the US-Ukraine Minerals Deal
Three Years of War in Ukraine – and an Extraordinary Week
The Next One Hundred Days – and Beyond: What Lies Ahead

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As the Trump presidency enters its second 100 days, what should we expect next?

The Trump administration has had arguably the busiest first 100 days since President Franklin Roosevelt’s first term. How will the White House handle the challenges of the next hundred days, including tax legislation, the next phase of DOGE, and pivotal court cases regarding the executive branch’s autonomy?

Join Steve Odland and guest David K. Young, president of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), on what the coming months hold for the Trump presidency.

Key topics include:

Priorities for upcoming tax reform
The next phase of economic policies and initiatives (including DOGE)
Critical court cases shaping presidential authority and executive branch autonomy

(01:31) Key Policy Areas: Tax and Debt Ceiling (02:38) Understanding Reconciliation and Debt Ceiling Implications (05:05) Tariffs and International Trade Relations (06:38) Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Negotiations (16:42) The Role of the Federal Reserve and Executive Tensions (20:08) Geopolitical Concerns: South China Sea, Taiwan, and More (25:04) Congressional Actions and Budget Considerations For more from The Conference Board:

The Next One Hundred Days—and Beyond: What Lies Ahead
Navigating Washington: Insights for Business
Reforming the Broken Federal Budget Process

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As HR becomes more strategic, CHROs are building their presence inside the boardroom.

The latest research from The Conference Board shows that chief human resource officers (CHROs) are engaging much more with corporate boards in recent years. How can CHROs continue being a strategic partner while helping companies navigate the future of work?

Join Steve Odland and guests Rita Meyerson, EdD, principal researcher in The Conference Board’s Human Capital Center, and Andrew Jones, PhD, principal researcher in The Conference Board’s Governance & Sustainability Center. They discuss what the CEO-CHRO partnership should look like, how CHROs can improve cross-functional collaboration, and how CHROs are engaging more with boards these days.

For more from The Conference Board:

The Evolving Role of the CHRO in the Boardroom
Seizing the Future as CHROs: A Guide to the 2025 C-Suite Outlook
Productivity Through People: New Opportunities for CHROs

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Consumer confidence plunges to a 13-year low — is a recession next?

Consumer confidence declined for a fifth consecutive month in April, to levels not seen since May 2020. With Americans’ spending comprising 70% of economic growth, what could their growing concerns mean for the US this year?

Three specific expectation components – business conditions, employment prospects and future income – all dropped sharply, reflecting deep pessimism about the future. Crucially, the number of consumers expecting fewer jobs in the next six months was nearly as high as in April 2009, the middle of the “Great Recession.” Americans' concerns about the wider economy are bleeding into worries about their own personal situations.

Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, sits down with Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, and Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist to unpack how this could shape US and global economic growth this year.

For more from The Conference Board:

US Consumer Confidence Plunged Again in April
Economy Watch Webcast on May 14
Labor Markets Watch on May 21

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Change is constant, and that’s why your business needsa structured change management strategy.

Your business is constantly changing, even if you don’t use the term “change management” to describe it. What does successful change management look like, and how can business leaders do this successfully in a time of uncertainty?

Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, Center Leader of The Conference Board'US Human Capital Center, to learn about change management’s history, how to win employee buy-in, and how HR leaders can help organizations adapt.

(00:00) Introduction to C-Suite Perspectives (00:16) Meet Diana Scott: Change Management Expert (00:51) Understanding Change Management (01:59) The Human Reaction to Change (03:05) Proactive vs. Reactive Change Management (04:14) The Evolution of Change Management (07:13) Implementing Change: Key Steps (13:52) The Importance of Transparency and Communication For more from The Conference Board:

CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change
Upcoming Webcast: Change is Changing: How Organizations Can Master Change Management
On Demand: How to Beat the Odds and Succeed When 70% of Organizational Transformations Fail

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e.l.f. Beauty —a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards— is the only cosmetics brand to have grownits market share for 24 consecutive quarters, all while being a leader in innovation, diversity, and Fair Trade certification.What lessons can other businesses learn from e.l.f.’sembrace of diversity, sustainability, and affordable products?

Join Steve Odlandand guest Tarang Amin, chairman and CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, to find out how e.l.f.aligns its purpose with customer values, how the companyformulatesproducts that are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, and why e.l.f. wants to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip, and face.

The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards, taking place on April 23, celebrates organizations that have moved beyond public commitments to fully integrate responsible business practices into their core strategies, driving measurable, positive impacts on their organizations, stakeholders, and society.

(00:35) Elf Beauty's Mission and History (01:58) Building Brands and High-Performance Teams (02:50) Purpose-Driven Strategy and Values (04:51) Sustainability and Social Impact (12:19) Innovation and Technology in Sustainability (13:58) Global Expansion and Market Strategy (18:19) Supply Chain and Responsible Sourcing (23:25) Continuous Improvement and Future Goals

For more from The Conference Board:

2025 Corporate Responsibility Summit
2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner
Regulatory Shifts in ESG: What Comes Next for US Companies?

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China is determined to reincorporate Taiwan—raising the stakes for countries and for businesses.

By 2027, China could be militarily capable of taking over Taiwan, backed by the world’s largest navy and a growing air force. What’s next for China-Taiwan relations, and how does their relationship affect Western businesses?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, senior fellow for national security and managing director of CEO programs at the Council on Foreign Relations, to find out how Taiwan got here, why China could seek to blockade or quarantine Taiwan, and what options are available to the US to deter or counter such threats.

(01:01) China's Military Buildup (03:41) Historical Context of China-Taiwan Relations (04:43) Post-WWII and Civil War Dynamics (07:38) US-China-Taiwan Relations and Policies (09:54) Europe's Stance on Taiwan (12:00) China's Intentions and Taiwan's Response (15:05) Potential Conflict Scenarios (24:02) Business Implications and Conclusion

For more from The Conference Board:

The US-China Trade War Escalates
China, Taiwan, Japan, and the New Administration
The Future of the CHIPS and Science Act

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Food, people, and planet—these are the three north stars that help Yum! Brands —a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards—focus its sustainability efforts across water use, energy, packaging, and more. What lessons can other businesses learn from the sustainability success of this multinational company?

Join Steve Odland and guest Jon Hixson, chief sustainability officer at Yum! Brands, to find out why your sustainability strategy requires north stars,how the company wins buy-in from franchisees, and what advice he gives to up-and-coming sustainability leaders.

(01:54) Defining Sustainability in the Food Industry

(05:06) Key Trends in Corporate Sustainability

(06:46) Yum! Brands' Strategy: People, Food, and Planet

(10:49) Global Operations and Supply Chain Challenges

(18:50) Leveraging Technology for Sustainability

(21:49) Franchisee Engagement and Regulatory Challenges

(25:35) Future Priorities and Advice for Sustainability Leaders

For more from The Conference Board:

2025 Corporate Responsibility Summit
2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner
Organizing for Success in Corporate Sustainability 2.0

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Dive deep into the world of trade balances, the role of the US, and the power of the dollar.

The US regularly runs trade deficits with its biggest trade partners, while other blocs such as the EU have trade surpluses. Is this bad for the US, and if so, what can be done about it?

Join Steve Odland and guest Maria Demertzis, The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center Leader for Europe, to explore trade balances, why the US dollar underpins global trade, and why the WTO rule book doesn’t work well with China.

(00:21) Understanding Trade Deficits

(01:09) Measuring Trade Balances

(02:18) Country vs. Trading Block Deficits

(05:00) The Impact of Trade Deficits

(07:13) The Unique Position of the US Dollar

(10:04) Global Trade and Currency Dynamics

(18:52) Economic Policies and Trade Surpluses

(21:59) China's Role in Global Trade

For more from The Conference Board:

Reciprocal Tariffs Will Weaken US and Global Economies
The Conference Board's Tariff Tracker
Trade Wars 101: What Businesses Need to Know

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Learn how Prudential Financial continues to serve all stakeholders through clarity of purpose.

Prudential Financial has served its local community of Newark, New Jersey, for 150 years, and that's one reason it is a recipient of The Conference Board 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards. How does the company choose when and where to invest, and how does it scale those efforts globally?

Join Steve Odland and guest Lata Reddy, senior vice president, inclusive solutions, at Prudential Financial and chair of the Prudential Foundation, to find out about Prudential’s commitment to Newark, why partnerships are essential, and why the company chose "inclusive solutions” as the best title to describe their corporate responsibility mission.

(01:25) Prudential's Legacy in Newark (02:36) Newark's Evolution and Prudential's Role (06:38) Global Impact and Local Prioritization (10:51) Employee Engagement and Volunteerism (16:29) Inclusive Solutions and Corporate Strategy (20:49) Looking Ahead: Future Strategies For more from The Conference Board:

2025 Corporate Responsibility Summit
2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner
Infusing Community Needs into Products and Services: Lessons from Prudential

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Learn how companies can evolve their philanthropy in a divided political climate while staying true to their values.

Most companies in 2025 are focusing their social efforts on economic opportunity and education, according to The Conference Board C-Suite Outlook 2025. How is corporate philanthropy changing, especially with the rise of AI and the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives?

Join Steve Odland and guest Jeff Hoffman, Acting ESG Center Leader at The Conference Board, to find out how companies can avoid scattershot giving, whether they should give directly or through an intermediary, and how to show the ROI on corporate giving.

(00:36) Understanding Corporate Philanthropy and CSR (02:30) Aligning Community Strategy with Business Strategy (04:58) Best Practices for Corporate Foundations (06:29) Trends in Corporate Philanthropy for 2025 (07:33) Impact of DEI and Political Environment on Philanthropy (09:21) Geographic Shifts and Employee Volunteerism (15:11) Leveraging AI for Smarter Giving (18:34) Direct Giving vs. Intermediaries (22:49) Adapting to the Changing Political Landscape (24:10) Measuring Impact and ROI in Corporate Philanthropy For more from The Conference Board:

2025 Outlook for Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy
2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner

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EV sales in the US continue to grow. Learn what needs to happen to spur further adoption.

Roughly 20% of US passenger vehicles sold in 2024 were battery electric or hybrid vehicles. What’s next for the EV industry, especially in the face of a changing regulatory environment and tariffson key materials such as lithium?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Alex Heil, senior economist in the US Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to explore the future of EV growth in the US, whether EVs are price competitive with fossil fuel vehicles, and what’s happening in countries such as Norway, China, and India.

(00:29) Understanding Electric Vehicles

(02:15) Trends in EV Adoption

(03:47) Challenges of Range and Cost

(06:27) Impact on the Electrical Grid

(09:10) Charging Infrastructure Developments

(14:06) Commercial and Freight EVs

(17:33) Global EV Market Insights

For more from The Conference Board:

Charging Ahead: Taking Stock of the Electric Vehicle Market in the US
Global EV Insights
Charging Ahead: Is India's EV Adoption Plan a Model for the Developing World?

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Amid potentially massive job cuts by the federal government, how should leaders manage this disruption?

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks to cut hundreds of thousands of federal jobs while shrinking or eliminating many agencies. How can leaders guide the federal workforce through such disruptions, both for those affected and those who remain?

Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, Center Leader of the US Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to find out how DOGE is shrinking the federal workforce, what change management looks like, and why emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for leaders right now.

(00:50) Objectives and Actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (02:16) Impact on Federal Workforce and Schedule F Reclassification (03:38) Challenges and Risks of Workforce Reduction (05:15) Advising Leaders on Managing Change (08:27) Importance of Communication and Transparency (17:51) Emotional Intelligence and Support During Change (22:07) Opportunities for the Private Sector For more from The Conference Board:

Progress Under Pressure: Preparing Federal Employees for Turbulent Times
Federal Worker Separations Will Impact Talent Markets: Take Advantage
Current Efforts to Redefine Control of the Administrative State

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Find out the latest trends in shareholder proposals—and whether they’ll succeed.

Shareholder proposals are at an all-time high, but support for most of these proposals has greatly declined. What’s on deck for this year’s proxy season, and how should corporations prepare to engage with shareholders?

Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, principal researcher at The Conference Board ESG Center, to find out why proxy filings have risen, what’s trending in proposals related to DEI and ESG, and why shareholders are starting to scrutinize companies’ charitable donations.

(02:17) Trends in Shareholder Proposals (03:08) Impact of SEC Rule Changes (04:38) Focus on Environmental and Social Issues (10:18) Mechanics of Shareholder Proposals (12:15) Corporate Governance Trends (14:57) Environmental Proposals and Investor Sentiment (18:58) Social Proposals and DEI (23:50) Emerging Issues: AI and Corporate Governance For more from The Conference Board:

2025 Proxy Season Preview
The 2025 Proxy Season: Striking a Balance
Shareholder Activism: Expectations for 2025

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In March, consumer confidence saw its fourth month-on-month decline, with people’s assessment of current business and labor market conditions, plus their short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, all dropping.

Crucially, consumers’ optimism about future income, which had held up strongly in recent months, largely vanished, which suggests that worries about the wider economy and labor market have started to spread to people’s assessments of their personal situations.

Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior Economist,and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, both of The Conference Board, unpack what’s behind declining consumer sentiment, including survey respondents' write-in responses, and how it could shape consumer spending and US economic growth this year.

(01:49) Detailed Breakdown of Consumer Expectations (03:24) Impact of Market Volatility (05:44) Inflation Expectations and Consumer Sentiment (06:56) Tariffs and Their Influence on Consumer Views (08:25) Positive Highlights from the Survey (14:27) Federal Reserve's Potential Actions (17:53) Key Indicators to Watch Moving Forward

For more from The Conference Board:

US Consumer Confidence Tumbled Again in March
Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report
How Badly Will Uncertainty Affect US GDP Growth in 2025?

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Are we on the verge of a trade war? And if so, how would we get out of it?

The aggressive US stance on tariffs is already affecting trade relationships with China, Canada, and Mexico, and that’s before the April 2 announcements of additional tariffs. How do economists define a trade war, and how might one affect not only the US but also the global economy?

Join Steve Odland and guests David Young, president of the Committee for Economic Development, the Public Policy Center of The Conference Board, and Erin McLaughlin, senior economist at The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center. They discuss the numerous ways countries wield trade wars, why trade wars create uncertainty for businesses, and why the administration's April 2 announcement on reciprocal tariffs will be pivotal.

(00:43) Defining Trade Wars (03:43) Mechanisms and Effects of Trade Wars (04:37)Role of WTO and Historical Context (05:49)US Tariff Policies and Global Reactions (07:49) Economic Impacts of Tariffs (09:18) USMCA and North American Trade Relations (15:20) China's Strategy and Global Trade Dynamics (17:55) Tariffs as a Tax and Economic Implications (25:32) Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more from The Conference Board:

Tariff Tracker
The EU's Retaliatory Tariffs Will Hit Beef, Bourbon and More
Survey: As 2025 Begins, CEOs Are Most Worried About a Trade War and Recession

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Learn how recessions are defined and the current risk of the US economy entering one.

If your GDP growth slows to a mere 1%, history tells us to watch out—negative growth is on the way. How likely is the US to face a recession this year, and how can we tell if that’s happening?

Join Steve Odland and guest Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist at The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out the "official" definition of a recession, why inflation and growth patterns could diverge, and why uncertainty remains a key risk.

(01:21) Indicators of a Recession (02:46) Official vs. Unofficial Views on Recession (04:44) Current Economic Situation (06:02) Impact of Layoffs and Employment (15:36) Stagflation Concerns

For more from The Conference Board:

Global Forecast Update
Economic Forecast for the US Economy
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US Fell Further in February

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The US economy will growin 2025–26, but tariffs and other factors are dampening expectations.

The US economy is expected to grow by 2.0% this year and 1.7% in 2026, according to The Conference Board—both revised down from previous projections. What’s driving this pessimism about economic growth, and could stagflation become a serious risk?

Join Steve Odland and guest Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist at The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what's driving this economic uncertainty, how tariffs could affect GDP and inflation, and why The Conference Board expects the Federal Reserve to make three rate cuts in 2025.

(00:21) Overview of the U.S. Economic Forecast (01:10) Factors Influencing GDP Growth (02:42) Consumer Confidence and Spending (05:42) Labor Market Projections (10:12) Inflation and Stagflation Concerns (12:05) Federal Reserve's Rate Decisions (17:25) Impact of Tariffs on the Economy (20:46) Global Economic Outlook For more from The Conference Board:

Global Forecast Update
Tariff Tracker
What’s Behind Conflicting US CEO & Consumer Confidence Readings?

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Find out what corporate responsibility looks like as part of a company’s core strategy.

For Webster Bank —a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards—philanthropy, community investment, sustainability, and government affairs are all part of the corporate responsibility bailiwick. What does exemplary corporate responsibility look like, and how can companies do this work while furthering business goals and serving all stakeholders?

Join Steve Odland and guest Marissa Weidner, chief corporate responsibility officer at Webster Bank, to find out how Webster Bank practices corporate responsibility, why responsibility creates accountability, and what the bank’s Finance Lab is doing.

The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards, taking place on April 23, celebrates organizations that have gone beyond making public sustainability commitments to fully integrate sustainability into their business strategies, creating measurable, positive impacts on their organizations, stakeholders, society, and the environment.

(00:41) Marissa's Career Journey (02:10) Webster Bank's Corporate Responsibility Strategy (03:33) Community Investment Strategy (04:54) Integration of Corporate Responsibility and Business Strategy (06:31) Navigating ESG and Political Challenges (10:43) Environmental Initiatives at Webster Bank (12:49) Social Responsibility and Community Engagement (21:51) Future of Corporate Responsibility at Webster Bank For more from The Conference Board: * 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner

The Conference Board Honors Medtronic and Webster Bank With 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards
How Financial Services Companies are Using AI to Innovate

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What did the recent AI Summit reveal about the state of AI, including the energy problem?

The recent AI Summit in Paris raised key issues about AI regulation—and saw the US and UK refuse to sign on to the declaration.

Generative AI is becoming autonomous—not only performing assigned tasks but figuring out how best to achieve goals. How likely is a “Terminator” scenario, and how should the world address important issues such as energy use, regulation, and deepfakes?

Join Steve Odland and guest Ivan Pollard, Center Leader for Marketing & Communications at The Conference Board, to learn the difference between generative AI and autonomous AI, the potential dangers of unchecked AI, and why the US and UK refused to sign on to the recent Paris declaration.

(00:33) Defining AI and Large Language Models (01:57) Generative and Autonomous AI (04:37) AI Safety and Global Conferences (07:05) Regulation and Innovation Balance (08:37) Potential Dangers of AI (13:35) Machine Learning and Bioethics (18:26) AI in Intellectual Property (23:32) Sustainability and Energy Concerns (25:46) Future of AI and Conclusion For more from The Conference Board:

What the Paris AI Summit Means for US Innovation
As AI Comes into Play, Business Models Will Change
Policy Alert: Rescinding AI Safety Executive Order

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Tariffs on goods imported from the US’ largest three trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—will result in 0.6% rise in US inflation over four quarters, The Conference Board modeling shows. Consumers will definitely feel the bite in the short term, but will the administration’s long-term strategy pay off?

Join Steve Odland and guest Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, to find out why reshoring is more complicated than it sounds, when “made in the USA” may not be, and how some negotiating tools may really just be…negotiating tools.

(00:59) Understanding Tariffs: Basics and Definitions (02:08) The Impact of Tariffs on the U.S. Economy (03:05) Tariffs as a Negotiation Tool (03:56) Global Trade and Tariff Strategies (05:07) Inflation and Consumer Impact (09:31) Reshoring and Supply Chain Challenges (15:59) China vs. North America: Different Tariff Strategies (21:43) Business Strategies Amid Tariff Uncertainty

For more from The Conference Board:

Impact of Tariffs on Three Largest US Trading Partners
US Tariff Plan Would Cut GDP Growth, Swell Inflation
The State of the Economy for February 2025
Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Will Hike Costs

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In February, consumer confidence saw its third month-on-month decline, sliding 7 points to 98.3, the steepest decline since August 2021. Additionally, consumers’ short-term outlook for the economy fell below 80, which usually signals a recession ahead, for the first time since June 2024.

Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist, and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, both at The Conference Board, unpack what’s behind declining consumer sentiment, including survey respondents' write-in responses, and how it could shape economic growth this year.

(00:30) February U.S. Consumer Confidence Survey Insights (01:08) CEO Confidence vs. Consumer Confidence (02:15) Detailed Breakdown of Consumer Confidence Components (04:49) Consumer Inflation Expectations (06:43) Consumer Spending and Market Expectations (14:40) Global Economic Outlook (15:20) U.S. Economic Forecast for 2025 (18:20) Impact of Tariffs on the Economy

For more from The Conference Board:

US Consumer Confidence Retreated in January
Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report
Are You Optimistic About the Economy? Most CEOs Are

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Learn why CEOs are much more optimistic about the economy in the new year.

CEO confidence is up 9 points from Q4 2024, signaling a shift to confident optimism among CEOs.

The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ reached 60 in Q1 2025—marking the highest reading in three years. What’s driving these gains, and what does that mean for investment and capital spending?

Join Steve Odland and guest Stephanie Guichard, senior economist for global indicators at The Conference Board, to learn about the biggest perceived risks, what's next for hiring, and why we’re in an unusual period of high uncertainty and high CEO confidence.

(01:57) CEO Confidence and Economic Outlook (05:18) Labor Market Insights (08:41) Impact of Policy and Uncertainty (11:51) Capital Spending and Investment Plans (14:33) Risks and Challenges Ahead

For more from The Conference Board:

CEO Confidence Increased Sharply in Q1 2025
C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future
The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US Declined in January

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AT&T Chief Sustainability Officer Charlene Lake shares how the company adds value to society, communities, and the company all at once.

AT&T—a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards—wants to reduce its business customers’ emissions by 1 gigaton by 2035—the equivalent of 1.6 billion cross-country flights. How is AT&T making sure its corporate responsibility effortsbenefitthe company and societyin the short and long term?

Join Steve Odland and guest Charlene Lake, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility at AT&T, to find out how the company designs corporate responsibility programs, why replacing copper wiring reduces energy use, and how to measure the success of these efforts.

(00:51) Meet Charlene Lake: AT&T's Chief Sustainability Officer (02:07) Evolution of Corporate Responsibility (02:49) AT&T's Approach to Corporate Responsibility (03:15) Balancing Multiple Stakeholders (05:11) AT&T's Digital Divide and Environmental Goals (06:10) Integrating Corporate Responsibility into Business Strategy (17:25) Climate Resilience and Community Engagement (25:11) Leveraging AI and Technology for Sustainability

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The ceasefire in Gaza hangs in the balance as President Donald Trump’s proposal forces all sides to rethink the region’s future.

The conflict in Gaza has displaced 90% of the population, with President Donald Trump proposing to take over the region and resettle nearly 2 million Gazans elsewhere. What does Trump’s proposal mean for negotiations, and how can all sides broker a lasting peace between the Palestinians and Israelis?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, senior fellow for national security and managing director of CEO programs at the Council on Foreign Relations and a CED trustee, to find out the current state of the pause in fighting, how the world reacted to Trump’s proposal, and what obstacles remain to a permanent ceasefire.

(00:41) Overview of Gaza's History (02:32) Hamas' Rise to Power (03:16) Current Governance and Control (06:20) The October 7th Attack (07:47) The Aftermath and Ceasefire (11:15) US Proposal for Gaza (13:55) Reactions to the Proposal (19:12) Challenges and Alternatives (28:47) Conclusion and Final Thoughts For more from The Conference Board:

2025 Outlook for Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy
Corporate Citizenship Responses to the Israel–Hamas Conflict: One Year Later
The (Unfortunate) Need for a Corporate Playbook to Respond to War

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Our C-Suite Outlook 2025 survey reveals the year’s priorities for each letter of ESG.

CEOs around the world rank sustainability and climate events as their top two ESG priorities for 2025, and more than 80% of S&P 500 companies say climate change is a risk factor. How can companies manage ESG-related risks while meeting the evolving expectations of stakeholders?

Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, PhD, a senior researcher at The Conference Board ESG Center, to find out why climate events are a key risk factor, the challenges of meeting disparate reporting regulations, and why US CEOs are especially worried about water.

For more from The Conference Board:

C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future
CEOs Recognize Economic Opportunity and Education as Essential Social Priorities
Climate Resilience Gaining Momentum as an Environmental Priority

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Explore our C-Suite Outlook 2025 report with key insights from David Young of the Committee for Economic Development (CED).

The US debt stands at more than $36 trillion, and it’s no surprise that US CEOs cite the US national debt and deficits as the biggest risk totheir business and business strategy in 2025. What other risks are the C-Suite monitoring, and how can they work with governments to mitigate them?

Join Steve Odland and guest David K. Young, president of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, to find out how the priorities of US CEOs differ from their global counterparts, what to expect with tariffs and immigration, and why energy and security are essential for US leadership on AI.

(01:04) Fiscal Health Concerns of CEOs (01:44) Regulation and Corporate Tax Rates (05:38) Protectionism and Trade Issues (09:25) Executive Orders and Immigration (13:52) Geopolitical Risks and Global Concerns (15:52) Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation (19:34) Energy, Climate, and Sustainability (24:39) Social Priorities and Final Thoughts

For more from The Conference Board:

C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future
Committee for Economic Development (CED)
America in Perspective: Policy Priorities for 2025

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Consumer confidence is down for the second month in a row, with assessments of the present situation, current labor market conditions and business conditions all having deteriorated. Pessimism over future employment prospects seen in December continued into January, according to the latestConsumer Confidence Index® from The Conference Board, but the overall index remained in the same narrow range it has since 2022.

Join Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist,and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, both at The Conference Board, for their full conversation abouthow consumer sentiment could weigh on US economic growth and the global economy in 2025.

(00:32) Consumer Confidence Index Overview (01:37) Detailed Analysis of January's Consumer Confidence (05:00) Inflation and Consumer Expectations (06:00) Positive Insights from the Survey (11:02) Consumer Spending and Buying Plans (16:08) Global Economic Outlook (16:36) US Economic Forecast (19:20) European Economic Conditions (20:03) Emerging Markets Focus: India and China (21:21) Risks and Final Thoughts

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US Consumer Confidence Retreated in January
Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report

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Learn what the C-Suite Outlook 2025 tells us about priorities for marketing and communications leaders.

Nearly all marketing and communications leaders (95%) are already using AI, but there remain concerns about AI output quality and a lack of internal expertise. How can CMOs and CCOs continue to embrace AI in 2025, and what are the top priorities for these functional leaders?

Join Denise Dahlhoff, PhD, and guest Ivan Pollard, Center Leader for Marketing & Communications at The Conference Board, to learn about CMO/CCO investment priorities for 2025, the role of AI in change management, and the continued importance of sustainability.

(01:45) Global Perspectives on AI (02:25) AI Adoption and Usage Statistics (04:45) Marketing and Communication Investments (11:04) Internal Priorities and Change Management (14:11) External Pressure Factors (17:21) Skills for Future CMOs and CCOs (21:34) Sustainability and Regional Differences

For more from The Conference Board:

C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future
2025: A Year In Preview
Marketing & Communications Skills Needed to Win in 2025

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Join Ivan Pollard and guest Sean Murray, chief product officer at Barclays US Consumer Bank, to find out how companies can use generative AI, the benefits of adopting agile methodology and design thinking, and how companies across industries can approach product development.

(01:44) Evolution of Product Development (03:24) Emerging Trends in Financial Service (06:49) Impact of AI on Banking Product (16:59) Ensuring Compliance in Rapid Tech Change (19:58) Customer Centricity and Digital Experience (30:04) Future-Proofing and Adaptation

For more from The Conference Board:

AI and Investor Relations: Practical Insights and Real-World Applications
Leading Through the AI Transformation: Event Insights
OpenAI's Game-Changer: ChatGPT Pro Takes the AI Assistant to New Heights

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Dive into our annual C-Suite survey and discover how leaders plan to grow revenue, use AI, and more.

The two biggest geopolitical risks for C-Suite leaders in 2025 are intensified trade wars and foreign cyberattacks. How do these business leaders plan to grow revenue and embrace AI while safeguarding against these active threats?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana M. Peterson, chief economist and leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to learn about internal and external company risks, how the C-Suite think about AI implementation, and why business leaders remain worried about a recession.

(00:29) Overview of the C Suite Outlook Survey (01:36) Top Line Results and CEO Concerns (04:05) Geopolitical and Economic Challenges (08:29) Regional Differences in Economic Sentiment (16:57) Strategies for Growth and Innovation (23:06) Leadership and Talent Retention (25:01) AI Implementation and Challenges (29:15) Human Capital and Workforce Productivity

For more from The Conference Board:

C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future
2025: A Year In Preview
Global Economic Outlook 2025 to 2039: Opportunities, Caveats, and Uncertainties

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Did you know that 86% of junior and midlevel marketers already use AI at work each week? What are the top use cases for AI in marketing, and how should CMOs incorporate AI into strategy?

Join Steve Odland and guest Ivan Pollard, Marketing & Communications Center leader at The Conference Board, to find out how marketers are currently using AI tools, what “agentic AI” means, and how AI will impact each of the 4 P’s of marketing.

(00:40) AI in Marketing: A Historical Perspective (01:44) AI as a Tool, Not a Solution (03:08) Current AI Usage in Marketing (05:31) Generative AI in Creative Processes (09:24) Agentic AI: The Next Frontier (12:15) AI's Impact on the Four P's of Marketing (17:40) AI in Traditional and Social Media (26:01) Challenges and Future of AI in Marketing

For more from The Conference Board:

Leading Through the AI Transformation: Event Insights
AI for Marketing & Communications—the Update
Learning for the Future: Preparing Organizations and Workers for AI Disruption

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What is the biggest takeaway from the December Consumer Confidence Index® from The Conference Board? In short, the recent rebound in consumer confidence was not sustained in December, as consumers expressed discontent with inflation and future business conditions.

Join Mitchell Barnes and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, for their full conversation about how consumer sentiment could weigh on US economic growth and what’s ahead for the labor market.

For more from The Conference Board:

US Consumer Confidence Pulled Back in December
Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report

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For three years running, CEOs and CHROs have rated employee attraction and retention as a top internal priority. How can employers optimize their total rewards programs to attract top talent while meeting business goals?

Join Steve Odland and guest Rita Meyerson, EdD, principal researcher for human capital at The Conference Board, to discover the many elements of total rewards, why employee recognition can enhance engagement, and how leaders should think about total rewards strategy.

(00:45) Defining Total Rewards (01:35) Components of Total Rewards (02:07) Importance of Attraction and Retention (05:50) Role of Flexibility in Total Rewards (09:14) Recognition as a Key Reward (15:20) Integrating Culture with Total Rewards (20:00) Diversity and Changing Workforce Needs (25:47) Leadership's Role in Total Rewards

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The Paramount Value of Total Rewards: Forward Strategies for CEOs and CHROs
The Evolving Total Rewards Landscape: Tactics to Attract and Retain Talent
US Salary Increase Budgets 2024-2025

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The price of bitcoin recently hit $88,000, yet it remains a speculative currency with few present-day commercial uses. Why is bitcoin so compelling to certain investors, and what is its potential for everyday use?

Join Steve Odland and guest Hollis Hart, former president of international franchise management at Citi and a senior fellow at The Conference Board's ESF Center, to learn why there’s a finite amount of bitcoin available, the differences between bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and how governments have responded to this new technology.

(00:22) Introduction to Cryptocurrencies (02:15) Bitcoin's Mechanics and Decentralization (05:26) Bitcoin's Supply and Market Dynamics (07:13) Commercial Use and Speculation (15:48) Ethereum and Other Cryptocurrencies (20:30) Blockchain Technology and Its Potential (27:25) Regulatory Concerns and Conclusion

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President-elect Donald Trump is already breaking norms with his unusual transition process. What will be his domestic priorities in 2025, and how much can he get done without Congress?

Join Steve Odland and guest John Gardner, vice president of public policy at the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to find out what to expect for the federal budget, immigration enforcement, and tariff and tax policies.

(00:45) Transition Challenges for the New Administration (02:57) Key Domestic Policy Priorities (04:56) Tax Policy and Legislative Strategy (08:33) Tariffs and Trade Policy (10:13) Immigration and Border Control (13:08) Energy Policy and Environmental Regulations (16:11) Geopolitical Tensions: Russia and Ukraine (18:28) Geopolitical Tensions: China and Taiwan (23:41) Judicial Appointments and Conclusion

For more from The Conference Board:

US Election, Transition, and Early Actions of the New Administration
2024 Election Implications for the US Labor Market
The Future of Greening and Industrial Policies Post Election

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Consumer optimism is up again in November, according to the latestConsumer Confidence Index® fromThe Conference Board.Amid growing optimism over the labor market and a stock market rally, the consumer confidence index increased to 111.7 this month from 109.6 in October.

Join Erin McLaughlin and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out what consumers are optimistic about, what concerns they have, and how they’re planning to spend in the next month.

(00:38) Key Takeaways from the Latest Survey (01:25) Demographic Insights and Economic Drivers (03:11) Consumer Expectations and Recession Fears (03:35) Inflation, Interest Rates, and Stock Market Outlook (08:13) Spending Trends on Goods and Services (11:00) Concerns and Hopes for 2025 (14:31) Global Economic Outlook for 2024 and 2025 (16:37) Policy Impacts and Business Advice

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US Consumer Confidence Improved Again in November
Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report

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No poll is perfect, but this year’s pollsters did better than average in predicting the presidential race, especially in swing states. What lessons can we learn, and why do pollsters need to tell the right story, not just get the right numbers?

Join Steve Odland and guest Clifford Young, President of Ipsos Public Affairs in the United States, to find out lessons learned from the 2024 cycle, the differences between public and private polling, and how pollsters find people to interview.

(00:40) Accuracy of Election Polls (02:06) Expectations vs. Reality in Polling (03:29) Methodological Bias in Polling (07:28) Senate and House Race Polling (10:18) Impact of Third-Party Candidates (14:02) Private vs. Public Polling (22:15) Polling Methodologies and Voter Rolls (26:13) International Polling Perspectives

For more from The Conference Board:

US Election, Transition, and Early Actions of the New Administration
Election Has No Effect on Fed Policy Now, But Possibly Later
Impact of Delayed Vote Counts on Election Day

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Can COP29 be a turning point in the fight to reduce emissions and cap warming?

The US has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 17% since 2004, and yet the US and world are falling short on limiting global temperature rise and establishing a net-zero economy. What kind of progress can we expect to emerge from this year’s UN climate conference, COP29?

Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board's ESF Center, to find out why COP29 was hosted by Azerbaijan, whether developed economics will fund the necessary climate actions, and the role of the power sector in decarbonizing.

(00:49) Understanding COP and Its History (04:11) Focus on Finance at COP 29 (07:35) Geopolitical Context of COP 29 (09:42) Absence of Key Leaders (11:21) Paris Accord and National Contributions (16:00) Carbon Credits and Financial Support

For more from The Conference Board:

The Future of Greening and Industrial Policies Post Election
Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy in a Time of Uncertainty
Window On: The Future of Methane

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The average CEO’s tenure is declining, especially at smaller companies. How can boards reassess their approach to CEO succession planning given the increasing complexities of the job and the rise in activist stakeholders?

Join Steve Odland and guest Blair Jones, Managing Director at Semler Brossy, to discover the latest insights on CEO succession, the progress being made on gender equity, and why boards should have an emergency succession plan before a crisis strikes.

(01:20) CEO Tenure Trends (05:11) Internal vs External Succession (07:55) Gender Diversity in CEO Roles (13:43) Emergency Succession Planning (19:45) Interim CEO and Board Roles (25:03) Activist Attacks on Female CEOs (28:40) Trends in CEO Compensation

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CEO Succession Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500: 2024 Edition
Reworking Succession Management Strategies for Today's Leaders
US Public Company CEOs Are Getting Younger

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DEI isn't dead, but senior executives are recognizing the need to reevaluate these programs.

Despite the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), 80% of senior executives say they’ll adjust their DEI strategies rather than scale them back. How can businesses create effective DEI programs that align with core values and follow the law?

Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, to find out how companies can rethink DEI, measure the success of these initiatives, and achieve better outcomes for all employees.

(00:52) Defining DEI and Its Objectives (02:00) Supreme Court Ruling and Its Impact (04:44) Adjusting DEI Tactics (11:23) Strategic Changes in DEI Programs (18:52) Data-Driven DEI Decisions (25:25) Future of DEI in a Diverse Society

For more from The Conference Board:

For Corporate DEI, Elections Sometimes Have Consequences
DEI Under Pressure
Beyond Backlash: The Continued Benefits of DEI at Work

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CEO pay isn’t just salary: There’s also bonuses, stock awards, stock options, and perks. What does the latest report on executive compensation from The Conference Board tell us about pay trends — and the boards that set compensation levels?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Etra, managing director and head of the Boston office at FW Cook, to dispel public misconceptions about CEO pay, discuss the latest trends and regulations, and explain why corporate jets are suddenly so popular.

(01:14) Understanding CEO Compensation (04:08) Market Dynamics and Executive Pay (06:22) Components of Executive Compensation (07:32) Evolution of Compensation Practices (14:12) The Role of Independent Directors (17:48) Trends in Non-Financial Metrics (19:04) Perks and Pay Ratios

For more from The Conference Board:

CEO and Executive Compensation Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500
Compensation Committee Chairs Feel the Pain from Low Say-on-Pay Votes
Executive Compensation: 2025 Event

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Chief marketing officers (CMOs) are the growth engine for businesses, yet 50% of CEOs and CMOs don’t agree on success metrics. How can CMOs align with CEOs on expectations, speak the same language as CFOs, and drive revenue growth?

Join Steve Odland and guest Denise Dahlhoff, PhD, Director of Marketing & Communications Research at The Conference Board, to discover where CEOs and CMOs differ on expectations, what metrics matter most, and how CMOs can communicate marketing's value to key stakeholders.

(00:57) Understanding the Roles of CEO and CMO (03:55) The Critical CEO-CMO Relationship (05:15) Challenges in CEO and CMO Tenure (08:02) Expectations and Gaps Between CEOs and CMOs (12:23) Aligning Marketing with Financial Goals (16:40) Risk Management in Marketing Strategies (18:36) The Multi-constituency Approach in Corporations (21:12) Fostering Collaboration Across the C Suite

For more from The Conference Board:

CEOs Expectations of the CMO
Reflecting on Cannes Lions 2024: Takeaways for CMOs
Corporate Communications: Driving the Business Forward (Event)

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Consumer confidence saw the strongest monthly gain since March 2021, according to the latest The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®. The index registered 108.7 in October, up from 99.2 in September, after consumers’ assessment of current business conditions and job availability, plus future business conditions, income and job availability all climbed this month.

Join Erik Lundh and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out where consumers stand on the labor market, spending and inflation ahead of next week’s US elections.

(00:32) October Consumer Confidence Insights (01:35) Demographic Breakdown of Confidence (02:19) Expectations for Employment and Recession (03:36) Inflation and Interest Rates (06:31) Impact of Elections and Hurricanes (08:34) Holiday Buying Plans (11:42) Consumer Confidence and Economic Outlook (16:34) Global Economic Overview (25:42) Emerging Markets and Interest Rates

For more from The Conference Board:

US Consumer Confidence Bounced Back in October
Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report

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We're in a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, with over 60% of senior executives calling the environment “very” or “extremely” challenging right now. How can businesses critically evaluate their DEI programs without necessarily abandoning these efforts?

Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, senior researcher at The Conference Board ESG Center, to explore The Conference Board's new report, the rise in DEI-related shareholder proposals, and how companies can recalibrate DEI in their workplace policies and marketing.

(00:49) Understanding DEI: Basics and Definitions (03:24) The Evolution of DEI in Corporate America (05:15) DEI Under Pressure: Challenges and Backlash (06:56) The Supreme Court Decision and Its Impact (09:16) Navigating the Pendulum Swing in DEI (10:31) Balancing Stakeholder Interests in DEI (16:16) Adapting DEI Strategies in a Changing World (23:40) Philanthropy and DEI: Legal Challenges (29:09) Terminology and Future of DEI

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A New Era of Scrutiny for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
2024 Proxy Season Review: Corporate Resilience in a Polarized Landscape

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Top CEOs remain wary about the economy despite a strong Q3. What's holding them back?

CEO confidence dipped in Q4, as measured by The Conference Board, with most CEOs saying conditions have worsened in the past six months. Why hasn’t recent economic data buoyed CEOs’ spirits, and what concerns them most as we head into 2025?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to find out what we can learn from the latest Measure of CEO Confidence™, how CEOs plan to address headcount and wages next year, and why cybersecurity and geopolitics remain the top two risks.

01:02 Current CEO Confidence Levels 02:44 Economic Forecasts and CEO Sentiments 04:04 Consumer Behavior and Housing Market Insights 06:46 Business Investment and Election Uncertainty 09:09 Labor Market Conditions and Skill Shortages 11:17 Labor Shortages and Wage Increases 12:24 Economic Adjustments Post-Pandemic 13:16 Consumer Spending and CEO Confidence 15:43 Remote Work Trends 18:45 Key Risks for CEOs For more from The Conference Board:

CEO Confidence Survey
The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy
US Consumer Confidence

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Russia and Ukraine. China and Taiwan. The Middle East. As the US approaches Election Day, international relations – and how each Presidential candidate would approach them – are more important than ever.

Join Steve Odland and Lori Esposito Murray, former president of the Committee for Economic Development and current senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, to find out where the presidential candidates stand on US engagement around the world, alliances and immigration.

For more from The Conference Board:

The Presidential Candidates on Trade
Where Candidates Stand on Debt, Deficits and Labor
Trade, Taxes and Tariffs – An Overview of Presidential Positions

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Consumption represents nearly 70% of US GDP, making trade policy integral to economic growth. But each US presidential candidate has expressed different trade policies that would affect American consumers in myriad ways.

(00:39) Understanding Trade Policy

(02:03) Evolution of Trade Agreements

(04:58) Comparing Presidential Candidates on Trade

(07:35) Tariffs and Their Implications

(15:58) The Weaponization of Trade

(16:23) China's Competitive Edge and Global Impact

(20:21) Political and Security Concerns

(24:31) Future Trade Policies and Implications

Join Steve Odland and guest Susan Schwab, former US trade representative and a strategic advisor on public policy and trade at Mayer Brown, for the third installment in our series reviewing the US presidential candidates’ positions on topics that relate directly to business.

For more from The Conference Board:

Election 2024: Trade, Taxes and Tariffs
Election 2024: Debt, Deficits and Labor

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The Presidential candidates have spoken about their policies, but what is the possible impact of those policies on the US’s fiscal health?

What is each candidate’s position on tax cuts, and how are they thinking about revenue-generating policies? How can the next President enact these policies with and without Congress? Should we be worried that neither candidate has mentioned the debt ceiling? And how could their immigration policies impact the labor market?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, as they discuss these questions and more in the signature nonpartisan approach of The Conference Board.

(00:35) Understanding Fiscal Policy (01:53) Personal Taxation and Candidate Positions (06:21) Corporate Tax Policies (09:05) Global Minimum Corporate Tax (10:57) Revenue Generating Policies and Deficit Concerns (17:14) Tariffs and Trade Policies (22:54) Immigration and Labor Market Impact (25:38) Industrial Policies and Economic Growth (33:03) Conclusion and Fiscal Responsibility

For more from The Conference Board:

Economic Forecast for the US Economy
Labor Markets Research
Economy, Strategy and Finance Center

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There are 28 days until the US presidential election, as of today. Do you know where the candidates stand on economic and geopolitical issues?

Join Steve Odland and guest David Young, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), as they hold a nonpartisan discussion on the presidential candidates’ positions on trade, taxes and tariffs.

(01:00) Tax Policies of the Presidential Candidates (04:33) Regulation and Deregulation: A Stark Contrast (06:48) Tariffs and Trade: A Complex Landscape (11:48) USMCA and International Agreements (13:14) NATO and Defense Spending (19:14) Immigration and the Southern Border (22:40) Geopolitical Hotspots: Russia, Ukraine, and China (29:45) Middle East Tensions and Closing Thoughts

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The US Presidential Candidates’ Positions on Trade
Letter to Presidential Candidates Regarding US Fiscal Health
The Presidential Candidates’ Fiscal Policies

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How has inflation changed consumer attitudes and behaviors—and how should marketers respond in this crucial moment?

The price of eggs increased 19.1% in July on an annual basis, which is precisely the type of inflation that shocks and worries consumers. What are the opportunities for marketers who can successfully address not only consumers’ behaviors but also their attitudes?

Join Steve Odland and guest Ivan Pollard, Center Leader, Marketing & Communications, at The Conference Board, to learn about the latest Consumer Confidence Index®, how marketers can entice unhappy consumers to switch, and why brands that market effectively during tough times will create loyal customers for years to come.

(00:45) Historical Context of Inflation (01:38) Current Inflation Trends and Consumer Impact (03:31) Consumer Behavior and Income Disparities (05:31) Debunking Price Gouging Myths (06:47) Marketing Strategies During Inflation (09:08) Creating and Communicating Value (18:05) Service Industry Challenges and Opportunities

For more from The Conference Board:

Consumer Confidence Index®
Quantifying Consumer Reactions to Inflation Is Critical to Success
Threading the Needle: Fed Offers Something for Everyone

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Consumer sentiment on jobs, income and overall business conditions dropped in September, the latest survey results from The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® show. Fewer hours, slower payroll increases and fewer job openings – even amid a relatively healthy labor market – are likely behind falling consumer optimism.

Join Alex Heil, Senior Economist, Energy, Infrastructure, and Environment at The Conference Board and Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out what impact lower US consumer sentiment could have on the wider economy.

(00:33) Understanding the Consumer Confidence Index (01:00) Labor Market Insights (04:12) Consumer Confidence by Age and Income (05:46) Present Situation vs. Expectations (09:03) Consumer Spending Trends (17:36) Global Economic Outlook (19:24) European Economic Challenges (24:19) Interest Rates and Central Bank Policies

For more on this topic from The Conference Board: 

Consumer Confidence Survey
Economic Forecast for the US Economy
Economy Watch: United States

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Accenture is investing billions of dollars in AI capabilities and employee training and development, with CEO Julie Sweet seeing those as pivotal challenges for every enterprise company. Why is Gen AI “the new digital,” and how can other companies prepare for these changes?

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Julie Sweet to find out how Accenture lives through its values and purpose, why Gen AI will touch every part of the enterprise, and how Accenture ensures every employee is “net better off” in terms of their skills.

(01:30) Leadership Values in Challenging Times (04:48) The Impact of Gen AI on Business (06:44) Responsible AI and Risk Management (08:45) Talent Development and Training (12:43) Public-Private Collaboration on AI (15:33) Sustainability and AI (18:19) Accenture's Commitment to Giving Back

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2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards
Learning for the Future: Preparing Organizations and Workers for AI Disruption
Future-Proofing the Workforce for the AI Era

This Leadership in Challenging Times discussion is featured as a C-Suite Perspectives podcast and a special CED Policy Watch Webcast. Leadership in Challenging Times features timely and insightful discussions with the outstanding CEOs who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. Business leader honorees discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

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The Conference Board annual Salary Increase Budget has dropped -- and so have interest rates. To what extent are companies planning to increase employee base pay next year, and how do those plans differ across industries?

Diana Scott and guest Rita Meyerson, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center, spoke yesterday about what this year’s survey data show, and how the Fed’s first interest rate cut in four years could affect budgets for salary increases in 2025.

(00:34) Overview of Salary Budget Planning (00:45) Details of the Annual Survey (03:59) Survey Results and Trends (08:00) Industry-Specific Insights (11:03) Economic Factors and Wage Impact (18:30) Equity and Recognition in Compensation (24:53) Pay Equity and Transparency (26:30) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more from The Conference Board:

Salary Increase Budgets 2024-25
Reimagined Workplace
Global Labor Market Outlook

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Mexico became the top importer to the US in 2023, surpassing China for the first time. Can Mexican President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum deliver on her goals of building 100 industrial parks and making the country more attractive to manufacturers?

Join Steve Odland and guest Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board ESF Center, to find out about Sheinbaum’s pro-worker approach to economic development, the opportunities and risks for US manufacturers, and how the CHIPS Act might benefit Mexico.

(00:21) Mexico's New Infrastructure Focus (00:54) Claudia Scheinbaum's Vision (01:27) Economic Implications of Reshoring (03:36) USMCA and Trade Benefits (04:42) Reshoring Trends and Challenges (08:59) Risks and Considerations for Companies (11:59) Smart Manufacturing and Technology (24:08) Industrial Parks and Future Growth

For more from The Conference Board:

Mexico Prioritizes Industrial Parks, Infrastructure to Attract Manufacturing
LEI for Mexico Dropped Sharply in June
Policy Backgrounder: Mexico’s Election

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Hamdi Ulukaya took Chobani to a billion dollars in sales "without raising a penny in capital.” How did he develop a thriving yogurt maker while emphasizing ethical business practices, protecting the environment, and creating a positive impact in the broader community?

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Chobani and founder of Tent Partnership for Refugees, to learn about Ulukaya’s journey from Turkey to upstate New York, how he lives his core values, and why improving society is a growth engine for business rather than a distraction.

(02:28) Hamdi's Early Life and Business Philosophy (05:54) Founding Chobani (08:25) Chobani's Growth and Success (09:39) Leadership and Business Values (17:20) Philanthropy and Social Impact (24:56) Refugee Employment and Tent Partnership (34:39) Closing Remarks and Future Vision

For more from The Conference Board:

2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards
Corporate Strategies to Enhance Economic Opportunity
Corporate Citizenship: A Safe Haven from Political Uncertainty

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Clearly defining what successful employee well-being looks like—and then measuring, rewarding, and communicating these behaviors—is essential for business growth. How can business leaders support employee well-being at work, and why does it matter?

Join Steve Odland and guest Rita Meyerson, a principal researcher in The Conference Board Human Capital Center, to find out how well-being affects our lives, why organizations must be deliberate in their well-being initiatives, and why the C-Suite needs to set the tone.

(00:54) Well-Being Beyond the Workplace (01:59) Impact of COVID on Well-Being (02:38) Leaders' Role in Employee Well-Being (04:19) Empathy and Leadership (08:08) Generational Differences in Well-Being (09:35) Building Trust and Relationships (15:35) Strategies for Enhancing Well-Being (31:50) Conclusion and Future Outlook

For more from The Conference Board:

Addressing the Employee Well-Being Crisis: A Leadership Opportunity
The Next Frontier for Employee Well-Being
The Reimagined Workplace 2024: Leading in the Transformed World of Work

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The latest survey results from The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® show consumers in the US have positive views about current and future business conditions, but their overall feelings about the economy remain mixed, and they are still worried about high prices, inflation and unemployment.

Join Erik Lundh, Senior Economist, Global at The Conference Board and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators at The Conference Board, to find out how US consumer sentiment could soften spending in the second half of 2024.

(00:30) U.S. Consumer Confidence Overview (01:33) Factors Influencing Consumer Confidence (02:33) Labor Market and Recession Risks (06:14) Inflation and Interest Rates (08:04) Consumer Financial Sentiments (12:20) Buying Plans and Durable Goods (16:45) Global Economic Forecast (33:00) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more on this topic from The Conference Board: 

Consumer Confidence Survey
Economic Forecast for the US Economy
Economy Watch: United States

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2024 Distinguished Leadership Award recipient Raj Subramaniam explains how FedEx thinks about sustainability, data, culture and much more.

FedEx aims to have carbon-neutral operations by 2040, and that will require careful management of 5,000 facilities and 200,000 motorized vehicles. How can FedEx do this while making millions of deliveries every day, continuing to innovate, and leveraging its data to improve supply chains globally?

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Raj Subramaniam, President & CEO of FedEx, to find out the three principles today’s leaders need, how FedEx leverages physical networks and proprietary data, and its plans for meeting ambitious sustainability goals.

(01:51) Leadership and Risk Management (03:58) Navigating the Pandemic (05:55) FedEx's World-Class Culture (08:49) Innovation at FedEx (13:50) Global Economic Insights: China and India (17:57) The Importance of Trade Policy (20:47) Sustainability Goals and Future Challenges

For more from The Conference Board:

2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards
Organizing for Success in Corporate Sustainability 2.0
Silos to Synergy: Building a Cohesive Sustainability Strategy

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With temperatures rising and countries trailing on net zero goals, how can the private and public sectors adapt?

Global temperatures are well on their way to rising 2.6 degrees Celsius by 2100, and we’re already seeing deleterious effects. How can humanity adapt to climate change—and what happens if we don’t? Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to discuss the most pressing risks, where we stand on 2050 emissions goals, and how the private and public sectors should help our world adapt.

(00:10) Understanding Climate Change (01:12) Current Climate Trends and Projections (03:48) Regional Impacts of Climate Change (07:40) Adaptation and Resilience (09:54) Global Efforts and Policies (13:54) Technological Solutions and Sequestration (20:42) Risk Assessment and Personal Actions (26:09) Role of Private and Public Sectors

For more from The Conference Board:

Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy in a Time of Uncertainty
Beyond Carbon: Why Methane Matters
Carbon Emissions Continue to Rise Despite Massive Clean Energy Investments

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The next five to 10 years could yield unprecedented, life-changing innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). Can industry and governments capitalize on this moment by finding the right balance of business innovation, AI regulation, and cybersecurity best practices?

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, to find out why consistent AI regulation is important, how Arora built an innovation culture at Palo Alto, and why cybersecurity is more important than ever.

(01:24) Nikesh's Leadership Journey (01:46) Key Pillars of Leadership (04:30) Navigating Uncertainty and AI (05:45) The Evolution of AI (12:59) Balancing Innovation and Regulation (15:28) Building an Innovative Culture (18:44) Future of Cybersecurity and Technology

For more from The Conference Board:

2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards
AI and Cybersecurity Rank Among Top 2024 Issues for CEOs
Principles for AI Guardrails in the US: Safety, Security, and Innovation

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The latest Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ in collaboration with The Business Council reveals cautious optimism among US CEOs, with only 30% expecting a recession in the next 12 to 18 months. What do CEOs expect in terms of hiring and wages, and what are the biggest risks they see in the marketplace?

(00:28) Overview of the CEO Confidence Survey (01:13) Current CEO Sentiment and Market Conditions (02:44) CEO Predictions on Recession (05:10) Labor Market and Wage Trends (07:18) Industry-Specific Insights (13:45) Impact of Interest Rates on Housing (15:59) Tech Sector Dynamics (18:07) Key Risks Identified by CEOs

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to find out why recession has faded as an immediate fear, whether CEOs plan to reduce headcount, and why they’re especially worried about cyber risks right now.

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With 40% of the US living in coastal areas, the risk of flooding from stronger storms and rising sea levels isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a looming crisis for businesses, insurers, and governments. How can businesses and governments assess the risks, update their strategies, and balance the needs of all stakeholders, including residents?

Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, PhD, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to explore the rising costs of more severe flooding, the challenges of urban planning and development in flood-prone areas, and how businesses can build resilience against these risks.

(00:08) Overview of Economic Impact of Flooding (00:41) Discussion on Recent Flooding Events (01:53) Global Warming and Weather Events (04:12) Development in Flood-Prone Areas (06:22) Economic Costs of Flooding (09:30) Insurance Industry Challenges (13:49) Business Adaptation Strategies (25:17) Public Policy and Flood Management

For more from The Conference Board:

Under Water: How Will Firms Respond to Ever More Severe and Frequent Flooding?
Extreme Heat Is Causing Business Disruptions and Higher Costs
Climate Lawsuits: A Rising Threat for Business

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Consumers are happy to be working, but they’re still concerned about elevated prices and interest rates. That’s according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® for July.

Join Markus Schomer, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what’s affecting US consumer attitudes and spending—and how it fits into the bigger picture of economic growth around the world. 

(00:36) Key Insights from the July Consumer Confidence Survey (00:55) Consumer Concerns: Inflation, Interest Rates, and Politics (01:46) Labor Market and Economic Expectations (03:57) Consumer Spending and Financial Sentiment (05:33) Recession Fears and Economic Indicators (10:49) Durable Goods and Service Spending Trends (17:17) Global Economic Outlook (26:20) Inflation and Central Bank Policies

For more on this topic from The Conference Board: 

Consumer Confidence Survey
Economic Forecast for the US Economy
Economy Watch: United States

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Most workers and leaders believe in the benefits of hybrid work, but they're struggling to measure these effects or find an approach that serves all employees. How can human capital leaders create a compelling vision for new hybrid policies?

Join Diana Scott and guest Matt Rosenbaum, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to find out about the shortcomings of existing metrics, why hybrid policies require a clear vision, and the benefits of training people on how to work in this new reality.

00:30 Maximizing the Value of Hybrid Work

01:57 Challenges in Measuring Productivity

03:43 Optimizing Hybrid Work Models

05:28 Importance of Clear Communication

09:48 Engaging Employees in Hybrid Work Decisions

27:55 Training Managers for Hybrid Work

31:05 Evaluating Hybrid Work Effectiveness

32:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more from The Conference Board:

Hybrid 2.0: Optimize Not Compromise
Are You Redesigning Your Workplace for the Hybrid World?
Job Satisfaction 2024: Is US Job Satisfaction at Risk?

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When it comes to ESG, most companies feel better about their progress on “E” — environmental — than on the “S” or the “G,” according to a new report by the ESG Center at The Conference Board. How can companies reset their ESG agendas and make meaningful progress in the face of economic, political, and other tailwinds?

Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, Senior Researcher, ESG Center, at The Conference Board to find out about the political and economic factors creating a backlash against ESG investing, the role of regulation in achieving ESG goals, and the business opportunities available in the “S” and “G” pillars of ESG.

(00:47) Understanding ESG: A Brief Overview (01:38) The Evolution of ESG and Stakeholder Capitalism (02:52) Challenges and Backlash in ESG (03:48) The Importance of Hitting the Reset Button (10:29) Deep Dive into Environmental (E) Changes (14:53) Social (S) Aspects and Corporate Citizenship (18:00) Governance (G) and Its Role in ESG (28:16) Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

For more from The Conference Board:

Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy in a Time of Uncertainty
Climate Lawsuits: A Rising Threat for Business
EU 2024 ESG Regulatory Outlook: Q2 Update

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The countries of the Global South comprise 88% of the world’s population but only 40% of GDP. How is this bloc’s growing economic and geopolitical influence manifesting, and what role does Russia play in all of this?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, former president and CEO of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, and a CED Trustee, to learn about the evolution of the Global South, how the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have empowered these countries, and what China and Russia’s closer ties mean.

(00:13) Understanding the Global South

(01:04) Geopolitical and Economic Definitions

(02:20) Countries in the Global South

(04:41) Origins of the Term 'Global South'

(10:09) Friction Points Between Global South and North

(13:29) Impact of COVID-19 and Ukraine on Global South

(22:00) The Role of BRICS

(24:27) Military Coordination and Exercises

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Many large economies across the globe are experiencing or will experience labor shortages over the next decade. How can countries address these gaps, and to what extent can artificial intelligence (AI) and immigration solve the workforce crisis?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader, Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out about the current state of global labor markets, the impact of an aging population, and potential solutions to labor shortages.

00:40 Welcome to C Suite Perspectives

01:11 Global Labor Market Outlook

02:12 Aging Population and Labor Shortages

05:23 Impact of Immigration on Labor Markets

08:30 AI and Automation in the Workforce

10:15 Regional Labor Market Differences

15:43 Solutions to Labor Shortages

18:21 Engaging the Domestic Workforce

29:49 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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Hybrid work works, according to The Conference Board Reimagined Workplace 2024 report, with 84% of human capital leaders reporting higher job satisfaction and 79% citing better worker attraction and retention. But can HR leaders continue to demonstrate the ROI of flexibility and employee well-being, or are we headed for a Great Resignation 2.0?

Join Diana Scott and guest Robin Erickson, Vice President, Human Capital, at The Conference Board, to find out about the tightening job market, trends in employee well-being and flexibility, and how human capital leaders are exploring AI.

(00:58) History and Methodology of the Reimagined Workplace Study (02:30) Demographics and Trends in the Workplace (03:45) Recruiting and Retaining Employees: Trends and Challenges (07:59) The Impact of Flexibility on Employee Retention (10:25) Current Rates and Benefits of Hybrid Work (13:49) Economic Impact of Remote Work on Cities (16:51) Employee Well-being: Current Trends and Strategies (20:12) AI in HR: Opportunities and Challenges (28:51) Future Predictions and Concluding Thoughts

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Consumer confidence has pulled back in June, according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®. The index dipped to 100.4, down from 101.3 in May, with consumers expressing mixed feelings on the labor market and short-term business outlook.

Join Markus Schomer, Senior Economist with The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out why consumer confidence continues to decline—and what that means for US and global economic growth. 

(00:31) June Consumer Confidence Survey Insights

(00:53) Factors Influencing Consumer Confidence

(02:04) Age and Income Differentiation in Confidence

(02:58) Present Situation and Expectations Indices

(06:09) Consumer Views on Recession and Inflation

(07:49) Interest Rates, Stock Market, and Finances

(10:16) Consumer Spending and Buying Plans

(13:50) Outlook for the U.S. Economy

(17:04) Global Economic Outlook

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The Measure of CEO Confidence™ for China suggests CEOs are cautiously optimistic about current and future conditions, even as hiring slows and demand remains below pre-COVID levels. How should CEOs respond to the new competitive reality of economic, regulatory, and geopolitical risk factors?

Join Steve Odland and guest Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Head of the China Center at The Conference Board, to find out how multinational corporations are managing the risk landscape, rethinking supply chains, and continuing to leverage innovation.

(00:09) Welcome to C Suite Perspectives (00:47) Introducing the CEO Confidence Index (01:40) Current CEO Sentiment in China (02:27) Challenges Facing Multinationals in China (06:46) Impact of Chinese Policies on Business (09:08) CEO Expectations on Sales, Investment, and Employment (10:19) Risks and Concerns for CEOs in China (11:40) Geopolitical Tensions and Business Strategy (27:47) Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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In the post-pandemic new world of work, how can leaders keep their employees engaged, motivated and, most of all, productive? Learn how skills development, management capabilities and organizational agility can influence strategies to drive productivity and success.

Join Steve Odland and Marion Devine, Principal Researcher, Human Capital, Europe, to uncover the six key initiatives to boost productivity across the board.

(00:35) 00:35 Understanding Productivity (02:22) 02:22 Current State of Productivity (03:05) 03:06 Key Drivers of Productivity (04:35) 04:35 The Importance of Skilling and Leadership (11:40) 11:42 Agility and Resilience in Organizations (13:12) 13:12 Diversity and Its Impact on Productivity (15:00) 15:00 Employee Well-being and Productivity (16:35) 16:34 AI's Role in Enhancing Productivity (21:02) 21:01 The CHRO's Role in Driving Productivity

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Find out why the 2024 elections present multiple challenges for businesses — and why the regulatory environment is potentially more onerous.

As the 2024 elections approach, research by The Conference Board reveals that companies face more challenging political and regulatory environments than they did four years ago. How can businesses manage these multilayered, interconnected challenges, including employees demanding that companies speak up on social and political issues?

Join Steve Odland and guest Merel Spierings, Senior Researcher in the ESG Center, to find out how companies can navigate a hyper-polarized environment, promote democracy, and prepare for possible regulatory shifts.

(01:09) Key Findings from the Research (01:38) Challenges of the 2024 U.S. Elections (02:56) Impact of Polarization on Workplace Dynamics (03:56) Strategies for Companies to Address Political Issues (07:30) Encouraging Civic Engagement (12:24) Navigating the Legal and Regulatory Environment (19:14) Scenario Planning for Regulatory Changes (22:14) Corporate Political Activities and Lobbying

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Generative AI could create trillions of dollars in impact across multiple waves of innovation and productivity gains. But how can we create the conditions for AI to thrive while helping businesses build systems of scale that are also inclusive?

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Robert Smith, founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, to find out how Smith expects generative AI to jump-start productivity, why businesses and communities need greater access to capital, and how he’s working to expand broadband access, especially for students.

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The latest Consumer Confidence Index® indicates that overall confidence has improved after three consecutive months of decline, but consumers’ feelings may be more mixed than positive.

Join Erik Lundh and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what’s affecting US consumer attitudes and spending—and how they fit into the bigger picture of economic growth around the world. 

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The Federal Reserve added trillions of dollars to its balance sheet in response to the 2007-09 financial crisis and the pandemic. Can the Fed successfully roll off assets without jeopardizing bank reserves or introducing new risks into the financial system?

Join guest host Dana Peterson and guest Kurt Reiman, Senior Economist, Finance, Risk & Strategy, at The Conference Board, to learn about the Federal Reserve’s evolving approach since the financial crisis, the challenges of qualitative tightening, and insights into the Fed’s policy levers.

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In this era of rapid change, every company is in the business of risk management—preparing for the most likely contingencies but ready to adjust to the unexpected. What are the five most important global risk themes business leaders should be monitoring?

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Templeton, to find out what guides Johnson’s leadership style, the big themes she sees in risk management, and how her company is building inclusion, diversity and sustainability into the business.

This episode of C-Suite Perspectives is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the outstanding CEOs who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. In this series, business leaders discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

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For the 13th straight year, U.S. workers reported higher overall job satisfaction, according to The Conference Board Job Satisfaction Survey, but paradoxically, all 26 subcomponents of the survey declined from a year ago. What’s causing this disconnect, and what are the risks for employers when it comes to job satisfaction and employee retention?

Join Steve Odland and guest Allan Schweyer, Principal Researcher at the Human Capital Center of The Conference Board, to find out why job flexibility, leadership quality, and focused onboarding are three essential elements of job satisfaction.

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Following two years of gloom, CEOs are cautiously optimistic: results from The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ mark the second consecutive quarter in which the Measure is above 50, reflecting more positive than negative responses.

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out the reasons behind this cautious optimism and the main challenges for businesses now.

Read the latest The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence.

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Although methane accounts for a much smaller share of total greenhouse gas emissions than carbon dioxide does, it’s about 80 times more potent as an atmospheric warming agent. How can companies benefit from taking steps to eliminate it?

Join Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, and guest Alexander Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to find out which three industries can profit most from reducing methane, why it’s sometimes strangely better to create more CO2, and how Norway has emerged from its coal-clouded past as a global model of emissions-reducing efficiency.

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For the third straight month, the Consumer Confidence Index® has fallen, but while consumers mention the ongoing headache of elevated food and energy prices, they’re not expecting a recession. Can the US meet its projected GDP growth for the year in an uncertain economic and geopolitical environment?

Join Senior Economist Erin McLaughlin and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out how reduced spending on big-ticket items, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and bird flu are affecting the global economy.

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Hybrid and remote work have changed our workplaces, our homes and our lives. How is the future of office space and culture being shaped post-COVID? And how is the metaverse involved?

Join Steve Odland and guests Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist in the Economy, Strategy and Finance Center at The Conference Board, and Robin Erickson, Vice President, Human Capital at The Conference Board, for a multi-faceted conversation on new trends in the hybrid work environment.

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People expect employers to invest in their well-being at work, but despite CHROs’ efforts to meet this demand, employee-reported levels of well-being have stagnated. How can CHROs move the needle on keeping their workers happy?

Join Diana Scott and guest Rita Meyerson, principal researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to learn how organizations are handling the employee well-being crisis.

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From recruiting to knowledge management, AI can transform HR processes across the employee lifecycle. So how are CHROs already using AI and making sure their initiatives are aligned with business strategies?

Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Leader, in the second instalment of our AI in HR series as they discuss real-world examples of how AI is revolutionizing the way HR recognizes and nurtures talent across organizations.

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Twenty-three percent of global CEOs report they’re already using AI to transform every facet of the employee experience from onboarding to succession planning. But HR can also apply its people expertise to optimize the partnership of AI and human beings throughout the organization.

Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader, to find out how HR can bolster company-wide AI transformation by addressing employee fears of displacement, preventing bias in AI models through diversity, and spurring creativity with better job design.

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Without Social Security, the largest single source of income among Americans aged 65 and older, millions of people would fall below the poverty line. But the program now pays out much more than it takes in—and seniors face a mandatory benefit cut in the next decade if nothing is done. What solutions will reform Social Security both for short-term stability and long-term solvency?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, Former President, Committee for Economic Development, to find out why this long-standing issue hasn’t been addressed sooner, why Congress may be more ready to tackle it now, and what solutions might just work.

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The Consumer Confidence Index® reached 104.7 in March, an indication that confidence is holding steady, but although perceptions of current economic conditions are brighter, anxiety about the future is rising.

Join Stephanie Guichard and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what’s affecting US consumer attitudes and spending—and how this fits into the bigger picture of slower economic growth around the world.

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China's economic growth for 2024 is projected to reach 4.6%—still high compared to developed nations but a decline from previous high-growth rates. How will this slowdown impact the global economic landscape and multinational companies (MNCs) operating there?

Join Steve Odland and Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Head of the China Center at The Conference Board, to explore what steps China may take to stimulate growth in its state-led economy and the strategies MNCs should consider in this environment.

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Average support for environmental proposals has declined from 35% in 2022 to 12% thus far in 2024—even as more proposals are going to a vote. Are investors bored with green issues—or is something else causing the decline?

Join Steve Odland and guest Merel Spierings, Senior Researcher, ESG Center to find out what environmental and social issues shareholders are focusing on this proxy season, how the Supreme Court's decision on race-based admissions is affecting companies’ diversity-related practices, and why board directors are receiving strong support.

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Consumers are spending more, buoyed by a tight labor market, pent-up demand in the wake of the pandemic, and access to easy credit. Can CEOs depend on these trends to continue under the pressures of inflation?

Join Steve Odland and guest Denise Dahlhoff, Director of Marketing & Communications Research, to find out how consumer behavior is changing as well as the strategies companies can use to communicate price increases and market sustainable products. 

For more on this topic from The Conference Board: 

· Read:  US Consumers Want More Specific Sustainability Terms and More Detail

· Read:  US Consumer Confidence Survey

· Read:  Sustainability Needs a Sustainable Price, Especially in Inflationary Times

· Read:  Consumer Trends: What to Expect in 2024

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Four billion people in over 70 countries are expected to vote in major democracies, including the US, the UK, India, Russia and Taiwan, in 2024. How could the outcomes reshape our world?

Join Steve Odland and guest Lori Esposito Murray, Former President of the Committee for Economic Development, to find out where pivotal elections are taking place and what’s at stake.

For more on this topic from The Conference Board:

· Read: The 2024 Election Year: Fasten Your Seatbelts

· Attend Building Resistance to Misinformation: The 2024 Election in the Era of AI

· Read The 2024 Election: Rebuilding Trust

· Read: C-Suite Outlook: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption

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The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell in February to 106.7, down from 110.9 in January. Consumers are more pessimistic—putting a halt to the rising optimism of the past few months. Yet business leaders are cautiously optimistic and poised for growth. How do interest rates, inflation, labor markets, supply chains, and the US political environment affect these different viewpoints? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss our latest indicators—and what they reveal about market dynamics and potential shifts. 

Tune in to find out:  

· What specific factors are driving renewed consumer pessimism?

· How should businesses interpret the signals consumers are sending about their expectations and buying plans?

· What are the key upsides and downside risks for the US economic outlook? What about for Europe, China, and emerging economies?

· What might bring on a redux of the banking crisis?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM:    

Read: Global Forecast Update

Read: Consumer Confidence Survey®

Read: The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy

Watch: Economy Watch: The C-Suite Outlook 2024

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The US government is $34 trillion in debt and counting; in 10 years, interest payments alone are projected to be $1.6 trillion per year. These astronomical sums are leading to a crisis that could see the end of the US dollar as the “world’s currency.”

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Joseph E. Kasputys, PhD, former US Navy Commander, CEO of Economic Ventures, and CED Trustee, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss solutions to the US debt crisis and what the business landscape might look like if US debt continues to grow unchecked.

Tune in to find out:  

· How will the US debt situation affect the world economy over the next decade?

· How do Medicare and Social Security fit into this intricate puzzle, and what policy changes could bring the debt back down to an acceptable level?

· What happens when markets lose faith in the dollar and the US can't finance its debt?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM:    

· Read: US National Debt and Federal Budget Negotiations

· Read: Record Debt Servicing Costs Weigh on US Fiscal Outlook  

· Watch: CED Policy Watch: Debt Matters: Finding an Affordable Way to Build Back Better

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As the US labor shortage continues, organizations struggle to attract and retain talent. Those that leverage baby boomers—who still make up 20% of the workforce—tap into a valuable pool of experience. Organizations that write them off may lose competitive advantage. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Robin Erickson, Vice President, Human Capital, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss how to make the most of boomer talent in an age-diverse workforce.

Tune in to find out:

How are baby boomers influencing current corporate strategies and work cultures?
What innovative approaches are companies taking to retain and engage boomer talent?
How can generational diversity be managed for business success?
What strategies should CEOs employ to address age diversity and ageism in the workplace?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM:  

Read: Baby Boomers Still Striving
Listen: CEO Perspectives: The Generations, A View from a Baby Boomer

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The Conference Board measure of CEO Confidence is at its highest level since 2019, marking a significant shift in business sentiment. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the latest results of the Measure of CEO Confidence™ and the C-Suite Outlook. They discuss why CEOs are positive and whether their concerns, including inflation, cost of debt, and interest rates, track with the economic outlook.

Tune in to find out:

· Why are CEOs more optimistic about the current economic climate?

· How do they view the dynamics of the current labor market?

· Despite optimism, why are some companies “standing in place,” waiting to see what happens before mobilizing capital?

· What are the key economic concerns and opportunities CEOs are focusing on?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM:

· Read: US CEO Confidence

· Read: The C-Suite Outlook

· Watch: Economy Watch: The C-Suite Outlook 2024

· Access: The C-Suite Outlook 2024 Data Tool

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What’s top of mind for world leaders, and do their priorities sync with what CEOs are thinking? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, The Conference Board, to report on the insights from Davos forum and how those dovetail with CEO views from our latest research.

Tune in to find out:

· How are world leaders thinking about the rise of generative AI and what are their concerns? · How are structural changes in the global economy, such as aging labor markets and deglobalization, affecting inflation rates and risk of recession worldwide?

· What geopolitical risks could disrupt global trade and economic stability, and how might they be navigated?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM: 

Read: Policy Backgrounder: Insights from Davos

Read: C-Suite Outlook: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption

Read: 2024 Policy Priorities

Listen: What Are CEOs’ Top Priorities for 2024?

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Despite turbulence in geopolitics and the economy, in January the US Consumer Confidence Index® soared to its highest level since 2021, marking a significant uplift in consumer sentiment. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Markus Schomer, Senior Global Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the latest consumer views on inflation and recession—and what they reveal about market dynamics and potential shifts.

Tune in to find out:

· How is consumer confidence and spending being affected by inflation, price levels, and the rate of price increases?

· How does the future of the US economy stack up against global economic trends, particularly in Europe and China?

· What are the key upside and downside risks in the global economy, and how can CEOs navigate these challenges?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM: 

Read: US Consumer Confidence Increased in January

Read: Global Overview

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The world economy has not yet reached peak GHG emissions. Achieving net zero by 2050 will require dramatic reductions in emissions, but carbon removal technology is in its infancy and still too costly. What advancements could help get us to net zero, and what’s at stake for business?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Alex Heil, Senior Economist, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss carbon removal technology and implications for the C-Suite.

Tune in to find out:  

· How do carbon removal, direct air capture, and sequestration technologies work?

· What are the implications for businesses and CEOs in the context of carbon reduction and carbon capture technologies?

· What are the costs and energy demands of these carbon capture technologies—Are they feasible for businesses now?

· How can we quickly scale up carbon removal?

· How does buying carbon offsets work? What do leaders need to know about the process?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM:

· Read: Biodiversity as a Cornerstone of Corporate Environmental Strategy

· Read: Too Much Sun? Heavy Focus on Solar Might Create Volatile US Electricity Markets

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Our latest C-Suite Outlook 2024 survey results show that an economic downturn is still a top concern for both CEOs and CMOs. Yet, CMOs are optimistic, saying they can still drive growth in this environment. What strategies and investments are CMOs planning to use to achieve this—and do they differ from the CEO view?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Ivan Pollard, Center Leader, Marketing & Communications, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the survey results and the implications for the marketing & communications landscape in 2024.

Tune in to find out:

What’s the CEO perspective on driving growth in 2024—and what role will marketing play?
What investments do CEOs and CMOs believe are needed to drive this growth?
How are the CEO and CMO envisioning AI’s role in these efforts?
What impact do they foresee for their organizations?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

Read: C-Suite Outlook 2024: Leading for Tomorrow
Access our hub: AI—Marketing & Communications

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What’s keeping CEOs and CHROs up at night these days? More than 1,200 C-Suite executives told us in the annual C-Suite Outlook survey by The Conference Board. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Diana Scott, Center Leader of the US Human Capital Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the results—and the implications for human capital. For 25 years, the C-Suite Outlook survey has served as a pulse-check on the challenges and opportunities the world’s top business leaders are facing—and their strategies for addressing them.

Tune in to find out: 

Where are CEOs and CHROs aligned on the issues impacting business in 2024? And where are they not?
Attracting and retaining talent remains the number-one internal focus for both CEO and CHROs. What’s different in 2024—and what strategies will CEOs and CHROs use to meet this challenge?
How is the economic climate influencing CEOs' and CHROs' focus on human capital, especially regarding labor shortages and higher labor costs?
Where do CEOs and CHROs want to invest to ensure growth in 2024?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

Read: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption
Attend: 2024: A Year in Preview

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What’s keeping CEOs up at night these days? More than 1,200 C-Suite executives told us in the annual C-Suite Outlook survey by The Conference Board.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the C-Suite Outlook 2024. For 25 years, the C-Suite Outlook survey has served as a pulse-check to understand what challenges and opportunities the world’s top business leaders are facing—and their strategies for addressing them.

Tune in to find out:

· What are the biggest issues for CEOs going into 2024?

· Geopolitics was a key theme in the survey -- what were the greatest concerns among CEOs globally?

· How prepared are CEOs and C-Suite executives for the next big crisis?

· What do CEOs plan to do to encourage growth this year?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption

· Attend: 2024: A Year in Preview

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The days of viewing ESG as a separate compliance function are gone. CEOs are recognizing that sustainability directly impacts a company's long-term success—and they’re moving toward embedding ESG into core business strategy. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director, Environmental, Social and Governance Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the evolution of the CEO’s role and why CEOs should take the “helm” of ESG strategy.

Tune in to find out:

· What has shifted in today’s ESG landscape, and what are the key trends?

· Why does current business environment involve a more comprehensive approach to ESG that balances multiple stakeholders' interests, including customers, employees, suppliers, and the broader community?

· What’s involved in taking a proactive approach to ESG, rather than a reactive one?

· How can CEOs look beyond compliance to capture business opportunities? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

Read: CEOs at the Helm of ESG: Leading the Sustainability Transformation

Read: Building a Sustainability Culture

Access: Sustainability Disclosure Practices

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About 52% of the world's GDP is directly or indirectly dependent on biodiversity, and so maintaining biodiversity is an important part of business strategy and addressing climate change.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center at The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss biodiversity and its importance for sustainability, including business sustainability.

Tune in to find out:

· What is biodiversity, and why does it matter?

· How does biodiversity impact climate change, and why is it essential for slowing or even reversing the warming of the planet?

· How does biodiversity affect various industries like agriculture and medicine, and why is it important to maintain biodiversity in these areas?

· What is the economic impact of biodiversity, both directly and indirectly, and why should companies focus on biodiversity as a critical aspect of their sustainability efforts?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read: Biodiversity as a Cornerstone of Corporate Environmental Strategy

· Visit our hub: ESG Risks and Opportunities

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Corporations used to consider themselves as having one constituent: the shareholder. That has changed. Engaging with the communities where corporations have operations, where their supply chains are located, and with society in general, is critical to be effective in today’s business climate.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives Jeff Hoffman, the Institute Leader of Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy at the ESG Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the evolution of the function and what it takes to align initiatives with the business in complex political and social contexts.

Tune in to find out:

• How has corporate citizenship evolved over time?

• What are the biggest challenges in navigating the complex landscape of social issues and political polarization?

• How can companies ensure their corporate citizenship efforts are strategic and aligned with their overall business goals?

• How can companies leverage their resources and influence to make a meaningful impact?

•  What are the key trends shaping the future of corporate citizenship and philanthropy?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

·  Read From Crisis to Opportunity: Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy in 2023

· Read Corporate Citizenship in a Time of Uncertainty

·  Visit our ESG Center

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Running a business or organization takes stamina, grit and determination. So does running for office. What does it take to do both at the same time?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Wendi Taylor Nations, EVP & Partner, Hawthorne Strategy Group, and former candidate for Chicago City Council, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss her choice to run for Chicago alderman.

Tune in to find out:

· What does it take to run for local office?

· How can a newcomer set themselves apart in a crowded candidate pool?

· And how much does personal experience bear on one’s ability to win an election?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy

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As world leaders wrap up COP 28, the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, limiting the rise in average global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius is a top priority. What is the role of the private sector in helping achieve this goal?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, just returned from the event, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the mix of initiatives that may affect the private sector: renewables, tech innovation, carbon markets, and more.

Tune in to find out:  

How does the involvement of business leaders contribute to the goals of COP 28 in addressing climate change?
What role did major oil-producing countries, like the UAE, play in the discussions at COP 28?
What were the key discussions regarding technology innovations, such as AI and quantum computing, and their impact on addressing climate change?
How do commitments from countries like the United States to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 contribute to carbon reduction?
How will effective carbon markets play a part?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:  

Road to COP28: Business Takeaways from the UN's Latest Climate Change
December 6, 2023: Insights from COP28, and More
Biggest Companies Increased GHG Emissions by Just 3% from 2021 to 2022
Smaller US Companies are Increasingly Embracing Renewable Energy

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The HR function was an early adopter of AI, such as machine learning for sifting through resumes. Now companies are using it to predict skills needed in the future or the likelihood of employee turnover. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Diana Scott, Center Leader of the US Human Capital Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss whether it’s possible—or advisable—to take the “human” out of human resources.

Tune in to find out:

How might sentient HR be used in HR in the future?
What should executives watch out for when using AI tools in HR?
How can AI become discriminatory? What safeguards should companies put in place?
HR decisions are highly sensitive, including performance management. How can AI play a role?
What should be considered when developing policy for AI use in an organization?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

Access our hub AI for HR
Read Artificial Intelligence for Talent Acquisition
Watch Addressing Employment Discrimination in the Use of AI

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Our latest survey shows that 82% of junior marketers and 62% of senior marketers are using AI tools. Most are using it for increasing productivity and getting started on projects—not for finished work. How does AI help the marketing function right now and what’s its potential for the future? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Ivan Pollard, Center Leader, Marketing and Communications, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss what’s ahead for AI in marketing.

Tune in to find out:

How are senior marketers using AI?
What is AI’s potential for improving customer service and personalized messaging?
What are the challenges marketers may face when using AI?
What are some ethical considerations for responsible use of AI?
How can leaders get up to speed quickly on AI?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

Access our hub AI: The Next Transformation
Read Leveraging Artificial Intelligence in Marketing and Consumer Experience
Read A Simplified Guide to How AI Works

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The Consumer Confidence Index bounced back in November after three straight monthly declines as consumers’ expectations – and spending – continue to improve. Still, predictions for slower economic growth and outright recession in 2024 abound. What does it all mean for the global economy?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, the Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the latest Consumer Confidence Index and what it portends for 2024.

Tune in to find out:

· What big change did we see in the latest Consumer Confidence Index?

· Consumer spending is up, but much of it is on credit. What does this portend for the economy?

· How much more can consumer spending expand?

· How will the global economy grow in 2024? Will we see a recession next year?

· What potential black or grey swans could we see in 2024?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read: The Consumer Confidence Index for November 2023

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Rural areas account for 20% of the total US population—and 97% of the country’s landmass—but only about 5% of large philanthropic grants are directed to nonurban regions. Why is this?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center at The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the ESG Center's latest report on corporate citizenship in rural communities.

Tune in to find out:

· What exactly defines a “rural area” in the United States?

· US company headquarters are mostly in cities; how can companies justify donating in areas where they have no presence?

· What benefits can companies expect when they invest more in rural communities?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read: Investing in Rural America: Corporate Citizenship and Rural Communities

· Read: Rural Diversity: The Untapped Opportunity for Corporate America

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Medicare costs are expected to jump from 3.8% of GDP in 2023 to 6% in just 10 years. Why is this happening? And what does it mean for everyone seeking health care in the US?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss how Medicare started, how it has evolved and what we can do to keep it running.

Tune in to find out:

· How did Medicare come about, and how does it work?

· Why does Medicare’s cost as a part of the federal budget continue to grow?

· Could increasing market competition lower costs and improve health care benefits?

· Why should everyone, not just those nearing or at retirement, care about this issue?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read the CED report Health Care Policy After the Pandemic

· Watch the on-demand webcast CED Policy Watch: Health Policy After the Pandemic

“Today, Medicare program costs in fiscal year 2023 are about 12% of the total federal government spending; that's about 3.8% of GDP. In 10 years this is expected to become 6% of GDP. So that’s huge.” -- Lori Esposito Murray

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How does a company develop a foundation and plan for giving back to the community? Companies across the country and in every industry are contemplating how to best train their current and future workforce, aligning their values and assets to help drive change in our society.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, David Etzwiler, CEO, Siemens Foundation, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss how companies can think strategically about how to make their biggest impact.

Tune in to find out:

· What is the best way to develop workforce training programs?

· How can companies reduce health disparities in their communities?

· What can companies do to build sustainability efforts into their planning?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read: From Crisis to Opportunity: Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy in 2023

· Attend: 2023 Corporate Citizenship Summit

“The fact of the matter is, growth in the labor market is slowing, when it comes to white males and older white males. And so you have to look at your practices -- as a society, as an employer, as an academician -- and ask yourself, how do I appeal to a different market? How do I make sure that women understand these jobs are out here [and] what the value of them is? How do I think through how childcare or transportation might have to be better developed? How do I think of community communities of color, and how they perceive or don't perceive access to these jobs?” -- David Etzwiler, CEO, Siemens Foundation

“We're very narrowly focused within workforce training, those jobs that require more than a high school degree, less than a college degree and strong technical skills. … These are a floor to a career, not a ceiling to a career. They're really an opportunity to advance to the middle class and beyond.” -- David Etzwiler, CEO, Siemens Foundation

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Being a CEO is like playing tennis against 10 people at once. That’s the take of one former CEO who now leads and coaches C-Suite executives. When there are a million things flying at you at once, how do you delegate, negotiate and manage?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Jack Stahl, co-founder of CNEXT, joins The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the five key components of successful C-Suite leadership.

Tune in to find out:

· What three key tasks does every CEO need to deliver on?

· How can leaders encourage workers to effectively use their time in-office?

· Are informal conversations better than formal training programs?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read content on Coaching, Mentorship & Sponsorship

· Access the Global Executive Coaching Survey 2023 (Member only)

“Being a CEO, or even a senior leader inside a company, is kind of like playing tennis against 10 people at once. Things are coming at you so fast, and so furious, so having a way to think about the work that you do can be very powerful.” -- Jack Stahl, co-founder of CNEXT

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Recent years have tested our resiliency in myriad ways: a global pandemic, wars, and economic uncertainly have all strained our limits. We often think about resiliency in individual terms, but what does it look like for businesses to be resilient? And how can companies cultivate flexibility in the face of change?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Jon Bahl, CEO of Agility Recovery, joins Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center at The Conference Board, to discuss how organizations can make operational resilience a competitive advantage.

Tune in to find out:

· What is operational resilience?

· How do companies and other organizations cultivate it?

· What would it look like to simplify resiliency and make it more accessible?

· How can CEOs themselves be more resilient?

· What five disruptions are resiliency professionals calling out as ones to watch?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read: Making Operational Resilience a Competitive Advantage

· Access: The ESG Center at The Conference Board

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Today's research from The Conference Board shows US consumer confidence declined moderately in October—a trend C-Suite executives will want to watch. Consumers are particularly concerned about rising food and energy costs.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Erik Lundh, Principal Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss newly released data on consumer confidence in the US.

Tune in to find out:

· What is the main message the C-Suite should take away from today’s US Consumer Confidence Index?

· What caused the movement in the overall confidence index?

· What is The Conference Board’s forecast for the US economy, and does it match consumers’ expectations?

· How will rising consumer debt affect the financial sector?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· The Consumer Confidence Index for October 2023

· Q3 GDP expands by an unsustainable 4.9 percent

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The Conference Board expects global growth to slow to 2.5%, well below the 3.3% average prior to the pandemic. Declining contributions from labor and capital are mainly responsible for the downward trend. But new technologies, investment in people, and high productivity could improve growth. What should leaders know about operating in this environment? In this episode, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the outlook and economic conditions around the globe.

Tune in to find out:  

· What are the upsides and downsides to the outlook over the next decade?

· How are the three inputs to the global economy—labor, capital, and productivity—shifting and impacting growth? What will this “mix” look like in the decade ahead?

· What trends are on the horizon—globally and within regions?

· Which economies will drive growth over the next decade?

· How might the Israel-Hamas war effect the MENA region economy, and consequently, the rest of the world?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:    

· Read: Global Economic Outlook 2024 to 2036

· Read: Economic Forecast for the US Economy

· Visit: The Global Recession Hub: Navigating the Economic Storm (continuously updated)

· Visit: Data Central for forecasts and long-term projections

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With recent rating downgrades of banks heavily exposed to commercial real estate (CRE)—and office space in particular—concerns about the US banking sector are resurfacing. The unprecedented shift to flexible work has not only prompted many companies to seek a smaller footprint but also spaces with greater energy efficiency for sustainability and modern amenities to lure workers back to the office.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist in the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss what this shift and plummeting CRE values may mean for banking, lending, and economy in general.

Tune in to find out:   

· How have business conditions changed in the wake of hybrid work arrangements?   

· Small and mid-size banks hold the most CRE assets; what could this mean for their future or for M&A activity? 

· What is the Fed doing to prevent bank failures?   

· What are the potential ripple effects throughout the economy—and the urban landscape?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:    

· Read: 2023 Banking Crisis: US By the Numbers, 6-Month Update

· Watch: Economy Watch: The 2024 Global Economic Outlook

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The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ for Q4 shows that US CEOs are less optimistic about the economy than they were last quarter. So how should leaders be thinking about the opportunities and risks in the current economy? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss what’s top-of-mind for CEOs right now—and what this could mean to all leaders thinking about strategy in the current economic climate.  

Tune in to find out:  

· CEOs say they’re planning to increase investment. Does this make sense in the current economy?  

· Are CEOs still expecting a recession?

· What does this mean for the labor and wages?

· How are CEOs prioritizing risks? 

· What’s in store for future interest rate hikes or cuts?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:   

· See the survey results: CEO Confidence Dips in Q4

· Read: The Global Economic Outlook

· Read: US Consumer Confidence Fell Again in September

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The advent of “Killer AI” could mean the use of artificial intelligence—by design or through unintended consequences—that directly leads to physical harm or death of human beings. What should business leaders know about this potential? In this episode, Nathan Summers, AI Research Analyst with the Luxembourg Tech School, and Dr. Sergio Coronado, Professor at the University of Luxembourg, join Steve Odland, CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss their recent report, On Defining Killer AI and the potential impacts for business and society.

Tune in to find out: 

· How could AI could harm businesses and society?

· What financial impacts should businesses consider?

· What steps should businesses take to ensure the safety of this emerging capability?

· AI is already affecting mental health in virtual systems like social media—could it cause deaths?

· Should the government get involved? What could be the consequences of government involvement?

· Should the EU AI legislation or other frameworks be used as models for regulating AI to prevent harm? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:   

Read: Explainability in AI: The Key to Trustworthy AI Decisions 

Visit: AI: The Next Transformation: Your guide to real-world application 

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Exhaustion on the front lines. A dire shortage of health care workers. New technologies that change and disrupt. These are a few of the challenges faced by one of the largest health care providers in the US before, during, and after the pandemic. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Jennifer Berres, Senior Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer at HCA Healthcare, joins Rebecca Ray, Emeritus Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, to discuss HCA’s dynamic human capital journey and how innovations and technology have enabled greater support for caregivers.

Tune in to discover:

· How did technology and AI deliver not only automation but also free up staff to maximize patient-centered care?

· What direct investments and partnerships for training did HCA develop to become the largest provider of RNs in the nation?

· How did the organization address burnout during the pandemic?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read The Reimagined Workplace 2023: Striking a Delicate Balance

· Attend Winning in the New AI Landscape

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AI has had a long evolution but only recently has shown a significant leap. Leaders are now playing “catch up” with the ramifications. In this episode, Joel Trammell, CEO, author and educator, joins Steve Odland, CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss how leaders should think about AI’s impact on their business—and their own roles as leaders.

Tune in to find out:

· How might the role of CEOs and leaders evolve with AI—and what will become of human judgment and adaptability?

· How can CEOs use AI to augment their effectiveness as managers and leaders?

· Why should AI be seen as an iterative transformation not an overnight revolution?

· Why should CEOs view AI as an enhancement or augmentation of human capabilities?

· What could AI mean for a shift in skill sets in demand and the “war for talent”?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:  

Read: Explainability in AI: The Key to Trustworthy AI Decisions

Visit: AI: The Next Transformation: Your guide to real-world application

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Businesses face multiple challenges during a crisis. What if your headquarters were the point of impact, and you were responsible for critical infrastructure in the region? This was the situation Mary Lee Hannell, Chief of Human Capital for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, found herself in during and after the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. In this bonus episode of CEO Perspectives, Hannell joins Rebecca Ray, Leader of the Human Capital Center of The Conference Board, to discuss how Hannell provided leadership in the wake of the crisis—and why a human-centric approach helped keep the organization moving forward.

Tune in to find out how to:

· Keep an organization and business moving through a crisis

· Support employee mental health in the wake of a tragedy

· Move beyond a crisis to become more resilient   

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:   

· Visit: Our Well-Being at Work hub

· Read: Managerial Support for Well-Being and Mental Health

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The latest research from The Conference Board shows US consumer confidence declined again in September—a trend C-Suite executives will want to watch. Other global economic trends on the horizon include a possible redux in the US banking crisis due to commercial real estate, a slowdown in China, and increased trade tensions between the US and China. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, and Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the wider economy in the US and abroad.

Tune in to find out:

What caused the movement in the overall confidence index?
Are consumers pulling back from spending because they see a recession ahead?
What is the outlook for interest rates for this year and next year?
What are the global trends the C-Suite should watch for?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®:

Read the September Consumer Confidence Index
Read the latest edition of StraightTalk®, Five Risks and Trends to Watch
Access the latest insights on Navigating the Economic Storm

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Companies have significant opportunities to transform and generate more value with AI. But many don’t know where to begin. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Brian Evergreen, founder and CEO of The Profitable Good Company, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss the next the evolution of AI and how leaders should be thinking about their AI strategy. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What is autonomous transformation, and how is it different from digital transformation?

· Should you revolve an AI strategy around a single service, like ChatGPT?

· What are the three prongs that every AI strategy needs?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:  

· Visit our AI Hub: The Next Transformation, Your guide to real-world application

· Read: A Simplified Guide to How AI Works

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The BRICS bloc recently doubled its membership and expanded its global reach—especially in the Middle East. Will it succeed as a counterweight to the West—and the US dollar? What are the possible impacts on the global economy and corporations? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, our Chief Economist, join Steve Odland, President and CEO, to discuss the impact of BRICS—and what it may mean for business and the global economy.

Could BRICS become independent from the West? Is this a new cold war?
What does this bloc mean for the primacy of the US dollar for trade? For business operations? How much food and global energy will the expanded bloc control?
How might access to critical materials—such as rare earth minerals or advanced chips—be impacted?
What challenges might global corporations face?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™: 

Read: CED Policy Backgrounder: BRICS Summit—Deepening the Divide
Read: CED Policy Backgrounder: Putin-Erdoğan Meeting on Grain Exports
Read: Economy Watch | China

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Forty-three percent of executives surveyed by The Conference Board expect ESG backlash to increase. Despite bumpy waters ahead, ESG backlash can be a clarifying moment for companies, prompting them to reevaluate their ESG strategy, priorities, and commitments.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director, Environmental, Social & Governance Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss ESG backlash—and what organizations should do about it.

Tune in to find out:

• The main sources of ESG backlash, according to our latest research

• How you can avoid pendulum swings in your organization’s approach to ESG

• Why a two-fold approach of a fact-based business case and broad communications offers the best solution

• What to focus on to engage the board and senior management in a candid discussion without polarization

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:

• Read: How Companies Can Address ESG Backlash

• Read: Four Ways Directors Can Steer a Steady Course Amid ESG Backlash

• Watch: Values to Value: How to Win with ESG Strategy, Communication, and Reporting for Investors

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In companies around the world, there’s a massive shift taking place: the mandated return of workers to the workplace. But employees are hesitant after experiencing a “taste of freedom” with remote work during the pandemic. What are the pros and cons of returning to the office? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the dynamics of the move back to the office and what CHROs and CEOs need to consider to maintain culture and productivity.

Tune in to discover:

· What are the benefits and drawbacks of hybrid work?

· Are some jobs better suited to hybrid and remote work than others?

· How can CHROs lead hybrid teams effectively?

· How is productivity defined, and how do we measure it in remote and hybrid environments?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read The Reimagined Workplace 2023: Striking a Delicate Balance

· Access the latest insights on the Future of Work

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The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® fell this month, erasing back-to-back increases in June and July. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, The Conference Board President and CEO, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the labor market, inflation and wider US economy.

Tune in to find out:

· How are consumers feeling about inflation and the job market in August?

· What is consumer sentiment around the stock market?

· How are consumers’ balance sheets doing, specifically their savings?

· To what extent are CEOs currently expecting a recession?

· What can we expect for global growth later this year and into next year?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:

· Read the August Consumer Confidence Index

· Access the latest insights on Navigating the Economic Storm

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How did Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York state, lead his team through the COVID-19 pandemic? Perpetual optimism. In this CEO Perspectives episode, Dowling sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to discuss his core principles and how they are helping Northwell Health meet the challenges of government regulation, a tight labor market, a toxic political environment, and more.

Tune in to discover:

· What is the value of perpetual optimism in a crisis?

· How important is leadership visibility and “walking the floor”?

· Why do you have to "fix the roof while the sun is shining”?

· How does one lead innovation despite regulations and politics?

· How does a constant focus on the customer give valuable perspective?

This episode of CEO Perspectives is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from CED. The series features discussions with the outstanding business leaders who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. In this series, business leaders discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

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How will Dow, a petrochemical giant with over $57 billion in sales, reach net-zero by 2050? This is just one of the future goals taken up by Jim Fitterling, Chair and CEO of Dow, Inc. In this CEO Perspectives episode, Fitterling sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to discuss his core principles for leadership and Dow's transformative journey toward sustainability and innovation, including a net-zero future.

Tune in to find out:

What are the core principles Fitterling uses for transformation and leading through disruption?
Why does the burden of finding balance fall to leadership?
How is Dow succeeding with an energy transition away from fossil fuels?
What are the “guardrails” for using generative AI at Dow?
How is Dow investing in automation and computer modeling?
Why is creating the right culture and environment for diverse perspectives critical to innovation?

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Marketing and communications teams are harnessing the new opportunities presented by AI. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Denise Dahlhoff, Senior Researcher in Marketing and Communications, and Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, sit down to discuss widespread use and experimentation with AI in marketing and communications as well as the concerns that are arising. Tune in to discover:

The future impact of AI in the eyes of marketing and communications professionals, based on our latest research
What are the greatest concerns about AI’s use?
Why marketers appear to be making greater use of AI than communications executives
How AI helps productivity and creativity
How can AI help with development of strategy
Why are midlevel/junior marketers at the forefront of adopting AI in their work, ahead of senior marketers?

To learn more, access the research report, AI in Marketing & Communications:Boosting Productivity—and Creativity, Too? here.

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Improvements in productivity, corporate reputation, and the bottom line are just a few of the direct benefits of an inclusive workforce. But organizations often overlook the importance of mental wellness in their current workforce as well as the largely untapped pool of neurodivergent talent. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice president, Human Capital, at The Conference Board, sits down with Holly May, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, to discuss the value of wellness and neurodiversity programs and how to implement them. Tune in to discover how to:

Meet the new expectations from today’s workforce—including those of Gen Z
Expand the pool of candidates and enhance the diversity of your workforce with programs for neurodiversity
Put “teeth” into targets with specific representation goals
Celebrate the authentic person that each employee brings to work and provide tools for success
Lead with authenticity and vulnerability

To learn more about neurodiversity, access the webcast Debunking the Myths of Neurodiversity here.

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Challenges—and opportunities-- abound in the current business climate—and more innovation is on the horizon with the revolutions in AI and quantum computing. How can companies maintain their core values, seize these opportunities and thrive? In this CEO Perspectives episode, Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing companies—and how the technological advances in AI and quantum computing will have an impact. Tune in to find out:

As AI’s presence accelerates, how should companies embody trust and transparency?
How does Krishna see AI transforming the future workforce?
How is IBM helping companies leverage technology to advance sustainability goals?
Over the next decade, what will be the extraordinary impacts from quantum computing?
What leadership principle does Krishna advocate for managing through disruption and uncertainty?

The AI Hub from The Conference Board lays out the business implications, opportunities and challenges of evolving AI. Read the latest insights.

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Nearly half of CEOs around the globe see the transition to renewable energy as good for business. But how can companies start building environmental and social considerations into their strategic business planning? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, address this issue. Tune in to find out:

§ What are the main causes of climate change? How much is driven by natural events and how much by human activity?

§ How can companies help cut emissions while maintaining a developed, global economy?

§ Why should firms focus on near-term emissions targets as well as those farther out? How can lower emissions translate into lower costs?

§ Why should companies no longer address climate change and sustainability as different silos?

Access ESG essentials, including key terminology and how boards are addressing this topic, here

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland speaks with with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). The conversation centered around CED’s insights and recommendations for the US to attain its goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Tune in to find out:

What are the necessary investments for achieving a decarbonized economy by 2050?
What are the potential economic opportunities of achieving carbon neutrality? Alternatively, what are the consequences of not reaching this target?
What steps can the public and private sectors take—both separately and in collaboration—to achieve net-zero emissions?
What should be the top priority of the US when it comes to the energy transition?
What role should nuclear power play in the energy transition?

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The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® increased this month to the highest level in two years. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out:

How were consumers feeling in July? Are they still signaling a recession?
What do we need to achieve a soft landing?
What is likely to affect consumer spending in the months ahead?
What can we expect for US GDP later this year and into next year?
How many more rate hikes can we expect from the Fed?
How are the rest of the world’s economies?

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The economic outlook for emerging markets has shifted: What are the prospects over the short and long term? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO, and Klaas de Vries, Senior Economist, both of The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what’s ahead for this critical engine of global growth. Tune in to find out:

· What explains the better-than-expected performance so far?

· What’s the outlook for emerging markets for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024?

· How exposed are emerging markets to the prospect of a US recession?

· Which emerging markets are at risk of recession—and which are poised for growth?

Read the latest data on The Conference Board Economy Watch: Emerging Markets View for July 2023.

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dominique Shelton Leipzig, Partner at Mayer Brown, joined Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). The conversation focused on the European Union AI Act, including its implications for companies, the precedent it will set for AI legislation around the world, and steps companies can start taking now so they stay ahead of the curve. Tune in to find out:

What are the main components of the EU AI Act? What aspects of AI usage will it regulate?
The EU AI Act will set a global standard. What can businesses do now to future-proof their organizations?
What role will companies’ boards play in managing AI?
What are the similarities and differences between the EU AI Act and other legislation across the world?
How can legislation regulate AI without stifling innovation?
What lessons can the US learn from its response to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law?

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Do you have the financial know-how to make strategic and informed decisions for your organization? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Maria Doughty, President and CEO of The Chicago Network, joined The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the importance of financial acumen in the C-suite. Tune in to find out:

Why is financial acumen a key part of development for leadership positions?
What does it mean to have financial acumen?
What are the risks of not having financial literacy as a business leader?
How can you develop more financial expertise?

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The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® increased substantially in June. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out:

How were consumers feeling in June?
Are they still signaling recession? When is it expected to begin?
Why did the Fed pause raising interest rates and what can we expect in the future?
How might the end of the pause on student loans affect consumer spending?
What challenges are facing the European and Chinese economies?
How have rising interest rates affected bank lending and business spending?

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Does your organization have an inclusive pipeline of capable leaders who are ready to execute the business strategy? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Cheryl Stokes, CEO of CNEXT, an organization that helps to develop and advance high-impact leaders, joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss succession planning. Tune in to find out:

What is succession planning and why is it important?
What are the elements of a good succession plan?
Why should diversity and inclusion be a critical part of your talent pipeline and succession planning?
What should organizations assess when looking for a candidate?
Who is accountable for succession planning?
How does succession planning differ from leadership development?

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The capabilities of AI continue to rapidly evolve, with major implications for the workforce and workplace. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss AI’s role in HR—and HR’s role in overseeing the use of AI. Tune in to find out:

What is AI—and what is it not?
What are some ways that AI can be used by the HR function?
What are the implications of using more and more advanced AI in the HR space?
What is the role of HR in the governance of AI throughout a company?
What risks and rewards should business leaders keep in mind when adopting AI at their organizations?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Michael Fraccaro, Chief Human Resources Officer at Mastercard, joined Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, to discuss the health and well-being of the workforce. Tune in to find out:

How has the notion of well-being in the workplace changed in the aftermath of the pandemic?
What are some innovative ways organizations can support the well-being of their teams?
What should companies be doing to attract and retain talent?
How can leaders measure and drive the cultural health of an organization?
How can offering flexibility either enhance or work against the culture that businesses are trying to create and maintain?

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The Gulf serves as a key source of oil for the world. But as the climate and geopolitics change, how is this region evolving? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Hisham Al Razzuqi, former CEO of Gulf Investment Corporation and a Global Counsellor for the Middle East at The Conference Board, joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the state of affairs in the Gulf. Tune in to find out:

How has the Gulf benefited from the wealth generated from oil?
How sustainable is the reliance on oil in the region?
How are the Gulf countries diversifying their economies?
How has the war in Ukraine affected the Gulf?
What is China's current impact on the Gulf?
What is the Iranian influence in the region?

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The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® ticked down for the month of May. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland and Erik Lundh, Principal Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out:

How do the current outlook and expectations differ, and what does that say about the likelihood and timing of a recession?
What effect is inflation having on consumer confidence and who is feeling it the most?
What can we expect from the Fed going forward?
Is the job market weakening, and if so, how much?
How are the debt ceiling discussions affecting consumer confidence?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Donna Morris, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Walmart, joined Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, to discuss the future of HR. Tune in to find out:

What will the future of work look like—especially as generative AI advances—and how can HR support employees through this evolution?
How does the size of an organization impact the strategy for leading through times of change?
How can we expect careers to change as people live and work for longer and how can employers adapt?
How can you foster a sense of belonging and purpose among your workers?
What top priorities should HR leaders consider as we move into the future of work?

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In this CEO Perspectives episode, Tamara Lundgren, Chairman and CEO of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., speaks with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of CED, about advancing sustainability and global net-zero goals, how she navigates through disruption, leadership lessons from COVID, and more. Tune in to find out:

What are the three pillars of Schnitzer Steel’s sustainability framework?
During the uncertainty of COVID-19, what leadership tactic did Lundgren more frequently rely on—which she continues to leverage today?
What steps is Schnitzer Steel taking to be at the forefront of sustainability and global net zero objectives?
What leadership principles have helped Lundgren to navigate her company through vast change and disruption?

This episode of CEO Perspectives is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the outstanding business leaders who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. In this series, business leaders discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland conduct an interview about human generations with a non-human—ChatGPT, the language model created by OpenAI. Tune in to find out AI’s “thoughts” on these questions:

What risks does AI pose to human generations?
What are the key characteristics of each human generation?
How did each generation get its name?
What events define all human generations—from an AI perspective?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Ivan Pollard, Leader of the Marketing and Communications Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss marketing to multiple generations. Tune in to find out:

Do the fundamentals of marketing remain the same across generations?
How can marketers exploit differences and similarities between generations?
Does mass marketing still have a role to play?
Why do marketing messages today function more like a “neural network” than a one-way transmission to a target?
Are there shared events or universal experiences that marketers can still tap into across generations?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President, Human Capital, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss multiple generations in the workplace. Tune in to find out:

How do different generations and their unique perspectives impact the workforce and the workplace?
Why is flexibility key for attracting and retaining employees from different generations?
What are different generations looking for in their career development trajectories?
How can leaders maximize knowledge transfer from the baby boomer generation to younger generations in the workplace?
Why should regional differences, personal experience, and small differences in cohorts make leaders wary of drawing easy generalizations about generations?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Evelyne, a nine-year-old fourth grader, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss her personal experience as a member of Generation Alpha. Tune in to find out Evelyne’s impressions of these questions:

Why were generations before Gen Z able to concentrate more easily?
What has shaped Generation Alpha’s life so far, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?
What is the best music from the early 2000s?
Why do newer generations care more about climate change though older generations caused it?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Aileen Du, Member Engagement Associate at the Human Capital Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss her personal experience as a member of Generation Z. Tune in to find out:

What does it mean to Gen Zers to work “smarter” rather than “harder”?
Why do they value quality of life over material well-being?
Why is COVID-19 likely to be the defining event of this generation, with long-lasting impacts?
How did remote learning during the pandemic disrupt their socialization?
Why is Gen Z vocal about mental health issues?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Alex Keaton, Assistant Producer, Digital Media, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss her personal experience as a member of the millennial generation. Tune in to find out:

How do millennials view their career trajectory: Are they “job hoppers” or expanding their experience?
What value do millennials place on being open-minded when it comes to their careers and life goals?
How cautiously do younger millennials approach their social media presence and “personal brand”?
How did millennial experiences such as COVID-19, legalization of same-sex marriage, and Obama’s election as the first Black US president affect their outlook?
Why do millennials value having a “seat at the table” in the workplace so highly?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Katie Plotkin, Chief of US Member Development, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss her experience as a member of Gen X and manager of different generations. Tune in to find out:

How might Gen Xers be overshadowed, “sandwiched” between Baby Boomers and Millennials?
How are Gen Xers the “peacekeeping generation,” navigating between two much larger generations?
What are the reasons why Gen Xers may not be very vocal?
How did events in the 80s and 90s—from the explosion of the Challenger to 9/11—instill a sense of caution in this generation?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Chuck Mitchell, Senior Director of Content Quality, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss Chuck’s personal experience as a member of the baby boomer generation. Tune in to find out:

What were the economic pressures that perhaps made “boomers” more goal-oriented and competitive than other generations?
What kinds of anxieties resulted from their experiences—from fallout shelters, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and fear of nuclear holocaust to fierce workplace competition?
How did shifts in the media landscape—from the definitive news voice of Walter Cronkite to the rise of the internet and alternative sources—affect their perspective?
What happened to this generation’s idealism as they matured?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Frank Meuers, a retired teacher, joins The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss his personal experience as a member of the Silent Generation. Tune in to find out:

Why are they called “silent”?
How are the silent generation similar to other generations, and how are they different?
Why were they optimistic after WWII, and how did they stand up for civil rights?
How do they view other generations?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Carol Orenstein, Chief Strategy Officer, and Paul Washington, Executive Director, Environmental, Social & Governance Center, join Steve Odland, President and CEO, all of The Conference Board, to discuss their reactions to this series. Tune in to find out:

What is the role shared experience plays in shaping a generation?
Why is the impact of historic events different on various generations, even if we're all experiencing the event?
What differences exist within generations—between the beginning and end of a cohort?
Why is technology such a profound shaper of generations?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Asutosh Pahdi, North America Managing Partner at McKinsey & Company, joined Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to discuss the current US productivity rate, why it has decreased in recent years, its impact on the US economy, and more. Tune in to find out:

Why has the US productivity rate fallen and how has digital innovation played a role?
How would restoring historical rates of productivity growth add $10 trillion to US GDP?
What challenges hinder productivity growth?
How does the US compare to other industrialized countries in terms of productivity?
Which sectors in the US show the greatest promise for increasing productivity?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives,tune in for a timely conversation about the US debt ceiling debate—both the consequences of inaction and recommendations for averting a crisis.

The conversation features Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, and is hosted by President and CEO Steve Odland. Tune in to find out:

What economic factor has significantly raised the stakes of this debt ceiling debate?
What agreements are being considered between the two parties?
If the US defaulted, what would be the economic consequences both domestically and globally?
How are these drawn-out negotiations impacting the US economy and the country’s reputation around the world?
What steps can Congress take to put the nation’s proliferating debt on a downward and sustainable trajectory?

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Most people have heard the phrase “artificial intelligence” by now, but what is it and how should businesses be using it? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Rob Green, Chief Information Officer at The Conference Board joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss what business leaders should know about AI. Tune in to find out:

What are the different categories of AI and what are they capable of?
How do the new language learning models like ChatGPT and Bard work and how can they be used?
How can businesses take advantage of the advancements in AI technology?
What should businesses consider when using AI? What privacy and security concerns are there?

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In this Leadership in Challenging Times conversation, Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO of TIAA, speaks with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of CED, about advancing economic opportunity, using her role to drive change, solving the retirement crisis, and more. Tune in to find out:

Duckett is the first female CEO of TIAA and the third-ever Black woman to run a Fortune 500 company. How is she using her unique background and leadership position to advance change?
40 percent of all Americans run the risk of running out of money. How is TIAA helping to address the retirement crisis in the US?
During times of large-scale change and economic uncertainty, what critical leadership principles does Duckett use to help navigate her company?
What are the fundamental factors that Duckett considers in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Senior Economist Frank Steemers joined The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to explore the state and trajectory of the US labor market. With a recession looming, they introduce our Job Loss Risk Index, a new resource that projects the likelihood of layoffs by industry. Tune in to find out:

What is the current state of the labor market overall?
Is hiring likely to continue in 2023 or should we brace for layoffs?
How can looking at job losses by industry make sense of the dynamics of the impending recession?
What factors go into predicting the scale of job losses in a particular industry?
Which industries face the highest risk of layoffs in the months ahead?
Which industries will be relatively insulated from job losses in this recession?

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Like other key economies around the world, the US now appears on the verge of entering recession, yet unemployment remains near historic lows. Will a major spike in job losses dominate the second half of 2023? Or will the real story remain labor shortages?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Senior Economist Selcuk Eren joined The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to explore the global labor market outlook for 2023—and beyond. Tune in to find out:

What’s the big picture for labor markets, employment, and wages in 2023?
How will slower or negative growth—sparked by monetary policy tightening to cool inflation—impact employment in the year ahead?
What’s the impact of these trends on productivity growth?
What’s the state of labor shortages across various economies?
Are labor shortages primarily a short-term or long-term challenge—and what are the most promising short-term and long-term solutions?

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The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® decreased in April. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out:

How were consumers feeling in April?
Are they still signaling recession? When is it expected to begin?
Do consumers believe inflation is getting better or worse? What will help cool it?
Why is China going to be the biggest driver of growth this year?
What are central banks doing about stagflation?
What can we expect from the Fed next week?

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In this interview with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of CED, Dr. Lisa Su, Chair and CEO of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD), discusses using technology for good, planning for the unpredictable, fostering a culture of innovation in a remote workforce, and more. Tune in to find out:

What does using technology for good mean for AMD?
AMD’s revenue has grown from $5 billion to nearly $25 billion since 2014 under Su’s leadership. What did Su initially see in the company when she became CEO?
How did the pandemic impact the semiconductor industry?
What leadership principles have guided Su over the past few years amid various global disruptions?

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Seven years after the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union, and three years since it officially left, what impact has Brexit had on both the UK and the EU? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Sara Murray, International Managing Director at The Conference Board, discuss Brexit. Tune in to find out:

Why did the UK vote to leave the EU?
What was the impact of Brexit, especially on business and the economy?
What is the demographic breakdown of those who voted to leave versus stay?
What is the likelihood of the UK rejoining the EU?
Has Brexit been fully implemented in the UK? What do they still need to work out?

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The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank spawned a global ripple effect. But what led to this crisis? Why did the regulations that followed the 2008 financial crisis fail to prevent this from happening? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, address these issues and more. Tune in to find out:

What should be done to ensure that this does not happen again?
Specifically, what regulations or practices need to change?
Where was the board? What accountability do they have?
What changes should the board have made in their oversight role?
Should there be stricter rules regarding the mismatch between long-term investments and commitments?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Head of The Conference Board China Center, joins CEO and President Steve Odland to discuss China’s evolving view of the world. What are some areas of potential conflict—and cooperation—with the US and rest of the world? Tune in to find out:

What are China’s economic and geopolitical goals? Are outside fears—over an invasion of Taiwan, collaboration with Russia, theft of IP, and pursuit of economic dominance—aligned with China’s own priorities and self-perception?
What is China’s view of the West and how has it evolved?
On what areas do the West and China have agreement? Where do they disagree?
What are the objectives of China’s Belt & Road 2.0 initiatives around the world—particularly in Africa and South America? Is it mostly about natural resources, geopolitics, or something else?
Is China’s rise to the world’s largest economy inevitable? When will this occur and what are its ramifications?
How are the reactions of the US—for instance, economic restriction and the AUKUS agreement—impacting China’s strategies?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Kofi Bruce, Chief Financial Officer of General Mills, discuss the banking crisis, its impact on companies and consumers, and what actions CEOs and CFOs should take to protect against a greater black swan event. Tune in to find out:

How is the banking crisis impacting companies and small businesses?
What has been the role of inflation?
How will the situation likely evolve?
How is this analogous to 2008-09? How is it different?
What are some recommendations for executives weathering the storm?
What industries are most and least vulnerable to the impacts of the crisis?

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Gen Z workers are expected to represent nearly a third of the workforce by 2025. And as US job openings continue to reach historic highs, businesses urgently need them in their workforce. But how can businesses attract and hold onto these workers?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, sits down with Robin Erickson, Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, to discuss the motivations of Gen Z workers. Tune in to find out:

Why should employers focus on the needs of Gen Z workers?
What makes this generation unique?
How can managers retain Gen Z workers amid ongoing labor shortages?
What are the five things that are essential for Gen Z?
How can leaders craft in-person interactions in a meaningful way for this group?

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The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® increased slightly in March. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out:

How do the current outlook and expectations differ?
What effect is inflation having on consumer confidence?
What is the core driver of US inflation?
How many more interest rate hikes can we expect?
What will drive economic improvement in China?
In which European economies can we expect a recession?
Is the banking crisis ending or are there still issues left in the banking sector?

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Will inflation ever end?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, sits down with Principal Economist Erik Lundh to discuss US inflation. Tune in to find out:

What is the current state of inflation in the US?
What are some of the biggest drivers of inflation?
What role does stimulus and government spending play in inflation?
Why is inflation continuing to linger?
What are the economic ramifications if the Fed goes beyond 5% discount rate? Will it create more stress on banks?
What are the effects of inflation on the economy?

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How can a banking crisis like we’ve recently seen be avoided in the future?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Hollis Hart, Former President of International Franchise Management at Citi, discuss the ins and outs of the recent banking crisis. Tune in to find out:

What caused this most recent situation?
Why didn’t the regulations put in place after the 2008 financial crisis work in this case?
Should all deposits be insured by the FDIC or does that remove accountability?
Who should be held accountable?
What needs to change in the system to prevent this from happening again?

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As work and the workplace change, how can you be an intentional leader?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, discuss leadership in a hybrid world of work. Tune in to find out:

What percentage of the workforce will be hybrid in the future?
How has leadership changed—or stayed the same—in a hybrid work environment?
What are the key elements of a virtual leadership development program?
How can CEOs and CHROs assess leadership capabilities remotely?
What are the biggest risks facing leaders in a hybrid world?

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Within the last week, two banks were shuttered after an insolvency scare at Silicon Valley Bank, prompting a run by depositors. Were you impacted by this crisis? Are you worried you might be?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, and Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, both of The Conference Board, discuss what happened and what it means for CEOs.

What happened within the banking industry this last week and how was the crisis addressed?
What made this bank run different from previous ones?
How can CEOs outside of the financial sector protect their assets and clients?
What is the risk of contagion?
How does this banking crisis affect the likelihood of a recession?

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How prepared are you for shareholder activism at your company?

Shareholder activism has drastically changed in recent years, but companies can prepare for this new era of activism. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, discuss what’s driving shareholder activism, red flags for investors, and much more. Tune in to find out:

Why are social and environmental issues increasingly triggering activism?
What are the implications of “small A” and “big A” activism merging?
Is having an activist on your board good or bad? What are the benefits and downturns?
How does multi-stakeholder capitalism affect activism?
What are the characteristics of companies that don’t provoke activists? And, on the other hand, what are the characteristics of those that do provoke activists?

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You may have heard the term "black swan," which describes entirely unforeseen events that can't be predicted. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, however, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss "grey swans” and what business leaders can do to prepare for them.

Tune it to find out:

What are grey swan events, and how are they different from black swan events?
To what extent are gray swans predictable?
What gray swan events could happen this year?
How can business leaders prepare for them?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, and Anna Mok, Partner at Deloitte and Co-Founder and President of Ascend, sit down with Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry, to discuss pathways to becoming a CEO. Tune in to find out:

What are some of the obstacles and detours that women face on the journey to becoming CEO?
How can you create a sense of belonging for all workers?
How can business leaders create more pathways for women and communities of color?
What can women do to create new opportunities for themselves?
What are some techniques to reframe your mindset for success?
How do you lead if you’re an introvert?

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The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® declined in February for the second consecutive month. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, and Ataman Ozyildirim, Senior Director of Economics at The Conference Board, discuss what this drop in confidence means for the US economy. Tune in to find out:

Should we still be worried about a recession?
What is consumer confidence telling us?
What do consumers think about current labor market conditions and how do they expect the availability of jobs to change in the coming months?
Is inflation having an impact on spending?
What items are consumers likely to cut back on?
What could improve confidence in the coming months?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, sits down with Constantine Alexandrakis, CEO of Russell Reynolds Associates, for a wide-ranging conversation on the role of the corporate board. Tune in to find out:

How has the focus of boards evolved over the past few decades?
What are the core duties of the board?
What are the characteristics of an ideal, high-performing board?
When too many specialists sit on a board, what are the risks?
How should directors engage with management—especially when there’s disagreement?
What does dysfunction look like on a board, and how can it be resolved?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), discuss the federal debt, where it stands today, and what can be done to get it under control. Tune in to find out:

How has the national public debt risen over time? What have been the main drivers?
What is the optimal debt-to-GDP ratio?
What is driving the urgency to reduce the public debt?
Why have some recent presidents said debt doesn’t matter?
What fiscal policies will help get the debt under control?
How long will it take to reduce the debt-to-GDP ratio to a responsible level?

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Billions around the globe now lack access to banks and other financial institutions—or underutilize and misuse them. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, sits down with Dan Houston, Chairman, President, and CEO of Principal Financial Group, to discuss financial inclusivity. Tune in to find out:

Why is financial inclusion around the world important?
What is needed to drive financial inclusion?
What is the role of the government versus the private sector in alleviating financial insecurity?
Why is microlending important in developing countries?
What should people be doing to prepare for retirement?

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Will 2023 be the Year of the Marketer? With a recession in the forecast and inflation still near multi-decade highs, brands will need to sharpen their edge to compete for consumers’ limited spending power as they seek to economize.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, sits down with Ivan Pollard, Leader of The Conference Board Marketing & Communications Center, to discuss the challenges of marketing in a downturn. Tune in to find out:

How will the economic slowdown affect marketing?
What have we learned from previous slowdowns that the marketers of today could use?
What steps should marketers be taking now to ensure growth during recession?
How can a “growth officer” mindset help to deliver against enhanced revenue expectations?
How should companies adjust Marketing and Communications investments going into recession?

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The Conference Board announced today that the Consumer Confidence Index® declined in January. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, sits down with Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, to discuss consumer confidence and what to expect for the US and global economies. Tune in to find out:

How did consumers feel for the start of 2023? Are they still worried about a recession?
What will be the critical drivers of consumer expectations and spending going forward?
What is the outlook for the global economy in 2023 and 2024?
Could the US have a “soft landing” and if so, how?
What should we expect now that China is reopening after nearly three years of strict COVID-19 restrictions?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, talks with Bob Johansen, Author and Distinguished Fellow at the Institute for the Future (IFTF). They discuss the future of the office. Tune in to find out:

What is a futurist and what is their main goal?
Why do we need offices at all?
How will AI and technology revolutionize the office?
How has the world changed to be more volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous? And how can leaders adapt?
How do you think “future back?”
What are the seven spectrums of choice around the office?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, discuss burnout. Reports of burnout among employees are more and more common, but what is it actually? Tune in to find out:

How can leaders identify burnout in the workplace?
What impact does worker burnout have on businesses?
What has caused the uptick in reported symptoms of burnout? Does the rise of remote work and the blurring of work-life boundaries play a part?
How has the workplace evolved and what role can it play in reducing burnout?
What can organizations do? And what can individual leaders and managers do?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, discuss the main highlights and takeaways from her week at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos. Tune in to find out:

Is there pessimism about the war in Ukraine and the prospects for the global economy or are attendees also finding reasons for hope?
What discussions have occurred between China and the US regarding global issues and the economy?
How is Europe coping with the war in Ukraine? What are people saying about the energy crisis?
What discussions has the Inflation Reduction Act sparked at Davos? Why does Europe view it as protectionist?
How is the Chinese delegation discussing Taiwan?
India has a large presence at Davos this year. What is the delegation saying and what is the overall assessment of the country amid its economic growth?

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What are CEOs top concerns and priorities when it comes to ESG? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, talks with Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center. They discuss the results of the C-Suite Outlook, the flagship survey of The Conference Board, and zoom into the ESG-related findings. Tune in to find out:

How will the economic slowdown affect ESG-related investments?
What are CEOs environmental priorities?
How do CEOs rank their stakeholders?
What are the most significant ESG-related threats?
How will the energy transition play out?

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In 2023, what’s keeping CEOs up at night? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, talks with Chief Economist Dana Peterson about the results of our annual C-Suite Outlooksurvey. How are CEOs thriving amid challenging times? And what are their priorities for the year? Tune in to find out:

How are CEOs feeling about an economic downturn or recession?
What are they doing to drive productivity and growth?
Where does COVID-19 rank on the list of concerns and how does this vary by region?
Why aren’t CEOs more concerned about infrastructure?
Why is China so much more concerned than the US about tensions between the two countries?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, talks with Karen Wilson Thissen, General Counsel and Secretary of General Mills. They discuss when and how companies should engage with societal issues, especially as they face increasing pressure from stakeholders to do so. Tune in to find out:

How can a company decide when to engage in societal issues?
Who are the constituents or stakeholders that should be considered in the process?
What role does the Board play?
What advice should companies consider when implementing this process?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Klaas de Vries, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, discuss emerging markets: what are they, what are they currently seeing, and what can we expect in these markets in the year ahead? Tune in to find out:

What is the difference between a developing economy and an emerging market?
How does growth differ between developed nations and emerging markets?
What slows and what drives growth in emerging economies?
How have emerging markets held up amid recent global shocks?
Which emerging markets are most at risk of a recession?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, discuss the major geopolitical developments and disruptions of 2022 and their implications for 2023. Tune in to find out:

How has the Russia-Ukraine war progressed since it began in February and how will it likely end?
What is Russia’s relationship with China? Is the Putin-Xi relationship a true friendship or is it an alliance of convenience?
What is the current relationship between China and North Korea? Is North Korea truly a threat?
What is the domestic situation in Iran and what is the risk to the government?
What developments have occurred on the India-China border?
Is China going to make a kinetic move into Taiwan?

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With the pandemic came the popularization of remote work, leaving many offices empty. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to discuss what’s in store for our cities. Tune in to find out:

How temporary—or permanent—is this move away from urban areas?
Have we reached equilibrium with return to the office or will the pendulum continue to swing? What might drive more people back to the office?
What can we expect for commercial real estate over the next few years?
Have infrastructure demands changed in a post-Covid world?
What are the biggest challenges for urban areas, and will they thrive or decline in response?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives,The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dr. Joel Myers, founder and CEO of AccuWeather, to discuss one of the major challenges of our time: climate change. Tune in to find out:

How is the climate changing now versus how it has changed historically?
What role has mankind played in climate change?
How do you maximize credibility and trust amid uncertainty?
How can businesses plan for changes in the climate?

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The Conference Board announced today that the Consumer Confidence Index® declined in November, suggesting the economy has lost momentum as the year winds down. Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, sits down with Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators and Surveys, and Erik Lundh, Senior Economist for the US, to discuss what to expect for the US economy. Tune in to find out:

How are consumers feeling now, and what do they expect in six months? What does this mean?
How are consumers feeling about big-ticket purchases?
What are we hearing about holiday spending?
What’s signaling an upcoming recession?
What is the expected impact of a recession on unemployment? Inflation? Housing?
Are efforts by the Fed having any impact on inflation?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President & CEO Steve Odland talks with Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center. They discuss how CEOs can integrate environmental, social, and governance goals into the heart of a company’s business strategy. Tune in to explore:

How should CEOs decide which ESG issues truly matter to the company?
Why should they focus on developing business strategies that are sustainable versus sustainability strategies?
How can they address the conflicting expectations of stakeholders?
What are the key components to sharing the company’s ESG story?
How can they work effectively with the C-suite and board?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives,The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland, and Sam Charlton, Managing Director of Asia at The Conference Board, discuss China’s contentious relationship with the West and what impact these geopolitical tensions will have on multinational companies. Tune in to find out:

What has caused the downward trend of US-China relations?
What is the state of China’s relationship with the West?
Is it inevitable that China will become the dominant economy and culture in the world?
Can we expect conflict between China and Taiwan in the short-term? What should multinational companies do to prepare?
Given the geopolitical tensions with the West, how actively should companies be moving their manufacturing out of China?
How should businesses adapt in order to cope with the current geopolitical tensions?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), discuss the results of the midterm elections and how it will impact policy moving forward. Tune in to find out:

How do the results of the midterm elections compare to what polls predicted?
How will a split government impact policy?
With Republicans now in control of the House, McCarthy will likely be the next Speaker. What challenges does he face and what are his priorities going to be?
Where is the common ground on legislation between a split Congress and the Administration?
How will Congress respond to rising geopolitical tensions, existing conflicts, and potential ones?
What impact do the midterm results portend for the 2024 elections?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland, and Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, discuss how businesses can—and should—tell the story of their human capital strategy. Tune in to find out:

Why is it increasingly important to measure and share your human capital strategy with a range of stakeholders?
What should businesses consider disclosing about their human capital?
How should businesses determine which metrics to look at and which to share?
What are the key components of a human capital strategy?
How can you create a narrative around your strategy and communicate it to a variety of stakeholders?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Denise Dahlhoff, senior researcher at The Conference Board Marketing & Communications Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss an endless frustration for many US consumers—and a surprising fascination for experts: customer service in the US. Tune in to find out:

Why does the quality of customer service in the US feel like it’s declining year after year? Does the data match the anecdotal frustrations?
When did this decline start—and what was its underlying cause?
Can technology and corporate innovation turn this situation around—or are they part of the problem?
What was the role of the pandemic in exacerbating customer service woes? Is a turnaround in the cards?
How do generational changes and labor shortages impact the problem?
What are reasons for hope in a better customer experience? Do certain industries or regions of the country stand out as models to emulate?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland, and Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Head of the China Center for Economics and Business at The Conference Board, discuss China's global infrastructure development strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative. Tune in to find out:

Are China’s goals for the Belt and Road Initiative more economic or geopolitical in nature?
Is the debt that developing economies owe to China giving them control and influence over those countries?
How is China approaching unpaid loans?
How has the pandemic impacted China’s rate of investment?
Why hasn’t the project been fulfilling its potential for global economic development?
What should western nations be doing to counter the influence that China has developed around the world?

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The Conference Board announced today that the Consumer Confidence Index® declined in October, with many consumers fearing a recession. As the likelihood of a recession in the US and Europe climbs, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, sits down with Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, to discuss what to expect for the US and global economies. Tune in to find out:

What can we expect for the global economy? Will there be a global recession?
Why is China experiencing slow growth, but not a recession?
How will the labor market impact growth over the next decade?
When will the US recession start and how long will it last? What do CEOs expect?
Is there a risk of a financial meltdown in Europe?

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Has starting a nonprofit been a dream of yours? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland talks with Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center, about how to launch a successful nonprofit organization.

Tune in to explore:

What are the first steps to start a nonprofit organization?
How can you differentiate yourself from other organizations?
What challenges might you face?
How can you develop a vision and purpose?
How can you make your nonprofit sustainable?

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How can business leaders and governments build a resilient and sustainable energy grid? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland, and George Kirby, CEO of RS Technologies, discuss what technologies are needed and what investments should be prioritized to prepare the grid for the needs of the future. Tune in to find out:

What is needed to harden the sustainable energy grid?
Why is disruption important when making tech advances?
What investments are needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050?
How can the investment gap in renewable energy be addressed?
Is nuclear energy a reliable source of renewable energy?

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How are business leaders around the world reacting to the historically complex and precarious combination of challenges facing the global economy? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland, and Lynn Franco, Director of Economic Indicators and Surveys, discuss the results of The Conference Board CEO Confidence Survey. Tune in to find out:

What do CEOs think about current economic conditions and what do they expect going forward? Do they anticipate a recession?
How does CEO confidence vary by region?
How do these results compare with past recessions?
Do CEOs expect to reduce their workforce and wages?
What challenges do CEOs say their companies face?

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“Disability doesn't discriminate. You can be any race, you can be any age, you can be any gender. You can be born with a disability or acquire it at some point in your life…So disability needs to come back into the conversation for it to feel truly inclusive.”

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, author Ruth Rathblott sits down with The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the importance of incorporating disability into conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

How do we expand the conversation around diversity to be fully inclusive?
What drives people to hide their disabilities?
We are taught as children not to talk about disability. How can we overcome that deeply ingrained message?
Why is it important to welcome discussion about our differences?
What mistakes do companies make around inclusion in the workplace?

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From the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010 to the disruptions of a once-in-a-century pandemic, the past decade has seen rapid evolution in the US healthcare system. Behind the partisan political controversy, where does American healthcare stand today? What’s working in the system and what isn’t? And are we any closer to a sustainable approach that can both lower costs and improve outcomes?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board CEO Steve Odland hosts a wide-ranging conversation Steve Messinger, partner at ECG Management Consultants and recognized leader in healthcare consulting. Tune in to explore:

What is the history behind the US healthcare system and what forces have driven its evolution to the model we have today?
What has changed since the enactment of the ACA? A decade after passage, how has the landmark bill lived up to its goals on healthcare quality, access, and cost?
Why is healthcare so expensive in the US, and what areas can be targeted to control costs: Preventative care? Acute care? Prescriptions? The fee-for-service model?
How has COVID-19 impacted the national landscape of healthcare? What did we learn from the pandemic and what are the implications going forward?
What can we learn from other countries? What are pros and cons can we take from systems such as those in Canada, the UK, the rest of Europe, and further afield?
Why is healthcare so difficult to “fix”? Are there any obvious changes to regulations or policy choices that can deliver major benefits at relatively little cost in funds and disruption?

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We are at an important inflection point in the war between Russia and Ukraine, with Russia this week announcing referendums in four occupied regions in Ukraine, the mobilization of 300,000 Russian troops, and threatening the use of nuclear weapons. In response, the US just announced new hard-hitting sanctions.

In the latest episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). They discuss what is currently happening in the war between Russia and Ukraine and its global economic and geo-political implications. Tune in to find out:

How will Russia hold the newly annexed regions given their forced retreat from these areas?
Why are Kremlin officials claiming that Russia is at war with NATO, not Ukraine? What purpose does this statement serve?
What is the potential of this conflict becoming nuclear and how does the annexation of these regions increase that likelihood?
What would the West’s response be to a nuclear attack?
What does the attack on the Nord Stream pipelines signal?

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The Conference Board announced today that the Consumer Confidence Index® increased in September for the second consecutive month. But the likelihood of recessions in the US and across Europe are rising. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, and Lynn Franco, Director of the Indicators program, both from The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what to expect for the US and global economies. Tune in to find out:

When—not if—a US recession will likely begin, and how long it will last
Why consumer confidence is increasing despite the likelihood of a recession
How businesses are managing the pressures of hiring and retaining top talent amid a thriving US labor market and imminent recession
Why a global recession is not yet a foregone conclusion
Why a recession is expected in Europe and what may make it worse than initially projected
Why China is experiencing slow growth, but not a recession

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As Canadians recover from an unprecedented trail of destruction left by hurricane Fiona, how can the US business community better understand the important relationship between our two countries?

Tune in to find out:

The US and Canada have many similarities—and differences. What are they?
What are the points of tension between the two countries?
Why is it important for us to better align on trade?
What are the best opportunities for the US and Canada to work more closely together?

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What does this week’s rate hike from the Fed and today’s Leading Economic Index signal for the US economy? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Erik Lundh, Principal Economist at The Conference Board, to discuss the looming recession. Tune in to find out:

What are the warning signs that a recession is coming and what is the worst case scenario?
What should businesses do in the face of imminent recession?
How would a recession affect the holiday season?
How does quantitative tightening impact interest rates?
What is the Fed’s outlook for the next few years and what was most surprising about their expectations?

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What differentiates the top CEOs from everyone else? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Ivan Pollard, Leader of the Marketing & Communications Center at The Conference Board, sits down with Vikram Malhotra, senior partner at McKinsey & Company, to discuss what it takes to excel as a CEO. Tune in to find out:

What should CEOs focus on to be most effective? What isn’t worth their time?
What distinguishes CEOs who are truly excellent?
What mindsets are necessary to realize a clear, audacious company vision?
How has stakeholder engagement evolved for CEOs, and who should they be engaging with now?
What do leading CEOs say they regret the most?

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Everything from our phones to our computers to our national security is dependent on semiconductors. Taiwan produces a majority of these sophisticated chips. What would a China-Taiwan conflict mean for the supply of semiconductors and how should businesses be thinking strategically about this possibility?

In the latest episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). They discuss the heightened tensions between China and Taiwan in the wake of China’s recent military drills near Taiwan and the global economic impact of a supply shortage.

What would a China-Taiwan conflict mean for supply chains and the global economy?
What are the economic risks to the West if semiconductor manufacturing were disrupted?
Why should companies incorporate geostrategic risk challenges in their future threat assessments?
Why are public and private sector partnerships essential to bolstering the nation’s semi-conductor strategy?

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“You learn as much by not being successful sometimes in a role, as you did by being successful,” says Holly Gagnon, Co-CEO and chairperson of Artemis Strategic Investment Corporation.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Gagnon to discuss overcoming your professional fears and opening yourself up to new and varied career experiences. Tune in to find out:

How can being open to unexpected opportunities open doors throughout your career?
How can you grow your confidence to explore new prospects?
Do you have to change jobs regularly to advance your career?
How can being a risk-taker early in your career set you up for success?
How can you balance the demands of career, family, and community?

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As worries of a recession mount and shoppers continue to battle inflation, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Lynn Franco, Senior Director of Economic Indicators and Surveys at The Conference Board, to discuss the latest economic indicators from The Conference Board. Tune into this episode on CEO Perspectives to find out:

Do CEOs and US consumers anticipate a recession?
Are worries about inflation and recession affecting consumers’ buying plans?
How are higher input costs and raising wages impacting firms?
What might cause a recession in various regions?
Will firms continue hiring amid a looming recession?
What are the global GDP forecasts for 2022 and 2023?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Bernard Bailey, Chairman of Authentix Corporation and a leading voice on corporate governance issues, to discuss shareholder activism. What is it and how can boards prepare for it? Tune in to find out:

What are the three types of activist shareholders?
What are the pros and cons of shareholder activism?
How can you be confident that management is going to act in the best interests of absentee owners?
How does activism generally impact the performance of a company long-term?
What are the reasons activists get involved and how can boards and management prepare?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Carter Roberts, President and CEO of the World Wildlife Fund, to discuss the sustainability of the world’s food systems. How do we produce more food without putting a greater strain on our ecosystem? And what can countries and companies do to address these human needs while preserving our environment? Tune in to find out:

How do we continue to feed the 7.3 billion people and counting on the planet without destroying it? Where do we start?
What opportunities do we have to be more efficient with our resources?
Why are public-private partnerships important to achieving these goals?
What is a resilient food system and what needs to change to be more resilient?

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“The promise of ESG, the whole notion behind it, was that if you perform better in those areas, you will have better financial performance over time as well.”

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center, to discuss ESG funds. What are they and what are they trying to accomplish? And why are they now so controversial? Tune in to find out:

What are the different types of ESG funds and which are growing the fastest?
Why has ESG investing garnered negative press in recent years? What are the various criticisms of ESG funds?
Why was Tesla recently thrown out of the S&P 500’s ESG Index? Should companies be judged on their conduct, their impact, or both?
How do ESG funds compare to the broader market?
What are the new SEC disclosure rules for these funds? What are they trying to fix?

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“People leave, generally speaking, for salary increases or career development—that’s been the same for decades. But they are also leaving because they think that they might actually have a respite, a little chance to take a breather, and then start again somewhere new.”

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board to discuss the ongoing mass resignation of workers, known as The Great Resignation. Tune in to find out:

What triggered this shift? Why are so many people now reexamining their relationship with their job?
What demographics are seeing this trend the most?
Will a recession prompt those who left the workforce to reevaluate their decision?
How can businesses better support the return of women to the workplace?
What should employees consider when weighing a job change?
What is the role of managers in retaining top talent? And how can businesses support them?
What other cost-effective strategies can businesses employ to retain workers?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Asutosh Padhi, Managing Partner for McKinsey & Company in North America and John Kelleher, Senior Partner. Odland, Padhi, and Kelleher discuss the current economic environment and the possibility of a recession. Tune in to find out:

How an economic downturn will likely play out
How business leaders can navigate through this period of economic uncertainty
What businesses should be doing to prepare for a recession
How companies can find growth, even in a down cycle

Click here for more information on McKinsey research.

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What is the likelihood of a US recession and possibly a global recession? And what would be the instigator in both cases? What about emerging markets and the impact of China’s economic issues? And, what are the key indicators you should look at to track economies? These are just a few of the questions discussed in this bonus episode of CEO Perspectives as Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board sits down with Chief Economist Dana Peterson. Listen to this podcast and watch this webcast to discover:

What are the general causes for recessions and slowdowns ahead?
What are CEOs saying they are doing to ensure growth going forward?
What about ongoing issues with labor, which are apparent in the US, Europe, and Asia?
Where can our companies find indispensable answers to key questions and business solutions?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Ivan Pollard, Center Leader, Marketing & Communications, The Conference Board, and former Chief Marketing Officer at General Mills. Odland and Pollard discuss the business function that has arguably changed more than any other in the 21st century: marketing. Tune in to find out:

How marketing has evolved over the last 30 years vs. marketing’s tactical world today
How the best companies leverage their marketing talent —internally and externally
What CMOs need from CEOs today—and vice versa

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Harry Kraemer, professor at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and executive partner with Madison Dearborn Partners, one of the largest private equity firms in the US. Odland and Kraemer take a deep dive into all things “board”: how to get on one, how to get up to speed once you’ve landed a coveted spot, and what makes for a great board member. Tune in to find out:

The qualifications of a board member
The best ways to go about getting on a board
The boundaries between operations and the business judgement of the board
Governance principles in public and private companies

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board. They explore the successes and failures of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, which replaced NAFTA in 2020. Tune in to find out:

What opportunities exist to leverage USMCA to meet supply chain challenges?
Could the three countries become energy independent?
Has the agreement been successful, politics aside?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center, to discuss how recent crises have impacted sustainability efforts and the roles of business and government in reaching sustainability goals. Tune in to find out:

How corporate sustainability has evolved over the last decade and how recent crises have impacted the focus on sustainability
What it will take to reach our Net Zero goals, especially given current disruptions in the energy industry
How businesses can work with energy suppliers to meet sustainability goals
The importance of not overstating your sustainability efforts

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Jim Huggins, Partner at McChrystal Group and former Chief Operating Officer of the United States Army, to discuss the monumental task of rebuilding Ukraine, even as the destruction continues in parts of the country. Tune in to find out:

What assumptions should be made about geography that may be occupied long-term by Russia and what may remain as part of an independent Ukraine?
What kind of effort will be required to rebuild the country?
What should be the role of the private sector?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to discuss the results of our new C-Suite Outlook Midyear survey and how global business leaders are adjusting to the economic fallout from the war in Ukraine. Tune in to find out:

What are the economic impacts of the war in Ukraine and how has the global economic outlook changed?
What actions are CEOs taking to address inflation and prepare for recession?
What does the upended geopolitical landscape mean for the relationship between the US and China? What impact will rising tensions have on business?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dr. Jennifer Burnett, Principal of Human Capital at The Conference Board and former Senior Vice President of Global Staffing & Learning at Bank of America, to discuss career development in a hybrid world. Tune in to find out:

How managers can better assess employees who work remotely
What’s missing from the remote work experience and how this may impact career development
What steps employees need to take to be noticed and demonstrate their capabilities in a hybrid world

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Bob Moritz, the Global Chairman of PwC International and a trustee of The Conference Board, to discuss what Moritz has called “the most formidable challenge we’ve faced since World War II”—sustainability. As companies adopt new sustainability frameworks and practices, executives are left to figure out the impact on shareholders, stakeholders, and their bottom line. In the current geopolitical and business context, is sustainability even sustainable? Tune in to find out:

What countries and businesses should be doing in the short run to deal with energy needs—and still maintain long-term, net-zero goals
How to think about diminishing carbon-based energy—balanced with urgent needs for fuel and food this winter
Why the consolidation of the Climate Disclosure Standards Board and the Value Reporting Foundation helps investors and consumers compare “apples to apples”

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Jim Huggins, Partner at McChrystal Group and former Chief Operating Officer of the United States Army. They discuss the next phase of the war in Ukraine: What might Russia be planning? And how should the US and NATO prepare for what may come next? Tune in to find out: * What was Russia trying to accomplish by invading Ukraine? * How might Russia escalate the war further? * How should the US and NATO view the deepening relationship between Russia, China, and India?

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President and Leader of the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to discuss the legacy of the pandemic and the elements of the workplace that are forever changed. Tune in to find out:

How most HR processes have been upended—from talent acquisition and performance management to development and compensation
What the optimal hybrid workplace look like today
How to maintain innovation, culture, values—and support flexible teams

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In the latest episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Mike Archbold. He is a Trustee of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy Center of The Conference Board (CED). Additionally, Archbold is the founding CEO and a board member of the Council for Inclusive Capitalism at the Vatican, and the former CEO of GNC. The topic of this week’s conversation is gerrymandering, which is once again back in full swing. Tune in to find out:

What’s at the heart of the redistricting debate
How gerrymandering undermines democracy
How gerrymandering fosters political extremism and fuels gridlock
What some states are doing to de-politicize the gerrymandering process

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In a new episode of CEO perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dr. Bart van Ark, Managing Director of the Productivity Institute at the University of Manchester, to discuss productivity—making the most of human and material resources. Tune in for insights on: * What the latest numbers say about productivity * What will happen to productivity as the massive globalization of the 1990s shifts to a focus on securing domestic supply chains * Why the Fourth Industrial Revolution or digital age hasn’t yet fueled higher productivity across the economy

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In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, president of the Committee for Economic Development, the Public Policy Center of The Conference Board. Tune in for insights on:

China and Russia's past and present relationship and their strengthening trade ties
The complicated status of Taiwan and the implications of the One China policy
The potential impact to global supply chains—and the supply of advanced semiconductors—if China invades Taiwan

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This CEO Perspectives podcast focuses on what's going on in the world and how business leaders should adapt, with a special focus on “black swans”: unpredictable events that may have unexpected consequences. Hear from our experts:

Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President, Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board (CED), on the potential for a fractured global financial and economic system to emerge in the wake of the conflict in Ukraine
Dana Peterson, Executive Vice President & Chief Economist, on how geopolitics and supply shocks are filtering through the global economy
Dr. Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President, Human Capital, on why traditional ways of thinking about work planning have been blown up
Paul Washington, Executive Director, Environmental, Social and Governance Center, on how organizations should be thinking about their green goals in the midst of a global energy crisis—can they give them up?
Ivan Pollard, Center Leader, Marketing & Communications, about why the expectations for companies to speak up on the issues at hand are greater than ever—and what’s at stake if they don’t

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“One thing that is most critical and important is the mindset and the commitment of the most senior leaders in an organization – and that includes your Board, your CEO and your C-Suite executives to this issue of diversity” says Anna Mok, Asia Pacific Leader, Advisory, Global Lead Client Service Partner at Deloitte & Touche LLP. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Mok to discuss the importance for business leaders to embrace diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and why a company’s success could depend on it. Tune in for insights on:

Correlation with success? Why is diversity important to a company? Do diverse companies perform better?
Getting to diversity. Are there certain forms of diversity that are more important to companies?
DEI metrics. What composition should employers seek to attain?
Importance of the Board. Why is it so important to have a diverse Board of Directors? How should Boards accomplish this?
DEI in our future. Within a couple of decades the US will be a “majority minority” population. What does this mean?

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“[India] agrees with the strategic approach of lessening the importance of the US dollar in international commerce and finance, and consequently diminishing the international influence of the United States as a global leader,” says Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Murray to discuss the relationship between India, Russia, and China, and what it means for the global economy. Tune in for insights on: * A new axis: Is Russia strategically aligning with the dominant economies of Asia to form a new axis? How would this new axis affect Western companies? * Differing models: Why would India align itself with Russia, given their different economic systems? What is the impact when the longest standing democracy in the world starts aligning itself with an autocracy? * One world, two financial systems: What would be the effect of an alternate banking system used by Russia, China, and India? * Pakistan: Is the tension between India and Pakistan driving India’s involvement with Russia? * Outcomes: What is the best-case scenario for the US? The worst-case scenario?

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“If you're anywhere in the world, and you got really sick, where would you want to be? I probably want to be here [in the US]. We are capable of delivering the finest health care in the world. Our challenge is that it's not equitable. It's not available to everybody,” says George Barrett, former chairman and CEO of Cardinal Health and a trustee of The Conference Board. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Barrett to discuss the current state of our healthcare system, what's working, what isn't working, and how we can lower costs and improve outcomes. Tune in for insights on:

Why healthcare consumes so much of GDP in the US compared to other countries
The business model of healthcare in the US and why pay the fee-for-service model creates a “perverse incentive”
Why COVID-19 is an inflection point and a wake-up call

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“The reality is, we have a really fast healthcare system, which means we have to have an extraordinary amount of capacity to be able to act that quick…but we pay a lot for that privilege.” That’s according to Dr. Steve Miller, Chief Clinical Officer of Cigna. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Miller joins The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the US healthcare system. Tune in for insights on:

The cost of healthcare: Why is the US healthcare system so expensive? How do we balance affordability with innovation?
Room for improvement: Are there other healthcare models we should consider adopting? How can we take advantage of technology to make healthcare more affordable?
Drug costs: What goes into developing new drugs and why are drug costs so high? How do we keep prices from rising so much?
The Affordable Care Act: What were the original goals of the Affordable Care Act? Over a decade later, how are we doing with those goals? What went wrong and what should we do going forward?
A fatigued system: What impact has the pandemic had on the healthcare system? Why is it important to get vaccinated?

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Will Russia Go Nuclear? “It really is an extremely dangerous time in terms of security—our security, European security, and global security,” warns Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board.

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Murray sits down with President and CEO Steve Odland. Murray—a renowned expert in foreign policy and national security—offers a frank assessment of the latest developments in Ukraine and details the threats by Russia to use nuclear and chemical weapons.

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“[The Fed wants] to have a nice balance between not causing the US economy to slow down too quickly, or to create too much volatility in financial markets,” says Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Peterson to discuss US inflation: Why are prices climbing at the fastest pace in decades and what can be done to stop it? Tune in for insights on:

Ukraine: What impact is the war in Ukraine having on the supply chain and inflation? What commodities are being affected?

Inflation trends: What effect did the pandemic have on the demand for and availability of goods? How do labor shortages and the Great Resignation factor into inflation?

The Fed: Hindsight is 20/20, but what could the Fed have done differently? What can they do now to reduce inflation? What can’t they do?

Infrastructure and energy: How can investing in infrastructure help resolve some of these issues? What can policymakers do? What can the US do to increase energy supply in the short term and how do we balance those short-term needs with long-term carbon goals?

The timeline: When should we expect to get back to a normal inflation rate? Is there a new normal?

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“The 50-plus demographic is driving the ‘longevity economy,’ and they represent $8.3 trillion of economic activity on an annual basis—that's 56 cents of every dollar,” says Jo Ann Jenkins, CEO of AARP. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Jenkins to discuss how the Baby Boomer generation is disrupting conventional thinking about aging. Tune in for insights on:

Boomers and their pull in the marketplace: Why marketers must look at this generation as an opportunity—and not just market to the newest generations.
“Ageless solutions”: What's good for the old is also good for the young. If you build something that is only suited for an older person, they won't buy it.
Marketing to the whole family: Why every business selling something for inside the home—tech, furniture design, retrofitting—needs a multigenerational approach.

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“Accountability starts with me, if you’re leading the organization,” says Jim Huggins, former COO of the United States Army. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Huggins to discuss the most effective ways to lead, based on both his military and private sector experience. Tune in for insights on: * The goal of leadership: Is it about simply telling people what to do, or something more? * Empowering your people: Does empowerment come at the cost of accountability for decisions and outcomes? What does accountability really mean? * Great leaders: What are the traits of great leaders today? Are people born leaders or can leadership be taught? Can introverts be leaders? * Developing tomorrow’s leaders: What is the most effective way to teach effective leadership skills?

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As traditional journalistic institutions cede readers and viewers to social media, and political polarization increases among news purveyors, who can you trust? That’s the question posed in a new episode of CEO Perspectives. The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Alan Murray, CEO of Fortune Media, to discuss bias, positioning, and truth in journalism. Tune in for insights on:

The effect of advertising versus subscriptions as a revenue source: Does this lead to institutional bias toward the views of a new outlet’s customers?
The difference between attitudes and facts: Whatever their world view, organizations such as The Washington Post and The New York Times have processes in place to ensure the facts they present are tested, vetted, and true.
The future of social media platforms: In an era when it takes only a computer to pass as a journalist, Facebook and Google have a big credibility problem. What does it mean for their futures?

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Watch the full webcast:

https://www.conference-board.org/webcast/ondemand/geopolitics

Russia has launched a full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, attacking cities and key military hubs across the country. With each passing hour, the conflict becomes increasingly dire. The US and other countries have imposed severe sanctions on Russia, and international leaders are scrambling to respond to the constantly changing crisis. As the world wakes up to an upended geopolitical landscape, business leaders are left to navigate a new economic environment rife with uncertainty.

On February 23—hours before the invasion began—The Conference Board held a webcast to break down the economic, policy, and business implications of this international crisis. The conversation featured Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, moderated the conversation.

We will be covering:

The business and economic fallout of an invasion.
NATO’s possible reaction to an invasion.
Implications of the Ukraine crisis for China’s policy towards Taiwan, a major supplier of computer chips and other essential electronics products.
The Russia-China Axis: the current state of the relationship, how it may evolve, and the economic and security implications of this alliance.
Steps businesses can take to fortify their supply chains and other steps to hedge against potential events.

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“This is a unique moment to be a CEO,” says Asutosh Padhi, managing partner for McKinsey in North America. Padhi is talking about what he calls the “jolt” of COVID-19: the way the pandemic has accelerated ecommerce, digitization, hybrid work, and government interventions, all “at a pace and scale we have never seen before.” In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Padhi to discuss why it took a pandemic to speed up business transformation, and what companies can do to maximize the effect of these transformations on productivity. Tune in for insights on:

New areas of CEO scrutiny: “Supply chain resilience [to take one example] was never a CEO topic, but now it is one,” says Padhi.
The pandemic’s three jolts: First came the pandemic itself, then came the pressures (on healthcare, government, and trade) that accelerated opportunities. Next: how businesses and industries will reshape in response.
The next CEO mindset: Normally cautious and iterative regarding major change, CEOs are now seeing the speed at which their companies are capable of moving—and changing their own mindsets accordingly.

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“Xi is a hard-core Communist and he is concerned with holding on to power,” says Ed Cox, who as President Richard Nixon’s son-in-law, had a front-row seat to history following Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to The People’s Republic of China. Cox, a former head of the New York Republican State Committee and a Trustee of CED, the public policy arm of The Conference Board, met or had dealings with Deng Xiaoping (“a fascinating man” and a chain smoker) and many of China’s most influential leaders. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Cox for a second half-hour discussion of China: past, present, and future. Tune in for insights on:

The two Chinas: There remains a split between urban, developed and rural, agricultural China even today, despite the Belt and Roads initiative.
Dissolution of the Soviet Union: With Russia splintered, “who is then the main antagonist?” asks Cox. The answer: The United States.
What China’s slow economic growth may mean: Would Xi make military moves against Taiwan in order to shore up nationalist sentiment?

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“He told me, ‘Well, I’m going to go to Peking, then I’m going to go to Moscow, and that’s the way we will end the (Vietnam) War.’” Ed Cox is recalling a conversation with Richard Nixon in February 1968, when Nixon was running for President and Cox was dating his daughter Tricia. Cox is a former head of the New York Republican State Committee, a Trustee of CED, the public policy center of The Conference Board—and Tricia Nixon’s husband. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Cox to discuss Nixon’s foreign policy and the history of US-China relations. Tune in for insights on:

Details of Nixon’s groundbreaking trip to China: When the President arrived at the Beijing airport, there was no schedule or certainty that he would even meet with Chinese leaders.
Détente with the Soviet Union: Nixon’s risky military maneuvers in Vietnam before his trip to Moscow.
The “Shanghai Communiqué”: A partial solution to the longtime tensions between Taiwan and mainland China.

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“What we’re really talking about is being responsive to the interests of an institutional investment community,” says Gaby Sulzberger, General Partner, Rustic Canyon/Fontis Partners, “and that’s true whether you’re a public company or a private company.” Sulzberger is talking about why ESG concerns are suddenly a focus for investors and an essential strategy for firms. About a third of global assets under management (AUM), Sulzberger says, factors sustainability into its investment decisions. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Sulzberger to discuss all things ESG. Tune in for insights on:

The new focus on sustainability: Environmental, social, and governance issues used to be treated separately by companies, but the broad focus of portfolio managers on corporate social purpose has ended this “Balkanization.”
The importance of ESG to talent: Investors aren’t alone in demanding more corporate social responsibility. Employees want to work for companies that take ESG issues seriously.
The increasing importance of board diversity: Despite gains, the number of women and racial minorities on boards remains low. Sulzberger: “It’s not an intent to exclude, but it comes from a lack of interest to include.”

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“We’ve got to meet employees where they are,” says Jacqueline Williams-Roll, CHRO of General Mills. As the post-pandemic workforce transitions from remote to a more permanent hybrid model, The Conference Board C-Suite Outlook reveals that CEOs are concerned about the impact on company culture. What will this hybrid workforce look like? “The truth is, no one really knows,” says Williams-Roll. “But what we do know is simple: employees want flexibility.” In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Williams-Roll to discuss big changes in the way we work and the role of the CHRO in managing these changes. Tune in for insights on:

Going hybrid without sacrificing corporate culture: General Mills has launched a new initiative called “Work with Heart” that aims to keep its workforce connected and creative.
The role of teams in a hybrid workforce: Giving individual teams the opportunity to pivot in the direction that is best for them will ensure that flexibility doesn’t mean waste or isolation.
The role of the CHRO in corporate strategy: As the human resources function grows, CHROs need business acumen more than ever. “I don’t want to be able to pick out the HR person in the room,” says Williams-Roll. Courage and a gift for listening are also necessary assets.

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“We are on the precipice of war in Europe if Russia decides to move into Ukraine,” warns Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, she joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss NATO and what has led to the biggest flashpoint with Russia since the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Tune in for insights on:

The crisis in Ukraine: What’s driving the increasing hostility? Why is Ukraine strategically and historically important to Russia? And what will happen if NATO grants Ukraine membership?
The history of NATO: Why was it founded? How did it evolve after the fall of the Soviet Union?
Russia’s perspective: How does Russia view the purpose and expansion of NATO?
Strengthening NATO: What new challenges does the organization face and what reforms are needed to meet them?
The threat of China: Will the expansion of NATO push China and Russia together? How does China’s role in the economies of NATO’s member countries complicate matters?

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As capitalism becomes more multi-stakeholder focused, investors care not only about the end—returns—but increasingly, the means to that end—how they get those returns.

That’s according to Ron O’Hanley, Chairman and CEO of State Street, one of the world’s largest asset management companies. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, he sits down with President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss multi-stakeholder capitalism—the challenges, opportunities, and what lies ahead.

Tune in for insights on:

Addressing competing demands: How should CEOs balance the needs of multiple constituencies?
Unpacking index funds: What is permanent capital? How does it influence both the long-term strategy of a business and the way shareholders engage with that business?
Creating long-term value for the business and the community: How should investors, management teams, and boards think about the corporation’s role in society?
The future of ESG: Where is ESG going for companies? What does nirvana look like, and how will we know when we’re there?

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COVID-19 prompted the “greatest exodus of women from the workforce in all of history,” explains Camille Olson, a Partner at Seyfarth Shaw and a Trustee of The Conference Board. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, she joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss this alarming trend.

Tune in for insights on:

Reasons behind the exit: From caregiving responsibilities to childcare demands to heightened stress, why are more women leaving their jobs than ever before?
Overhauling outdated practices: Only 57 percent of women are currently participating in the workforce. What can companies do to better attract and retain female employees?
Policy at play: Would updates to federal and state laws help more women feel knowledgeable about their rights, and therefore more willing to stay at their jobs?
Generational shifts: The composition of workers is changing. Do millennial women approach work differently than their predecessors?

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“Robust growth” will characterize the world economy of 2021. The Conference Board economic team expects overall global growth to be five percent for 2021, “which is really astounding,” says Chief Economist Dana Peterson. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Peterson to discuss the new forecast. Tune in for insights on:

The US economic forecast for 2022: What do Peterson and her team expect for GDP growth in the US and what’s the impact if the Fed raises interest rates?
China’s changing dynamic: As China grows, will that new consumer-based economy last?
Europe’s struggles: An aging population on top of a serious labor shortage are adding to the EU’s woes. What is the outlook for the European economy?
The future for young economies: Thirty percent of the world’s economies are young, what impact will their growth have on global businesses?

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Over the past two years, the global pandemic, social unrest, and political turmoil have highlighted the need for workplaces to consider how societal challenges affect workers. Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is more important than ever for businesses as they work to ensure employees of all backgrounds feel valued for who they are and what they bring to the organization. But how should companies evaluate their DEI programs to guarantee they are driving real change? Steve Odland, President & CEO of The Conference Board sits down with Laura Sabattini, Principal Researcher of Human Capital at The Conference Board, to talk about DEI in the workplace. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve and Laura answer the following questions and more:

How can businesses fully integrate DEI efforts into their work culture?
What are the different components of DEI, and how has it evolved over time?
How have external factors like the labor market, politics, and the pandemic driven changes in the field of DEI?
How can businesses go beyond a focus on representation? What other metrics should they track?
How can data be used in a meaningful way?

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All eyes are on the Fed, as today President Biden renominates Jerome Powell as Chair of the Federal Reserve and nominates Lael Brainard as Vice Chair. How will these choices impact financial markets and interest rates? Steve Odland, President CEO of The Conference Board sits down with Roger Ferguson, Jr, former Vice Chair of The Federal Reserve, and former Chair of The Conference Board, to talk about the central bank of the United States. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve and Roger answer the following questions and more:

What’s the purpose of the Fed?
How much autonomy does the Fed have?
What role do the Fed’s regional banks play?
What is the Fed’s balance sheet, and how is it used?
What are the risks of politicizing the Fed?

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Supply chain issues are global, multifaceted, and involve goods from threads to chips. On a new episode of CEO Perspectives, President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Cathy Leonhardt, Managing Director and Co-Head of Solomon Partners’ Global Consumer Retail Group, to discuss the current and future states of supply chains. Tune in for insights on:

Clogs and chokepoints Southern California ports, which take in 40 percent of US imports, can have as many as 100 ships waiting to unload. The issues: shortages of containers, chassis to move containers, and drivers to move goods. There are similar chokepoints in the rail system.
How it happened While some supply chain issues (labor shortages) predate COVID-19, 18 months of pandemic-related factory shutdowns triggered a dramatic worsening, especially for bulky low-cost items.
Outsourcing and offshoring Could the trend to leave the US for cheaper production costs now reverse itself? Reshoring, says Leonhardt, is difficult. “And it’s still much more expensive than anyone can fathom.”
What companies can do The two biggest retailers in the US, Wal-Mart and Target, have upped warehouse inventory. Leasing ships and using air freight are partial, albeit costly, fixes.
Silver linings Less discounting, higher prices, and bigger margins, leading to more profitability.

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The fragility of both the environment and the US energy grid are raising new, urgent questions about US energy policy. On a new episode of CEO Perspectives, President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Vicky Bailey, former Assistant Secretary, US Department of Energy, for a wide-ranging conversation on the state and future of America’s energy policies. Tune into this podcast for insights on:

The changing US energy picture: Two decades ago, says Bailey, US leaders looked at energy policy from the vantage point of scarcity. After 9/11, their focus shifted to security. Today, due to hydraulic fracking technology, the US has energy abundance—but at what cost?
The security of the energy grid: The grid, aging and vulnerable, now enables communication (and Teslas) as well as electric power. Capital-intensive, long-game investment in this infrastructure is needed, to prevent crises like the one in Texas last year.
Reaching net zero carbon emissions: “I don’t think you get there without nuclear,” says Bailey. But there are valid concerns about safety. And we need a plan for disposal of nuclear waste.
Wind and solar power: These renewables comprise 15 percent of US energy sources. Can they become a bigger part of the energy picture, or does their weather dependency limit their efficacy?

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In today’s political and social climate, the calls are loudening for the United States to move away from capitalism toward socialism. But will an economic system with increased size, scope, and involvement of government generate more prosperity for Americans, or end up leaving the country worse off?

On a new episode of CEO Perspectives, President and CEO Steve Odland sits down with Maria Sastre, a Trustee of The Conference Board, and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the organization’s public policy center, the Committee for Economic Development. The three of them size up the competing economic systems, including why socialism is gaining appeal, if this trend has staying power, and the need to make capitalism sustainable. Tune into this podcast for insights on:

The American dream, realized: Maria and her family lost everything during the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s. How did her family leverage America’s capitalist system to turn their economic fate around?
Understanding the differences: What are the fundamental differences between capitalism and socialism?
The perspective of Millennials: Recent polls in the US show that many—Millennials, especially—prefer socialism over capitalism. What’s causing this shift in attitudes?
Making the case for markets: What steps can business leaders take to help people understand the benefits of our market-based economic system?

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Coal use accounts for 26 percent of global energy use, second only to oil (31 percent). Renewable energy sources account for only 14 percent of global energy use, and nuclear energy a mere five percent. These numbers are center stage in a new episode of CEO Perspectives, in which Uwe G. Schulte, leader of the Global Sustainability Centre at The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss ways businesses can incentivize cleaner energy use.

Tune into this podcast for insights on:

Coal use across the globe: Which countries are the biggest coal consumers and what is the expected trajectory of this usage

Quantifying coal: How do you accurately measure the cost of energy? How do coal costs compare to renewable sources?

More than just carbon: How do you quantify the full environmental cost of energy production and which energy sources are best?

Areas for innovation: What opportunities exist for businesses to improve sustainability?

The needs of the future: What does the electric grid of the future look like, and what is needed to get there? What is the future of battery technology?

The role of government: From incentivizing private investors and creating public-private partnerships, to securing the grid and using a carbon tax to address social issues, what is the role of government in building a sustainable future?

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Setting the size and scope of the federal budget has long sparked fierce debate between the parties. But this year, the process is more fraught than usual: the President has proposed a $6 trillion budget, Democrats are hoping to pass a $3.5 trillion budget reconciliation bill encompassing a broad swath of legislative priorities, and Republicans adamantly oppose these proposed expenditures.

On top of that, the clock is ticking for legislators to raise the debt ceiling in a matter of days, explains Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board—and the latest guest on CEO Perspectives. Failure to raise the ceiling would likely prove catastrophic for the US economy.

Hosted by President and CEO Steve Odland, tune into this podcast for a conversation that unpacks the state—and daunting trajectory—of America’s public debt and deficits, and how policymakers can course-correct to get the nation’s fiscal house in order.

How does the current debt compare to historic levels, and what are the future projections?
Is there a point at which the debt is too high? What happens then?
What is the federal process to create a budget, and where are we now?
What is the difference between debt and deficits?
What is reconciliation—and how is the process playing out this cycle?
What steps can policymakers take to cut spending and increase revenue to shrink the rapidly growing debt?

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Recent years have seen a surge in interest in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Topics such as climate change, workforce diversity and inclusion, and political spending are increasingly top of mind for stakeholders—investors, customers, employees, and more.

But the growing interest in ESG has also brought growing scrutiny, argues Matteo Tonello, Managing Director of The Conference Board ESG Center—and the latest guest on CEO Perspectives. As Tonello details, a broad swath of stakeholders expects heightened accountability from executives on how their companies address a variety of ESG-related issues.

Hosted by President and CEO Steve Odland, tune into this podcast for insights on:

In recent years, how has investors’ focus on ESG issues changed—and what factors account for the shift?
Despite the opportunities, what risks can ESG issues pose to companies?
What steps can boards take to assess their companies’ ESG performance and mitigate risk?
What board committees should be responsible for oversight of ESG issues?
Amid increasing—and loudening—calls from stakeholders, where should companies draw the line when responding to their ESG-related demands?
The role of government in ESG: What lies ahead?

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As job growth surges in the United States, there are not enough workers to meet the demand. This stark imbalance has caused wages to grow in the US at the fastest pace in at least 20 years. In a new episode of CEO Perspectives, Gad Levanon, Head of The Conference Board Labor Markets Institute, joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the US labor market: Why are workers hard to find and what can businesses do about it?

Tune into this podcast for insights on:

Where are the workers? What is contributing to historic labor shortages, and what will it take for the labor market to normalize?

Sticker shock: How is the low labor supply impacting inflation?

Recruiting challenges: Amid a limited pool of workers, what specific steps can companies take to attract and retain talent?

Automation: With workers hard to find and soaring labor costs, what’s the role of automation in filling the gaps?

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What’s the business rationale for prioritizing climate change?

Having a solid grasp of an organization’s impact on the climate presents the opportunity to better optimize business. Firms can reap the benefits, but an understanding of their total footprint is required. Indeed, they must examine their impact beyond company walls, casting a broad net that covers the total value chain.

Understanding a company’s holistic impact is one of the many recommendations offered by Dr. Uwe Schulte, Leader of the Global Sustainability Centre at The Conference Board, in a new episode of CEO Perspectives. This week, Uwe joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss climate change: what are the causes and what can governments, businesses, and individuals do to combat it?

Tune into this podcast for insights on:

Sizing up the science: What is the science behind climate change?

A warming world: How much have global temperatures risen, and how significant is the increase?

Man vs. nature: How much of global warming is caused by humans and how much a result of natural occurrences?

Promising alternatives: What could a clean-energy future look like?

Solutions for sustainability: What is the role of governments, businesses, and individuals in addressing climate change?

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“There is no contradiction between going more sustainable and having a thriving business.”

That’s according to Dr. Uwe Schulte, Leader of the Global Sustainability Centre at The Conference Board. This week, Uwe joined President and CEO Steve Odland on a new episode of CEO Perspectives to discuss sustainability: how the issue’s evolving, the challenges it presents to business, how companies can leverage the opportunities, and more.

As Uwe discusses, there’s growing consensus about the importance of sustainability efforts. A range of stakeholders are increasingly calling on businesses to evaluate and address their impact on the environment and society.

Tune in to this podcast for insights on:

The lay of the land: What is the current status of efforts to address sustainability?

Top concerns for businesses: What do consumers and other stakeholders want? And how can businesses meet those needs while staying competitive?

The business case: Why should businesses prioritize sustainability, and what steps can they take to improve their footprint?

The plastics problem: How much plastic do we produce, where is it going, and what should businesses be doing?

The climate crisis: How should businesses approach their role in addressing global warming?

Please note: The name of this podcast series has been changed from C-Suite Perspectives to CEO Perspectives. You’ll continue receiving timely, valuable insights for what’s ahead—but with a greater emphasis on what matters most to your company’s top decision-maker: the CEO.

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What is the state of America’s infrastructure? What’s the road ahead? And would comprehensive reform really deliver a major economic punch?

Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development at The Conference Board, joins us on C-Suite Perspectives to answer this and more. In episode seven, Dr. Murray sat down with President and CEO Steve Odland, to discuss infrastructure reform.

As Dr. Murray details, any comprehensive deal will face numerous challenges, despite bipartisan agreement that the nation’s water, transportation, and energy systems are in immediate need of an upgrade.

Tune in to this podcast for insights on:

A clear definition: What, exactly, do policymakers mean when they talk about “infrastructure” in an advanced economy?

Understanding the players: What role does the federal, state, and local governments each play in infrastructure projects?

Footing the bill: At a time of record national debt, how can a broad-based infrastructure package be paid for in a way that is fiscally responsible?

The lightning rod tax increase:Why is there intense controversy surrounding a gas tax to finance infrastructure reform?

Where America stands globally: Among its competitors worldwide, how does America fare on the infrastructure front?

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“At the end of the day, what’s really happening is a natural consequence of an incompatibility of systems.”

This observation about US-China relations comes from David Hoffman, a Senior Vice President of The Conference Board and Managing Director of it's China Center for Economics & Business. David is the latest guest on the C-Suite Perspectives podcast, and in episode six he sits down with the show’s host, President and CEO Steve Odland, to discuss the relationship between America and its biggest competitor on the world stage—China.

Where do things currently stand between the two countries and how might this dynamic change over time? As David makes clear, China will choose whether to change based on its own best interests. US pressure is not something to which they will acquiesce.

Tune in to this podcast for insights on:

Heightened tensions: Where does the US-China relationship stand right now?

An incompatibility of systems: How did we get here, and what factors make the two systems fundamentally different?

Changes in US foreign policy: What is the current US Administration doing differently regarding its policy toward China?

Securing primacy of the party: What are China’s global aspirations?

Hostile foreign relations: What impact will the COVID-19 investigation have on the relationship between Western nations and China?

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How can leaders bring out the best in their teams and organizations as we move beyond the pandemic?

Amy Lui Abel, PhD, Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board joins us on C-Suite Perspectives to answer this and more. In episode five, Amy sat down with The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland, to discuss remote work and successful leadership in a virtual world.

As Amy and Steve make clear, leaders must be deliberate in their communication and their efforts to build culture in a virtual or hybrid work environment.

Tune in to this podcast for insights on:

Evolving responsibilities: How does leadership change in a virtual environment?

Replacing the watercooler: What are the leadership challenges of maintaining, driving, and inspiring culture in a virtual world?

Rethinking how we view virtual: Can leadership succeed in a 100% virtual environment?

Preventing problems: What breakdowns should leaders expect in this hybrid environment?

Customer Connection: What are the benefits and risks to the customer in a virtual or hybrid world?

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Hosted by The Conference Board President & CEO, Steve Odland, C-Suite Perspectives takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at senior executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Insights for What’s Ahead™.

In episode four, Steve sits down with Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, to discuss the benefits of capitalism and the challenges it faces. Topics include:

Founding principles: How has capitalism proven to be the most enduring economic system over time?

Upward mobility: Why does capitalism enable people from all rungs of the economic ladder to rise out of poverty and into prosperity?

Fundamental shifts: Can capitalism continue to thrive in the face of looming environmental, wealth, health, and generational crises?

The American Dream: As the US grapples with the challenges facing capitalism, why is it a system worth saving?

The role of business and policy: What role can the business and policy communities play in evolving capitalism into a more prosperous, sustainable model?

Other related content from The Conference Board:

Committee for Economic Development: Sustaining Capitalism Solutions Briefs

Are Apprenticeships the Key to Alleviating Talent Shortages? (Podcast, May 2021)

Harvard Professor Claudia Goldin on Women’s Participation in the Workforce (Podcast, May 2021)

CED Report: First Hundred Days Plan (Report, December 2020)

Meeting the Upskilling Challenge: Training in the Time of COVID-19 (Report, July 2020)

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In episode three, Steve sits down with Paul Washington, Executive Director of The Conference Board ESG Center, to discuss multistakeholder governance. Topics include:

The paradigm shift: What factors are driving the shift from a stockholder-focused to stakeholder-focused model?

Speaking out or staying silent: As companies face pressure to take a stand on every issue under the sun, how can they choose wisely and avoid being soft targets?

The changing skillsets: How is the multistakeholder model changing the competencies—and even the composition—of a successful C-Suite?

The value of a balanced board: Why does a board with directors fluent on many issues—rather than one filled with specialists—typically lead to better multistakeholder governance?

Is this permanent or passing? What’s making the multistakeholder governance approach a durable, lasting blueprint for companies?

Other related content from The Conference Board:

Under a Microscope: A New Era of Scrutiny for Corporate Political Activity (Report, March 2021)

Sustainability Practices 2020 (Report, January 2021)

Even Higher Expectations in a Post-2020 World: How Organizations Engage with Social Change (Report, January 2021)

Insights for Investors and Companies in Addressing Today’s Social Issues (Report, October 2020)

Purpose-Driven Companies: Lessons Learned (Report, October 2020)

Maximizing the Benefits of Board Diversity (Report, June 2020)

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In episode two, Steve sits down with Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President and leader of the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to discuss a range of timely topics on the business community’s radar, including:

Returning to the workplace: What will be the lasting effects of the pandemic on the workplace and the way we work?

Addressing worker well-being: The events of 2020 have taken a toll on workers. What can organizations do to support their people?

Developing leaders: How must leaders change as we move forward from the pandemic? And why is empathy key to effective leadership?

Responding to social change issues: Are we in a permanently different era of corporate activism? What should leaders keep in mind when responding to social change issues?

The growing importance of human capital management: Human capital management is expanding beyond human resources into the purview of boards and the C-suite. How can companies effectively oversee human capital management?

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Welcome to C-Suite Perspectives, a new podcast series by The Conference Board. Hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland, this monthly conversation will take an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at senior executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: insights for what’s ahead.

In episode one, Steve sits down with our Chief Economist, Dana Peterson. They engage on a range of timely topics on the business community’s radar, including:

Are US Consumers Feeling Cautious or Confident? As the economy reopens and vaccinations continue, our Consumer Confidence Survey reveals the latest pulse of America’s shoppers.
Sizing Up the White House’s Tax & Infrastructure Plans: How would the Administration’s tax plan impact the competitiveness of US businesses? And would its $2.3 trillion infrastructure package deliver big economic benefits?
Unpacking Global Productivity Growth: While global productivity dropped in 2020, The Conference Board projects a healthy rebound in 2021. What will it take to sustain the momentum?
Inflation Trepidation: Companies should brace for higher inflation this year. What’s pushing prices upward? And are cost hikes here to stay?
Remote Work’s Economic Punch: Will a rise in teleworking hold down labor costs for companies? And on the flip side, how could this rise keep costs at bay for workers?

CEO Perspectives: Recent Episodes

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