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 

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

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 

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? 

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 

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   

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 

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  

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 

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 

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  

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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   

  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  

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   

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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

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 

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 

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.   

How will Dow, a chemical materials company 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?  How is Dow innovatively managing an energy transition away from fossil fuels?  What are the “guardrails” for using generative AI at Dow?  Why is creating the right culture and environment for diverse perspectives critical to innovation?  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.

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.

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.

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

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

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland speaks 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?

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?

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.

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.

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?

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?  

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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.   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? 

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?

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?

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?

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. 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?  

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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? 

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?

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 Outlook survey. 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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

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?

“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?

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?

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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?  

“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?

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?

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?

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?

“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?

“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?

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.

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?

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

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

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?

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