C-Suite Perspectives

Hosted by The Conference Board President & CEO, Steve Odland, C-Suite Perspectives takes an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at senior executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: Insights for What’s Ahead™. In episode two, Steve sits down with Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President and leader of the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to discuss a range of timely topics on the business community’s radar, including: Returning to the workplace: What will be the lasting effects of the pandemic on the workplace and the way we work? Addressing worker well-being: The events of 2020 have taken a toll on workers. What can organizations do to support their people? Developing leaders: How must leaders change as we move forward from the pandemic? And why is empathy key to effective leadership? Responding to social change issues: Are we in a permanently different era of corporate activism? What should leaders keep in mind when responding to social change issues? The growing importance of human capital management: Human capital management is expanding beyond human resources into the purview of boards and the C-suite. How can companies effectively oversee human capital management?

Learn why CEOs are much more optimistic about the economy in the new year.     CEO confidence is up 9 points from Q4 2024, signaling a shift to confident optimism among CEOs.    The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ reached 60 in Q1 2025—marking the highest reading in three years. What’s driving these gains, and what does that mean for investment and capital spending?     Join Steve Odland and guest Stephanie Guichard, senior economist for global indicators at The Conference Board, to learn about the biggest perceived risks, what's next for hiring, and why we’re in an unusual period of high uncertainty and high CEO confidence.     (01:57) CEO Confidence and Economic Outlook (05:18) Labor Market Insights (08:41) Impact of Policy and Uncertainty (11:51) Capital Spending and Investment Plans (14:33) Risks and Challenges Ahead   For more from The Conference Board:  CEO Confidence Increased Sharply in Q1 2025  C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future  The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US Declined in January 

AT&T Chief Sustainability Officer Charlene Lake shares how the company adds value to society, communities, and the company all at once.     AT&T—a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards—wants to reduce its business customers’ emissions by 1 gigaton by 2035—the equivalent of 1.6 billion cross-country flights. How is AT&T making sure its corporate responsibility effortsbenefitthe company and societyin the short and long term?      Join Steve Odland and guest Charlene Lake, Chief Sustainability Officer and Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility at AT&T, to find out how the company designs corporate responsibility programs, why replacing copper wiring reduces energy use, and how to measure the success of these efforts.    The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards, taking place on April 23, celebrates organizations that have gone beyond making public sustainability commitments to fully integrate sustainability into their business strategies, creating measurable, positive impacts on their organizations, stakeholders, society, and the environment.    (00:51) Meet Charlene Lake: AT&T's Chief Sustainability Officer (02:07) Evolution of Corporate Responsibility (02:49) AT&T's Approach to Corporate Responsibility (03:15) Balancing Multiple Stakeholders (05:11) AT&T's Digital Divide and Environmental Goals (06:10) Integrating Corporate Responsibility into Business Strategy (17:25) Climate Resilience and Community Engagement (25:11) Leveraging AI and Technology for Sustainability

The ceasefire in Gaza hangs in the balance as President Donald Trump’s proposal forces all sides to rethink the region’s future.     The conflict in Gaza has displaced 90% of the population, with President Donald Trump proposing to take over the region and resettle nearly 2 million Gazans elsewhere. What does Trump’s proposal mean for negotiations, and how can all sides broker a lasting peace between the Palestinians and Israelis?     Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, senior fellow for national security and managing director of CEO programs at the Council on Foreign Relations and a CED trustee, to find out the current state of the pause in fighting, how the world reacted to Trump’s proposal, and what obstacles remain to a permanent ceasefire.    (00:41) Overview of Gaza's History (02:32) Hamas' Rise to Power (03:16) Current Governance and Control (06:20) The October 7th Attack (07:47) The Aftermath and Ceasefire (11:15) US Proposal for Gaza (13:55) Reactions to the Proposal (19:12) Challenges and Alternatives (28:47) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   For more from The Conference Board:  2025 Outlook for Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy  Corporate Citizenship Responses to the Israel–Hamas Conflict: One Year Later  The (Unfortunate) Need for a Corporate Playbook to Respond to War 

No poll is perfect, but this year’s pollsters did better than average in predicting the presidential race, especially in swing states. What lessons can we learn, and why do pollsters need to tell the right story, not just get the right numbers?     Join Steve Odland and guest Clifford Young, President of Ipsos Public Affairs in the United States, to find out lessons learned from the 2024 cycle, the differences between public and private polling, and how pollsters find people to interview.     (00:40) Accuracy of Election Polls (02:06) Expectations vs. Reality in Polling (03:29) Methodological Bias in Polling (07:28) Senate and House Race Polling (10:18) Impact of Third-Party Candidates (14:02) Private vs. Public Polling (22:15) Polling Methodologies and Voter Rolls (26:13) International Polling Perspectives   For more from The Conference Board:  US Election, Transition, and Early Actions of the New Administration  Election Has No Effect on Fed Policy Now, But Possibly Later  Impact of Delayed Vote Counts on Election Day 

Consumption represents nearly 70% of US GDP, making trade policy integral to economic growth. But each US presidential candidate has expressed different trade policies that would affect American consumers in myriad ways.    (00:39) Understanding Trade Policy (02:03) Evolution of Trade Agreements (04:58) Comparing Presidential Candidates on Trade (07:35) Tariffs and Their Implications (15:58) The Weaponization of Trade (16:23) China's Competitive Edge and Global Impact (20:21) Political and Security Concerns (24:31) Future Trade Policies and Implications   Join Steve Odland and guest Susan Schwab, former US trade representative and a strategic advisor on public policy and trade at Mayer Brown, for the third installment in our series reviewing the US presidential candidates’ positions on topics that relate directly to business.    For more from The Conference Board:  Election 2024: Trade, Taxes and Tariffs  Election 2024: Debt, Deficits and Labor 

With temperatures rising and countries trailing on net zero goals, how can the private and public sectors adapt?     Global temperatures are well on their way to rising 2.6 degrees Celsius by 2100, and we’re already seeing deleterious effects. How can humanity adapt to climate change—and what happens if we don’t? Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to discuss the most pressing risks, where we stand on 2050 emissions goals, and how the private and public sectors should help our world adapt.    (00:10) Understanding Climate Change (01:12) Current Climate Trends and Projections (03:48) Regional Impacts of Climate Change (07:40) Adaptation and Resilience (09:54) Global Efforts and Policies (13:54) Technological Solutions and Sequestration (20:42) Risk Assessment and Personal Actions (26:09) Role of Private and Public Sectors   For more from The Conference Board:  Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy in a Time of Uncertainty  Beyond Carbon: Why Methane Matters  Carbon Emissions Continue to Rise Despite Massive Clean Energy Investments 

The next five to 10 years could yield unprecedented, life-changing innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). Can industry and governments capitalize on this moment by finding the right balance of business innovation, AI regulation, and cybersecurity best practices?     Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, to find out why consistent AI regulation is important, how Arora built an innovation culture at Palo Alto, and why cybersecurity is more important than ever.    (01:24) Nikesh's Leadership Journey (01:46) Key Pillars of Leadership (04:30) Navigating Uncertainty and AI  (05:45) The Evolution of AI (12:59) Balancing Innovation and Regulation (15:28) Building an Innovative Culture (18:44) Future of Cybersecurity and Technology   For more from The Conference Board:  2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards  AI and Cybersecurity Rank Among Top 2024 Issues for CEOs  Principles for AI Guardrails in the US: Safety, Security, and Innovation 

The latest Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ in collaboration with The Business Council reveals cautious optimism among US CEOs, with only 30% expecting a recession in the next 12 to 18 months. What do CEOs expect in terms of hiring and wages, and what are the biggest risks they see in the marketplace?     Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to find out why recession has faded as an immediate fear, whether CEOs plan to reduce headcount, and why they’re especially worried about cyber risks right now.  (00:28) Overview of the CEO Confidence Survey (01:13) Current CEO Sentiment and Market Conditions (02:44) CEO Predictions on Recession (05:10) Labor Market and Wage Trends (07:18) Industry-Specific Insights (13:45) Impact of Interest Rates on Housing (15:59) Tech Sector Dynamics (18:07) Key Risks Identified by CEOs   For more from The Conference Board:  The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™   CEO Confidence Improves Globally, But Little Pain Relief Is Expected for Europe  C-Suite Outlook 2024: Leading for Tomorrow   

The government shutdown affects much more than the federal workforce. How can CHROs guide their companies through this latest stressor?      The government shutdown has an impact on your private company, whether it’s missing economic data, delayed regulatory action, or employees affected indirectly by a family member’s furlough or job loss. How can CHROs lead their workforces through yet another stressful event?     Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, center leader of the US Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to learn about the psychological stress of the shutdown,how CHROs can give managers the right resources, and how to find alternate sources of economic data.     For more from The Conference Board:  Implications of Government Shutdown  Shutting Down the Economy? Impact of US Government Shutdown  For CMOs, the Market Stays Open During the Shutdown 

Find out how business leaders and workers feel about the workplace amid uncertainty and cost-cutting.     Layoffs are on the rise, with 41% of organizations issuing them in 2025 compared with only 30% in 2024. What does this uncertain economic environment mean for human capital leaders as they try to shape resilient organizations in 2026 and beyond?     Join Diana Scott and guests Robin Erickson, PhD, head of human capital research at The Conference Board, and Matthew Maloof, researcher at The Conference Board Human Capital Center. They discuss why hybrid work is increasingly popular, how cost-cutting is affecting culture and more, and the pandemic’s lasting effects on the workplace.     For more from The Conference Board:  The Reimagined Workplace 2025: Managing Uncertainty  Off-Site, Out of Mind? Overcoming the Downsides of Hybrid Work  How to Navigate the Reimagined Workplace in 2025 

Find out what NATO is, how it functions, and why Russia's recent incursions could force the alliance to act.      Recent Russian violations of Polish and Estonian airspace have NATO considering a possible Article Five response, something last seen in response to 9/11. What are NATO's options, and what happens if the alliance fails to present a united front?     Join Steve Odland and guest Sara Murray, Managing Director for International at The Conference Board, to learn about NATO’s origins and structure, why defense commitments have increased, and why NATO is approaching a red line with Russia.     For more from The Conference Board:  House Passes National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)  Green Tanks? How Defense Spending Can Bolster EU Competitiveness Amid CBAM  Europe’s Financial Independence Needs Derisking, Not Decoupling 

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Dana Peterson speaks with economists Stephanie Guichard and Alex Heil about declining US consumer confidence, rising inflation concerns, and lowered spending expectations-- and explores how the global energy transition is reshaping markets, costs, and business strategy.    This episode provides a dual lens on the economy: the current thinking of US consumers, which shapes spending and growth, and the long-term global shift in energy systems, reshaping industries and business planning.    Leaders and executives will gain timely insights into how these trends affect both household behavior and strategic business decisions.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence  Power Playbook: How US Businesses Can Prepare for Electricity Price Pressures  What’s Next for Wind, Solar and Other Renewable Energy? 

What happens when Washington fails to fund the government? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, guest host Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sits down with Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist for The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to unpack the economic, business, and consumer impacts of a government shutdown.    From delays in critical economic data to disruptions for federal workers, contractors, and even mortgage approvals, Yelena explains the ripple effects of shutdowns across sectors. The discussion also explores how consumer confidence, GDP growth, and even the Federal Reserve’s policy decisions can be influenced when the government goes dark.    Whether you’re a business leader preparing for uncertainty, an investor tracking economic signals, or simply curious about how a shutdown affects everyday life, this conversation offers clarity and context on one of Washington’s most disruptive events. 

The lawsuit against certain US tariffs could be resolved soon, but uncertainty for businesses will likely linger.     The Supreme Court is scheduled to rule in November on certain tariffs issued by the Administration. What’s at stake in the case, and how can businesses prepare for all possible outcomes?     Join Steve Odland and guest John Gardner, vice president of public policy at the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, to find out how this lawsuit started, how the Supreme Court could potentially rule, and what the administration could do in response.     For more from The Conference Board:  Tariffs: On to the Supreme Court and New Executive Order  Federal Circuit Tariff Ruling: More Uncertainty  Tariff Tracker 

The global economy is slowing — but is it a recession, stagflation, or just a soft patch? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland speaks with Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist at The Conference Board, about the latest forecast for the US and world economies.  They break down:  Why US growth in 2025 will feel sluggish  The role of tariffs, inflation, and labor markets  Outlooks for Europe, China, India, and beyond  The Fed’s next moves on interest rates  How “gray swans” and AI could reshape the decade ahead    This episode was recorded on September 16, 2025.    For more from The Conference Board:  Global Forecast Update  Global Gray Swans Tool  The Economic Outlook—Storms or Sunshine Ahead?  

As organizations head into 2026, pay planning has become more strategic than ever. Salary budgets remain firm, but workforce strategies are shifting toward automation, reskilling, and greater pay transparency.   Diana Scott welcomes Mitchell Barnes and Rita Meyerson of The Conference Board to discuss how salary budgets are evolving; why pay equity and transparency are critical to retention; and how economists, HR leaders, and members of the C-Suite can partner to shape resilient, future-ready workforce strategies. 

Only one in four governance leaders say succession planning is a top priority, even as activists press for change and many CEOs stay in their roles longer than ever.  In this episode, host Steve Odland sits down with Bonnie Gwin, Vice Chair and Global Co-Managing Partner, CEO and Board Practice, Heidrick & Struggles, and a leading voice on governance and board effectiveness.  Together, they unpack the risks of neglecting succession, explore best practices for director refreshment, and explain why agility and resilience are now must-have CEO traits. The conversation also highlights how boards are grappling with black swans, geopolitical turmoil, cybersecurity, and the uncertain governance of AI.  For more from The Conference Board:  Are Boards Effective? Here’s What OurLatest Research Says  Corporate Citizenship in Transition: Lessons from 2025  Executive Compensation in a Disruptive World 

CVS Health is striving to improve health care delivery in five key areas: cost, quality, access, experience, and equity. What changes are necessary to ensure better outcomes across the US health care system?     Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and president of healthcare delivery at CVS Health, to find out what value-based care looks like, why primary care needs subspecialties, and how CVS Health is meeting the different needs of different demographics across its portfolio.     For more from The Conference Board:  26th Annual Employee Health Care Conference  Explainer: Medicare  Major Changes to Affordable Care Act Enrollment Policies 

The Federal Reserve has come under scrutiny, including uncertainty over whether the President can remove Fed governors — and under what circumstances. What does it mean to call the Federal Reserve “independent,” and how does that work in practice?      Join Steve Odland and guest Yelena Shulyatyeva, senior US Economist for The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out about the Federal Reserve’s origins, who selects Fed governors and regional presidents, and why the Fed’s independence matters to the economy.     For more from The Conference Board:  The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy  Executive Order Seeks to Address Alleged Political Bias In Bank Access  Stablecoin Law Represents New Era for Crypto