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   

New global data reveals strong employee support for diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI)—but also a widening gap between how leaders view progress and how workers experience it.    Allan Schweyer, principal researcher in the Human Capital Center, speaks with Marion Devine, principal researcher, Human Capital Europe, and Matthew Maloof, researcher, Human Capital Center, about findings from a survey of more than 1,300 employees across the US, Europe, and Asia.    They explore why managers are the make-or-break factor in DEI success, how regional attitudes differ, and what senior leaders can do to strengthen credibility in a climate of political and cultural pushback.    For more from The Conference Board:   Bridging International Perspectives: Exploring DEI  Evidence Over Optics: Proving the Impact of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion  Advancing Opportunity and Access: Linking DEI to Business Outcomes  A Tale of Two Continents: The Impact of US DEI Policy on European Businesses   

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased by 2.2 points in February to 91.2 (1985=100), from an upwardly revised 89.0 in January. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—decreased by 1.8 points to 120.0 in February. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—rose by 4.8 points to 72.0.    Join Dana M. Peterson and guest Malala Lin, Economic Research Associate, to find out what's behind consumers' expectations for the future, and where CEOs are focusing their growth efforts this year.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence  C-Suite Outlook 2026  Forecast for the US Economy  Global Economic Outlook 

Three years into the conflict, the Ukraine war has evolved into a brutal war of attrition—with implications far beyond the battlefield.    The Conference Board CEO Steve Odland and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, a global affairs consultant most recently with the Council on Foreign Relations and the Committee for Economic Development, discuss the history underpinning the conflict, the realities on the ground, and the economic and political pressures facing both Kyiv and Moscow.     From sanctions and shifting alliances to the possibility of a frozen conflict or negotiated settlement, they explore how the war is reshaping geopolitics—and what may come next.    For more from The Conference Board:   The US Critical Minerals Ministerial and Industrial Policy  Three Years of War in Ukraine – And an Extraordinary Week  US–Ukraine Negotiations and Possible Ceasefire  Global Grey Swans Tool 

Learn why companies need to understand AI's promise and potential drawbacks for environmental sustainability.     More than 60% of companies are using AI to support or advance environmental sustainability. What are the use cases they're exploring, and how can businesses also guard against the environmental risks of AI?     Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, PhD, principal researcher at the Governance & Sustainability Center of The Conference Board, to learn about the environmental impact of AI-focused data centers, how companies are capitalizing on AI for sustainability, and how sustainability leaders can demonstrate the ROI of AI applications.     For more from The Conference Board:  AI and Environmental Sustainability: Risks, Opportunities, and What Comes Next  Exiting International Climate Pacts Will Leave The US Isolated  AI Risk Disclosures in the S&P 500: Reputation, Cybersecurity, and Regulation

Find out what's new in CEO and executive compensation, including say-on-pay practices and SEC regulations.      CEO pay in the S&P 500 increased 7% year-over-year in 2025, with stock awards as the largest driver. What are the latest trends in CEO and executive compensation for governance teams and boards to consider?     Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Etra, managing director and head of the Boston office at FW Cook, to find out why some perquisites are being viewed through a risk and duty-of-care lens, how say-on-pay approaches have evolved, and why companies should watch for SEC changes to disclosure requirements.     For more from The Conference Board:  CEO and Executive Compensation Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500: 2025  Pay Ratios: CEO and C-Suite Compensation in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500  Executive Compensation Benchmarking Tool 

Find out what Kevin Warsh's nomination for Fed chair means for interest rates—and the potential Senate battle ahead.     Kevin Warsh has been known as an inflation hawk. Will that change if he is confirmed as Federal Reserve chair, and what could that mean for the economy?     Join Yelena Shulyatyeva and guest John Gardner, head of public policy and research at the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to find out Warsh's background, the potential roadblocks in the Senate, and what Warsh has said about the 1951 Federal Reserve-Treasury Accord.     For more from The Conference Board:  Trump v. Cook: Is the Fed Special?  Can Fed Governors be Fired?  How Does the Fed Work? 

Learn what C-Suite Outlook 2026 reveals for marketing and communications executives as organizations prepare for the rise of A-Commerce (Agentic Commerce)—a new model of commerce driven by autonomous, AI-powered agents. CEOs and CMOs agree: boosting profitability through business model change is a top priority in 2026, according to The Conference Board C-Suite Outlook 2026 survey. But how should marketing leaders drive that profitability growth in an era increasingly shaped by agentic AI? Join Steve Odland and guest Ivan Pollard, leader of the Marketing & Communications Center at The Conference Board, to find out what CEOs, CMOs and CCOs are prioritizing this year, why agentic commerce is the next emerging trend, and why customer experience becomes even more critical as AI agents automate decisions and interactions across the customer journey.    For more from The Conference Board:  C-Suite Outlook 2026  CMOs' 2026 Growth Plans: Advancing the C-Suite Agenda  Today's CMO: AI Savvy and Skills Focused  Entering the Age of A-Commerice: C-Suite Outlook 2026   

Finding skilled talent remains difficult. Find out how CEOs and CHROs plan to develop their workforce this year.     Nearly 37% of CEOs say finding qualified workers is a challenge, according to the C-Suite Outlook 2026 survey by The Conference Board. How have labor challenges evolved since the Great Resignation, and what can CEOs do to attract and keep skilled talent in 2026?     Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center leader at The Conference Board, to find out why AI requires HR to rethink job roles and skills sets, how CEOs and CHROs rank priorities such as productivity and organizational transformation, and which policy issues HR leaders are monitoring.     For more from The Conference Board:  Uncertainty and Opportunity: The CEO Playbook for 2026  The CEO Outlook for 2026—Uncertainty, Risks, Growth & Strategy  Transforming Organizations for AI: Critical Factors for AI Success 

Consumer confidence has plummeted. What does it mean for the economy?    The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell sharply in January, from 94.2 in December to 84.5. Consumers' assessment of both current business and labor market conditions, and their short-term outlook of the same, fell by 9.9 and 9.5 points, respectively, to 65.1, well below the threshold of 80 that typically signals a recession ahead.    Write-in responses showed a continuation in references to prices and inflation, oil and gas prices, and food and grocery prices. Mentions of tariffs and trade, politics, and the labor market also rose in January.    Join Dana M. Peterson and guest Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, to find out what's behind consumers' thinking and the current state of US trade.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence  Forecast for the US Economy  Global Economic Outlook 

Find out how governance and sustainability are evolving, including what's next for ESG.     Change is coming for governance leaders, whether it's the evolution of ESG, the risks around AI, or an increased focus on strategic execution. How can these executives adapt in this rapidly changing and uncertain environment?     Join Steve Odland and guest Brian Campbell, leader of the US Governance & Sustainability Center and general counsel at The Conference Board, to find out why ESG is becoming more disciplined, why AI presents both opportunities and risks, and why revenue growth is increasingly part of the governance team's remit.     For more from The Conference Board:  C-Suite Outlook 2026  CEO and C-Suite ESG Priorities for 2026  2026: A Year in Preview 

CEOs are increasingly at risk, both physically and digitally. Find out what's new in corporate risk preparedness.     The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024 has forced companies to rethink their executive security posture, both in terms of physical and digital security. How can companies and boards assess their security readiness?     Join Steve Odland and guest Bill Udell, CEO of Control Risks' Americas region, to learn about how executive security has evolved in recent years, the biggest gaps in risk preparedness, and why AI and deepfakes only complicate the security challenges.     For more from The Conference Board:  CEO and Executive Compensation Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500: 2025  Report: Women CEOs Outearn Men, and Companies Increase CEO Security Packages  AI Risk Disclosures in the S&P 500: Reputation, Cybersecurity, and Regulation