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?

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   

Our C-Suite Outlook 2025 survey reveals the year’s priorities for each letter of ESG.     CEOs around the world rank sustainability and climate events as their top two ESG priorities for 2025, and more than 80% of S&P 500 companies say climate change is a risk factor. How can companies manage ESG-related risks while meeting the evolving expectations of stakeholders?     Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, PhD, a senior researcher at The Conference Board ESG Center, to find out why climate events are a key risk factor, the challenges of meeting disparate reporting regulations, and why US CEOs are especially worried about water.     For more from The Conference Board:  C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future  CEOs Recognize Economic Opportunity and Education as Essential Social Priorities  Climate Resilience Gaining Momentum as an Environmental Priority 

Explore our C-Suite Outlook 2025 report with key insights from David Young of the Committee for Economic Development (CED).  The US debt stands at more than $36 trillion, and it’s no surprise that US CEOs cite the US national debt and deficits as the biggest risk totheir business and business strategy in 2025. What other risks are the C-Suite monitoring, and how can they work with governments to mitigate them?  Join Steve Odland and guest David K. Young, president of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, to find out how the priorities of US CEOs differ from their global counterparts, what to expect with tariffs and immigration, and why energy and security are essential for US leadership on AI.     (01:04) Fiscal Health Concerns of CEOs (01:44) Regulation and Corporate Tax Rates (05:38) Protectionism and Trade Issues (09:25) Executive Orders and Immigration (13:52) Geopolitical Risks and Global Concerns (15:52) Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation (19:34) Energy, Climate, and Sustainability (24:39) Social Priorities and Final Thoughts   For more from The Conference Board:  C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future  Committee for Economic Development (CED)  America in Perspective: Policy Priorities for 2025 

Consumer confidence is down for the second month in a row, with assessments of the present situation, current labor market conditions and business conditions all having deteriorated. Pessimism over future employment prospects seen in December continued into January, according to the latestConsumer Confidence Index® from The Conference Board, but the overall index remained in the same narrow range it has since 2022.    Join Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist,and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, both at The Conference Board, for their full conversation abouthow consumer sentiment could weigh on US economic growth and the global economy in 2025.    (00:32) Consumer Confidence Index Overview (01:37) Detailed Analysis of January's Consumer Confidence (05:00) Inflation and Consumer Expectations (06:00) Positive Insights from the Survey (11:02) Consumer Spending and Buying Plans (16:08) Global Economic Outlook (16:36) US Economic Forecast (19:20) European Economic Conditions (20:03) Emerging Markets Focus: India and China (21:21) Risks and Final Thoughts   For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence Retreated in January  Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report 

Learn what the C-Suite Outlook 2025 tells us about priorities for marketing and communications leaders.     Nearly all marketing and communications leaders (95%) are already using AI, but there remain concerns about AI output quality and a lack of internal expertise. How can CMOs and CCOs continue to embrace AI in 2025, and what are the top priorities for these functional leaders?     Join Denise Dahlhoff, PhD, and guest Ivan Pollard, Center Leader for Marketing & Communications at The Conference Board, to learn about CMO/CCO investment priorities for 2025, the role of AI in change management, and the continued importance of sustainability.    (01:45) Global Perspectives on AI (02:25) AI Adoption and Usage Statistics (04:45) Marketing and Communication Investments (11:04) Internal Priorities and Change Management (14:11) External Pressure Factors (17:21) Skills for Future CMOs and CCOs (21:34) Sustainability and Regional Differences   For more from The Conference Board:  C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future  2025: A Year In Preview  Marketing & Communications Skills Needed to Win in 2025 

Join Ivan Pollard and guest Sean Murray, chief product officer at Barclays US Consumer Bank, to find out how companies can use generative AI, the benefits of adopting agile methodology and design thinking, and how companies across industries can approach product development.     (01:44)    Evolution of Product Development (03:24)    Emerging Trends in Financial Service (06:49)    Impact of AI on Banking Product (16:59)    Ensuring Compliance in Rapid Tech Change (19:58)    Customer Centricity and Digital Experience (30:04)    Future-Proofing and Adaptation   For more from The Conference Board:  AI and Investor Relations: Practical Insights and Real-World Applications  Leading Through the AI Transformation: Event Insights  OpenAI's Game-Changer: ChatGPT Pro Takes the AI Assistant to New Heights 

Dive into our annual C-Suite survey and discover how leaders plan to grow revenue, use AI, and more.  The two biggest geopolitical risks for C-Suite leaders in 2025 are intensified trade wars and foreign cyberattacks. How do these business leaders plan to grow revenue and embrace AI while safeguarding against these active threats?  Join Steve Odland and guest Dana M. Peterson, chief economist and leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to learn about internal and external company risks, how the C-Suite think about AI implementation, and why business leaders remain worried about a recession.     (00:29) Overview of the C Suite Outlook Survey (01:36) Top Line Results and CEO Concerns (04:05) Geopolitical and Economic Challenges (08:29) Regional Differences in Economic Sentiment (16:57) Strategies for Growth and Innovation (23:06) Leadership and Talent Retention (25:01) AI Implementation and Challenges (29:15) Human Capital and Workforce Productivity   For more from The Conference Board:  C-Suite Outlook 2025: Seizing the Future  2025: A Year In Preview  Global Economic Outlook 2025 to 2039: Opportunities, Caveats, and Uncertainties 

Did you know that 86% of junior and midlevel marketers already use AI at work each week? What are the top use cases for AI in marketing, and how should CMOs incorporate AI into strategy?     Join Steve Odland and guest Ivan Pollard, Marketing & Communications Center leader at The Conference Board, to find out how marketers are currently using AI tools, what “agentic AI” means, and how AI will impact each of the 4 P’s of marketing.     (00:40) AI in Marketing: A Historical Perspective (01:44) AI as a Tool, Not a Solution (03:08) Current AI Usage in Marketing (05:31) Generative AI in Creative Processes (09:24) Agentic AI: The Next Frontier (12:15) AI's Impact on the Four P's of Marketing (17:40) AI in Traditional and Social Media (26:01) Challenges and Future of AI in Marketing   For more from The Conference Board:  Leading Through the AI Transformation: Event Insights  AI for Marketing & Communications—the Update  Learning for the Future: Preparing Organizations and Workers for AI Disruption 

What is the biggest takeaway from the December Consumer Confidence Index® from The Conference Board? In short, the recent rebound in consumer confidence was not sustained in December, as consumers expressed discontent with inflation and future business conditions.    Join Mitchell Barnes and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, for their full conversation about how consumer sentiment could weigh on US economic growth and what’s ahead for the labor market.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence Pulled Back in December  Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report 

For three years running, CEOs and CHROs have rated employee attraction and retention as a top internal priority. How can employers optimize their total rewards programs to attract top talent while meeting business goals?     Join Steve Odland and guest Rita Meyerson, EdD, principal researcher for human capital at The Conference Board, to discover the many elements of total rewards, why employee recognition can enhance engagement, and how leaders should think about total rewards strategy.    (00:45) Defining Total Rewards (01:35) Components of Total Rewards (02:07) Importance of Attraction and Retention (05:50) Role of Flexibility in Total Rewards (09:14) Recognition as a Key Reward (15:20) Integrating Culture with Total Rewards (20:00) Diversity and Changing Workforce Needs (25:47) Leadership's Role in Total Rewards   For more from The Conference Board:  The Paramount Value of Total Rewards: Forward Strategies for CEOs and CHROs  The Evolving Total Rewards Landscape: Tactics to Attract and Retain Talent  US Salary Increase Budgets 2024-2025 

The price of bitcoin recently hit $88,000, yet it remains a speculative currency with few present-day commercial uses. Why is bitcoin so compelling to certain investors, and what is its potential for everyday use?      Join Steve Odland and guest Hollis Hart, former president of international franchise management at Citi and a senior fellow at The Conference Board's ESF Center, to learn why there’s a finite amount of bitcoin available, the differences between bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and how governments have responded to this new technology.     (00:22) Introduction to Cryptocurrencies (02:15) Bitcoin's Mechanics and Decentralization (05:26) Bitcoin's Supply and Market Dynamics (07:13) Commercial Use and Speculation (15:48) Ethereum and Other Cryptocurrencies (20:30) Blockchain Technology and Its Potential (27:25) Regulatory Concerns and Conclusion

President-elect Donald Trump is already breaking norms with his unusual transition process. What will be his domestic priorities in 2025, and how much can he get done without Congress?      Join Steve Odland and guest John Gardner, vice president of public policy at the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to find out what to expect for the federal budget, immigration enforcement, and tariff and tax policies.     (00:45) Transition Challenges for the New Administration (02:57) Key Domestic Policy Priorities (04:56) Tax Policy and Legislative Strategy (08:33) Tariffs and Trade Policy (10:13) Immigration and Border Control (13:08) Energy Policy and Environmental Regulations (16:11) Geopolitical Tensions: Russia and Ukraine (18:28) Geopolitical Tensions: China and Taiwan (23:41) Judicial Appointments and Conclusion   For more from The Conference Board:  US Election, Transition, and Early Actions of the New Administration  2024 Election Implications for the US Labor Market  The Future of Greening and Industrial Policies Post Election 

Consumer optimism is up again in November, according to the latestConsumer Confidence Index® fromThe Conference Board.Amid growing optimism over the labor market and a stock market rally, the consumer confidence index increased to 111.7 this month from 109.6 in October.    Join Erin McLaughlin and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out what consumers are optimistic about, what concerns they have, and how they’re planning to spend in the next month.    (00:38) Key Takeaways from the Latest Survey (01:25) Demographic Insights and Economic Drivers (03:11) Consumer Expectations and Recession Fears (03:35) Inflation, Interest Rates, and Stock Market Outlook (08:13) Spending Trends on Goods and Services (11:00) Concerns and Hopes for 2025 (14:31) Global Economic Outlook for 2024 and 2025 (16:37) Policy Impacts and Business Advice   For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence Improved Again in November  Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report 

Can COP29 be a turning point in the fight to reduce emissions and cap warming?     The US has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 17% since 2004, and yet the US and world are falling short on limiting global temperature rise and establishing a net-zero economy. What kind of progress can we expect to emerge from this year’s UN climate conference, COP29?      Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board's ESF Center, to find out why COP29 was hosted by Azerbaijan, whether developed economics will fund the necessary climate actions, and the role of the power sector in decarbonizing.     (00:49) Understanding COP and Its History (04:11) Focus on Finance at COP 29 (07:35) Geopolitical Context of COP 29 (09:42) Absence of Key Leaders (11:21) Paris Accord and National Contributions (16:00) Carbon Credits and Financial Support   For more from The Conference Board:  The Future of Greening and Industrial Policies Post Election  Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy in a Time of Uncertainty  Window On: The Future of Methane