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?

People expect employers to invest in their well-being at work, but despite CHROs’ efforts to meet this demand, employee-reported levels of well-being have stagnated. How can CHROs move the needle on keeping their workers happy?   Join Diana Scott and guest Rita Meyerson, principal researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to learn how organizations are handling the employee well-being crisis. 

From recruiting to knowledge management, AI can transform HR processes across the employee lifecycle. So how are CHROs already using AI and making sure their initiatives are aligned with business strategies?    Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Leader, in the second instalment of our AI in HR series as they discuss real-world examples of how AI is revolutionizing the way HR recognizes and nurtures talent across organizations.   

Twenty-three percent of global CEOs report they’re already using AI to transform every facet of the employee experience from onboarding to succession planning. But HR can also apply its people expertise to optimize the partnership of AI and human beings throughout the organization.   Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader, to find out how HR can bolster company-wide AI transformation by addressing employee fears of displacement, preventing bias in AI models through diversity, and spurring creativity with better job design. 

Without Social Security, the largest single source of income among Americans aged 65 and older, millions of people would fall below the poverty line. But the program now pays out much more than it takes in—and seniors face a mandatory benefit cut in the next decade if nothing is done. What solutions will reform Social Security both for short-term stability and long-term solvency?   Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, Former President, Committee for Economic Development, to find out why this long-standing issue hasn’t been addressed sooner, why Congress may be more ready to tackle it now, and what solutions might just work.

The Consumer Confidence Index® reached 104.7 in March, an indication that confidence is holding steady, but although perceptions of current economic conditions are brighter, anxiety about the future is rising.   Join Stephanie Guichard and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what’s affecting US consumer attitudes and spending—and how this fits into the bigger picture of slower economic growth around the world. 

China's economic growth for 2024 is projected to reach 4.6%—still high compared to developed nations but a decline from previous high-growth rates. How will this slowdown impact the global economic landscape and multinational companies (MNCs) operating there?   Join Steve Odland and Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Head of the China Center at The Conference Board, to explore what steps China may take to stimulate growth in its state-led economy and the strategies MNCs should consider in this environment.

Average support for environmental proposals has declined from 35% in 2022 to 12% thus far in 2024—even as more proposals are going to a vote. Are investors bored with green issues—or is something else causing the decline? Join Steve Odland and guest Merel Spierings, Senior Researcher, ESG Center to find out what environmental and social issues shareholders are focusing on this proxy season, how the Supreme Court's decision on race-based admissions is affecting companies’ diversity-related practices, and why board directors are receiving strong support.

Consumers are spending more, buoyed by a tight labor market, pent-up demand in the wake of the pandemic, and access to easy credit. Can CEOs depend on these trends to continue under the pressures of inflation?  Join Steve Odland and guest Denise Dahlhoff, Director of Marketing & Communications Research, to find out how consumer behavior is changing as well as the strategies companies can use to communicate price increases and market sustainable products.       For more on this topic from The Conference Board:   ·       Read:  US Consumers Want More Specific Sustainability Terms and More Detail   ·       Read:  US Consumer Confidence Survey  ·       Read:  Sustainability Needs a Sustainable Price, Especially in Inflationary Times  ·       Read:  Consumer Trends: What to Expect in 2024 

Four billion people in over 70 countries are expected to vote in major democracies, including the US, the UK, India, Russia and Taiwan, in 2024. How could the outcomes reshape our world?      Join Steve Odland and guest Lori Esposito Murray, Former President of the Committee for Economic Development, to find out where pivotal elections are taking place and what’s at stake.     For more on this topic from The Conference Board:  ·       Read: The 2024 Election Year: Fasten Your Seatbelts  ·       Attend Building Resistance to Misinformation: The 2024 Election in the Era of AI   ·       Read The 2024 Election: Rebuilding Trust    ·       Read: C-Suite Outlook: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell in February to 106.7, down from 110.9 in January. Consumers are more pessimistic—putting a halt to the rising optimism of the past few months. Yet business leaders are cautiously optimistic and poised for growth. How do interest rates, inflation, labor markets, supply chains, and the US political environment affect these different viewpoints? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss our latest indicators—and what they reveal about market dynamics and potential shifts.     Tune in to find out:    ·       What specific factors are driving renewed consumer pessimism?  ·       How should businesses interpret the signals consumers are sending about their expectations and buying plans?  ·       What are the key upsides and downside risks for the US economic outlook? What about for Europe, China, and emerging economies?  ·       What might bring on a redux of the banking crisis?    For more Trusted Insights for What’s AheadTM:      Read: Global Forecast Update   Read: Consumer Confidence Survey®  Read: The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy   Watch: Economy Watch: The C-Suite Outlook 2024 

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