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
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
Every month, Americans – both consumers and businesses -- turn to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to understand the health of the US economy and what to expect next. How can businesses and Congress support and improve the work of this agency? Join Steve Odland and guest Erica Groshen, former commissioner of BLS from 2013 to 2017, to find out how BLS conducts surveys, how monthly revisions work, and what's limiting the agency from being even more effective. For more from The Conference Board: The Conference Board Employment Trends Index™ (ETI) Responding to US Labor Shortages Policy Alert: Executive Orders to Strengthen the Current and Future Workforce
Electricity demand is expected to increase 25% by 2050. How can renewable energy sources in the US help fill the gap? Renewables will soon produce 25% of US electricity generation, and they've already surpassed coal as a share of output. How can renewables continue to meet the growing demand for energy, and what can we expect from emerging sources such as geothermal and fusion? Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, senior economist at The Conference Board, to find out why US energy usage is projected to increase, what's next for nuclear, solar, and wind, and why further efficiencies can be found by upgrading today’s grid. For more from The Conference Board: · Endless Power Revisited: Recent Fusion Energy Breakthroughs & Near-Term Outlook · Blown Away: Overcoming Variability in Wind Power Key to a Decarbonized Grid · Under Ground: Geothermal Electricity’s Potential as a Supplemental Power Source
Consumer confidence mostly held steady in August – what's driving people’s current mood and spending habits? The latest update from The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® shows a slight dip in August, with the index slipping to 97.4 from July’s 98.7. Both the Present Situation Index and the Expectations Index fell, with expectations remaining below the recession-warning threshold of 80. Join Dana Peterson, Center Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators, The Conference Board, as they discuss: Why tariffs and inflation remain top-of-mind for consumers; How resumption of interest on student loans is impacting consumer credit and spending habits; and The resiliency of cash payments and who’s using buy-now-pay-later options. More from The Conference Board: Consumer Confidence Index Will E-Wallets and Deferred Payments Overtake Cash and Credit Cards? Pre-Aug 1 Tariff Buying Likely Boosted July Retail Sales
How successful has the US been with tariffs, and what other aspects of trade could be negotiated next? The US is inching closer toward certainty on tariffs, but China, India, Canada, and Mexico are key markets with unanswered questions. How can business leaders prepare for further changes in tariffs, trade politics, and import-export controls? Join Steve Odland and guest Erin McLaughlin, senior economist in The Conference Board Economy, Strategy and Finance (ESF) Center, to find out what tariff deals have been struck, how consumer spending and inflation might fare in the coming months, and which non-tariff aspects of trade could be negotiated down the line. For more from The Conference Board: · The Conference Board's Tariff Tracker · Buried Leverage: Will Critical Minerals Remain Available and Affordable? · Have Tariffs and Price Concerns Reduced the Appeal of Product Country of Origin?
Doing business in China increasingly requires an entirely different approach to supply chain, IT, government relations, and innovation. How can multinational companies operating in China evaluate the risks and opportunities—including gray swans and even black swans? Join Steve Odland and guest David Hoffman, China Center Leader and senior advisor for Asia at The Conference Board, to explore the difference between “complicated” and “complex,” how to win in down market operating conditions, and why managing geopolitical risks requires both the local operation and your global headquarters. For more from The Conference Board: China’s Investment Paradox China Economy Watch July 2025 China CEO Council
The average credit decision at Synchrony relies on 9,000 pieces of data. How does the company use all this information to expand credit access while giving consumers the right amount of credit at the right time? Join Steve Odland and guest Brian Wenzel, chief financial officer at Synchrony, to find out how the company is improving financial literacy, how Synchrony uses machine learning, AI, and other technologies to improve its offerings, and how it reset its culture through active listening and transparency. For more from The Conference Board: Employee Well-Being Event The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) Regulators Reportedly Considering Easing Some Capital Standards for Large Banks
Find out how FIS is staying on the cutting edge of technology while serving clients and communities. FIS processes more than 10% of the global economy and handles $16 trillion in assets annually. How does the company simultaneously safeguard data, pursue innovation, and serve its communities? Join David Young and guest Stephanie Ferris, CEO and president of FIS, to learn about Ferris' journey to the corner office, three ways Ferris and FIS are exploring generative AI, and how the company supports communities across 64 countries. The Leadership in Challenging Times discussions feature timely and insightful discussions with the outstanding CEOs who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. Business leader honorees 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. For more from The Conference Board: · CED Announces Recipients of Its 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards · CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration · What Should Corporate Philanthropy Look Like in 2025?
More C-Suite leaders view their boards as effective in 2025, but numerous challenges remain, including keeping up with AI. More than one-third (35%) of C-Suite executives surveyed by PwC and The Conference Board say their board’s effectiveness is “excellent” or “good.” What are these boards doing well, and where do they need to improve? Join Steve Odland and guest Arielle Berlin, director of the Governance Insights Center at PwC, to find out how boards are grappling with uncertainty, why companies want boards to focus more on AI and talent, and why nearly all senior executives are calling for board refreshment. For more from The Conference Board: Board Effectiveness: A Survey of the C-Suite: 2025 Edition The Evolution of Overboarding Policies Board Practices and Composition: 2024 Edition