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?
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
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
The average CEO’s tenure is declining, especially at smaller companies. How can boards reassess their approach to CEO succession planning given the increasing complexities of the job and the rise in activist stakeholders? Join Steve Odland and guest Blair Jones, Managing Director at Semler Brossy, to discover the latest insights on CEO succession, the progress being made on gender equity, and why boards should have an emergency succession plan before a crisis strikes. (01:20) CEO Tenure Trends (05:11) Internal vs External Succession (07:55) Gender Diversity in CEO Roles (13:43) Emergency Succession Planning (19:45) Interim CEO and Board Roles (25:03) Activist Attacks on Female CEOs (28:40) Trends in CEO Compensation For more from The Conference Board: CEO Succession Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500: 2024 Edition Reworking Succession Management Strategies for Today's Leaders US Public Company CEOs Are Getting Younger
DEI isn't dead, but senior executives are recognizing the need to reevaluate these programs. Despite the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), 80% of senior executives say they’ll adjust their DEI strategies rather than scale them back. How can businesses create effective DEI programs that align with core values and follow the law? Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, to find out how companies can rethink DEI, measure the success of these initiatives, and achieve better outcomes for all employees. (00:52) Defining DEI and Its Objectives (02:00) Supreme Court Ruling and Its Impact (04:44) Adjusting DEI Tactics (11:23) Strategic Changes in DEI Programs (18:52) Data-Driven DEI Decisions (25:25) Future of DEI in a Diverse Society For more from The Conference Board: For Corporate DEI, Elections Sometimes Have Consequences DEI Under Pressure Beyond Backlash: The Continued Benefits of DEI at Work
CEO pay isn’t just salary: There’s also bonuses, stock awards, stock options, and perks. What does the latest report on executive compensation from The Conference Board tell us about pay trends — and the boards that set compensation levels? Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Etra, managing director and head of the Boston office at FW Cook, to dispel public misconceptions about CEO pay, discuss the latest trends and regulations, and explain why corporate jets are suddenly so popular. (01:14) Understanding CEO Compensation (04:08) Market Dynamics and Executive Pay (06:22) Components of Executive Compensation (07:32) Evolution of Compensation Practices (14:12) The Role of Independent Directors (17:48) Trends in Non-Financial Metrics (19:04) Perks and Pay Ratios For more from The Conference Board: CEO and Executive Compensation Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500 Compensation Committee Chairs Feel the Pain from Low Say-on-Pay Votes Executive Compensation: 2025 Event
Chief marketing officers (CMOs) are the growth engine for businesses, yet 50% of CEOs and CMOs don’t agree on success metrics. How can CMOs align with CEOs on expectations, speak the same language as CFOs, and drive revenue growth? Join Steve Odland and guest Denise Dahlhoff, PhD, Director of Marketing & Communications Research at The Conference Board, to discover where CEOs and CMOs differ on expectations, what metrics matter most, and how CMOs can communicate marketing's value to key stakeholders. (00:57) Understanding the Roles of CEO and CMO (03:55) The Critical CEO-CMO Relationship (05:15) Challenges in CEO and CMO Tenure (08:02) Expectations and Gaps Between CEOs and CMOs (12:23) Aligning Marketing with Financial Goals (16:40) Risk Management in Marketing Strategies (18:36) The Multi-constituency Approach in Corporations (21:12) Fostering Collaboration Across the C Suite For more from The Conference Board: CEOs Expectations of the CMO Reflecting on Cannes Lions 2024: Takeaways for CMOs Corporate Communications: Driving the Business Forward (Event)
Consumer confidence saw the strongest monthly gain since March 2021, according to the latest The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®. The index registered 108.7 in October, up from 99.2 in September, after consumers’ assessment of current business conditions and job availability, plus future business conditions, income and job availability all climbed this month. Join Erik Lundh and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out where consumers stand on the labor market, spending and inflation ahead of next week’s US elections. (00:32) October Consumer Confidence Insights (01:35) Demographic Breakdown of Confidence (02:19) Expectations for Employment and Recession (03:36) Inflation and Interest Rates (06:31) Impact of Elections and Hurricanes (08:34) Holiday Buying Plans (11:42) Consumer Confidence and Economic Outlook (16:34) Global Economic Overview (25:42) Emerging Markets and Interest Rates For more from The Conference Board: US Consumer Confidence Bounced Back in October Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report
We're in a backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, with over 60% of senior executives calling the environment “very” or “extremely” challenging right now. How can businesses critically evaluate their DEI programs without necessarily abandoning these efforts? Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, senior researcher at The Conference Board ESG Center, to explore The Conference Board's new report, the rise in DEI-related shareholder proposals, and how companies can recalibrate DEI in their workplace policies and marketing. (00:49) Understanding DEI: Basics and Definitions (03:24) The Evolution of DEI in Corporate America (05:15) DEI Under Pressure: Challenges and Backlash (06:56) The Supreme Court Decision and Its Impact (09:16) Navigating the Pendulum Swing in DEI (10:31) Balancing Stakeholder Interests in DEI (16:16) Adapting DEI Strategies in a Changing World (23:40) Philanthropy and DEI: Legal Challenges (29:09) Terminology and Future of DEI For more from The Conference Board: A New Era of Scrutiny for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 2024 Proxy Season Review: Corporate Resilience in a Polarized Landscape
Top CEOs remain wary about the economy despite a strong Q3. What's holding them back? CEO confidence dipped in Q4, as measured by The Conference Board, with most CEOs saying conditions have worsened in the past six months. Why hasn’t recent economic data buoyed CEOs’ spirits, and what concerns them most as we head into 2025? Join Steve Odland and guest Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to find out what we can learn from the latest Measure of CEO Confidence™, how CEOs plan to address headcount and wages next year, and why cybersecurity and geopolitics remain the top two risks. 01:02 Current CEO Confidence Levels 02:44 Economic Forecasts and CEO Sentiments 04:04 Consumer Behavior and Housing Market Insights 06:46 Business Investment and Election Uncertainty 09:09 Labor Market Conditions and Skill Shortages 11:17 Labor Shortages and Wage Increases 12:24 Economic Adjustments Post-Pandemic 13:16 Consumer Spending and CEO Confidence 15:43 Remote Work Trends 18:45 Key Risks for CEOs For more from The Conference Board: CEO Confidence Survey The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy US Consumer Confidence