CEO Perspectives

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 

In this episode, we break down the latest data from The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®, released today. The numbers show a modest but notable improvement in consumer sentiment as we move through summer 2025. We explore:  Overall Confidence Ticks Up: The Consumer Confidence Index rose by 2.0 points to 97.2, rebounding from a revised June figure of 95.2. This marks the second month of stabilization following a sharp decline in April.  Mixed Views on the Present: The Present Situation Index dipped slightly to 131.5, reflecting a small deterioration in consumers' views on current business and job market conditions.  Looking Ahead:The Expectations Index saw a more significant rise—up 4.5 points to 74.4—indicating reduced pessimism about future income, employment, and business prospects. However, it remains under the 80-point threshold that typically signals looming recession risks—for the sixth month in a row. 

Learn how Clorox invested in technological innovation so it could continue delivering superior consumer experiences.  Almost 90% of US households use Clorox products, giving the company a unique window into consumer behavior during this uncertain time. How has The Clorox Company used innovation and technology to reinvent itself and respond to shifting consumer needs?  Join David Young and guest Linda Rendle, CEO and chair of Clorox, to find out about her family background in CPG, the company's ongoing digital transformation, and the state of the consumer today.  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  US Consumer Confidence 

2025 is half over. What issues should human capital leaders focus onduring the restof the year?     In this time of rapid change, chief HR officers (CHROs) shouldfocus on issues such as AI transformation, leadership resilience, and strategic workforce planning. Whatelse made The Conference Board's top 10 CHRO priorities for the restof 2025?    Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, center leader of the US Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to find out why succession and workforce planning are so important, the role of reskilling and upskilling, and how to help your workforce overcome their fear of AI.    The Conference Board is profiling the top 10 priorities for crucial job functions and business units. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, we look at the top priorities for CHROs.     (00:46) Priority Number 10: Employee Well-Being (03:47) Priority Number 9: Data-Driven Workforce Decisions (06:20) Priority Number 8: Succession Planning (08:49) Priority Number 7: Reimagining Hybrid and Flexible Work (11:23) Priority Number 6: Talent Mobility and Internal Opportunities (14:00) Priority Number 5: Reskilling and Upskilling at Scale (17:01) Priority Number 4: Driving Organizational Change and Building Culture (19:00) Priority Number 3: Strategic Workforce Planning (22:02) Priority Number 2: Leadership Resilience and Agility (23:05) Priority Number 1: Leading AI and Technology Transformation      For more from The Conference Board:  The State of US Job Satisfaction  The Reimagined Workplace 2025: Managing Uncertainty  Navigating Change Fatigue in an Age of Disruption 

Learn why culture and constant innovation are essential to developing life-changing biopharma treatments. Vertex Pharmaceuticals focuses on “serial innovation” because this year's billion-dollar blockbuster drug could become next year's failure. How does this biopharmaceutical company recruit and onboard employees, and how does it create a culture where the best ideas thrive? Join David Young and guest Reshma Kewalramani, president and CEO at Vertex Pharmaceuticals and a recipient of the 2025 CED Distinguished Leadership Awards. You'll learn about Kewalramani's career path, what the company learned from developing a hepatitis C drug, and why the company welcomes in students to experiment alongside employees. 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 ·         Women in STEM: Closing the Gender Gap

We've just passed the midway point of 2025 -- what are the top 10 priorities for chief marketing officers (CMOs) for the rest of the year?     CMOs have been tasked with driving growth even while they grapple with external uncertainty, widespread burnout, and the rise of AI. What else made The Conference Board's top 10 CMO priorities for the rest of 2025?     Join Steve Odland and guest Ivan Pollard, the Marketing & Communications Center Leader at The Conference Board, to find out what we can learn from CMO surveys, why the CMO-CEO relationship matters, and why 2025 is the year AI needs to contribute to revenue growth.     The Conference Board is profiling the top 10 priorities for crucial job functions and business units. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, we look at the top priorities for CMOs.      For more from The Conference Board:  Recognition Rises for CMOs Even as Workload Saps Their Energy  Amid Turmoil, Marketers Are Worried About Their Budgets  CMO-CEO Collaboration: CEOs Want CMOs to Focus on Business Growth—Period 

Learn how General Mills takes strategy from concept into reality—all while standing for good.     General Mills CEO Jeff Harmening had the company pick 10 areas where it would “stand for good” and deliver meaningful impact, including regenerative agriculture and packaging reductions. What can other businesses learn about executing a strategy that delivers sustainable results for shareholders, customers, and the planet?     Join David Young and guest Jeff Harmening, CEO of General Mills, to find out why General Mills builds purpose into its strategy, how the company maintains its culture, and why Harmening didn't always dream of being a CEO.    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.       00:32 Meet Jeff Harmening: CEO of General Mills 01:18 Jeff's Career Journey and Leadership Values 03:48 The Accelerate Strategy: Driving Sustainable Growth 06:07 Standing for Good: General Mills' Purpose and Values 08:50 A Legacy of Philanthropy and Community Impact 10:10 Focusing on Key Initiatives: From 70 to 10 10:48 Regenerative Agriculture and Environmental Goals 12:39 Building a Culture of Belonging at General Mills 15:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   For more from The Conference Board:  CED Announces Recipients of Its 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards  CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration  Purpose Shapes Corporate Reputation More Than Innovation Does 

After a brief rebound in May, consumer confidence slipped again. What changed in June—and what might it mean for the economy this summer?  The Consumer Confidence Index dropped to 93.0 from 98.4, wiping out half the gains seen last month. Consumers are feeling less optimistic across the board: both their assessment of current business and labor market conditions and their short-term expectations for income, jobs, and the economy have weakened. Pessimism about job availability and business conditions is also more pronounced than it was in May.  In this episode, Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist for Global Indicators, joins Malala Lin, Economic Research Associate, to unpack the latest data. They explore what's driving this decline in sentiment, how it could shape consumer behavior through the summer, and the broader implications for US economic growth.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence Retreats in June  Global Leading Indicators: Recession and Growth Trackers  Fed Keeps 2 Cuts in 2025, but Dumps 1 Cut in 2026 on Inflation 

Employer branding reflects your organization's public perception—and you can measure its effectiveness.     In a world where any job candidate can see your reputation at a glance online, employer branding is essential. How is employer branding different from other branding, and how can companies measure the ROI?     Join Steve Odland and guest Erka Amursi, principal researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to find out the history of employer branding, the challenges in measuring ROI, and why change management can help employer branding efforts succeed.    (00:38) The Evolving Role of the CHRO (01:43) Strategic Partnership and Talent Management (03:14) CHROs in the Boardroom (07:03) Global Perspectives on Corporate Governance (08:49) Research Methodology and Insights (10:17) CHROs' Collaboration with C-Suite Members (13:04) Future Skills for CHROs (18:17) Board and CEO Support for CHROs    For more from The Conference Board:  The ROI of Employer Branding: The Case for Measurement   The ROI of Employer Branding: Approaches for Demonstrating Impact  What is the ROI of Your Employer Branding Efforts? 

Science and technology will bring more change to health care over the next decade than we saw in the past century, says Joaquin Duato, Chairman and CEO, Johnson & Johnson, and a 2025 Distinguished Leadership Award honoree. What drives his confidence, and how is the company creating this future?     Join David K. Young and Duato to discover what he has learned in 36 years at J&J, how the company innovates in science and technology, and how the company supports employees and communities.  This Leadership in Challenging Times discussion is featured as a C-Suite Perspectives podcast and a special CED Policy Watch Webcast. Leadership in Challenging Times features 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.      (04:08) Leadership Philosophy and Company Culture (06:48) Secrets to Johnson & Johnson's Longevity (09:11) Transforming Health Care with Science and Technology (12:09) Investment Strategies in Health Care Innovation (15:53) Advancing Technology and AI at Johnson & Johnson (18:38) Addressing the Global Health Care Workforce Shortfall (19:41) Ensuring Access to Health Care for Underserved Communities   For more from The Conference Board:  CED Announces Recipients of Its 2025 Distinguished Leadership Awards  CED Distinguished Leadership Awards Celebration 

If you work in sustainability or ESG, you're already grappling with a rapidly evolving regulatory and policy landscape, all while proving the ROI of your sustainability strategy. What other crucial issues should sustainability executives prioritize for the remainder of 2025?     Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, PhD, principal researcher at The Conference Board Governance & Sustainability Center, to find out how AI is affecting sustainability work, the importance of supply chain sustainability and water stewardship, and why policy changes shouldn't affect your underlying goals.     At the midway point of 2025, The Conference Board is profiling the top 10 priorities for crucial job functions and business units. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, we look at the top priorities for sustainability executives.      (00:49) Priority Number 10: AI in Sustainability (02:27) Priority Number 9: Communicating and Storytelling (05:09) Priority Number 8: Integrating Sustainability into Business Operations (07:52) Priority Number 7: Biodiversity and Natural Capital (10:47) Priority Number 6: Water Stewardship and Scarcity (13:58) Priority Number Five: Supply Chain Transparency and Sustainability (16:47) Priority Number 4: Climate Strategy (18:44) Priority Number 3: Demonstrating ROI in Sustainability (20:25) Priority Number 2: Sustainability Reporting Regulations (22:28) 20:39 Priority Number 1: Navigating ESG Policy Changes   For more from The Conference Board:  Top 10 Sustainability Priorities for 2025 New Approaches to Telling Your Sustainability Story  Corporate Climate Disclosures and Practices: Risk, Emissions, and Targets  The EPA's Deregulatory Agenda: Implications for Corporate Sustainability 

Cybersecurity has become top of mind for Fortune 500 companies, and yet attacks, breaches, and other incidents keep happening. Can companies really prevent cyber risks, and what approach should they be taking?  Join David Young and guest Jay Chaudhry, CEO, chairman, and founder of Zscaler, to find out the three lessons his parents taught him, why Zscaler has a customer obsession, and why zero trust architecture is critical for today's cyber approach.  This Leadership in Challenging Times discussion is featured as a C-Suite Perspectives podcast and a special CED Policy Watch Webcast. Leadership in Challenging Times features 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  CED Report on Securing Cyberspace 

Tariffs and stock market movements remained top of mind for consumers in May. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—showed modest improvement overall. Expectations for business conditions and the labor market inched up but stayed in pessimistic territory. The key bright spot was income expectations, which moved into positive territory, supported by a stronger stock market and early signs of progress on a trade deal with China.    Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, sits down with Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators, and Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist, to discuss the outlook for the US GDP, whether consumers are worried about a recession, and how the Fed might handle the current uncertainty.    00:38 Consumer Confidence in May   01:34 Impact of Tariffs and Financial Markets   04:08 Consumer Expectations and Spending   08:21 Inflation and Financial Concerns   13:03 Changes in US and Global Economic Forecasts   21:10 Factors Influencing Future Economic Outlook   22:46 Conclusion and Farewell  

Get insights on the President's polling 100 days in and how Americans view crucial domestic issues.  The Administration's approval rating has declined from 51% to 45% since Inauguration Day, but that's relatively in line with historical precedent. What does the President's polling tell us about the American public today—and how they might vote in the 2026 midterms?  Join Steve Odland and guest Clifford Young, president of polling and societal trends at Ipsos, to explore the President's polling versus his first term, the nuances of polling on immigration and taxes, and why domestic issues matter more to Americans than foreign affairs.    (00:55) Themes in Recent Polls: Trepidation and the President (02:22) The Administration's Approval Ratings and Public Perception (07:15) Consumer Confidence and Economic Behavior (13:46) Geopolitical Issues and Immigration For more from The Conference Board:  The Next One Hundred Days—and Beyond: What Lies Ahead  Navigating Washington: Insights for Business  Unpacking 2024's Election Polling with Ipsos' Clifford Young 

Can President Trump get Ukraine and Russia to agree on a peace deal? If so, what happens next?     The US administration is pushing for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but progress has been slow, and success remains uncertain. How likely is a long-term cessation of hostilities, and how could that affect Russia's military ambitions in Europe?     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, to find out the major issues prolonging the Russia-Ukraine war, the potential Russian threat to Finland and the Baltics, and the details of the recent US-Ukraine deal on critical minerals.    (01:36) Occupied Regions and Military Tactics (03:05) International Efforts and Ceasefire Attempts (04:48) US and European Support Dynamics (07:06) Russia's Strategic Moves in Europe (10:06) Challenges in Peace Negotiations (11:22) Security Guarantees and Territorial Issues (23:52) Economic Agreements and Broader Implications   For more from The Conference Board:  Analyzing the US-Ukraine Minerals Deal  Three Years of War in Ukraine – and an Extraordinary Week  The Next One Hundred Days – and Beyond: What Lies Ahead 

  As the Trump presidency enters its second 100 days, what should we expect next?     The Trump administration has had arguably the busiest first 100 days since President Franklin Roosevelt's first term. How will the White House handle the challenges of the next hundred days, including tax legislation, the next phase of DOGE, and pivotal court cases regarding the executive branch's autonomy?     Join Steve Odland and guest David K. Young, president of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED), on what the coming months hold for the Trump presidency.     Key topics include:  Priorities for upcoming tax reform  The next phase of economic policies and initiatives (including DOGE)  Critical court cases shaping presidential authority and executive branch autonomy     (01:31) Key Policy Areas: Tax and Debt Ceiling (02:38) Understanding Reconciliation and Debt Ceiling Implications (05:05) Tariffs and International Trade Relations (06:38) Geopolitical Tensions and Trade Negotiations (16:42) The Role of the Federal Reserve and Executive Tensions (20:08) Geopolitical Concerns: South China Sea, Taiwan, and More (25:04) Congressional Actions and Budget Considerations   For more from The Conference Board:  The Next One Hundred Days—and Beyond: What Lies Ahead  Navigating Washington: Insights for Business  Reforming the Broken Federal Budget Process 

As HR becomes more strategic, CHROs are building their presence inside the boardroom.     The latest research from The Conference Board shows that chief human resource officers (CHROs) are engaging much more with corporate boards in recent years. How can CHROs continue being a strategic partner while helping companies navigate the future of work?     Join Steve Odland and guests Rita Meyerson, EdD, principal researcher in The Conference Board's Human Capital Center, and Andrew Jones, PhD, principal researcher in The Conference Board's Governance & Sustainability Center. They discuss what the CEO-CHRO partnership should look like, how CHROs can improve cross-functional collaboration, and how CHROs are engaging more with boards these days.     For more from The Conference Board:  The Evolving Role of the CHRO in the Boardroom  Seizing the Future as CHROs: A Guide to the 2025 C-Suite Outlook  Productivity Through People: New Opportunities for CHROs 

Consumer confidence plunges to a 13-year low — is a recession next?  Consumer confidence declined for a fifth consecutive month in April, to levels not seen since May 2020. With Americans' spending comprising 70% of economic growth, what could their growing concerns mean for the US this year?    Three specific expectation components – business conditions, employment prospects and future income – all dropped sharply, reflecting deep pessimism about the future. Crucially, the number of consumers expecting fewer jobs in the next six months was nearly as high as in April 2009, the middle of the “Great Recession.” Americans' concerns about the wider economy are bleeding into worries about their own personal situations.     Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, sits down with Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, and Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist to unpack how this could shape US and global economic growth this year.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence Plunged Again in April  Economy Watch Webcast on May 14  Labor Markets Watch on May 21 

Change is constant, and that's why your business needsa structured change management strategy.     Your business is constantly changing, even if you don't use the term “change management” to describe it. What does successful change management look like, and how can business leaders do this successfully in a time of uncertainty?     Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, Center Leader of The Conference Board'US Human Capital Center, to learn about change management's history, how to win employee buy-in, and how HR leaders can help organizations adapt.    (00:00) Introduction to C-Suite Perspectives (00:16) Meet Diana Scott: Change Management Expert (00:51) Understanding Change Management (01:59) The Human Reaction to Change (03:05) Proactive vs. Reactive Change Management (04:14) The Evolution of Change Management (07:13) Implementing Change: Key Steps (13:52) The Importance of Transparency and Communication   For more from The Conference Board:  CHRO Summit: Navigating through a Tsunami of Change  Upcoming Webcast: Change is Changing: How Organizations Can Master Change Management  On Demand: How to Beat the Odds and Succeed When 70% of Organizational Transformations Fail  

e.l.f. Beauty —a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards— is the only cosmetics brand to have grownits market share for 24 consecutive quarters, all while being a leader in innovation, diversity, and Fair Trade certification.What lessons can other businesses learn from e.l.f.'sembrace of diversity, sustainability, and affordable products?     Join Steve Odlandand guest Tarang Amin, chairman and CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, to find out how e.l.f.aligns its purpose with customer values, how the companyformulatesproducts that are clean, vegan, and cruelty-free, and why e.l.f. wants to make the best of beauty accessible to every eye, lip, and face.    The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards, taking place on April 23, celebrates organizations that have moved beyond public commitments to fully integrate responsible business practices into their core strategies, driving measurable, positive impacts on their organizations, stakeholders, and society.    (00:35) Elf Beauty's Mission and History (01:58) Building Brands and High-Performance Teams (02:50) Purpose-Driven Strategy and Values (04:51) Sustainability and Social Impact (12:19) Innovation and Technology in Sustainability (13:58) Global Expansion and Market Strategy (18:19) Supply Chain and Responsible Sourcing (23:25) Continuous Improvement and Future Goals   For more from The Conference Board:  2025 Corporate Responsibility Summit  2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner  Regulatory Shifts in ESG: What Comes Next for US Companies? 

China is determined to reincorporate Taiwan—raising the stakes for countries and for businesses.     By 2027, China could be militarily capable of taking over Taiwan, backed by the world's largest navy and a growing air force. What's next for China-Taiwan relations, and how does their relationship affect Western businesses?     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, to find out how Taiwan got here, why China could seek to blockade or quarantine Taiwan, and what options are available to the US to deter or counter such threats.    (01:01) China's Military Buildup (03:41) Historical Context of China-Taiwan Relations (04:43) Post-WWII and Civil War Dynamics (07:38) US-China-Taiwan Relations and Policies (09:54) Europe's Stance on Taiwan (12:00) China's Intentions and Taiwan's Response (15:05) Potential Conflict Scenarios (24:02) Business Implications and Conclusion     For more from The Conference Board:  The US-China Trade War Escalates  China, Taiwan, Japan, and the New Administration  The Future of the CHIPS and Science Act 

Food, people, and planet—these are the three north stars that help Yum! Brands —a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards—focus its sustainability efforts across water use, energy, packaging, and more. What lessons can other businesses learn from the sustainability success of this multinational company?     Join Steve Odland and guest Jon Hixson, chief sustainability officer at Yum! Brands, to find out why your sustainability strategy requires north stars,how the company wins buy-in from franchisees, and what advice he gives to up-and-coming sustainability leaders.    The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards, taking place on April 23, celebrates organizations that have moved beyond public commitments to fully integrate responsible business practices into their core strategies, driving measurable, positive impacts on their organizations, stakeholders, and society.    (01:54) Defining Sustainability in the Food Industry  (05:06) Key Trends in Corporate Sustainability  (06:46) Yum! Brands' Strategy: People, Food, and Planet  (10:49) Global Operations and Supply Chain Challenges  (18:50) Leveraging Technology for Sustainability  (21:49) Franchisee Engagement and Regulatory Challenges  (25:35) Future Priorities and Advice for Sustainability Leaders      For more from The Conference Board:  2025 Corporate Responsibility Summit  2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner  Organizing for Success in Corporate Sustainability 2.0 

Dive deep into the world of trade balances, the role of the US, and the power of the dollar.     The US regularly runs trade deficits with its biggest trade partners, while other blocs such as the EU have trade surpluses. Is this bad for the US, and if so, what can be done about it?     Join Steve Odland and guest Maria Demertzis, The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center Leader for Europe, to explore trade balances, why the US dollar underpins global trade, and why the WTO rule book doesn't work well with China.    (00:21) Understanding Trade Deficits  (01:09) Measuring Trade Balances  (02:18) Country vs. Trading Block Deficits  (05:00) The Impact of Trade Deficits  (07:13) The Unique Position of the US Dollar  (10:04) Global Trade and Currency Dynamics  (18:52) Economic Policies and Trade Surpluses  (21:59) China's Role in Global Trade    For more from The Conference Board:  Reciprocal Tariffs Will Weaken US and Global Economies  The Conference Board's Tariff Tracker  Trade Wars 101: What Businesses Need to Know 

Learn how Prudential Financial continues to serve all stakeholders through clarity of purpose.     Prudential Financial has served its local community of Newark, New Jersey, for 150 years, and that's one reason it is a recipient of The Conference Board 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards. How does the company choose when and where to invest, and how does it scale those efforts globally?      Join Steve Odland and guest Lata Reddy, senior vice president, inclusive solutions, at Prudential Financial and chair of the Prudential Foundation, to find out about Prudential's commitment to Newark, why partnerships are essential, and why the company chose "inclusive solutions” as the best title to describe their corporate responsibility mission.    The 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards, taking place on April 23, celebrates organizations that have moved beyond public commitments to fully integrate responsible business practices into their core strategies, driving measurable, positive impacts on their organizations, stakeholders, and society.    (01:25) Prudential's Legacy in Newark (02:36) Newark's Evolution and Prudential's Role (06:38) Global Impact and Local Prioritization (10:51) Employee Engagement and Volunteerism (16:29) Inclusive Solutions and Corporate Strategy (20:49) Looking Ahead: Future Strategies     For more from The Conference Board:  2025 Corporate Responsibility Summit  2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner  Infusing Community Needs into Products and Services: Lessons from Prudential   

Learn how companies can evolve their philanthropy in a divided political climate while staying true to their values.     Most companies in 2025 are focusing their social efforts on economic opportunity and education, according to The Conference Board C-Suite Outlook 2025. How is corporate philanthropy changing, especially with the rise of AI and the backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) initiatives?     Join Steve Odland and guest  Jeff Hoffman, Acting ESG Center Leader at The Conference Board, to find out how companies can avoid scattershot giving, whether they should give directly or through an intermediary, and how to show the ROI on corporate giving.    (00:36) Understanding Corporate Philanthropy and CSR (02:30) Aligning Community Strategy with Business Strategy (04:58) Best Practices for Corporate Foundations (06:29) Trends in Corporate Philanthropy for 2025 (07:33) Impact of DEI and Political Environment on Philanthropy (09:21) Geographic Shifts and Employee Volunteerism (15:11) Leveraging AI for Smarter Giving (18:34) Direct Giving vs. Intermediaries (22:49) Adapting to the Changing Political Landscape (24:10) Measuring Impact and ROI in Corporate Philanthropy   For more from The Conference Board:  2025 Outlook for Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy  2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner 

EV sales in the US continue to grow. Learn what needs to happen to spur further adoption.     Roughly 20% of US passenger vehicles sold in 2024 were battery electric or hybrid vehicles. What's next for the EV industry, especially in the face of a changing regulatory environment and tariffson key materials such as lithium?     Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Alex Heil, senior economist in the US Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to explore the future of EV growth in the US, whether EVs are price competitive with fossil fuel vehicles, and what's happening in countries such as Norway, China, and India.    (00:29) Understanding Electric Vehicles (02:15) Trends in EV Adoption (03:47) Challenges of Range and Cost (06:27) Impact on the Electrical Grid (09:10) Charging Infrastructure Developments (14:06) Commercial and Freight EVs (17:33) Global EV Market Insights   For more from The Conference Board:  Charging Ahead: Taking Stock of the Electric Vehicle Market in the US  Global EV Insights  Charging Ahead: Is India's EV Adoption Plan a Model for the Developing World? 

Amid potentially massive job cuts by the federal government, how should leaders manage this disruption?     The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) seeks to cut hundreds of thousands of federal jobs while shrinking or eliminating many agencies. How can leaders guide the federal workforce through such disruptions, both for those affected and those who remain?     Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, Center Leader of the US Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to find out how DOGE is shrinking the federal workforce, what change management looks like, and why emotional intelligence is a crucial skill for leaders right now.    (00:50) Objectives and Actions of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) (02:16) Impact on Federal Workforce and Schedule F Reclassification (03:38) Challenges and Risks of Workforce Reduction (05:15) Advising Leaders on Managing Change (08:27) Importance of Communication and Transparency (17:51) Emotional Intelligence and Support During Change (22:07) Opportunities for the Private Sector   For more from The Conference Board:  Progress Under Pressure: Preparing Federal Employees for Turbulent Times  Federal Worker Separations Will Impact Talent Markets: Take Advantage  Current Efforts to Redefine Control of the Administrative State 

Find out the latest trends in shareholder proposals—and whether they'll succeed.     Shareholder proposals are at an all-time high, but support for most of these proposals has greatly declined. What's on deck for this year's proxy season, and how should corporations prepare to engage with shareholders?     Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, principal researcher at The Conference Board ESG Center, to find out why proxy filings have risen, what's trending in proposals related to DEI and ESG, and why shareholders are starting to scrutinize companies' charitable donations.    (02:17) Trends in Shareholder Proposals (03:08) Impact of SEC Rule Changes (04:38) Focus on Environmental and Social Issues (10:18) Mechanics of Shareholder Proposals (12:15) Corporate Governance Trends (14:57) Environmental Proposals and Investor Sentiment (18:58) Social Proposals and DEI (23:50) Emerging Issues: AI and Corporate Governance   For more from The Conference Board:  2025 Proxy Season Preview  The 2025 Proxy Season: Striking a Balance  Shareholder Activism: Expectations for 2025 

In March, consumer confidence saw its fourth month-on-month decline, with people's assessment of current business and labor market conditions, plus their short-term outlook for income, business and labor market conditions, all dropping.    Crucially, consumers' optimism about future income, which had held up strongly in recent months, largely vanished, which suggests that worries about the wider economy and labor market have started to spread to people's assessments of their personal situations.    Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior Economist,and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist of Global Indicators, both of The Conference Board, unpack what's behind declining consumer sentiment, including survey respondents' write-in responses, and how it could shape consumer spending and US economic growth this year.    (01:49) Detailed Breakdown of Consumer Expectations (03:24) Impact of Market Volatility (05:44) Inflation Expectations and Consumer Sentiment (06:56) Tariffs and Their Influence on Consumer Views (08:25) Positive Highlights from the Survey (14:27) Federal Reserve's Potential Actions (17:53) Key Indicators to Watch Moving Forward   For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence Tumbled Again in March  Download the full Consumer Confidence Survey Report  How Badly Will Uncertainty Affect US GDP Growth in 2025?   

Are we on the verge of a trade war? And if so, how would we get out of it?     The aggressive US stance on tariffs is already affecting trade relationships with China, Canada, and Mexico, and that's before the April 2 announcements of additional tariffs. How do economists define a trade war, and how might one affect not only the US but also the global economy?     Join Steve Odland and guests David Young, president of the Committee for Economic Development, the Public Policy Center of The Conference Board, and Erin McLaughlin, senior economist at The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center. They discuss the numerous ways countries wield trade wars, why trade wars create uncertainty for businesses, and why the administration's April 2 announcement on reciprocal tariffs will be pivotal.    (00:43) Defining Trade Wars (03:43) Mechanisms and Effects of Trade Wars (04:37)Role of WTO and Historical Context (05:49)US Tariff Policies and Global Reactions (07:49) Economic Impacts of Tariffs (09:18) USMCA and North American Trade Relations (15:20) China's Strategy and Global Trade Dynamics (17:55) Tariffs as a Tax and Economic Implications (25:32) Conclusion and Final Thoughts   For more from The Conference Board:  Tariff Tracker  The EU's Retaliatory Tariffs Will Hit Beef, Bourbon and More  Survey: As 2025 Begins, CEOs Are Most Worried About a Trade War and Recession 

Learn how recessions are defined and the current risk of the US economy entering one.     If your GDP growth slows to a mere 1%, history tells us to watch out—negative growth is on the way. How likely is the US to face a recession this year, and how can we tell if that's happening?     Join Steve Odland and guest Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist at The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out the "official" definition of a recession, why inflation and growth patterns could diverge, and why uncertainty remains a key risk.     (01:21) Indicators of a Recession (02:46) Official vs. Unofficial Views on Recession (04:44) Current Economic Situation (06:02) Impact of Layoffs and Employment (15:36) Stagflation Concerns   For more from The Conference Board:  Global Forecast Update  Economic Forecast for the US Economy   The Conference Board Leading Economic Index® (LEI) for the US Fell Further in February 

The US economy will growin 2025–26, but tariffs and other factors are dampening expectations.     The US economy is expected to grow by 2.0% this year and 1.7% in 2026, according to The Conference Board—both revised down from previous projections. What's driving this pessimism about economic growth, and could stagflation become a serious risk?    Join Steve Odland and guest Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist at The Conference Board Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what's driving this economic uncertainty, how tariffs could affect GDP and inflation, and why The Conference Board expects the Federal Reserve to make three rate cuts in 2025.      (00:21) Overview of the U.S. Economic Forecast (01:10) Factors Influencing GDP Growth (02:42) Consumer Confidence and Spending (05:42) Labor Market Projections (10:12) Inflation and Stagflation Concerns (12:05) Federal Reserve's Rate Decisions (17:25) Impact of Tariffs on the Economy (20:46) Global Economic Outlook   For more from The Conference Board:  Global Forecast Update  Tariff Tracker  What's Behind Conflicting US CEO & Consumer Confidence Readings? 

Find out what corporate responsibility looks like as part of a company's core strategy.     For Webster Bank —a 2025 recipient of the Corporate Responsibility Awards—philanthropy, community investment, sustainability, and government affairs are all part of the corporate responsibility bailiwick. What does exemplary corporate responsibility look like, and how can companies do this work while furthering business goals and serving all stakeholders?     Join Steve Odland and guest Marissa Weidner, chief corporate responsibility officer at Webster Bank, to find out how Webster Bank practices corporate responsibility, why responsibility creates accountability, and what the bank's Finance Lab is doing.    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.    (00:41) Marissa's Career Journey (02:10) Webster Bank's Corporate Responsibility Strategy (03:33) Community Investment Strategy (04:54) Integration of Corporate Responsibility and Business Strategy (06:31) Navigating ESG and Political Challenges (10:43) Environmental Initiatives at Webster Bank (12:49) Social Responsibility and Community Engagement (21:51) Future of Corporate Responsibility at Webster Bank   For more from The Conference Board:  2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards Dinner  The Conference Board Honors Medtronic and Webster Bank With 2025 Corporate Responsibility Awards  How Financial Services Companies are Using AI to Innovate 

What did the recent AI Summit reveal about the state of AI, including the energy problem?     The recent AI Summit in Paris raised key issues about AI regulation—and saw the US and UK refuse to sign on to the declaration.     Generative AI is becoming autonomous—not only performing assigned tasks but figuring out how best to achieve goals. How likely is a “Terminator” scenario, and how should the world address important issues such as energy use, regulation, and deepfakes?     Join Steve Odland and guest Ivan Pollard, Center Leader for Marketing & Communications at The Conference Board, to learn the difference between generative AI and autonomous AI, the potential dangers of unchecked AI, and why the US and UK refused to sign on to the recent Paris declaration.     (00:33) Defining AI and Large Language Models (01:57) Generative and Autonomous AI (04:37) AI Safety and Global Conferences (07:05) Regulation and Innovation Balance (08:37) Potential Dangers of AI (13:35) Machine Learning and Bioethics (18:26) AI in Intellectual Property (23:32) Sustainability and Energy Concerns (25:46) Future of AI and Conclusion   For more from The Conference Board:  What the Paris AI Summit Means for US Innovation  As AI Comes into Play, Business Models Will Change  Policy Alert: Rescinding AI Safety Executive Order 

Tariffs on goods imported from the US' largest three trading partners—Canada, Mexico, and China—will result in 0.6% rise in US inflation over four quarters, The Conference Board modeling shows. Consumers will definitely feel the bite in the short term, but will the administration's long-term strategy pay off?     Join Steve Odland and guest Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, to find out why reshoring is more complicated than it sounds, when “made in the USA” may not be, and how some negotiating tools may really just be…negotiating tools.    (00:59) Understanding Tariffs: Basics and Definitions (02:08) The Impact of Tariffs on the U.S. Economy (03:05) Tariffs as a Negotiation Tool (03:56) Global Trade and Tariff Strategies (05:07) Inflation and Consumer Impact (09:31) Reshoring and Supply Chain Challenges (15:59) China vs. North America: Different Tariff Strategies (21:43) Business Strategies Amid Tariff Uncertainty   For more from The Conference Board:  Impact of Tariffs on Three Largest US Trading Partners  US Tariff Plan Would Cut GDP Growth, Swell Inflation   The State of the Economy for February 2025  Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Will Hike Costs