HPS Macrocast

In this week's episode of What's at Stake, Business Roundtable president and COO Kristen Silverberg shares her insights on the opportunities and challenges facing American businesses as they navigate a rapidly shifting policy landscape, both at home and abroad. Ambassador Silverberg shared with Bryan and Ylan the importance of corporate executives maintaining a long-term vision for success that can withstand geopolitical turbulence. The conversation with Penta hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui covered:The two-way street: How Business Roundtable helps members understand Washington while educating policymakers about the business impacts of their decisionsHow businesses have taken proactive steps to prepare for trade uncertaintyTax reform's role in driving business growth and innovationWorkforce initiatives creating opportunities for those without four- or two-year degrees You can learn more about Business Roundtable at https://www.businessroundtable.org/

This week's episode of What's at Stake dives into the evolving world of new media and the rise of independent, online journalists. Penta Group Managing Directors Ylan Mui and Megan Whittemore talk to Mosheh Oinounou, an award-winning executive producer and founder of Mo News, about the impact of the creator economy on journalism, audience trust, and the way we consume information.Their conversation covered:Why authenticity, transparency, and engagement are the new currency of mediaHow traditional journalism values can thrive in a creator-driven ecosystemThe origin story behind Mo News and how it became a go-to source of news on Instagram with over 500,000 followersWhat brands and policymakers need to know when working with digital news influencersYou can follow Mo News online at https://www.mo.news/, on Instagram at @mosheh and on the Mo News podcast.

This week's episode of What's at Stake tackles the mounting pressure on corporate America as President Donald Trump's tariffs rattle the markets and stoke fears of a global economic slowdown. Penta CEO Matt McDonald joins hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui to discuss the response from the business community and frameworks for determining when and how to engage publicly.Their conversation covered:Whether tariffs are a tool for negotiation or an end resultThe importance of "signposting" to determine next stepsThe impact of the markets on White House and corporate decision-making

This week's episode of What's at Stake delves into the creation and consumption of media amid the rapid advancement of AI. Sally Shin, venture partner at Comcast Ventures, joins Penta hosts Ylan Mui and Andrea Christianson, to discuss the impact of this convergence on journalism and our daily lives.Their conversation covered:Guardrails to protect intellectual property and the accuracy of AI-generated contentPartnerships between publishers and AI companiesOpportunities to leverage AI within news organizationsThe revolution that voice technologies and no-code tools could bring to content creation

This week's episode of What's at Stake explores the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency as the industry gears up for a transformative 2025 amid strong support from both the Trump administration and Capitol Hill. Ron Hammond, senior director of government relations and institutional engagement at the Blockchain Association, joins Penta hosts Ylan Mui and Bryan DeAngelis to discuss the vibeshift in Washington and the industry's policy priorities. Their conversation covered:Policymakers' evolving perceptions of cryptocurrencyChallenges and opportunities for stablecoin legislationCrypto interest from institutional investors Building consensus across the crypto universe

This week's episode of What's at Stake crosses the Atlantic to discuss the impact of President Trump's tariffs with Penta's experts in Europe. Rory O'Donnell, a partner in the Brussels office, and Stuart Harbinson, a senior adviser who has represented Hong Kong to the World Trade Organization, joined Penta managing director Ylan Mui to examine the motivations behind the tariffs and the implications of global retaliation.Their conversation covered:EU and Chinese perspective on trade tensionsPotential economic consequences for consumers and businessesHow the private sector can best navigate these turbulent timesThe potential end game for tariffs 

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Axios political reporter Hans Nichols sits down with Penta Washington office lead Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui to discuss President Trump's priorities and potential pitfalls during his first 100 days in office…for the second time.The trio discussed several topics, including:Trump's unique media strategy and how it differs from President Biden'sThe effectiveness of the blitz of executive orders The political chess game swirling around Trump's nominees and CongressInsights on tariffs, tax reform, and potential legislative hurdlesPublic sentiment and tipping points on key issuesYou can subscribe to Hans' newsletter, Axios Hill Leaders here: https://www.axios.com/signup/hill-leaders

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui speak to two special guests from the Tax Foundation, one of Washington's most influential think tanks. President and CEO Daniel Bunn and president emeritus Scott Hodge examine the complexities of the anticipated tax reform battle in 2025, and its implications for Americans and businesses, as well as the potential international ramifications.Specific topics include:Examination of proposed tax cuts and their potential effects on individuals and businessesConsideration of the balance between tax cuts and the impact on the national debtInsights on potential revenue sources and the politics surrounding themOverview of international tax discussions and their relevance to U.S. policiesKeep listening to What's at Stake to understand the political and economic shifts of the incoming administration, and check out Scott's book “Taxocracy” for more on tax policy and how it affects everyday life.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Senior Partner Andy Whitehouse speaks with Marie Donnelly, Chair of Climate Change Advisory Council Ireland and Senior Advisor to Penta, and Director Liza McIntosh about what to expect from COP29—the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference—which begins today in Baku. Together, they discuss the critical agenda items facing world leaders and organizations as they gather to tackle climate change. From ambitious climate finance targets to bold resilience initiatives, Andy, Liza, and Marie break down the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for a low-carbon future. They also unpack what a second Trump presidency means for climate policy—both in the U.S. and abroad. Tune in for this timely discussion to understand what's truly at stake as COP29 shapes the future of climate action amid new geopolitical tensions.

Former President Trump is back, and Republicans are on the cusp of a sweep after winning control of the Senate and possibly the House. Join co-hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui, along with Penta senior partners Stacy Kerr and Kevin Madden, as they explore the reshaping of U.S. politics. They discuss the economic concerns driving voters, Trump's stance on trade, tariffs, and immigration, and the challenges experienced by Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. This election could be just the beginning of a fundamental realignment of America's social contract.

Long waits at the DMV or when buying a car seem like a fact of life—but do they have to be? This week on What's at Stake, Penta senior partner Kevin Madden sits down with Shane Bigelow, CEO of CHAMP Titles, to discuss the company's mission to modernize DMVs and bring digital titling technology to the nation.Shane shares CHAMP's founding story and explains how their technology streamlines title transfers, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and helping DMVs better serve constituents in an age of online car dealers and autonomous vehicles. Kevin and Shane also explore the environmental benefits of going digital along with improvements in privacy and security for the auto industry.Don't miss this in-depth look at how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the future of car ownership.

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui talk to Chris Wheat, President of the JPMorganChase Institute, about how the pandemic has transformed America's economy. Chris breaks down recent Institute research on how a wave of new investors—particularly younger and lower-income individuals—are taking bigger risks through behaviors like dip-buying and returns-chasing. At the same time, while many households saw their savings increase during the pandemic, those cash reserves are now starting to dwindle, impacting financial health across the board. So, what does this all mean for the economy? Chris explains how the Institute's use of real-time, anonymized data from millions of JPMorganChase customers helps policymakers stay informed and make smarter decisions. Plus, he teases an upcoming Institute report on the booming small business sector. Read the latest retail investing reports here: JPMorganChase Retail Investing Reports and tune in to the full episode here.

In this episode of What's At Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Kevin Madden analyze the magnetism of live music. They unpack how touring has emerged as the dominant revenue stream for musicians, exemplified by the prominence of Taylor Swift's Eras Tour and the nostalgia of an upcoming Oasis tour. Since live shows returned post-COVID, the rush for tickets has been frantic, with social media amplifying both the excitement and frustration of fans. They dive into the huge demand for ticket access and how platforms like Spotify are revolutionizing music consumption and concert access. Tune in this week as they talk about how these shared experiences continue to unite fans and some of their favorite recent concerts. 

In this episode of What's at Stake, host Ylan Mui is joined by Ryan Panchadsaram and Anjali Grover from Speed & Scale to reflect on Climate Week 2024. Ryan and Anjali discuss the pressing need for stronger corporate net-zero commitments and the crucial role of venture capital in accelerating breakthrough technologies. The two also offer insights into the connection between national security and climate change, highlighting the need for increased investments to drive meaningful progress and bold action.

The Federal Reserve is shifting its focus from inflation to a slowing job market, signaling the start of a new economic era. This week on What's at Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui talk to Neil Irwin, chief economic correspondent at Axios, about the impact that the Fed's first rate cut in four years will have across the economy—and perhaps even on the November elections. 

In this episode of What's At Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui analyze the first – and maybe only – presidential debate between former President Trump and Vice President Harris with Alex Sternhell, Principal at Sternhell Group and Democratic strategist. They discuss the heated exchanges on immigration as well as the candidates' stances on tariffs, taxes, and corporate America. The election could hinge on whether the candidates' debate performance sways voters in crucial swing states. Tune in for a breakdown of what's at stake in the final weeks before Election Day (with a bonus track on Taylor Swift!). Tune in

What does financial literacy look like in the digital age? This week on What's at Stake, Bryan DeAngelis hosts author and content creator Kyla Scanlon for a live discussion of her new book, “In This Economy” with the Penta team in our Washington, D.C. office. Kyla is known for making complex economic concepts accessible – she uses her unique platform to bridge the knowledge gap from the academic world to the real world. In this episode, Kyla sheds light on the significant disconnect between positive economic indicators and the often-negative public sentiment. She dives into the structural issues that contribute to this disparity, from housing affordability to the rising costs of elder and childcare. Don't miss Kyla's insightful analysis and practical solutions to some of today's most pressing economic challenges.

How could a Harris administration revolutionize the tech policy landscape in America? This week on What's at Stake, partner and head of Penta's D.C. office, Bryan DeAngelis, and Penta managing director Elliott Owensby are joined by Katie Mitchell, the founder of New World Advisors, to discuss the election and the future of tech. Together, they discuss Katie's recent piece, "A Vibe Check for Tech" and explore how a Harris-led White House might reshape the conversation between technology firms and U.S. policymakers, particularly within the Democratic Party. They also discuss the growing influence of crypto in the political arena, regulatory challenges, and the U.S.'s competitive edge in global tech markets. Don't miss this insightful conversation that unpacks the complexities of the relationship between technology and politics.

As the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium approaches, Penta Managing Director Ylan Mui sits down with friends of the pod John Fagan and Brendan Walsh from Markets Policy Partners to discuss the Federal Reserve's efforts to manage inflation and maintain labor market stability. They discuss recent labor market data, the state of the U.S. consumer post-COVID, and of course, expectations for a rate cut in September – and missed opportunities this summer. The episode also delves into the implications of the upcoming presidential election for Fed policy and personnel and the potential impact on inflation from both candidates' economic platforms.

In this week's episode of What's at Stake, host and Managing Director Ylan Mui delves into the critical issue of mental health in the workplace. With poor mental health leading to significant productivity losses and high turnover, it's an issue businesses can't afford to ignore.This episode spotlights Bechtel's $7 million partnership with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, aimed at addressing the high suicide rates in the construction industry. The episode features a panel Ylan moderated with insights from Bechtel Chairman and CEO Brendan Bechtel, along with key leaders from the foundation and North America's Building Trades Union, highlighting the power of public-private partnerships and stakeholder collaboration in improving mental health outcomes across industries.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta managing director Ylan Mui discusses the ways that AI is reshaping the landscape for small businesses with Imani Augustus, the director of the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, a partnership between Third Way and the National Urban League.Imani explains how entrepreneurs are harnessing the power of generative AI to improve customer service, marketing, and daily operations. They also tackle the ethical questions and operational hurdles surrounding AI, especially for minority-owned businesses. Tune in to understand the benefits and risks of AI for small business owners and the steps they can take to navigate AI implementation responsibly.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, managing partner Andy Whitehouse talks to our director of marketing, Owen McNamee, about the complex strategies behind consumer branding and sponsorships at the Olympics. Together, they look at the opportunities for brands and athletes to create harmonious partnerships  while still working in their best interests. They also discuss how brands seek to reach their objectives while navigating within the tight parameters set by the International Olympic Committee. Tune in for this compelling discussion as you cheer on your country and your favorite athletes on their quest for gold.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui talk to Penta Senior Partner Stacy Kerr about the entry of Vice President Kamala Harris into the presidential race and the implications of her campaign for families, businesses, and other stakeholders. Together, they parse through her policy differences with President Biden as well as how she could change the electoral map for Democrats. And of course, they play the popular Washington parlor game of predicting who she might pick as her vice president.  Tune in for a compelling discussion of the 100-day sprint to Election Day – and beyond.

Join hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui, along with Penta Senior Partner Kevin Madden, on this week's episode of What's at Stake as they discuss how corporate executives and political leaders are navigating the turbulent aftermath of the attack on former President Donald Trump. With the Republican National Convention underway, they explore the possibility of unity despite  heightened political tension. The group then took a look at the future of Republican politics, the nomination of Sen. J.D. Vance as the party's vice presidential candidate, and the growing influence of economic populism – aka Trumponomics.Tune in for a compelling discussion on the dynamics of American politics and how they're shaping business and the economy. 

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, host and head of Penta's D.C. office, Bryan DeAngelis, is joined by U.K. Penta colleagues and political experts Mark MacGregor and Andy Williams to dive into yesterday's U.K. election results.They discuss the priorities of Labour's parliamentary candidates, highlighting differences between grassroots candidates and Labour leadership on issues like industrial action and net-zero targets. The discussion also includes details of Labour's strategies for the housing crisis and northern regions, and the newfound unity among Labour MPs — what Penta calls a "House United" in our recent deep dive on Labour's priorities this year.  Finally, they explore the implications of the election results for the business community, especially US investors. No matter where you live, you'll want to tune in for this expert examination of U.K. politics and what's at stake.

 Across the landscape of our society—whether it's business, sports, entertainment, or politics—it's very rare for all the eyes of the world to stop and concentrate their attention on one event, one moment.Presidential debates are one of those very rare moments.Last night's first—and only?—presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump offered viewers in the U.S. and around the globe the chance to compare the candidates and hear their pitch to voters on why they deserve another four years.That was last night. This morning? The fallout.Is this typical "Inside-the-bubble" hysteria or a bigger moment that will shake up the race? The political universe is in a frenzy, with everyone ranging from the Trump and Biden campaigns to down ballot candidates and armchair pundits assessing the impact the debate will have on the trajectory of the race. On today's episode of What's At Stake, we'll do that and go a little deeper. We'll review the debate performances, analyze the strategies of both campaigns going forward, and also assess the immediate and longer-term ramifications last night will have on the business community as we get closer to November and the next Administration. 

What happens when voter indecision grips a nation during a high-stakes election featuring two well-known incumbents? Join Bryan DeAngelis, Partner at Penta, as he sits down with Daniel Cox, Director and Founder of the Survey Center on American Life, and Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, to dissect this unprecedented scenario through the lens of new polling. They explore how the dynamics of this election are shaping voter sentiment, contributing to a growing sense of pessimism about America's future among citizens. Bryan and Daniel also focus their attention on voter behavior. They analyze Biden's focus on abortion and reproductive health in contrast to voter concerns about the economy and inflation. Additionally, they discuss the public's evolving views on immigration policy and changing demographics within the Democratic party, and how these factors could influence the upcoming election.

Today on What's At Stake, we have a special episode hosted by Mark MacGregor, managing director out of Penta's London office, who speaks with four of his strategy colleagues from across the globe: Marykate Maguire, an associate in the Dublin office; Ruairidh Fraser, an associate in the London office; Grace Boyle, an associate in the Washington, D.C. office; and Emily Wilson, an associate in the New York City office. The conversation, spanning several time zones, covers what it's like to be a young professional at Penta, including day-to-day work, how colleagues communicate across offices, and training and mentorship. Marykate, Ruairidh, Emily, and Grace also share their favorite parts about working at Penta and advice for other young professionals starting their career. Tune in here to learn more! Additionally, learn more about and apply to the grad programme Marykate and Ruairidh participated in here.

This week on What's At Stake, tune into another episode of our Artificially Intelligent Conversations series. Each month, Penta Partners Andrea Christianson and Chris Mehigan will dissect the AI latest news and developments from each side of the Atlantic, helping you understand how AI will affect stakeholder management, policy, and more. This week, they host Nicole DeCario, Director of AI & Society at the Allen Institute for AI (AI2) to cover AI literacy, policy, and industry norms.Nicole discusses how AI2's commitment to open-source language models aims to shape a more transparent and collaborative future in AI research, distinct from the closed doors of industry norms. Her insights reveal a pressing need for ethical frameworks and a nuanced understanding of AI technology in order for U.S. regulators to craft effective policy. You don't want to miss this episode!

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Elliott Owensby sat down with Ripple's Head of U.S. Public Policy Lauren Belive to discuss all things crypto including Ripple's legal victory against the SEC and the company's recent announcement that it plans to launch a stablecoin later this year. Throughout the discussion, Lauren underscored the importance of crafting clear rules of the road for crypto in the U.S. To help bring that vision to reality, Bryan, Elliott, and Lauren discussed the role of crypto in the 2024 U.S. elections and how they hope their involvement with the crypto PAC Fairshake can make a difference during this pivotal election cycle for the industry. Check out the new episode now!

In 2024, a wave of global elections is shaping the landscape of corporate engagement, increasing partisan contention across virtually every issue. On today's episode of What's At Stake, we drill down on the upcoming European elections. From our Brussels office, Penta Senior Partner Jill Craig and Partner Rory O'Donnell join Andrea Christianson, partner in the D.C. office, to discuss the key players in the EU elections, what issues voters are paying the most attention to, and what businesses around the world can expect from a new European Parliament and Commission. The group also shares insight on how companies should prepare for this new political landscape.If you're a business currently operating in Europe or are considering expanding your operations across the pond, tune in to this must-listen episode.

This week's episode of What's At Stake examines the phenomenon known as the Taylor Swift economy. Host and Senior Partner Kevin Madden sits down with colleagues Isabel Nieves, Runal Patel, Bianca Schwam Auriemo, and Camryn Banks to analyze how Taylor Swift's latest album, "The Tortured Poet's Department," demonstrates her impact beyond music and into economic ecosystems across industries and global markets. The group also broke down the album's reception and the work involved in promoting and protecting Swift's brand.The team then dives into the businesses, entrepreneurs, and individuals whose livelihoods depend on the entertainment empire Swift has built, including concert venues, endorsing brands, and ultimately, cultural influence.Music, business, and culture are all examined in this exciting episode—centered on the one-and-only Taylor Swift. You don't want to miss it! 

This week on What's At Stake, our host Bryan DeAngelis, partner at Penta and head of the Washington, D.C. office, is joined by Oliver Edelmann, director at Penta, and Ananya Kumar, the associate director for digital currencies at the Atlantic Council's GeoEconomics Center, to discuss Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). Just a few years ago, less than 30 countries were exploring a CBDC—as of this week, over 130 countries are doing so. Ananya, Bryan, and Oliver break down this trend and discuss the increasing digitization of payments and services and highlight the CBDC projects we should be paying attention to.More broadly, Ananya, Bryan, and Oliver discuss U.S. power projection through the dollar in geopolitical conflicts, the role that the Fed should play in CBDCs, and the future of the global financial system. Tune in!

This week on What's at Stake, Kevin Madden, Senior Partner at Penta, hosts Wes Turbeville, Senior Vice President at ID.me, to discuss how ID.me is tackling the evolving challenge of digital identity fraud and making it easier for Americans to access services online.Digital technology has redefined how Americans interact with the government, from veterans managing benefits online to citizens filing taxes electronically. Wes and Kevin start the conversation on the urgent need to protect our identities online. Wes stresses the value of public-private partnerships in fighting fraud – it takes a network of companies like ID.me and government partners to combat the risk posed by increasingly coordinated identity thieves. Wes also delves into how ID.me is closing the digital divide and making it easier for Americans of all backgrounds to access the services they need, showing there need not be a tradeoff between security and accessibility. Listen to the full conversation below!

This week on What's At Stake, our host Penta Managing Director Ylan Mui is joined by CNBC's Senior Media & Tech Correspondent Julia Boorstin to discuss her new book, "When Women Lead." In a world where only around 10% of Fortune 500 CEOs are women and less than 2% of venture capital dollars go to startups with female founders, Julia and Ylan break down what the book can teach us about what women achieve, why they succeed, and what we can learn from them. Beyond recapping some of the stories of successful women in the book, Ylan and Julia discuss what skills, attributes, and attitudes all leaders can implement to progress in their careers and live better. All business leaders can benefit from this episode's conversation on changing the corporate culture, reinventing markets to fit new demographics, and rethinking what success looks like. Listen now! 

This week's episode of "What's At Stake" dives deep into the high-stakes dynamics of the 2024 presidential election. Hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui are joined by Leigh Ann Caldwell, co-author of The Washington Post's Early 202 newsletter and political correspondent for The Washington Post. The crew explores the rematch between former President Trump and incumbent President Biden.Beyond the horse-race coverage, the group scrutinizes the complex policy challenges facing both candidates. Leigh Ann sheds light on the obstacles Biden must overcome, including a narrowly divided Congress and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also examines Trump's enduring base of support and the pivotal role of swing voters in key battleground states.Stepping back, the group engages in a candid examination of the media's role in covering this high-stakes political landscape. Leigh Ann shares insights into the challenges of reporting objectively in an era marked by deep partisan divides and a pervasive sense of distrust in institutions.The episode also delves into the broader implications of the election, including the shadow of a lame-duck presidency and the potential impact of presidential appointments on the balance of power in Washington. Throughout, Ylan, Bryan, and Leigh Ann provide a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of the critical issues at stake in the 2024 race.

This week on What's At Stake, Penta Partner Andrea Christianson is joined by two executives from Cognizant Technologies: Senior Vice President of Legal and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer Tobi Young and Chief Technology Officer for AI Babak Hodjat. The group discusses AI in the context of the workforce and how it could help companies operate more dynamically. Additionally, they highlight how tools like generative AI are bridging knowledge gaps and democratizing tech use.Tobi and Babak also spotlight Cognizant's Synapse Initiative, a global AI upskilling pilot program. Cognizant launched the Synapse Initiative last October with the goal of preparing one million people worldwide over the next three years to become the workforce for the high-tech, AI age. Whether you're an AI skeptic or optimist, this episode promises to offer a fresh perspective on how AI is reshaping industries and empowering the workforce.

In celebration of International Women's Month and support of Penta's global DE&I efforts, join Senior Associate Lizzie Johnson as she speaks with Penta Managing Directors Ylan Mui from D.C., Louise Ford from London, and Deborah Giam from Singapore about their career experiences and advice for young women in the workforce.The group discusses how companies can support women (and all of their employees) to build a stronger workforce with opportunities including mentorship, flexibility, and paid leave for caregiving. Deborah, Ylan, and Louise also share stories about impactful mentors they've worked with over the years, and provide tips for authentic and professional networking.Tune in to hear more from some of Penta's wonderful female leaders.

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui are joined by Senior Vice President of Strategic Communications for the American Gaming Association Joe Maloney for a special March Madness episode on the American gaming industry. They discuss the contributions of the industry including its impact on  jobs, wages, and tax revenues, as well as how casinos are becoming institutions for economic revival in communities seeking economic growth. Bryan, Ylan, and Joe also dive into gaming regulation. Beyond legalization, they look at policy advocacy and bipartisan legislation ensuring responsible growth that prioritizes consumer safety. They also address some big questions, including: How has the industry changed over the years? Who are the main stakeholders in the game now? And what does the future look like for this industry? 

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui are joined by John Fagan and Brendan Walsh from Market Policy Partners. In the wake of the March Federal Reserve Open Market Committee meeting, the group dissects the potential for upcoming rate cuts and implications for financial markets. Amidst election year tensions, they also explore the nuanced interplay between monetary policy and politics. Will a June or July rate cut signal the start of an easing cycle?  What could this mean for the political landscape? Additionally, Bryan, Ylan, John, and Brendan spotlight the broader implications of governing with a divided Congress.Beyond U.S. borders, they highlight parallels with international economic scenarios, including the Bank of Japan's surprising interest rate hike and discuss how global economic policies might influence domestic financial markets. Listen now!

This week on What's at Stake, hosts Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui are joined by Penta Senior Partner Kevin Madden for a special episode on President Biden's impassioned State of the Union address. They assess Biden's performance delivering a speech that spanned many different policy areas, including healthcare, the economy, and immigration—pivotal issues given this year's election. Bryan, Ylan, and Kevin also discuss how the President's adept handling of disruptors potentially temporality quelled age-related concerns as well as Katie Britt's rebuttal to Biden's speech. But more than just recapping last night's speech, the group discusses an important consideration: Does the State of the Union actually move the needle on approval ratings? As the memory of last night fades, will voters remember Biden's fiery disposition, or will his age continue to worry voters on both sides of the political spectrum? Listen now!

On this week's episode of What's At Stake, Penta Managing Partner Andy Whitehouse sits down with journalist and author Josie Cox to celebrate the launch of her new book, "Women Money Power." During their discussion, Josie recounts the journey of completing her new book, detailing the book's inspiration, research, and drafting process. Josie also shares some of her most fascinating findings, detailing pivotal moments in history that have shaped women's financial autonomy including women's entry into the workforce during WWII and the advent of the contraceptive pill.Andy and Josie also dissect contemporary gender equity concerns such as the financial intricacies of remote work, biases in promotion and compensation, and the imperative of genuine gender equity in fostering business' success. The two also emphasize the significance of diversity as a driver of innovation and organizational resilience. Josie's book "Women Money Power" is now available wherever you buy books!Join Andy and Josie as they unpack the history of female empowerment and reveal opportunities for progress in current and future workplace gender dynamics.

In this week's episode of What's At Stake, hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Tucker Warren, partners from Penta's Washington, D.C. office, welcome special guest Eleanor Hawkins, reporter and author of the Axios Communicators newsletter. The discussion explores the origins and success of Axios Communicators, Eleanor's newsletter that offers insights on the latest communication trends impacting businesses, leaders, and communicators.Eleanor shares her perspectives on emerging topics influencing corporate communications, such as the increasing value placed on soft skills by executives, the impact of AI and emerging technologies on the C-suite, and how culture wars have affected communication strategies. She also provides advice for early-career professionals on developing and leveraging soft skills and offers book recommendations for aspiring communicators.Bryan, Tucker, and Eleanor also dive into the "shrinking sidelines" in national discourse, and discuss how communicators are preparing for the upcoming election season. Eleanor also asks Bryan and Tucker for their perspective on what makes a powerful communicator and to unpack the significance of data-driven communications throughout their careers.The episode offers valuable insights for professionals in the communications field, covering key trends, strategies, and resources to enhance their understanding and approach to effective communication. Tune in! 

This week on What's At Stake, tune into another episode of our Artificially Intelligent Conversations series. Each month, Penta Partners Andrea Christianson and Chris Mehigan will dissect the AI latest news and developments from each side of the Atlantic, helping you understand how AI will affect stakeholder management, policy, and more. This week, they discuss the fascinating ways in which AI will influence policy, and, simultaneously, how policy will influence AI.The pair touches on the impact of the EU's AI Act on companies across the Atlantic, specifically the regulations high-risk AI systems will be subject to. They express cautious pessimism about the impact of AI on elections, before turning to a more optimistic subject: the power of AI to transform and craft policies. Specifically, they discuss the City Digital Twin Pilot Project's potential impact on urban planning and Destination Earth, a digital model of our planet that simulates and predicts the interaction between human activities and our environment, ultimately helping to fine-tune policymaking. Tune in!

In this final joint episode of the Macrocast, host Ylan Mui, Managing Director at Penta, alongside co-hosts John Fagan and Brendan Walsh of Markets Policy Partners say their farewells. The Macrocast will no longer continue as a joint production. Instead, John and Brendan will be spearheading its relaunch under the Markets Policy Partners banner. This episode is not a goodbye but rather a reunion, as Tony Fratto, founder of the Macrocast and Hamilton Place Strategies, now leading communications at Goldman Sachs, joins the conversation.Reflecting on the journey since its inception in 2019, the panel discusses the economic trials and tribulations over the years, such as the impact of COVID-19, the 2020 election, and conflicts worldwide.The group also shares their favorite memories and expressions of gratitude to contributors, partners, guests, and listeners.As the Macrocast concludes its final chapter at Penta, listeners are encouraged to follow Markets Policy Partners for future episodes and can continue to engage with Penta's podcast, "What's At Stake." Ylan, Brendan, John, and Tony conclude with a heartfelt thank you to the supporters of the Macrocast over the past five years and look forward to reconnecting soon

This week on What's at Stake, Bryan and Ylan are joined by Ben Ritz, director of the Center for Funding America's Future at the Progressive Policy Institute. Ben, Ylan, and Bryan have a great conversation on key fiscal policy priorities including the current state of U.S. government funding and America's national debt. Ben explains the current state of play and implications of the proposed Fiscal Stability Act, which would create a fiscal commission in charge of monitoring U.S. fiscal policy.Ben details how the proposed fiscal commission would differ from the Bowles-Simpson commission of 2010, as well as the public appetite for such an initiative. The group also delves into the implications of the impending expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act tax cuts and President Biden's $400,000 tax pledge. Tune in!

Join Ylan, John, and Brendan on the Macrocast this week as they discuss the unexpected inflation data and its ripple effects. They discuss January's inflation rates and how they will impact the Federal Reserve's interest rate policy leading up to election season. They also break down retail sales and discuss if the soft landing is likely amidst the tension between layoffs and resilience in various job sectors.The group also discusses the dichotomy between the U.S.'s growing economy and technical recessions in major economies like Japan and the U.K. Next week, we will sadly bid farewell to our current podcast format, so make sure to join us for this episode and stay tuned for next week!

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui explore the implications of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act with expert insights from guests Michael Steel, senior vice president of Communications at Business Roundtable and Kasey Pittman, a director with Baker Tilly's Washington national tax practice. They offer analysis on critical updates to business tax provisions, highlighting potential impacts on low-income families and business owners nationwide.The group touches on the changing U.S. business environment with a focus on small businesses and startups, assessing how updates to R&D tax credits, business interest deductions, and bonus depreciation could affect cash flows and innovation investments. Looking forward, they examine the dynamics of tax policies amidst global competition and a divided government. Discussing the potential for tax code revisions post-2024 elections, they also analyze the expiration of key provisions and the political strategies shaping the economic landscape. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of the intersection between political decision-making, financial accountability, and the real-world impact on American businesses and families.

On today's episode of the Macrocast, Ylan, Brendan, and John examine the implications of extensive borrowing, as the U.S. debt approaches 106% of GDP. The group discusses the projections from the Congressional Budget Office, the impact of rising interest rates, and the scrutiny on the Treasury Department's past decisions. Ylan, John, and Brendan also discuss the impact of expiring tax cuts.Ylan, Brendan, and John then shift to a discussion about the challenges confronting the commercial real estate sector amid the ongoing shift towards remote work. They analyze the potential repercussions on pension funds and insurance companies, posing questions about the necessity of government intervention. The group then delves into the evolving labor market landscape, the Federal Reserve's response to inflation concerns, and the strategic maneuvers undertaken by companies like PepsiCo and McDonald's to navigate consumer resistance to price increases.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Penta Partner Bryan DeAngelis sits down with Emily Vaughan, Senior Director of Client Services, Natalie Bahmanyar, Associate Director of Policy Insiders, and Sehare Hemani, Director of Research, to dissect the Washington Insights Review, Penta's annual report based on hundreds of conversations with D.C. policymakers. The group dives into the complexity of the rapidly evolving digital world, and how technological advancements like artificial intelligence are impacting the business and policy landscape. Bryan, Emily, Sehare, and Natalie explain that policymakers are looking to rely on industry for education and expertise to shape regulation. The conversation also highlights best practices for improving advocacy directed towards policymakers and staff—who are increasingly reliant on technology.

On today's episode of the Macrocast, Ylan, John, and Brendan are joined by Loren Smith, President of Skyline Policy Risk Group. The group delves into the addition of 353,000 jobs to the economy in January, which surpassed the expected 180,000 projected by market forecasters. They analyze the implications of this growth streak across various sectors and its potential impact on the Federal Reserve's approach to rate cuts. The discussion also explores recent nuances of the labor market, including wage increases and workweek fluctuations, while examining how these trends might influence policies and sector-specific outcomes, particularly in areas like mining and oil.Shifting focus, Ylan, Brendan, John, and Loren also take a detailed look at global market risks and economic challenges, examining the delicate balance between corporate performances and the looming shadow of geopolitical strife, with a specific focus on the Middle East and its effects on commodity markets. Listen in for a comprehensive understanding of how these factors may impact U.S. consumer prices and influence the upcoming U.S. elections!