Podcasts about The Conference Board

You would think this would be McDonald's moment. When household budgets are under pressure, when consumers are trading down, and when price suddenly means everything, McDonald's should be thriving. It's not. This isn't happening in isolation. Consumer confidence plunged – and I mean plunged - in September to its lowest level since 2014—and that's according to the Conference Board, typically the most optimistic of the major confidence surveys. And those are just the beginning...Eurodollar University's Money & Macro Analysis----------------------------------------------------------------------------------What if your gold could actually pay you every month… in MORE gold?That's exactly what Monetary Metals does. You still own your gold, fully insured in your name, but instead of sitting idle, it earns real yield paid in physical gold. No selling. No trading. Just more gold every month.Check it out here: https://monetary-metals.com/snider----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Want to understand what this data (and so much more) means for your portfolio? Learn how the Eurodollar system really works in the next 30 days so you can better prepare for the risks and opportunities ahead. Book a call using this link. https://eurodollar-university.com/edu-apply-page-page----------------------------------------------------------------------------------https://www.kgns.tv/video/2026/09/23/mcdonalds-announces-more-than-85-billion-modernization/https://www.facebook.com/cnbc/videos/mcdonalds-announced-that-it-is-revising-its-us-value-strategy-after-recording-it/1459850142622583/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-09-30/us-consumer-spending-jumps-by-most-in-a-year-videohttps://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2026-09-29/us-consumer-confidence-drops-as-gas-prices-rise-videohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svw7BhJCuVghttps://www.kvoa.com/video/burger-bowls-and-ai-mcdonalds-plans-massive-8-5-billion-comeback/video_8faa9417-69f2-5917-8235-372e5a17074b.htmlhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2jKWlA-UjMhttps://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDUI'll also be active on Bravais Social - a new AI-centered social network designed for professionals and knowledge workers. The platform aims to bring together a wider range of tools and functionalities tailored specifically for professional interaction, research, and knowledge exchange in one place. You can find me here: https://bravais.social/profile/edu

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: an update on Atlantic and Pacific hurricanes; the U.S. Commerce Department reported August Durable Goods Orders; the University of Michigan released their September Consumer Sentiment Index; the Conference Board's September Consumer Confidence Index was released; the U.S. Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics released the August Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS); S&P Dow Jone Indices reported July S&P Cotality Case-Shiller data; Anderson Trucking Service enacted driver pay adjustments; oil prices react to Middle East crude oil production and exports; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canada's economy is navigating a trade war with the United States, tariffs, and uncertainty few could have predicted just a few years ago. Are we starting to find a way forward? Dawn Desjardins of Deloitte and Pedro Antunes of the Conference Board of Canada assess the economy and what comes next. Then, Erin Kelly of askpolly.ai looks at why Ontarians appear more optimistic about the future than expected.Donate Today : https://tvo.me/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low in September, according to The Conference Board. The index has been trending down for a couple years, but this latest decline was steep. One reason? Upper-middle class respondents are starting to feel the pressure, too. Also in this episode: The economic forces behind GDP growth might run out of steam soon, the low-hire low-fire labor market marches on, and high diesel prices keep some Gulf shrimpers on dry land.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Read the stories in today's episode:How long can the economy keep growing?The latest JOLTS survey shows more of the same low-hire, low-fire economyConsumer confidence falls to its lowest level in 12 years, survey showsThe price tag might be an endangered speciesHigh diesel prices force some Gulf shrimpers to stay dockedNew career path, new baby, no problem

Consumer confidence fell to a 12-year low in September, according to The Conference Board. The index has been trending down for a couple years, but this latest decline was steep. One reason? Upper-middle class respondents are starting to feel the pressure, too. Also in this episode: The economic forces behind GDP growth might run out of steam soon, the low-hire low-fire labor market marches on, and high diesel prices keep some Gulf shrimpers on dry land.Every story has an economic angle. Want some in your inbox? Subscribe to our daily or weekly newsletter.Marketplace is more than a radio show. Check out our original reporting and financial literacy content at marketplace.org — and consider making an investment in our future.Read the stories in today's episode:How long can the economy keep growing?The latest JOLTS survey shows more of the same low-hire, low-fire economyConsumer confidence falls to its lowest level in 12 years, survey showsThe price tag might be an endangered speciesHigh diesel prices force some Gulf shrimpers to stay dockedNew career path, new baby, no problem

US Consumer Confidence fell to 81.9 in September, marking a third consecutive monthly decline. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, The Conference Board's Eric Lundh and Allen Li examine what is driving greater consumer caution — from financial well-being and inflation concerns to signs of softer discretionary spending.  They also discuss The Conference Board's latest global economic forecast: how energy disruptions and trade uncertainty are weighing on growth; how AI investment and semiconductor demand are supporting parts of the global economy; and what to expect in the US, Asia, the Gulf region, and Europe through 2027. 

Episode Summary If a client asked you right now to prove that anything you did last quarter actually moved their business, could you do it? This is the provocative question that opens today's episode and sets the stage for an honest discussion on what PR practitioners are missing when it comes to measurement.  According to the Meltwater and WE Communications State of PR report,  21% of PR pros still name measuring impact and ROI as a top challenge, not because they don't have tools, and not because they don't know it matters. This leaves many practitioners continuing to report on activity rather than impact. The problem is structural: a standards and accountability gap that has been sitting under the industry for more than a decade. The Barcelona Principles are fifteen years old and still not reaching the majority of practitioners who need them most. Just as CCOs have earned a formal seat at the strategic table, 91% of Fortune 500 CEOs say polarization has increased the importance of PR —you have a profession that has been handed an invitation it isn't yet fully equipped to accept.  Episode Highlights [00:13] The Opening Gut Check That Frames Everything: Michelle opens before the music with a direct question: if a client asked right now to prove that anything you did last quarter actually moved their business, could you do it? Karen's honest answer is yes  but only because she has done the work, and she wasn't always there. The episode is built around the gap between those two positions: the practitioner who can answer that question with confidence, and the majority who can't yet. [02:15] What the Meltwater Data Actually Shows: The starting point is Meltwater's annual State of PR report, produced with WE Communications. Key findings: 21% of PR pros say measuring impact and ROI is a top challenge. 24% point to insufficient resources. And when asked what's blocking better measurement, the top three answers are aligning metrics to business KPIs at 35%, proving PR's value to leadership at 28%, and overreliance on outdated metrics at 22%. Most tellingly: over 40% of respondents are still measuring activity — volume of media placements, reach, impressions — instead of outcomes. Fifteen years after the Barcelona Principles told the industry to stop doing this. [06:48] The Tools Are There. The Standards Are Not.: Karen's reframe of the data: over 70% of respondents say they partially or completely already have the tools they need to connect PR to business outcomes. This is not a tools gap. It is not a knowledge gap. It is a standards and accountability gap. The Barcelona Principles now on version 4.0 after their fourth revision represent a rigorous framework for outcome-based measurement that was agreed upon by 200 delegates from 30 countries in 2010. Among AMEC's own membership, only 3% still consider advertising value equivalencies relevant. But AMEC's membership is self-selected, people who showed up specifically to care about measurement. In the broader Meltwater survey, reach and volume are still the top two metrics in actual use. The people who need the standard most are the least likely to be in the room where it's being taught. [11:40] No Licensing Body, No Enforcement, No Consequence: PRSA has approximately 3,000 members. The Bureau of Labor Statistics counts roughly 282,000 public relations specialists in the US workforce for 2026, not including PR managers or many agency roles. That means PRSA reaches something like 1% of the profession. No licensing exam. No continuing education requirement. No consequence to anyone who never learns outcome-based measurement. Karen is direct that this is not a criticism of a diverse field that welcomes practitioners from many paths. It is simply the lay of the land and it explains why something as established as the Barcelona Principles remains unknown to most of the profession it was designed to help. [13:53] The C-Suite Has Sent the Invitation — The Field Is Still Catching Up: The second half of the episode turns to the demand side. The Conference Board surveyed over 1,700 C-suite executives and found that chief communication officers have, quote, earned their seat at the table now explicitly expected to be strategic advisors, not just message conveyors. The 2026 USC Annenberg Global Communications Report found 91% of Fortune 500 CEOs say polarization has increased the importance of PR inside their organizations, with two-thirds expecting their comms function to be restructured soon. Cision's comms report found 84% of comms leaders feel increased demand from the C-suite for their counsel. But in that same survey, 37% still struggle to measure impact effectively, and 43% struggle to turn the data they have into actionable insight. The C-suite has moved faster than the field's infrastructure, education standards, and accountability systems. That mismatch is Karen's core diagnosis. [17:43] The RPIE Cycle and Why Evaluation Gets Swallowed: RPIE — research, planning, implementation, and evaluation — is the standard planning cycle taught in PR programs. Karen and Michelle note that many practitioners who didn't go to school for PR, or came up through a different path, may have been doing this intuitively without knowing it had a name or a structure. The specific gap: evaluation is treated as the thing that happens when there's time left over at the end of a campaign, not as a scheduled, dedicated phase of the work. The consequence is that most PR practitioners are doing the middle of the cycle thoroughly and skipping the ends. Karen also names something counterintuitive: failure is a reportable metric. It tells you where to adjust your tactics, refine your messaging, and reconsider your audience assumptions. Avoiding reporting failure is human nature — and it's a mistake. [22:53] The Solo-Specific Barrier: Tools That Cost $250,000: Karen names the measurement gap that no industry report will capture for independent practitioners: many of the tools that do the heavy lifting on measurement dashboards and attribution are simply unaffordable at solo scale. She is direct about her own experience spending roughly 40 hours of work time building measurement infrastructure by hand because she didn't have a $250,000 tools budget. Once the system is built, it's built. But getting there without agency resources, without a team to distribute the labor, and without a budget for enterprise software is a real and legitimate barrier that the industry data consistently undercounts. [25:52] The Three-Question Filter: Karen closes the practical section with three questions every solo practitioner should be able to answer about their current client work. One: for each current client, can you name the two or three specific business KPIs that your work is actually supposed to move? Not outputs but actual business KPIs. Two: have you scheduled evaluation as its own dedicated time block, separate from the campaign itself or does it happen when there's time left over? Three: could you defend your measurement approach to a skeptical CFO in 60 seconds using outcome language, not reach and impressions? Karen's note on the third question: if you flinched, that's not a failure. That's useful information. [27:21] The Live Drill: Healthcare Media Relations: Michelle walks a scenario: a practitioner running media relations for a regional healthcare system, whose monthly deliverable has always been placement counts and impressions. Karen runs the three questions against it. On KPIs: the practitioner needs to sit down with the client and ask what business result the placements are supposed to support — patient volume in a specific service line, donor confidence, physician recruitment. If the client can't answer that, the conversation about KPIs is the starting point, not a measurement tool. On evaluation time: most PR campaign cycles move from execution to reporting to the next campaign, with no actual evaluation phase. Blocking even a few hours at the end of the quarter to ask whether the numbers agreed on what actually moved is a structural change. On the CFO test: impressions are not an outcome. The practitioner who can connect placements to a physician recruitment result or a patient inquiry spike can defend their work. The one who can't is at risk in any leadership conversation. [32:10] Why This Is Not Optional and Where to Start: Karen closes directly: this is not a nice-to-do. Measuring outcomes and not outputs, understanding the language of business, being able to show how your work moves the business forward  this is the life of your PR business and career. She says it with weight, not alarm. And then immediately offers the other side: don't feel bad if you don't know where to start. The knowledge gap is real, the barrier is structural, and the path from where you are to where you need to be is learnable. Free resources exist such as books, case studies, and the RPIE framework itself. Peers who have already built this muscle can help. The Solo PR Pro community is specifically the safe space for questions practitioners don't want to ask publicly. Resources & Additional Information Meltwater and WE Communication: State of PR 2026 Report AMEC: Barcelona Principles (version 4.0)  The Conference Board: C-Suite Outlook 2026 That Solo Life, Episode 342: What the 2026 USC Global Communications Report Says About PR Today USC Annenberg: Global Communications Report 2026 Cision:  2026 State of the Media / Communications Report Solo PR Pro membership community: soloprpro.com That Solo Life podcast website: thatsololife.com Host & Show Info That Solo Life is a podcast created for public relations, communication, and marketing professionals who work as independent and small practitioners. Hosted by Karen Swim, APR, President of Solo PR Pro, and Michelle Kane, Principal of Voice Matters, the show delivers expert insights, encouragement, and practical advice for solo PR pros navigating today's dynamic professional landscape. Listen to all episodes and catch up on previous conversations at thatsololife.com. Did this episode inspire you? If you found value in this conversation, please take a moment to leave us a review https://www.thatsololife.com/rate/. Your feedback helps us reach more solo pros just like you! Don't forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode.

What changes when employees are not only part of a company but its owners? At Graybar, employee ownership has fostered a long-term approach to leadership—one that places trust, resilience, shared accountability, and responsibility to future generations alongside financial performance. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Kathy Mazzarella, Chairman, President, and CEO of Graybar. Mazzarella reflects on joining the company at 19, rising through roles to become CEO, and the defining experiences that prepared her to lead one of North America's largest employee-owned companies. Together, they explore why leadership is an act of stewardship, how Graybar's ownership culture strengthens engagement and customer loyalty, and why resilience can matter more than an uninterrupted path to the top. They also discuss how leaders can use AI to improve productivity without sacrificing human judgment and trust, why the right decision for employees can also produce stronger business results, and what it means to leave both a company and its people better positioned for the future. This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from The CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.

Send us Fan MailDoug Conant is the only former Fortune 500 CEO who is a New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, has been a Top 50 Leadership Innovator, a Top 100 Leadership Speaker, and twice named one of the 100 Most Influential Authors in the World.A devoted leadership practitioner and teacher, Doug's 45-year career is defined by achieving high performance through an intentional commitment to studying, practicing, improving, and spreading the tenets of "leadership that works."He is Founder and CEO of ConantLeadership, former President and CEO of Campbell Soup Company, former President of Nabisco Foods, and former Chairman of Avon Products. He has also served on multiple corporate boards including AmerisourceBergen and RHR International. He began his career in marketing at General Mills and held leadership positions in marketing and strategy at Kraft.Doug is also Former Chairman and Current Board Member of CECP (Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose) and a member of the board of The Partnership for Public Service. He recently retired as Chairman of The Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance, and as a board member of the National Organization on Disability and Hope College. Previously, he was Chairman of The Conference Board, Chairman of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, and Chairman of Enactus.His latest Wall Street Journal bestselling book, co-authored with Amy Federman, The Blueprint: 6 Practical Steps to Lift Your Leadership to New Heights, is a seminal treatise on leadership and a practical guide for leading effectively in a chaotic world. He is also the New York Times bestselling co-author with Mette Norgaard of TouchPoints: Creating Powerful Leadership Connections in the Smallest of Moments.Doug is a graduate of the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and served as the Chairman of Kellogg Executive Leadership Institute for five years. He is a former instructor of leadership at the Higher Ambition Leadership Alliance and he teaches the concepts advanced in The Blueprint to seasoned and aspiring leaders in his signature leadership development course, The BLUEPRINT Boot Camp by ConantLeadership. He is also a LinkedIn Learning Instructor whose inaugural course, "Finding Your Leadership Purpose with Doug Conant," launched in summer 2023. Deeply entrenched in the contemporary leadership conversation as a teacher, advisor, speaker, and mentor, Doug speaks daily to leaders on the front lines of the modern workplace.Doug is the 2022 recipient of the Stephen R. Covey Principle-Centered Leader Award and a Top Thought Leader in Trust Lifetime Achievement Award Winner. He has also been lauded as a Top 100 Leadership Speaker by Inc. Magazine; a Top 100 Most Influential Author in the World; a Top 30 Leadership Professional by Global Gurus; a Leader to Watch by the American Management Association (AMA); a Top 50 Leadership Innovator Changing How We Lead; and a Top 75 Human Business Champion.Finally, Doug is the ever-so-proud husband of Leigh and father to their three remarkable...A Few Quotes From This Episode“I have to be tough-minded on standards of performance and tender-hearted with people...it's both.""What matters most must never be at the mercy of what matters least.""It's easy for anyone to say "no" to things if there's a greater "yes" burning within.""10 two-letter words are going to define your level of success in your work life: if it is to be, it is up to me."ResourcesWebsite: Doug ConantBook: The Blueprint: How to Build a Bridge to Your Best Possible Leadership SelfAbout The International Leadership Association (ILA)The ILA was created in 1999 to bring together professionals interested in studying, practicing, and teaching leadership. Attend The Global Conference in Toronto, October 28-31.About  Scott J. AllenWebsiteWeekly Newsletter: Practical Wisdom for LeadersMy Approach to HostingThe views of my guests do not constitute "truth." Nor do they reflect my personal views in some instances. However, they are views to consider, and I hope they help you clarify your perspective. Nothing can replace your reflection, research, and exploration of the topic.♻️ Please share with others and follow/subscribe to the podcast!⭐️ Please leave a review on Apple, Spotify, or your platform of choice.➡️ Follow me on LinkedIn for more on leadership, communication, and tech.

Leading a global organization does not mean making every decision yourself. It means creating enough strategic clarity for people to act, understanding the context behind difficult choices, and knowing when to step in—or step back. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies and a recipient of a 2026 Distinguished Leadership Award, to explore the experiences that shaped her leadership and how she empowers people to act across a complex global organization. Together, they discuss why leaders have an obligation to speak when invited to the table, how strategic alignment can give teams greater operational autonomy, and why empathy is an underrated leadership attribute. They also examine the potential of blood and cell therapies, the role of AI and data in accelerating medical discovery, the need to expand access to innovation, the fragility of the global blood supply, and how regulation can protect patients without unnecessarily slowing progress. This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from The CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.

About the Guest Marc Cooper is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Solomon Partners, an independent investment bank specializing in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, and capital advisory services. Since becoming CEO in 2016, he has led the firm's transformation from approximately 35 bankers to more than 200 while expanding its industry coverage from two sectors to more than twelve. Before becoming CEO, Marc led Solomon Partners' Consumer Retail Group and advised companies around the world on major strategic transactions. He is a member of The Conference Board's CEO Center, the CNBC CEO Council, and the Economic Club of New York. A proud Dale Carnegie graduate, Marc credits the experience with helping him build confidence, strengthen his communication skills, and develop tools that continue to guide his leadership today. What You Will Learn Why growth requires getting outside your comfort zone How Marc overcame learning disabilities and built confidence Why leadership must be authentic and personal How transparency and shared ownership create stronger cultures What Marc learned from stepping into the CEO role unexpectedly Join us for this episode of the Take Command Podcast as Marc Cooper shares how resilience, adaptability, and personal growth shaped his journey from a young professional struggling with confidence to the leader of a growing independent investment bank. Whether you're navigating change, developing your leadership style, or preparing for an AI-driven future, this conversation offers practical lessons on building trust, investing in yourself, and continuing to grow throughout your career. Please rate and review this Episode!We'd love to hear from you! Leaving a review helps us ensure we deliver content that resonates with you. Your feedback can inspire others to join our Take Command: A Dale Carnegie Podcast community & benefit from the leadership insights we share.

The US has no shortage of people who want careers in health care—or employers eager to hire them. Yet tens of thousands of qualified nursing and medical-school applicants are turned away each year, revealing a constrained pipeline with too few classroom seats, faculty members, and clinical placements to train the workforce the country needs. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Steve Beard, Chairman and CEO of Covista, to examine why the health care workforce shortage begins long before employers try to fill open positions—and what it will take to build a larger, stronger, and more sustainable talent pipeline. Together, they discuss how educational institutions can expand access without sacrificing quality; how employer-educator partnerships can connect tuition assistance, clinical training, and employment; and why reducing administrative burdens is essential to retaining clinicians. They also explore how AI can personalize health care education and give clinicians more time with patients, the policy changes needed to increase training capacity and remove barriers to practice, and the leadership required to drive continuous change at scale.

A storm sits offshore, and the map shows four tracks. That's the AI labor market, according to a new Conference Board report offering four futures and no odds. So how do you write a workforce plan under a map like that? Jim borrows the answer from coastal families, who read their own gauges and write their rules before the storm season starts. In this episode, you'll get five gauges hiding in your recruiting data, the trigger each should set off, and a way for job seekers to read the same signals. ... Brought to you by: Career Intelligence Weekly - Tracking the invisible job market for smarter career decisions. Subscribe now at https://newsletter.jimstroud.com Inspiration: The Conference Board data Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Few industries have survived as many waves of disruption as music—from vinyl and MTV to streaming, AI, and now virtual artists. The performers who endure do more than react: they anticipate the next curve, reinvent without losing their identity, and keep experimenting before a crisis forces them to change.  In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by Peter Corijn, Founder and CEO of VUCASTAR Consulting, Senior Fellow at The Conference Board, author, and recording artist under the name Paul Numi, to explore what business leaders can learn from the music industry about disruption and reinvention.  Together, they examine seven strategies for responding to a game changer; how artists including David Bowie, U2, Madonna, and Prince remained relevant; and why curiosity, resilience, diverse teams, and continuous experimentation underpin lasting success. They also discuss how leaders can innovate without abandoning their core identity, which capabilities organizations should develop before the next crisis, and whether generative AI can replicate the creativity and emotional experience that remain distinctly human.  More from The Conference Board:  Beyond AI Pilots: Building Future-Ready Companies  AI Is Transforming Organizations. How Will Yours Change?  C-Suite Outlook 2026: Uncertainty and Opportunity 

Health care systems face a widening capacity challenge: an aging population and rising rates of chronic illness are increasing demand for care, while persistent workforce shortages limit how many patients clinicians can serve. AI could help close that gap—not by replacing health care workers but by reducing administrative burdens, improving workflows, and enabling the existing workforce to deliver more and better care. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by Erka Amursi, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to explore how AI can help health care organizations alleviate workforce shortages, increase productivity, and improve the delivery of care. Together, they discuss how AI is already supporting diagnosis, documentation, patient monitoring, and administrative work; why the greatest gains will come from redesigning workflows and operating models; and which new skills health care workers will need. They also examine the risks of overreliance, bias, privacy violations, and unclear accountability—and why effective governance should treat AI as a copilot for clinicians rather than an autopilot for patient care.

Leadership does not get easier—leaders get better at doing hard things. For Kristin Peck, navigating uncertainty requires discipline, a growth mindset, and the mental resilience to move forward without having all the answers. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center of The Conference Board, is joined by Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, to explore how she leads the world's largest animal health company through rapid change. Together, they discuss how purpose and curiosity have shaped Peck's career, why culture is a competitive advantage, and how Zoetis uses innovation to address emerging needs in animal health. They also examine the connection between healthy animals, food security, and economic opportunity—and why empathy and "frustrated optimism" are essential qualities for today's business leaders. This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from The CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.

The era of corporate climate pledges is giving way to the harder work of execution. As 2030 deadlines approach and AI drives demand for energy and infrastructure, companies are confronting difficult questions about which emissions they can control, what they can afford, and how their goals may need to evolve. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by Dr. Andrew Jones, Principal Researcher at the Governance & Sustainability Center of The Conference Board, to examine how companies set climate goals and the progress they are making across scope one, scope two, and scope three emissions. Together, they discuss why companies have made the greatest progress on emissions from purchased electricity, the financial and operational challenges putting climate commitments at risk, how AI is reshaping energy demand and corporate emissions—and why revising a target does not necessarily represent a retreat.

Reward is moving out of the HR back office and into the heart of business strategy. From improving frontline productivity to navigating AI and pay transparency, decisions about how employees are rewarded increasingly shape organizational performance, workforce trust, and a company's ability to compete.  In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by John Beadle, Senior Research Fellow and Corporate Reward and Global Mobility Council Director at The Conference Board, to explore insights from the Future: Reward Europe 2026 event and what they reveal about the changing role of reward leaders.  They discuss why successful reward redesign begins with diagnosing the business problem, how global benefit standards are challenging traditional market-based approaches, and whether AI will make reward functions more effective or simply reduce head count. They also examine the unfinished work of EU pay transparency, differences between US and European compensation, the more disciplined use of ESG measures in incentive plans, and the emerging issues that should be on reward leaders' agendas for the year ahead.  More from The Conference Board:  What Employers Need to Know About EU's Pay Transparency Law  The New Reward Agenda: Strategy, AI, Transparency, and Trust  EU Workforce Regulation Outlook 2026: 5 CHRO Priorities  AI and the Workforce: Governing Risk, Opportunity, and Access 

The Conference Board's Erik Lundh and Kingsview Wealth Management's Scott Martin describe the U.S. economy as cooling but not collapsing, with expanding factory orders offset by a softer jobs market. Both agree the Fed lacks enough data to call September's meeting, making next week's PPI and CPI reports critical for inflation insights.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

A strong culture can help an organization navigate disruption—but the same beliefs and behaviors that drove success in the past can become barriers when the world changes. With AI accelerating uncertainty, how can leaders tell whether their culture is helping their organization adapt or holding it back? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by Erka Amursi, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center, to explore what makes an organizational culture strong, healthy, adaptable, and consistent, and how leaders can determine where their own culture needs work. They discuss a new four-dimension framework for understanding and measuring culture; why trust and psychological safety are especially important during periods of rapid change; and how leaders' actions, incentives, and communication shape the behaviors that take hold across an organization. They also examine how AI is challenging traditional approaches to change management and why transparency becomes even more important when leaders cannot offer employees certainty about what comes next

Could the Federal Reserve raise interest rates in September?   Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist for The Conference Board, analyzes Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's latest remarks and discusses with Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist for The Conference Board, why markets interpreted Warsh's message as increasingly hawkish. Shulyatyeva examines what Warsh revealed about the Fed's approach to inflation, why the speed of progress toward its 2% target matters, and what his comments suggest about the underlying strength of the economy and labor market.   The conversation also explores the market reaction to the speech, the economic data the Fed will consider before its September meeting, and why The Conference Board is not yet changing its forecast of no rate hikes this year.

Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) are joined by legal expert Ricardo Aparicio to ask the question: What the heck is going on at the US Supreme Court?The nation's highest court, once presumed to be nonpartisan, has become brazenly political. In Trump v. United States (July 1, 2024), the Court created absolute immunity for “core” constitutional powers by former presidents (pardons, vetoes, commanding the military, directing the Justice Department), and presumptive immunity for other official acts inside the “outer perimeter” of the job. Prosecutors can try to rebut that presumption, but they cannot use official-act evidence or the president's motives to prove a crime. In 2026 the Court let the president fire independent-agency heads at will, wiping out a 1935 limit that Congress wrote into statutes. Dissenters said that hands the president a power “unknown even to the English Crown” and collapses the separation of powers.On the emergency docket it has also paused lower-court findings on mail-in voting and immigration raids, which critics say treats facts as optional.Might SCOTUS enable the cancellation or nullification of the midterm elections?Ricardo Aparicio, PhD, directs the Employee Engagement & Experience Council at The Conference Board. A former General Mills organization-effectiveness leader, he ran global engagement surveys covering more than 175,000 employees and helped the company post record scores. Earlier he marketed national brands at General Mills and Colgate-Palmolive. Born in Caracas, he lives in Minnesota and holds degrees from Cornell, Stanford, and the University of Minnesota.

Editorial cartoonists Ted Rall (from the Left) and Scott Stantis (from the Right) are joined by legal expert Ricardo Aparicio to ask the question: What the heck is going on at the US Supreme Court?The nation's highest court, once presumed to be nonpartisan, has become brazenly political. In Trump v. United States (July 1, 2024), the Court created absolute immunity for “core” constitutional powers by former presidents (pardons, vetoes, commanding the military, directing the Justice Department), and presumptive immunity for other official acts inside the “outer perimeter” of the job. Prosecutors can try to rebut that presumption, but they cannot use official-act evidence or the president's motives to prove a crime. In 2026 the Court let the president fire independent-agency heads at will, wiping out a 1935 limit that Congress wrote into statutes. Dissenters said that hands the president a power “unknown even to the English Crown” and collapses the separation of powers.On the emergency docket it has also paused lower-court findings on mail-in voting and immigration raids, which critics say treats facts as optional.Might SCOTUS enable the cancellation or nullification of the midterm elections?Ricardo Aparicio, PhD, directs the Employee Engagement & Experience Council at The Conference Board. A former General Mills organization-effectiveness leader, he ran global engagement surveys covering more than 175,000 employees and helped the company post record scores. Earlier he marketed national brands at General Mills and Colgate-Palmolive. Born in Caracas, he lives in Minnesota and holds degrees from Cornell, Stanford, and the University of Minnesota.

FNB grew from a small bank into a major regional institution without abandoning the culture, communities, or risk discipline that helped make its expansion possible. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Vincent Delie Jr., Chairman, President, and CEO of FNB Corporation and First National Bank, and a 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards honoree, about the leadership decisions behind that transformation. Together, they explore how FNB has combined strategic growth with disciplined risk management; why decisiveness, collaboration, and a low-bureaucracy culture create competitive advantage; and how investments in AI, digital banking, and underserved communities are shaping the bank's next chapter. This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from the CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.

Consumer confidence edged lower in August as expectations weakened, even as consumers' assessment of current conditions improved. Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist, The Conference Board and Allen Li, Associate Economist, The Conference Board examine what the latest data reveal about jobs, inflation, and recession concerns.    They also preview Jackson Hole and discuss what Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's address could mean for interest rates, Treasury yields, and monetary policy.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence  Forecast for the US Economy  Global Economic Outlook   

Organizations have long relied on surveys, forecasts, and expert analysis to anticipate future risks and opportunities. Could prediction markets offer business leaders a new—and in some cases more accurate—way to forecast economic conditions, manage risk, and improve decision making? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by PJ Tabit, Principal Economic Policy Analyst at The Conference Board's CEO Center, to explore the growing role of prediction markets in business and public policy. Together, they examine how prediction markets work and why they are gaining credibility as forecasting tools; discuss how companies can use them to strengthen risk management and business planning; and explore the governance, compliance, and reputational considerations executives should understand as these markets continue to evolve. More from The Conference Board: ·       Making Predictions Is Hard, Especially About the Future—Or It Used to Be ·       AI and the C-Suite: Implications for CEO Strategy in 2026 ·       EU Digital Markets Act Developments Impact US Tech Firms ·       Government Actions Attempt to Address AI Cybersecurity Risks

Organizations are racing to prepare their people for AI—but many may already be training them for yesterday's technology. As AI advances, knowing how to prompt a chatbot isn't enough. The bigger challenge is building the business acumen, adaptability, and organizational capabilities employees will need to put AI to work effectively. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Diana Scott, Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, is joined by Matt Rosenbaum, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to explore how organizations can build an AI-ready workforce that delivers lasting business value. Together, they discuss why AI literacy alone is no longer enough; examine how CHROs can prepare employees for rapid advances in AI and workforce transformation; and explore the leadership, culture, learning ecosystems, and talent strategies needed to develop future-ready capabilities, support large-scale reskilling, and turn AI into a sustained competitive advantage. Explore Related Insights: ·       Navigating for AI: Critical Factors for Navigating AI Disruption ·       Reinventing the Talent Pipeline in the AI Era ·       Job Satisfaction 2026: Record High Marks 16 Years of Gains ·       Organizational Culture: What Really Matters?

Organizations invest heavily in technology and business continuity—but are they investing enough in the resilience of their people? As employee expectations evolve and disruption becomes more frequent, workforce resilience is emerging as a strategic advantage rather than simply a human resources priority. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Rita Meyerson, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Matt Pierce, CEO of E4E Relief, to discuss how employee relief programs can help organizations build a more resilient workforce. Together, they examine how employee financial resilience, organizational culture, and crisis preparedness influence business performance; explore the changing expectations of today's workforce; and explain why helping employees recover quickly from personal crises can strengthen engagement, agility, and long-term organizational resilience. More from The Conference Board: ·         Strategic Integration of HR & Corporate Citizenship: Insights for the C-Suite ·         Winning Partnership: HR & Corporate Citizenship ·         Organizational Culture: What Really Matters? ·         Reinventing the Talent Pipeline in the AI Era

As the US marks its 250th anniversary, what will it take to strengthen the institutions, leadership, and civic trust needed for the next 250 years? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The Conference Board's CEO Center, is joined by former US Senator Joe Manchin to reflect on America's 250th anniversary and the leadership challenges shaping its future. Together, they explore the importance of bipartisanship, civic trust, and democratic resilience; discuss the growing influence of political polarization and AI; and consider why compromise, accountability, and common sense remain essential to strengthening American democracy and creating long-term prosperity. More from The Conference Board: America at 250: What's Next for Civic Responsibility Why Should Americans Care About the National Debt? 250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation

A super El Niño is forecast to bring more than extreme weather—it could reshape the global economy. From supply chains and insurance markets to commodity prices and infrastructure, how should business leaders prepare before disruption strikes? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland is joined by Dr. Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to examine the economic implications of a powerful El Niño event. Together, they discuss which industries face the greatest exposure, how climate volatility can affect enterprise risk and financial performance, and what practical steps organizations can take to strengthen resilience through scenario planning and strategic decision-making. More from The Conference Board: ·         El Niño's Global Reach: The Business Impact of Extreme Weather ·         The Global Water Crisis—Mitigation and Adaption in a World of Water Shortages ·         The Heat Is On! How Extreme Heat Is Reshaping Business Risk ·         At the Climate Crossroads: US Corporate Commitments 10 Years After Paris Accord

The big things you need to know:First, valuation opportunity is opening up in the US equity market from a variety of perspectives.Second, in the aftermath of Wednesday's Fed meeting, we highlight how the stock market tends to experience choppy performance in the first few months under a new Fed Chair.Third, other things that jump out in our updates this week include the return of high EPS quality outperformance as a factor in both the S&P 500 and Russell 2000, the modest uptick in stock market optimism in the Conference Board consumer survey that was out this week, and what we're watching on the midterms (which we continue to see as a risk factor in the months ahead).Fourth, we've gone through our monthly refresh of the models that feed into our 12-month S&P 500 price target and are sticking with our 8,150 forecast, though we continue to believe that the path for stocks will not be a linear one.

The predominant theme of this podcast episode revolves around the stark observation that growth within the furniture industry is increasingly derived from operational efficiencies rather than an influx of customers. Throughout our discussion, we meticulously examine the earnings reports of prominent companies, noting that many have managed to enhance their profit margins despite a decline in sales volume. For instance, Ethan Allen, a notable player in the market, experienced a reduction in net sales yet simultaneously improved its gross margin, demonstrating a strategic focus on operational excellence and customer service rather than reliance on volume sales. Furthermore, we delineate the broader market trends, including a shift in consumer purchasing behavior towards home remodeling rather than new home construction, indicating a recalibration of marketing and product strategies for furniture retailers. As we navigate these complexities, we emphasize the critical importance of structural adjustments and strategic foresight in fostering resilience within a challenging economic landscape. The current landscape of the furniture industry reveals a profound divergence in growth strategies among companies, as evidenced by the recent earnings reports. A salient observation is that a majority of industry players did not achieve revenue growth through increased sales volume; rather, growth appears to be predicated on operational efficiencies and margin improvements. For instance, Ethan Allen, despite witnessing a decline in net sales by approximately 5.7% to just under $580 million, successfully enhanced its gross margin to 61.2%. This achievement can be attributed to a strategic focus on manufacturing capabilities, as the company produces approximately 75% of its custom furniture in North American facilities, coupled with an emphasis on complementary interior design services over aggressive pricing strategies. Such operational discipline not only mitigates the adverse effects of declining sales but also showcases a robust business model that prioritizes quality and service over mere volume. In contrast, HNI's recent earnings, which reported a staggering 121% increase in net sales primarily due to the acquisition of Steelcase, presents a more complex narrative. While the headline figure is impressive, organic growth was virtually stagnant at a mere 0.1%. The subtleties of the earnings release reveal that while acquisitions can provide substantial short-term boosts, they do not necessarily correlate with underlying business vitality. The residential building products segment, for example, experienced a decline in sales yet saw a significant increase in operating margins, indicating that industry dynamics are shifting towards remodeling and retrofit work rather than new home construction. This pivot reflects broader economic trends and consumer behaviors that favor upgrades to existing homes, further complicating traditional metrics of success in the furniture sector. Moreover, the nuances of consumer sentiment are captured in the recent consumer surveys, which indicate a duality in purchasing intentions amidst economic uncertainty. Notably, despite a decline in the Conference Board's consumer confidence index, furniture remains one of the most desired durable goods for upcoming purchases. This paradox illustrates that while consumers may express hesitancy regarding the overall economic climate, their intent to acquire furnishings persists, underscoring the complexities that businesses must navigate in their strategic planning. As we analyze these trends, it becomes evident that companies that have proactively addressed structural challenges and operational efficiencies are the ones poised for success, while those reliant on traditional sales growth strategies may face significant headwinds in the evolving marketplace.Takeaways:In the current landscape of the furniture industry, growth is not principally derived from increased customer footfall, but rather from the structural capabilities and operational efficiencies of companies.Ethan Allen's financial performance illustrates that even amidst declining sales, a company can enhance its profit margins by focusing on operational discipline and maintaining a robust production infrastructure.The fluctuating dynamics between remodeling and new home construction expenditures indicate that furniture retailers must recalibrate their marketing strategies towards existing homeowners rather than solely targeting new buyers.Recent consumer sentiment studies reveal a paradox wherein, despite prevailing economic pessimism, furniture remains a highly desired purchase, suggesting an intriguing dichotomy in consumer behavior and economic outlook.The implications of trade dynamics, particularly with Canada, underscore that tariffs do not merely affect pricing but also fundamentally alter demand patterns for domestic manufacturers within the furniture sector.As companies navigate the complexities of execution, it is critical to address backend integration issues, as inefficiencies in data movement can severely hinder operational effectiveness and customer satisfaction.

A.M. Edition for July 29. Oil prices rise after Iran launches a surprise missile attack on U.S. forces. Plus, Europe's luxury brands try to move past years of sluggish demand. And as Meta spends big on its AI transformation—technology CEO Mark Zuckerberg says the U.S. should help to accelerate—Journal reporter Meghan Bobrowsky says a host of lawsuits could cost it billions. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: some brief thoughts on the revelations from Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary; S&P Global U.S. Flash Purchasing Managers' Index, covering the Manufacturing Sector; the U.S. Commerce Department reported June Durable-Goods Orders; the Conference Board's July Consumer Confidence Index was released; oil reacts to Oman's proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, oil tanker vessel Bab el-Mandeb traffic, Saudi Aramco's production announcement and possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia; gas prices follow the direction of oil prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the information, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: some brief thoughts on the revelations from Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary; S&P Global U.S. Flash Purchasing Managers' Index, covering the Manufacturing Sector; the U.S. Commerce Department reported June Durable-Goods Orders; the Conference Board's July Consumer Confidence Index was released; oil reacts to Oman's proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, oil tanker vessel Bab el-Mandeb traffic, Saudi Aramco's production announcement and possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia; gas prices follow the direction of oil prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the information, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: some brief thoughts on the revelations from Dr. Anthony Fauci's diary; S&P Global U.S. Flash Purchasing Managers' Index, covering the Manufacturing Sector; the U.S. Commerce Department reported June Durable-Goods Orders; the Conference Board's July Consumer Confidence Index was released; oil reacts to Oman's proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz, oil tanker vessel Bab el-Mandeb traffic, Saudi Aramco's production announcement and possible peace talks between Ukraine and Russia; gas prices follow the direction of oil prices; Kevin has the details, digs into the information, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US consumer spending has been remarkedly resilient. But will consumers' patience run out?     It's one of the questions on the minds of economists, including Allen Li, Associate Economist at The Conference Board. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Erik Lundh, Global Senior Economist, The Conference Board talks with Allen about the US Consumer Confidence Index.    They begin by examining the latest US Consumer Confidence Survey, discussing why confidence declined in July, how consumers are thinking about inflation, interest rates, employment, and recession risks, and what those expectations could mean for spending in the months ahead.    In the second half of the conversation, the focus shifts to the global economic forecast. Erik explains the reasoning behind the improved global outlook and the shift from consumption-led growth toward investment-led growth in the US.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence  Forecast for the US Economy  Global Economic Outlook 

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by Nick Davis, Senior Fellow at The Conference Board, Chief Innovation Officer at Mid-Ohio Food Collective, CEO of Shopsight, and author of Future Ready, to discuss what it takes for organizations to thrive in an era of generative AI, accelerating technological change, and constant disruption.  Together, they explore what it means to become future ready; examine how leaders can move beyond isolated AI pilots to enterprise-wide transformation; discuss the operating models, leadership capabilities, and organizational cultures needed to adapt at speed; and share practical lessons on innovation, continuous learning, governance, and building organizations that can turn uncertainty into long-term strategic advantage.  More from The Conference Board:   Reinventing the Talent Pipeline in the AI Era  Upskilling and Reskilling for AI  Culture in Flux: Continuous Change and AI Transformation  The Reimagined Workplace 2026: Adopting AI Today, Poised for Tomorrow  

DRWarner Bros.' Zaslav Offers $68 Million to Buy Summer Campnew January 2026 employment agreement$96M: Make-Whole RSU award to CEO Daivd Zaslav of 1,963,465 shares; after January 2 Follow-On Option award of 3,052,734 options because share price is downUnder a new employment agreement executed on June 12, 2025, Zaslav received a special award of 20,898,776 stock options with an exercise price of $10.16 (~$400M). Additionally, on January 2, 2026, he was granted 3,052,734 follow-on stock options with an exercise price of $28.51 (~$40M). To address the higher exercise price of these options compared to the initial grant, Zaslav received 1,963,465 restricted stock units on January 5, 2026 (~$56M).The Compensation Committee: 23 meetings in 2025*Paul A. Gould, 80, 18 years tenureGould and Zaslav worked closely together at Discovery, Inc. for nearly 15 years.David Zaslav took the helm as President and CEO of Discovery, Inc. in January 2007.Paul Gould joined the Discovery, Inc. Board of Directors shortly after, serving as an independent director from 2007 until the company merged with WarnerMedia.Both men belong to the tight-knit professional circle surrounding cable pioneer and billionaire John Malone.Paul Gould has a long history as a trusted director across Malone's web of companies, serving for years on the boards of Liberty Global and Liberty Latin America.David Zaslav has publicly and frequently cited John Malone as his primary professional mentor.Their shared ties to Malone are so closely linked that in 2012, Zaslav partnered with other high-level executives to donate $1 million to the Cable Center specifically to build and name the John Malone Theater.Paul Gould has served as a Managing Director and Executive Vice President at Allen & Company, a premium boutique investment bank deeply embedded in the media and entertainment ecosystem. Through this avenue, Gould and Zaslav connect in two ways:Financial Advisory: Allen & Company has a long history of providing valuation opinions, advisory services, and market analysis for major transactions initiated by Zaslav during his career.The Sun Valley Conference: Allen & Company famously hosts the annual "Summer Camp for Billionaires" in Sun Valley, Idaho. As a prominent media mogul, Zaslav is a regular, high-profile attendee at this event, which is organized by Gould's firm.Kenneth W. LoweKen Lowe is the former Chair/CEO of Scripps Networks Interactive (the former parent company of massive lifestyle brands like HGTV, Food Network, and ID).The Link: In 2018—four years before the Warner Bros. deal even closed—Zaslav orchestrated Discovery's $14.6 billion acquisition of Scripps Networks. As a direct result of that blockbuster cable industry consolidation, Lowe joined Discovery Inc.'s board of directors. He and Zaslav had already been working together closely at the board level for years before the legacy company expanded into WBD.The board of AT&TRichard W. FisherOutside of WBD, Zaslav's connection to Fisher is rooted in Fisher's previous role as a member of the Board of Directors for AT&T. When Zaslav was hammering out the complex transaction to spin WarnerMedia away from AT&T, Fisher was one of the crucial board leaders on the other side of the table who evaluated and signed off on the deal. As part of the closing agreement, Fisher was designated by AT&T to transition directly over to the new WBD board.Debra L. LeeDebra Lee was the longtime Chair/CEO of BET Networks (Black Entertainment Television) from 2006 to 2018.Zaslav and Lee have long-standing commitments to The Paley Center for Media, sharing space as members of its highly prestigious Board of Trustees. Additionally, Lee served on the board of AT&T, meaning she was part of the corporate governance team that initially approved Zaslav's pitch to merge Discovery with WarnerMedia.Geoffrey Y. YangJust like Richard Fisher and Debra Lee, Yang's primary pre-WBD connection to Zaslav comes down to AT&T. Yang sat on AT&T's board during the high-stakes dealmaking window. Because of his background in digital media and venture capital, he was designated by AT&T leadership to transition to the WBD board to help Zaslav steer the newly formed company's streaming and direct-to-consumer technology strategies.The board that ignores Say on Pay votesAt our 2025 Annual Meeting held on June 2, 2025, we held an advisory vote on executive compensation, or "Say on Pay" vote, and a majority of the votes cast by stockholders were cast against our executive compensation program.Our executive compensation program is designed to pay for performance and effectively balance executive and stockholder interests. The Committee considered the outcome of the "Say on Pay" vote from the 2025 Annual Meeting, and while it continues to believe that our executive compensation structure, which includes long-term agreements with each of our NEOs and delivers a significant majority of NEO compensation in performance-based vehicles, is effective in meeting our compensation objectives, it took note of the negative 2025 "Say on Pay" vote when making compensation decisions after the 2025 Annual Meeting.The Dodd-Frank Act: "The shareholder vote … shall not be binding on the issuer or the board of directors of an issuer, and may not be construed as overruling a decision by such issuer or board of directors”Special meeting vote 4/23/26: Say on Pay 83% no6/9 AGM: ShareholdersPaul A. Gould 52% noRichard W. Fisher 31% noDebra L. Lee 32% noKenneth W. Lowe 31% noGeoffrey Y. Yang 31% noZaslav 3% noSay on Pay 84% noStill on boardPaul A. GouldRichard W. FisherDebra L. LeeKenneth W. LoweGeoffrey Y. YangZaslavThe SEC: "The Say-on-Pay … votes are advisory rather than binding ... Unlike a binding vote, advisory votes do not require the company or its board of directors to take a specific action. The company's board of directors may consider advisory votes and may follow up with other communications or dialogue with shareholders as part of its deliberative process in making policy decisions."The workers for being poor1,378 to 1 CEO pay ratio.Andrew M. Cuomo Joins the OKX Board of DirectorsThe worldMen GreedThe U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) In February 2025, OKX pled guilty in a U.S. federal court to operating an unlicensed money transmitting business and violating anti-money laundering (AML) laws.The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that despite OKX having an "official policy" banning U.S. users, the exchange actively pursued U.S. customers and generated hundreds of millions in fees from them.Internal logs showed OKX employees explicitly telling U.S. clients how to bypass the exchange's own blocks—even telling a customer to "just put a random country" during identity verification.The exchange was used to facilitate over $5 billion in suspicious transactions and criminal proceeds, resulting in a staggering $504 million penalty.TrumpTrump has normalized crypto. Is it the path to the next financial collapse?Jon Ossoff Rips RFK Jr.'s ‘Foolish' Cutback To Cyclosporiasis Monitoring: Sen. Jon Ossoff says a cyclosporiasis outbreak spreading nationwide could be harder to track because the Trump administration changed CDC surveillance last year. In a letter to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Ossoff argues that the CDC's FoodNet program (a public health network that monitors infections from multiple pathogens across CDC, USDA, FDA, and 10 states) stopped requiring monitoring cyclospora, and that the administration later made data collection optional at FoodNet sites for most pathogens (except Salmonella and E. coli).Elon Musk"ESG is the devil"A "scam" weaponized by "phony social justice warriors"Vivek RamaswamyThe author of Woke, Inc.founded an entire asset management firm (Strive) designed explicitly to offer "anti-woke" investment options that ignore ESG metrics in favor of pure profit.Ron DeSantisSpearheaded a massive legislative pushback against ESG in Florida, signing bills that banned state and local governments from using ESG factors when investing public funds or issuing bondsArgues ESG is a way to bypass voters and enforce a political agenda through corporate power.Peter ThielCalled ESG a "hate factory" used to control capital and punish companies that don't fall in line with mainstream corporate ideologyTariq Fancy (Former Head of Sustainable Investing at BlackRock)“Whistleblower”Called ESG a "dangerous placebo" that does nothing to actually fix the planet but allows Wall Street to charge higher fees while greenwashing their portfoliosMike PenceArgues that major Wall Street firms use ESG to enforce a radical left-wing agenda on everyday Americans, forcing companies to adopt policies that hurt the domestic energy sector.Glenn Hegar (Texas Comptroller)Created a blacklist of financial companies (including BlackRock) banned from doing business with the state of TexasCalled ESG an "opaque and perverse system" that violates fiduciary dutyAndy Puzder (Former CEO of CKE Restaurants/Hardee's and Carl's Jr.)Argued that forcing companies to focus on social goals instead of profits violates shareholder capitalism and ultimately hurts the economySenator Tom CottonAttacked ESG from a legal and regulatory standpoint. He led a group of Republican senators in warning top U.S. law firms that advising companies to cooperate on ESG goals could open them up to massive federal antitrust violationsSanjai Bhagat (Finance Professor, University of Colorado)Argues that ESG funds don't actually deliver higher returns and that companies in ESG portfolios often have worse compliance records for labor and environmental rules than standard companiesMenI pay my employees $1,000 a month per child for day care. It's one of my ice cream company's best investments.A womanAll womenDEIMolly Moon Neitzelfounder and CEO of Molly Moon's Homemade Ice CreamHer business planwhich included living wages and free health insurance for everyone who worked at least 18 hours a weekMMC-suite promotions now come with three or more jobs - from the article: “When Target named Michael Fiddelke CEO in February 2026, the leadership changes he announced went beyond a standard promotion. Target eliminated its chief commercial officer role and consolidated merchandising authority into a single position, naming Cara Sylvester, previously chief guest experience officer, as the sole chief merchandising officer overseeing product development, assortment design, and partner collaborations.” - WHO DO YOU BLAME??AIIsn't “taking more jobs on” what the promise of AI has been? The article claims “Executives who excel in a specific function are increasingly entrusted with broader operating mandates spanning commercial, technology, operations, finance, or customer strategy” - but really, aren't we just admitting that marketing and sales can be done by a dopey robot?Executive ChairsAs the TOP boys realize they can offload their work by becoming Executive Chair (same salary, fewer hours, no responsibilities!), maybe the CEO class is realizing THEY can stop doing as much if they just give more jobs to underlings? It seems telling the prime example in the article is Target where Brian Cornell still lingers on the board like a boilPay committeesPay committees are handing out massive golden hellos, particularly to CFOs but all c-suite, and they can justify them by “rolling” pointless jobs into a single person, right? BoardsBoards aren't actually paying attention to executives anyway - the data suggests by and large boards in the US are either deferential to the executives (do whatever you want!) or entirely self dealing (highly connected horse trading jobs on other boards!). The result is an indifferent board to actual executive shakeups either way - and CEOs are using indifference to shake up the c-suitesGeneral Mills is recalling nearly 736,000 Pillsbury bread rolls over possible glass - WHO DO YOU BLAME??Public Responsibility Chair Jorge UribeEx “productivity” officer at P&G until he retired in 2015. MBA and bachelor's in “management engineering”, which confused our knowledge typing which pinged off “engineering” to give him Public Safety knowledge, but there's no ACTUAL EVIDENCE he did anything but sales/marketing10 year tenure - longer than the CEO, but not as long as…Longest tenured director and man on Public Responsibility committee Steve OdlandOdland is the CEO of the Conference Board, who does public policy and governance stuff - he was CEO of Office Depot and AutoZone, and came from food (Quaker Oats, Sara Lee)Been on the board 22 years!! Solid job if you can get itBut both Steve and Jorge are tagged as “deferential” in the data (this is an important gig for them), so maybe…CEO Jeff HarmeningWith General Mills since 1994, came from marketing, but was COO - maybe Jeff's job as a director at Toro Company made him too busy to notice the glass? Or, maybe it wasn't their fault at all…RFK Jr: It's not just Taco Bell lettuce and possible glass in Pillsbury rolls: Food and drink recall events reached a 6-year year-over-year high

The future (and current state) of ESG has been debated from every angle, but what is actually happening inside companies?In this episode, Emma Cox is joined by Andrew Jones, Principal Researcher at The Conference Board, to discuss new research on how organizations are responding to today's evolving ESG landscape. Together, they separate headlines from reality, examining how businesses are adapting their strategies, navigating shifting political and regulatory pressures, and integrating sustainability more deeply into core business decisions.The conversation highlights why many companies are rethinking how they communicate about ESG, what this means for climate commitments and long-term resilience, and how business leaders can stay focused on creating measurable value amid ongoing uncertainty.Disclaimer: This episode was recorded in August 2025. Some data and trends discussed may have evolved since the time of recording. Thank you to our sponsor, Amazon Sustainability, for supporting this episode. Amazon is known for speed and scale. That same approach drives their sustainability efforts. Guided by data and science, and powered by invention, Amazon works backward from ambitious targets to drive measurable progress. Every package delivered, every data center powered, every product designed is an opportunity to make tomorrow better.Learn more about Amazon SustainabilityAmazon's Energy spotlight: https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/stories/spotlight-on-energyAmazon's Homepage: https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/Episode ResourcesDid US Companies Pull Back from Sustainability Reporting in 2025? - https://www.conference-board.org/publications/did-US-companies-pull-back-from-sustainability-reporting-in-2025 Emission Impossible: Corporate Climate Goals Moving from Adoption to Execution - https://www.conference-board.org/publications/Emission-impossible-corporate-climate-goals-moving-from-adoption-to-execution -About ESG Decoded ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Emma Cox, Erika Schiller, and Anna Stablum for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that's not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we'll bust on this podcast.ESG Decoded Resource Links Site:  https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcastsSpotify: https://go.climeco.com/SpotifyYouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-MusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/*This episode was produced by Singing Land Studio -Sponsored Episode Disclaimer: This episode of ESG Decoded is sponsored by Amazon. The views and opinions expressed are those of the host and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of ESG Decoded, ClimeCo LLC, the Sponsor, or the guest's organization. Sponsorship provides financial support only and does not give the Sponsor any right to direct, review, or approve the editorial content of this episode, including topics discussed, questions asked, or opinions expressed by the host or guest(s). Views Expressed Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the host and guest(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of ESG Decoded, ClimeCo LLC, any Sponsor, or any organization with which a guest is affiliated. Participation by a guest or Sponsor does not constitute an endorsement of any product, service, or organization. This conversation is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as advice.

Every generation has the responsibility to continue the Founding Fathers' vision, says Rep. Brad Schneider.   If the Founding Fathers materialized in 2026, they'd likely worry about polarization and threats to checks and balances, but they'd also be amazed by the breadth of American innovation. How can today's leaders reinvigorate civic values and political courage as we enter America's next 250 years?   Join David Young and guest Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Illinois, to find out why every generation has a responsibility to the republic, why today's environment punishes civility and political courage, and what gives him hope about American political and civic life looking forward.   For more from The Conference Board: 250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future America at 250: How Can We Move Past Political Deadlock? The CEO Center Q2 2026 Impact Report  

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes George, sustainability communications expert and guest host, speaks with Edvin Lindgren, Global Circular Economy Lead at Hitachi Energy, about how the company is embedding circular economy principles into its strategy, operations and customer offering. Together, they explore the shift from a linear value chain to a value cycle; how circularity can create customer value through longer product life, resource efficiency and new service models; and why data, regulation, collaboration and a clear business case are critical to accelerating progress. More from The Conference Board:  The EU's Circular Economy Test: Creating Demand at Scale How Business Can Turn Sustainability Ambition into Commercial Opportunities Why Reliable Supplier Data Is Now Key to Supply Chain Transparency

In this era of polarization, how can Americans embrace statesmen who find common ground and move the country forward?     The United States has thrived for 250 years despite constant and evolving political differences. But does today's political and civic environment reward the leadership qualities essential to a robust democracy?     Join David Young and guest Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska, to explore how the Founding Fathers would react to America in 2026, why politicians should spend less time on social media and more time with constituents, and why we need more statesman willing to compromise for the common good.     For more from The Conference Board:  250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future  America at 250: How Can We Move Past Political Deadlock?  The CEO Center Q2 2026 Impact Report 

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director International at The Conference Board and guest host, speaks with Alejandro Fiorito, Economist at The Conference Board Europe, about the economic impact of the war in Iran and the broader geopolitical forces influencing markets and business.  Together, they explore the outlook for global growth; the evolving policy response in Europe and beyond; and why resilience, scenario planning, and adaptability are becoming essential capabilities for business leaders.  More from The Conference Board:   European Consumer Confidence  CEO Confidence Diverges Globally, With Europe Lagging the US and China  What Consumer Confidence Reveals About Europe's Recovery  2 Years Below Neutral: European CEO Confidence Falls as Outlook Deteriorates 

Board effectiveness is rising, but so are expectations, according to the latest research.     In 2026, 41% of executives rated their boards as "excellent" or "good," the highest percentage seen by The Conference Board and PwC. What does board effectiveness look like today, and where do boards still need to improve?     Join Brian Campbell and guests Ariane Marchis-Mouren, senior researcher for corporate governance at The Conference Board, and Arielle Berlin, director of the Governance Insights Center at PwC. Find out about why boards struggle with adapting to change, three ways to improve board assessments, and why top board trends have only intensified in the first half of 2026.     For more from The Conference Board:  Board Effectiveness 2026: A Survey of the C-Suite  Director Bandwidth Is Becoming a More Visible Test of Board Effectiveness  Modernizing Board Governance for Today's Risk Environment 

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes-Jorge, Sustainability Communications Expert and guest host, is joined by Arnaud Marqui, Chief Sustainability and Safety Officer at Tarkett, to explore how the circular economy is transforming business models and helping companies build long-term resilience.   Together, they discuss Tarkett's circular economy journey, the role of product design and take-back programs in reducing waste, and how business leaders can balance sustainability investments with commercial success while preparing for a more resource-constrained future.  More from The Conference Board:   EU Regulatory Outlook: The Way Ahead for 2026  Corporate Governance in an Era of Sustained Disruption  Europe 2026: Competitiveness, Clean Industrial Policy, and Institutional Reform  How Businesses Can Turn Sustainability Ambition into Commercial Opportunities  

Kevin cover and discusses the following stories: Adobe reported the results of last week's online spending during Amazon's Prime event, as well as overlapping promotions by Walmart and Target; Nestle announces major changes to their ingredients across all products worldwide; Aviation Expert, Jay Ratliff, joins the show to talk about airline news and summer travel tips; The Conference Board released their Consumer Confidence Index; the U.S. Labor Department reported Job Openings, Hires and Quit Rates; oil prices react to Peace Talk host Qatar reported that "high level" talks will not take place in Doha but "technical talks" will and analyst's estimates of crude inventory inventories; Phil Flynn, Senior Analyst, PRICE Futures Group, has some interesting comments in his Energy Report, Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are US consumers feeling as summer begins — and what should business leaders know about the growing economic impact of extreme heat? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Alex Heil, Senior Economist. They begin by examining the latest US Consumer Confidence Survey, discussing why confidence improved modestly in June, how consumers are thinking about inflation, interest rates, employment, and recession risks, and what those expectations could mean for spending in the months ahead. In the second half of the conversation, the focus shifts to one of the defining business challenges of our time: extreme heat. Alex explains how rising temperatures are affecting workers, productivity, energy systems, supply chains, and business operations around the world, while highlighting practical considerations for executives looking to build resilience.   For more from The Conference Board: US Consumer Confidence Forecast for the US Economy Global Economic Outlook

Carbon reporting gives you data but isn't a strategy. How do businesses like DuPont put that data into context so they can make better, smarter business decisions?  Join Steve Odland and guest Scott Collick, chief sustainability officer and vice president of sustainability and regulatory compliance at DuPont. Learn how Collick defines "carbon fluency," why companies should switch from spend-based models to activity-based models, and why sustainability needs to be fully integrated with the rest of the business.  For more from The Conference Board:  Measuring Sustainability ROI in an Era of Risk & Resilience  Did US Companies Pull Back from Sustainability Reporting in 2025?  Corporate GHG Emissions Progress: Scope 1 and Scope 2 in Focus 

CHROs have more responsibility than ever but less structural power than the role requires. In Part 2 of The CHRO Paradox series, Stacie explores the "C-suite gap"—the disconnect between where the CHRO sits and where real decisions are made. Drawing on data from The Conference Board, the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, Protiviti, and the Josh Bersin Company, this episode maps the four derailers keeping the authority gap open, illustrates what success looks like when organizations close it, and provides five concrete moves for HR leaders operating inside the gap right now. Stacie For more episodes, visit StacieBaird.com.