Podcasts about The Conference Board

Companies are increasingly focused on employee performance, which is challenging but also gives CHROs and CFOs an opportunity to collaborate. How can these key functions work together to reinforce culture, drive organizational change, and influence the CEO and board?   Join host Diana Scott and guests Henry Artalejo, SVP of global human resources at Griffith Foods, Matt Corker, EVP and chief financial officer at Griffith Foods, and Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio. Find out what defines a people-first organization in 2026, how the CHRO-CFO partnership can drive culture and compensation conversations, and why AI transformation is an opportunity for HR to rebrand itself.   This special episode was recorded on June 3 at the 2026 CHRO Summit, hosted by The Conference Board in Chicago.   For more from The Conference Board: CHRO Summit: Turning Uncertainty into Growth The Conference Board to Honor S&P Global and UL Solutions at 2026 People First People First: Elevating Talent for the Future (Event)  

Americana Partners LLC Market Commentary is a financial podcast for investors, clients, and market-focused listeners who want clear perspective on the economy, investing, and portfolio strategy. Hosted by Melissa Giles and based on the market views and special reports of David M. Darst, Chief Investment Officer at Americana Partners, the show breaks down monthly market commentary, economic conditions, investment strategy, asset allocation themes, and the forces shaping today's financial markets. Each episode is designed to help listeners better understand market trends, long-term investing, and how to think clearly in changing environments. If you are looking for a smart, approachable source for market updates, economic outlook, wealth management insight, portfolio positioning, and investment commentary, subscribe to stay informed with timely perspectives from Americana Partners.   Join Our Distribution List – For a full copy of our report. Americana Partners - https://www.americanapartners.com/contact/  Americana Partners Website - https://www.americanapartners.com/  Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/company/americana-partners/  Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3rX19ND89pwEob9efsFNNF  iTunes - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americana-partners/id1496186853    Disclosures Americana Partners, LLC is registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. The firm only transacts business in states where it is properly registered, or is excluded or exempted from registration requirements. Registration as an investment adviser does not constitute an endorsement of the firm by securities regulators nor does it indicate that the adviser has attained a particular level of skill or ability. A copy of Americana Partners' current written disclosure brochure filed with the SEC which discusses among other things, Americana Partners' business practices, services and fees, is available through the SEC's website at: www.adviserinfo.sec.gov. The tax and legal information contained in this newsletter is general in nature. It should not be construed as legal or tax advice. Always consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific legal or tax situation. Foreign securities, foreign currencies, and securities issued by U.S. entities with substantial foreign operations can involve additional risks relating to political, economic, or regulatory conditions in foreign countries. These risks include fluctuations in foreign currencies; withholding or other taxes; trading, settlement, custodial, and other operational risks; and less stringent investor protection and disclosure standards in some foreign markets. All of these factors can make foreign investments, especially those in emerging markets, more volatile and potentially less liquid than U.S. investments. In addition, foreign markets can perform differently from the U.S. market. Investing involves certain risks, including possible loss of principal. You should understand and carefully consider a strategy's objectives, risks, fees, expenses and other information before investing. The views expressed in this commentary are subject to change and are not intended to be a recommendation or investment advice. Such views do not take into account the individual financial circumstances or objectives of any investor that receives them. The strategies described herein may not be suitable for all investors. There is no guarantee that the adviser will meet any of its investment objectives. All indices are unmanaged and are not available for direct investment. Indices do not incur costs including the payment of transaction costs, fees and other expenses. This information should not be considered a solicitation or an offer to provide any service in any jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to do so under the laws of that jurisdiction. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Exposure to an asset class represented by an index is available through investable instruments based on that index. The S&P 500® Index is a widely recognized, unmanaged index of 500 common stocks which are generally representative of the U.S. stock market as a whole. The Nasdaq Composite® Index is the market capitalization-weighted index of over 2,500 common equities listed on the Nasdaq stock exchange. The types of securities in the index include American depositary receipts, common stocks, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and tracking stocks, as well as limited partnership interests. The EAFE® Index is a stock index offered by MSCI that covers non-U.S. and Canadian equity markets. It serves as a performance benchmark for the major international equity markets as represented by 21 major MSCI indices from Europe, Australasia, and the Middle East. The EAFE® Index is the oldest international stock index and is commonly called the MSCI EAFE Index. The Russell 2500® is a market-cap-weighted index that includes the smallest 2,500 companies covered in the broad-based Russell 3000 sphere of United States-based listed equities. All 2,500 of the companies included in the Index cover the small- and mid-cap market capitalizations. The Russell 1000® Growth Index is an unmanaged index that measures the performance of the large-cap growth segment of the U.S. equity universe. It includes those Russell 1000® Index companies with higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth values. The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX) is a measure of expected price fluctuations in the S&P 500 Index options over the next 30 days. The VIX is calculated in real time by the Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE). P/E or Price to Earnings ratio is indicates the dollar amount an investor can expect to invest in a company in order to receive one dollar of that company's earnings. The Consumer Confidence Survey® reflects prevailing business conditions and likely developments for the months ahead. The Manufacturing Business Outlook Survey is a monthly survey of manufacturers in the Third Federal Reserve District; Participants indicate the direction of change in overall business activity and in the various measures of activity at their plants: employment, working hours, new and unfilled orders, shipments, inventories, delivery times, prices paid, and prices received. The ISM manufacturing index, also known as the purchasing managers' index (PMI), is a monthly indicator of U.S. economic activity based on a survey of purchasing managers at more than 300 manufacturing firms. The Composite Index of Leading Indicators, otherwise known as the Leading Economic Index (LEI), is an index published monthly by The Conference Board. It is used to predict the direction of global economic movements in future months. A bond rating is a letter-based credit scoring scheme used to judge the quality and creditworthiness of a bond. The option adjusted spread (OAS) measures the difference in yield between a bond with an embedded option, such as an MBS or callables, with the yield on Treasuries. Mean reversion, in finance, suggests that various phenomena of interest such as asset prices and volatility of returns eventually revert to their long-term average levels. A meme stock is a security that has seen an increase in trading volume after going viral on social media or an online forum. This document may contain forward-looking statements relating to the objectives, opportunities, and the future performance of the U.S. market generally. Forward looking statements may be identified by the use of such words as; “believe,” “expect,”“anticipate,”“should,”“planned,”“estimated,”“potential”and other similar terms. Examples of forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, estimates with respect to financial condition, results of operations, and success or lack of success of any particular investment strategy. All are subject to various factors, including, but not limited to general and local economic conditions, changing levels of competition within certain industries and markets, changes in interest rates, changes in legislation or regulation, and other economic, competitive, governmental, regulatory and technological factors affecting a portfolio' operations that could cause actual results to differ materially from projected results. Such statements are forward-looking in nature and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and accordingly, actual results may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such forward-looking statements. Prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward looking statements or examples. This material is proprietary and may not be reproduced, transferred, modified or distributed in any form without prior written permission from Americana Partners. Americana Partners reserves the right, at any time and without notice, to amend, or cease publication of the information contained herein. Certain of the information contained herein has been obtained from third-party sources and has not been independently verified. It is made available on an "as is" basis without warranty. Any strategies or investment programs described in this presentation are provided for educational purposes only and are not necessarily indicative of securities offered for sale or private placement offerings available to any investor. The mention of any individual security should not be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell that security.

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board Europe, is joined by Alejandro Fiorito, Economist at The Conference Board Europe, to unpack the latest results from the Measure of CEO Confidence for Europe survey.  Together, they examine the factors weighing on CEO confidence; explore signs of resilience at the industry level; and discuss how European business leaders view geopolitical risks, long-term competitiveness, and growth opportunities both within and beyond Europe.  More from The Conference Board:   2 Years Below Neutral: European CEO Confidence Falls as Outlook Deteriorates  Measure of CEO Confidence for Europe Dashboard  CEO Confidence Still Wavering, Investments Stalled, EU Reforms in the Spotlight  The 2026 Agenda for Business Leaders: Reimagining the Future in Europe 

The Conference Board's president and CEO sees AI as less a technological challenge than a managerial one, exacerbated by increasing global volatility. Drawing parallels to the introduction of the personal computer, he argues that governance, workflow redesign, and organizational trust matter more than the technology itself.

Amid polarization and deadlock, how can people in the United States better understand the habits and responsibilities that sustain a free society?      The United States has practiced the same type of government since the late 1700s, enduring through vast societal and technological changes. What are the biggest political challenges facing America as it turns 250, and how can citizens lead the country forward?     Join David Young and guest Yuval Levin, director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute, to find out why today's era reminds Levin of the Gilded Age, why political leaders must embrace coalition-building, and why today's challenges are numerous but far from insurmountable.     For more from The Conference Board:  250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future  A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation  Trusted Elections Are the Foundation of Economic Growth and Business Confidence 

This ICYMI episode takes you back to October of 1990 - a moment when Canadians were staring down soaring interest rates, spiking oil prices, and waves of layoffs at CN Rail, Imperial Oil and Air Canada. The Conference Board of Canada had just declared a recession, while Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Finance Minister Michael Wilson hesitated to say the word. Checkup callers share how they were surviving tough economic times with host Dale Goldhawk.

The big things you need to know:First, earnings sentiment (the rate of upward EPS estimate revisions) is now improving broadly within the equity market, which we think opens the door for a short-term pause in mega cap Growth leadership within the US and US leadership within global developed markets equities.Second, the Growth/Value trade within Large Cap has turned choppy again, which we think may reflect the broadening out of improving earnings sentiment and valuations that have started to look frothy for mega cap Growth on some metrics.Third, stock market optimism improved in the latest Conference Board survey, a bright spot in the consumer narrative and a data point that alleviates some of our near-term pullback concerns.

The US is still the premier investment opportunity. Marc S. Cooper of Solomon Partners explains why.     This special episode was recorded on May 6 at the 2026 M&A Summit, hosted by The Conference Board in New York.    After last year's strong M&A market, 2026 is being powered by corporate strategic acquisitions. What's the overall health of M&A and of the US as an investment opportunity?     Join Steve Odland and guest Marc S. Cooper, chairman and CEO of Solomon Partners, to find out the state of the deals market, the challenges facing middle market private equity, and why the US remains the world's top destination.    For more from The Conference Board:  2026 M&A Summit - New York  Reshaping Strategy: Navigating M&A in the Next Era  Deregulation Reshapes Financial Oversight 

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director International at The Conference Board, speaks with Max Zenglein, Center Leader for Economy, Strategy & Finance in Asia at The Conference Board, about how economic security and geopolitical rivalry are reshaping global trade and business strategy across Asia. They discuss the erosion of the rules-based trading system; the growing intersection of trade, national security, and industrial policy; and why companies must rethink efficiency, resilience, and risk in a more fragmented global economy. The conversation also explores supply chain vulnerabilities, shifting trade alliances, and how business leaders can navigate uncertainty while identifying new opportunities for growth. More from The Conference Board: Economic Security Reshapes Trade in Asia Amid Rising Volatility C-Suite Outlook 2026: Asia-Pacific Edition Asia's Manufacturing Pivot: Competing for Talent in the New Supply Chain Era Beyond Tariffs: Structural Changes to Trade Are Underway in Asia

Daya beli warga Amerika Serikat kembali tergerus pada bulan Mei 2026. Berdasarkan data terbaru dari Conference Board, indeks kepercayaan konsumen AS turun menjadi 93,1 poin, dari sebelumnya 93,8 poin.Penurunan ini terutama disebabkan oleh indeks situasi saat ini yang merosot 3,2 poin menjadi 121,2, mencerminkan keresahan masyarakat terhadap kondisi bisnis dan pasar tenaga kerja.Meski begitu, terdapat sedikit angin segar pada indeks ekspektasi jangka pendek yang naik tipis 1 poin menjadi 74,4, namun kenaikan harga bahan bakar dan pangan tetap melampaui pertumbuhan upah rata-rata.Daya beli yang menyusut dan kekhawatiran akan pendapatan di masa depan diprediksi masih membayangi perekonomian domestik AS dalam beberapa bulan ke depan.

This podcast episode delineates the prevailing dynamics within the furniture industry, elucidating the pivotal finding that consumer confidence remains an essential determinant in the sector's recovery trajectory. The latest consumer confidence index has exhibited a modest decline, underscoring the sensitivity of furniture purchases to economic fluctuations and geopolitical tensions, particularly those related to energy prices. Furthermore, we explore the recent unveiling of the Furniture Today Top 100 report, revealing that, despite previous hardships, a significant number of major retailers have begun to experience sales growth, an encouraging signal amidst a landscape of mergers and acquisitions that further consolidate market share. The discussion also highlights emerging consumer trends, particularly the burgeoning interest in tactile textures and nostalgic room concepts, which present both challenges and opportunities for retailers. As we navigate this complex milieu, the overarching theme persists: the most successful operators will be those who strategically position themselves for future growth rather than merely striving for survival. The current landscape of the furniture industry is characterized by intricate dynamics influenced by macroeconomic factors and evolving consumer sentiments. Recently released data from the Conference Board indicates a slight decline in consumer confidence, with the index dropping by approximately 0.7 points to 93.1 for May 2026, reflecting mounting concerns regarding inflationary pressures, particularly stemming from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These pressures have engendered a palpable sense of caution among consumers, making furniture purchases—often deemed as deferable—subject to postponement when economic anxieties loom large. Retailers must therefore brace themselves for a marketplace where price sensitivity prevails, necessitating a strategic pivot towards enticing financing options and doorbuster deals that resonate more profoundly with consumer apprehensions than aspirational marketing strategies. The subtle uptick in the forward-looking Expectations index, albeit still below the recession-risk threshold, suggests a potential resurgence in consumer engagement should energy prices stabilize—a crucial consideration for retailers in the upcoming quarter.Takeaways:The recent downturn in consumer confidence highlights the critical relationship between economic conditions and furniture purchasing decisions, particularly in a deferable purchase market.The Furniture Today Top 100 report reveals a significant shift where over half the retailers experienced sales growth, indicating a potential recovery in a previously beleaguered industry.Noteworthy acquisitions, such as Tempur Sealy's merger with Mattress Firm, exemplify a trend towards consolidation that could reshape market dynamics and competitive landscapes.Emerging consumer trends suggest a preference for warm earth tones and tactile textures, compelling retailers to adapt their merchandising strategies to align with evolving aesthetic preferences.The rise of digital-first brands transitioning to brick-and-mortar stores signifies a pivotal moment in retail, necessitating traditional retailers to enhance their service offerings and customer experiences.The overarching theme throughout the episode emphasizes that companies must strategically position themselves for future growth rather than merely survive the current economic challenges.

Kia ora. Welcome to Wednesday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news  traders who claimed to foresee a Trump 'victory' over Iran are getting a lesson in their susceptibility to propaganda. In the Middle East, US and Israeli struck a number of Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, hours after President Donald Trump had suggested negotiations with Tehran over an interim deal were progressing. Renewed aggression there and in Lebanon hardly seems to indicate talks are "going nicely". Both sides are in a chronic violent embrace, despite what they say. Oil prices are rising again; prospects for normalisation have faded significantly. First we should note there was another dairy Pulse auction overnight. This on saw the butter price recover notably, up +2% from the prior week's full auction, and the SMP price fall back notably, down -5% on that same basis. The WMP price dipped -1%. In the US, the Conference Board said its survey of consumer confidence edged down in May. But this dip wasn't quite as much as analysts had expected. Meanwhile the May Dallas Fed factory survey edged up slightly from its languid ("stable") state, a bit less than other similar surveys and less than expected. And the National Activity Index tracked by the Chicago Fed rose in April to its best reading since March 2025. The US Treasury's popular 2 year bond auction today brought sharply higher yields. The median yield today was 4.02% (high was 4.07%), a big shift up from the median 3.75% at the equivalent event a month ago. Across the Pacific, Singapore said its industrial production was up a very healthy +17.6% in April from a year ago, a rising trend and an expansion that is starting to rival Taiwan. And in Taiwan industrial production rose at a +15% rate in April from the same month a year ago, less than in March but still the third-best month ever. The base has been rising spectacularly for more than a year now so the outsized yeay-on-year growth will ease back from here. Their retail sales were up +5.2% in April, extending the outsized improvements to three consecutive months now. In Malaysia, it appears that they have instituted a 10% tariff on imported gold bars, surprising dealers and buyers alike. We should note that the aluminium price pushed up yet again, now very close to the brief pandemic-induced peak. Also tin prices are also near record highs, but this is nothing to do with the Middle East. Rather it relates to an Indonesian crackdown on illegal tin mining there, which has been extensive. They are going after the palm oil industry too, but over financial issues. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.49%, up +2 bps from this time yesterday. The price of gold will start today down -US$64 at US$4499/oz. Silver is down -US$2at just under US$76/oz. Oil prices have risen +US$3.50 to just under US$94/bbl in the US, while the international Brent price is up +US$3 to just on US$99.50/bbl. The Kiwi dollar is down -40 bps from yesterday at this time at 58.3 USc. Against the Aussie we are also down -40 bps at 81.5 AUc. Against the euro we are down -30 bps at just under 50.2 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at just under 61.8 which is down -30 bps from yesterday. The bitcoin price starts today at US$75,906 and down -2.1% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been modest at just on +/- 1.5%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again tomorrow.

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Marion Devine, principal researcher at The Conference Board's European Human Capital Center, speaks with James Williams, head of global total rewards at Ericsson, about the realities of preparing for the EU Pay Transparency Directive and what it means for organizations across Europe. They discuss the opportunities and challenges of greater pay transparency, how organizations are balancing compliance with culture change, and why manager readiness will be critical to success. The conversation also explores fairness, employee trust, pay equity, and the practical complexities of implementing transparency across multiple countries and evolving local regulations. More from The Conference Board: ·         The Reimagined Workplace 2026 ·         Reimagine 2025: Human Capital Leadership in an Era of Disruption ·         Where to Hire: Europe 2026 ·         Europe's Pay Transparency Law: Companies Scramble to the Finish Line

A torn Meniscus – that is what they say… now what? The beginning of UBI as a response from the AI boom? Black in packaging – byproduct of war Markets – – Up up and away! – New inflation data is in… – The Circular Economy – Great chart…. – Some inflation facts PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Torn Meniscus - that is what they say... now what? - The beginning of UBI as a response from the AI boom? - Black in packaging - byproduct of war - Insights into consumer confidence reports Markets - Up up and away! - New inflation data is in... - The Circular Economy - Great chart.... - Some inflation facts - From the TACO trade to the NACHO trade The new CTP for Salesforce is open for entries! From TACO to NACHO - Not A Chance Hormuz Opens - - New phrase being used in the oil pits and trading floors Life Support - President Trump tells reporters that ceasefire with Iran is on "massive life support"; says Iran's peace proposal was a "piece of garbage" Going to CHYNA - President Donald Trump has invited executives from some of the biggest U.S. companies — including Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock's CEO Larry Fink and Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg — to join his trip to China this week, according to a White House official. - Also expected to join Trump's delegation for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping are Blackstone's Stephen Schwarzman, Cargill's Brian Sikes, Citigroup's Jane Fraser, Coherent's Jim Anderson, GE Aerospace's H. Lawrence Culp Jr., Goldman Sachs's David Solomon, Illumina's Jacob Thaysen, Mastercard's Michael Miebach, Meta Platforms executive Dina Powell McCormick, Micron Technology's Sanjay Mehrotra, Qualcomm's Cristiano Amon and Visa's Ryan McInerney, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the list has not been announced. - Jensen Huang supposedly not invited Inflation Report Today - Total CPI increased 0.6% month-over-month in April, as expected, following a 0.9% increase in March. That left total CPI up 3.8% year-over-year versus 3.3% in March. - Core CPI, which excludes food and energy, jumped 0.4% month-over-month (Briefing.com consensus: 0.4%) following a 0.2% increase in March. That left core - CPI up 2.8% year-over-year versus 2.6% in March. ----Key Factors - The food index was up 0.5% month-over-month and up 3.2% year-over-year. - The energy index was up 3.8% month-over-month and up 17.9% year-over-year. - The shelter index was up 0.6% month-over-month and up 3.3% year-over-year. - The used cars and trucks index was flat month-over-month and down 2.7% year-over-year. - The apparel index was up 0.6% month-over-month and up 4.2% year-over-year. - The services index was up 0.6% month-over-month and up 3.4% year-over-year (services less rent of shelter was up 3.5% year-over-year). - The all items index less food, shelter, and energy was up 0.2% month-over-month and up 2.3% year-over-year. Consumer Confidence - Surging gas prices due to the Iran war sent consumer sentiment to a new low in the early part of May, according to a University of Michigan survey Friday. “Taken together, consumers continue to feel buffeted by cost pressures, led by soaring prices at the pump,” the survey's director, Joanne Hsu, said. - The latest University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment preliminary reading for May came in at 48.2, below the 50.5 consensus estimate and below the prior 49.8 final reading for April. ---Note: Conference board's consumer confidence reading was actually better than last month so there is a discrepancy in reports. - Conference Board measure as highly important because it is widely followed and often tied closely to labor-market perceptions, while the Michigan survey is also closely watched for inflation-sensitive consumer attitudes. Thwarted! - Google's Threat Intelligence Group said hackers are using AI models such as OpenClaw to uncover and exploit zero-day software vulnerabilities. - GTIG said it has “high confidence” that it recorded hackers using an AI model to find and exploit a zero-day vulnerability, or a software flaw unknown to developers, creating a way to bypass two-factor authentication. -The group said in a report that it had uncovered and likely thwarted an AI-developed attack. - Anthropic delayed its Mythos model rollout due to cybersecurity concerns, but current models are being used by hackers. - How are we going to stop the hackers from using powerful AI models to hack? Circular Economy - Great Graphic Circular Always Money to be made... - US derivatives exchange CME Group Inc. and index provider Silicon Data are teaming up to create a futures market for computing power. - The futures will help traders, financial firms, AI builders and cloud providers manage volatility and price swings, according to a statement. - CME CEO Terry Duffy said compute is "the new oil of the 21st century" and creating a futures market can help make the costs more transparent. ----- One more way to pump this as now there is ways to further inflate costs through a leveraged futures market Private Credit Transparency? - Faster mark-to-market plans - Apollo Global Management Inc. has been stepping up efforts to provide liquidity and price transparency in the private-credit market, where assets don't typically change hands. - Last week, the firm said more than $830 billion of its credit assets will be priced daily by the end of September. " - Others in the industry are not so happy about this. - Most say that this is little more that lipstick on a pig No Problem - Congress is looking to suspend the federal gas tax for a few months - Trump backing - $0.18 per gallon tax in a effort to reduce gas prices that are now approx $4.40 average per gallon higher than before the war - War not changed, Iran still stringing us along. - Under/Over how long it will take until next Ceasefire bombings start? - Will a sprinkle of warfare prior to China visit be in the cards as a show of strength? AI Jobs - Kevin Hassett says that AI isn't costing anybody their jobs rights now - EVEN THOUGH TECH CONTINUES LAYOFFS - Why bother even listening to these guys? - Major deep discussion on this on TDI Podcast this week -- WORTH THE LISTEN Asian Markets - Continuing to brush off any worries about oil prices, escalation or valuations that are in the stratosphere - Korea - as we discussed this would be the case is up a staggering 78% last year and already up 81% this year - Market cap has increased $2.7 trillion over the past year - The massive wealth increase has been heavily concentrated. Tech giants Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix accounted for the vast majority of the gains, with individual rallies of up to 382% over the year. Strange - The retail trades added nearly 22,000 jobs in April, accounting for almost one-fifth of total job growth. - In March, retailers posted their largest number of monthly job openings since 2023. - Retailers are more confident after seeing consumers keep their wallets open in the face of an uncertain economy and higher gas prices. - Nearly 15.5 million employees now hold retail industry jobs, the most since July 2024. - What is strange is the UMich confidence hit another all-time low last Friday for the latest prelim reading for the month ANALlysts - The earnings upgrades for tech are not just incremental - Examples: -  Seagate Tech target raised to $1000 from $750 at Evercore ISI, cites HAMR-driven multi-year HDD growth, pricing power, and strong AI/data center demand backdrop - AMD - Goldman Sachs upgraded to Buy and raised its price target dramatically (e.g., to $450 from $240). Other firms like Bernstein (to $525), Barclays, KeyBanc, TD Cowen, and Baird also hiked targets significantly (many by $200+) - Several other names upgrades with big ranges of price increases UBI Starting...? - South Korea should consider institutional ways to redistribute potential excess tax revenue generated by the AI infrastructure boom to help ease inequalities that could deepen in an AI-driven era, a top presidential policy aide said. - President Kim proposed the principle, tentatively named a “national dividend,” underlining that gains from AI infrastructure should be understood as the product of South Korea's collectively built industrial foundation. - In his Facebook post on Monday, Kim explained that "the central question of the AI era is not simply about growth rates, but about how to socially stabilize excess profits." Black ink - Calbee to switch its brightly colored packaging to black and white because war has disrupted supply of certain raw materials used in ink - Calbee, whose potato chip brands in particular are known for brightly colored bag designs, said 14 of its products would switch to monochrome branding by the end of May. - Printing ink requires naphtha, an oil derivative for which Japan relies on imports from the Middle East for about 40% of its consumption. Black Ink Printing HantaVirus - Tristan da Cunha, home to only around 200 people, is halfway between South Africa and South America. It is the world's remotest inhabited island, more than 2,400 km and a six-day boat ride from St Helena, its nearest inhabited neighbor. - It usually relies on a medical team of two people for its health needs, and is normally only accessible by boat as it has no airstrip. - A British man was dropped from the death ship was there and has the symptoms - so "out of an abundance of caution...." - "The arrival of paratroopers, medical personnel and medical supplies from the sky has hopefully reassured the people of Tristan da Cunha," said Brigadier Ed Cartwright, Officer Commanding 16 Air Assault Brigade. - Does this give comfort that paratroopers dropping in with hazmat suits?     Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Announcing the THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for SALESFORCE (CRM)   Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

AI is a powerful accelerant for performance systems, but only when employees trust the system. Here's how Microsoft does it.     Artificial intelligence is helping enterprises improve their performance systems and incentives. How can companies capitalize on this opportunity while also instilling trust, governance, and clarity that motivates employees and improves their decision-making?     Join Diana Scott, Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, and guest Nandini Ramaswamy, corporate vice president of seller incentives at Microsoft, to find out how Microsoft uses AI to improve performance-based decision-making, why trust is the crucial differentiator, and how to measure whether your AI strategy is working.     For more from The Conference Board:  Important Human Skills in the Age of AI  How Leaders Can Close the AI Readiness Gap  The Reimagined Workplace 2026 

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Martin Wiese, leader of the European Governance & Sustainability Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Dr. Márcia Balisciano, chief sustainability officer and global head of corporate responsibility at RELX, about how companies can move from sustainability ambition to measurable impact. They discuss the shift from reporting to execution, how sustainability drives financial performance, and what it takes to embed sustainability into commercial strategy and innovation. More from The Conference Board: ·         What's Next for ESG Legislation in Europe? ·         Europe 2026: Competitiveness, Clean Industrial Policy, and Industrial Reform ·         EU Regulatory Outlook: The Way Ahead for 2026 ·         Corporate Governance in an Era of Sustained Disruption

How are companies translating their AI principles into practice?  In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, speaks with Andrew Jones, PhD, Principal Researcher at The Conference Board Governance & Sustainability Center, about how companies are putting AI governance into practice.  They discuss how AI is rapidly moving into core business operations and what that means for risk management, accountability, and leadership. The conversation explores how organizations are shifting from high-level AI principles to formal governance structures; the rise of cross-functional oversight; and the growing role of boards in AI strategy. The discussion also covers emerging challenges, including regulatory complexity, cybersecurity threats, and workforce disruption.  More from The Conference Board:   From Principles to Practice: Governing AI in the Corporation  Top 5 Corporate Governance Priorities for 2026  Governing Through Uncertainty: US Boardroom Priorities for 2026  AI and Environmental Sustainability: Risks, Opportunities, and What Comes Next  AI Risk Disclosures in the S&P 500: Reputation, Cybersecurity, and Regulation 

These episodes of #thePOZcast, live from Transform 2026 in Las Vegas, are proudly brought to you by our friends at Overalls What if your employees had one central hub to handle real life? Meet Overalls. A smarter way to support your team, combining expert human LifeConcierges™ with AI to solve everyday challenges across healthcare, caregiving, benefits, insurance, finances, life admin, and more. From start to finish, Overalls handles the details — using existing benefits where they fit, and filling in the gaps where they don't. So employees save time, reduce stress, and stay focused at work, while employers boost engagement and get more value from their benefits. Overalls is redefining how work supports life, helping employee teams from Reddit, Patreon, BeatBox, and more cross pesky to-dos off their lists every day. Learn more at https://getoveralls.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=pozcast Thanks for listening, and please follow us on Insta @NHPTalent and www.youtube.com/thePOZcast For all episodes, please check out www.thePOZcast.com TANYA E. MOORE As Chief People Officer, Tanya drives initiatives that empower West Monroe's employees and foster a high-performing, supportive culture. Tanya partners with leadership to develop the next generation of leaders, ensuring our people are fulfilled and our employee experience remains a key differentiator. Before joining West Monroe in 2023, Tanya was Chief People Officer at M.C. Dean and spent two decades with IBM, where she led award-winning programs that shaped the company's transformation. She holds an MBA in organizational development from the College of William and Mary. Outside of work, she serves on several advisory boards, including The Conference Board's CHRO Council, the William and Mary Consulting Board of Directors, and the She-Suite Board of Advisors. She is also a sought-after speaker on topics such as workforce transformation, the evolving role of HR, and leveraging AI to advance people and organizational transformation. Key Takeaways 1. Senior Candidates Should Run a Due Diligence Process, Not Just an Interview Tanya's 18-interview process wasn't excessive — it was intelligence gathering. She was evaluating CEO relationship dynamics, board influence, team readiness, and organizational appetite for change. Candidates at any level should approach interviews as a two-way assessment. 2. Know What You're Actually Looking For Before You Start As Tanya put it: smart, kind, humble people. Work she enjoys. Some fun. The clearer you are about your non-negotiables before you start a job search, the better your decision-making will be when offers come in. 3. Employee Ownership Changes the Employment Relationship With 74% of West Monroe employees holding equity in the company, the ownership mindset isn't a metaphor — it's structural. This is a genuine differentiator in total rewards and shapes how employees engage with the business and with clients. 4. Benefits Signal Culture, Not Just Compensation Tanya's view: the specific benefits matter less than what they reveal about a company's values. Organizations that invest in comprehensive, thoughtful benefits are signaling that they see employees as whole people — and that signal is what candidates are actually responding to. 5. COVID Permanently Raised the Floor on Benefits Expectations The pandemic gave people permission to stop and ask what actually matters. Flexibility, mental health support, and personalized benefits have moved from nice-to-have to expected — and companies that haven't caught up are losing candidates to those that have. 6. Open Roles Are a Hidden Employee Retention Risk Every unfilled position means someone else on the team is absorbing that work. The longer a role stays open, the more likely you are to lose another employee as a result. Time to fill is a culture and retention metric, not just a talent acquisition metric. 7. AI in Recruiting Should Eliminate Low-Value Steps, Not Human Connection West Monroe's approach to AI was surgical: identify every step in the recruiting process where technology could add value, and use it there — so recruiters can spend more time on the high- touch, high-judgment work that actually moves candidates. Automated scheduling and AI- assisted interview feedback are the easy wins. 8. Feedback Loops Are the Biggest Bottleneck in Consulting Firm Hiring Getting busy managers to interview isn't the hard part — it's getting their structured feedback afterward. Tools like BrightHire that record interviews (with consent) and auto-generate notes and scoring against the job description are solving a real, expensive problem. 9. Burnout Needs Programmatic Solutions, Not Just Resources Pointing employees to an EAP or mental health benefit isn't enough when burnout is systemic. West Monroe is exploring more customized, structured support for employees who are struggling — moving from reactive to proactive people care. 10. AI Is the Internet — Embrace It or Fall Behind Tanya's optimism about AI isn't naive — it's grounded in historical perspective. Just as nobody predicted what the internet would become, nobody fully knows where AI is going. Her advice: use it, test it, let it make you smarter. "F around and find out."   00:00 – Introduction Adam introduces Tanya Moore, CPO at West Monroe, and sets up a conversation about benefits, candidate experience, and the modern people function. 01:30 – Meet West Monroe & Tanya Tanya describes West Monroe's differentiators — quality, speed to value, client NPS — and traces her career from 20 years at IBM to her current CPO role. 04:00 – Being the Candidate: 18 Interviews Tanya shares what it was like to go through 18 interviews as a senior exec, why she didn't quit, and what she was actually evaluating along the way. 07:00 – What Senior Candidates Should Really Ask The questions Tanya asked that most candidates don't: CEO relationship dynamics, board influence and hands-on vs. hands-off style, team readiness, and what really happens when things go wrong. 10:00 – Modernizing People Ops at West Monroe, walking into an org with no succession planning and no workforce planning, and the systematic approach Tanya took to rebuild people functions from the ground up. 13:00 – Redesigning the Candidate Experience How West Monroe overhauled its recruiting workflows after adopting Greenhouse, dramatically improving time to hire, reducing cost, and elevating both candidate and manager experience. 16:00 – Time to Fill as an Employee Retention Metric Why open roles aren't just a talent problem — they're a burnout and satisfaction risk for the employees left picking up the slack. 18:30 – Employee Ownership as a Total Rewards Differentiator How West Monroe's half employee-owned model and 74% equity participation rate changes how people show up — and how it's positioned as a benefit in the recruiting process. 21:00 – Benefits Beyond the Basics From childcare and dog walking to expanded mental health support, Tanya breaks down what West Monroe offers and why COVID permanently shifted candidate expectations around benefits. 24:00 – Flex Benefits & the Future of Personalization Tanya's vision for benefits that let employees choose what matters to them — gym memberships, yoga, wellness stipends — rather than a one-size-fits-all package. 26:30 – Tackling Burnout Proactively West Monroe's evolving approach to burnout: moving beyond standard mental health appointments toward more customized, programmatic support for employees who need it most. 29:00 – AI in Recruiting: Where It's Actually Working From automated interview scheduling to BrightHire's AI-powered feedback tools, Tanya walks through specific efficiency gains that are giving recruiters more time for high-value human work. 32:00 – Getting Feedback from Busy Hiring Managers The real bottleneck in consulting firm recruiting isn't getting managers to show up — it's getting their feedback afterward. How BrightHire is solving that. 34:30 – An Optimist's Take on AI & the Future of Work Tanya closes with her big-picture view on AI — likening it to the early internet — and her direct advice to anyone still on the fence: "F around and find out."

The Conference Board's April 28 release showed that adults under 35 are the only group with rising confidence. If you're looking for some optimism for multifamily, this provides a promising outlook for the sector's vital demographic, even as they balance challenges in the labor market and an uptick in inflation. However, this optimism faces a "white-collar cooling" in the job market driven by AI according to a recent article by The Wall Street Journal. While Q1 private-sector layoffs fell 1% overall, tech-specific cuts surged 40% in Q1 2026 as firms pivoted toward automation. The following details are for all role types, not just tech. Layoffs by the Numbers: AI Restructuring: Meta (8,000 roles) and Snap (16% of staff) are cutting jobs specifically to fund AI infrastructure.High-Earner Impact: Significant April cuts at Nike, Morgan Stanley, and Disney (5,675 combined) target roles spanning technology, marketing, management, and operations. Largest Cuts: The sheer volume of cuts from giants like Oracle (projected 30,000) and UPS (30,000) signals a deep "right-sizing" of corporate operations nationwide. While resilient sentiment among younger renters supports steady renewal rates, the concentration of massive AI-driven layoffs in tech and corporate sectors creates a significant headwind for new-lease absorption. It also casts doubt on a strong surge in the labor market in time to benefit this leasing season for multifamily. Explore our webpage for more insights and resources:https://bit.ly/Radix_Website

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: recently, the University of Michigan released their final consumer sentiment reading for April; The Conference Board released their Consumer Confidence Index; the American Trucking Associations released their March For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index; the Cass Freight Index and the Logistics Managers' Index were also released; PepsiCo's report their 1st Quarter results; 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.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: recently, the University of Michigan released their final consumer sentiment reading for April; The Conference Board released their Consumer Confidence Index; the American Trucking Associations released their March For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index; the Cass Freight Index and the Logistics Managers' Index were also released; PepsiCo's report their 1st Quarter results; 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.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: recently, the University of Michigan released their final consumer sentiment reading for April; The Conference Board released their Consumer Confidence Index; the American Trucking Associations released their March For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index; the Cass Freight Index and the Logistics Managers' Index were also released; PepsiCo's report their 1st Quarter results; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, speaks with Gillian Riley, President of The Conference Board of Canada*, about what business leaders need to know when operating in and with Canada.  They discuss how CEOs are navigating heightened volatility, evolving US-Canada trade tensions, and a shifting economic landscape. The conversation explores Canada's resilience; the need for trade diversification; and the country's opportunities in energy, AI, and global finance. They also examine talent challenges, productivity gaps, and how leaders can build organizational resilience in an increasingly uncertain environment.  More from The Conference Board:   The Conference Board of Canada  Global Economic Outlook  *The Conference Board of Canada and Signal49 Research are separate, unaffiliated entities.

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Diana Scott, leader of the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Robin Erickson, head of human capital research, and Matt Maloof, human capital researcher, to discuss insights from The Reimagined Workplace 2026: Adopting AI Today, Poised for Tomorrow.    They explore how organizations are assessing and accelerating AI maturity, why most remain in early stages of adoption, and what it takes to build AI fluency across the workforce. The conversation also examines the evolving balance between hybrid and onsite work; the growing importance of flexibility in total rewards; and how leaders can address talent, retention, and well-being challenges while reimagining the workplace.    More from The Conference Board:   The Reimagined Workplace 2026: Adopting AI Today, Poised for Tomorrow  CHROs Navigating Uncertainty to Drive Growth  Enhancing Employee Engagement: 5 Often-Forgotten Fundamentals  Off-Site, Out of Mind? Overcoming the Downsides of Hybrid Work 

Steve Odland, CEO of the Conference Board, warns that stagflation risks are rising as geopolitical tensions and high borrowing costs weigh on growth. He explains why GDP may slow toward 1%, consumer confidence remains strained, and corporations are prioritizing cost control over expansion. Odland also discusses how A.I. investment and frozen capital spending are reshaping executive decision‑making amid stalled global trade.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe 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

What if water -- not energy or labor -- becomes your biggest business constraint?    In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, president and CEO of The Conference Board, sits down with Alex Heil, senior economist at The Conference Board, to examine the rising business risks tied to water scarcity.    They discuss how limited freshwater supply, aging infrastructure, and inefficient use are creating new pressures on industries, and why leaders need to factor water risk into strategy and operations.    More from The Conference Board:   A Global Water Crisis—Mitigation and Adaption in a World of Water Shortages  Till the Well Runs Dry: How Companies Can Shore Up Against Global Water Scarcity  Running Dry: The US Southwest Water Crisis  At the Climate Crossroads: US Corporate Commitments 10 Years After Paris Accord  Rising Stakes: Climate Impacts Worsen as World Set to Miss Paris Agreement Goals 

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, managing director, international at The Conference Board, speaks with Robin Maillard, researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, Europe, about where multinationals should hire in today's shifting European labor market. They explore how the Where to Hire Index helps leaders balance skills, cost, productivity, and long-term competitiveness when making strategic workforce decisions. More from The Conference Board: ·         Where to Hire: Europe 2026 ·         Reimagine 2025: Human Capital Leadership in an Era of Disruption ·         Five EU Directives CHROs Must Prepare for in 2025 ·         Navigating Europe's Tight Labor Market ·         Steady Hands in Stormy Seas: Human Capital as the Anchor of Business Resilience

Send us Fan MailEpisode Summary: In this episode of the PIO podcast, Shel Holtz discusses the evolving landscape of organizational communication, emphasizing the importance of storytelling, measurable outcomes, and the integration of emerging technologies like AI. He highlights the unique challenges faced by government communicators, the necessity of crisis preparedness, and the role of internal communications in shaping organizational culture. Holtz also addresses the balance between automation and authenticity, the significance of building trust, and the strategic value of communication in achieving organizational goals.Shel's BIO: BIO:Shel Holtz is senior director of communications at Webcor, a commercial builder in California. He brings nearly 50 years of experience to the job in employee communications, corporate public relations, crisis communications, media relations, financial communications, investor relations, marketing communications, and compensation and benefits communications. Since the mid-1980s, Shel has been focused on the role that emerging digital technologies will play in organizational communication. He has been a thought leader on the application of email, the internet, the web, visual media, social media, chatbots, and other technologies to the practice of communication. Today, he is applying his critical eye to the use of Artificial Intelligence in communication. Before joining Webcor in 2017, he had consulted independently for more than 20 years as principal of Holtz Communication & Technology, working with organizations worldwide to employ technology in their communications. Earlier in his career, Shel was director of corporate communications for Allergan and Mattel, assignments that focused on internal communications, and he also spent time at two global human resources consulting firms in their internal communications practices. His first job in the field of organizational communication was with the energy company ARCO in Los Angeles, where he served as an internal communications representative. He has written six communication-themed books, including the internal communication primer, Corporate Conversations, and is co-host of the first and longest-running communication-focused podcast, “For Immediate Release,” which debuted in early January 2005. Shel has been a regular global speaker on topics related to internal communication and the application of online technology to strategic communication. He is a Fellow of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), a Senior Fellow of the Conference Board's Marketing and Communication Center, and a Founding Research Fellow at the Team Flow Institute. He is a certified Strategic Communication Management Professional and an Accredited Business Communicator. He is currently a member of the Global Communication Certification Council and is set to become Vice Chair with automatic succession to Chair. Shel served six years on IABC's international executive board and is a five-time winner of IABC's Gold Quill award. Support the showOur premiere sponsor, Social News Desk, has an exclusive offer for PIO Podcast listeners. Head over to socialnewsdesk.com/pio to get three months free when a qualifying agency signs up.

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, president and CEO of The Conference Board, sits down with Jennifer Eggers, founder and president of LeaderShift Insights, to explore what it truly takes to succeed at the highest levels of leadership.    They discuss why transitioning to the C-Suite is more challenging than many expect, the mindset shifts required to lead at an enterprise level, and the most common mistakes new executives make. Jennifer shares practical insights on stakeholder management, building influence, and preparing for the complexities of senior leadership.    More from The Conference Board:   What Drives CEO Succession—And Are Boards Ready?  CEO Succession Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500: 2025 Edition  The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence  From Talent Democratization to Differentiation: The CHRO's Next Balancing Act 

Kevin covers the following stories: the U.S. Conference Board released the Consumer Confidence Index; while at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Karin Haumann, Shell's OEM Technical Manager and chairperson of the API team developing the next generation of heavy-duty diesel engine oil standards, stopped by to talk about the rollout set for Jan. 2027; oil and gas prices continue to react to the war in Iran, The Strait of Hormuz threats and mixed diplomatic signals; Kevin has the details, digs through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers the following stories: the U.S. Conference Board released the Consumer Confidence Index; while at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Karin Haumann, Shell's OEM Technical Manager and chairperson of the API team developing the next generation of heavy-duty diesel engine oil standards, stopped by to talk about the rollout set for Jan. 2027; oil and gas prices continue to react to the war in Iran, The Strait of Hormuz threats and mixed diplomatic signals; Kevin has the details, digs through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers the following stories: the U.S. Conference Board released the Consumer Confidence Index; while at the Mid-America Trucking Show, Karin Haumann, Shell's OEM Technical Manager and chairperson of the API team developing the next generation of heavy-duty diesel engine oil standards, stopped by to talk about the rollout set for Jan. 2027; oil and gas prices continue to react to the war in Iran, The Strait of Hormuz threats and mixed diplomatic signals; Kevin has the details, digs through the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Consumer confidence has ticked up slightly but remains low in the face of tariffs, spiking prices and war.    The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® edged up in March to 91.8 (1985=100), from 91.0 in February. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—increased by 4.6 points to 123.3. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—declined by 1.7 points to 70.9.    While not obvious in the headline or its component indexes, the weight of rising costs due to tariff passthrough and spiking oil prices was evident among other measures in the survey like inflation expectations.    Join Yelena Shulyatyeva and guest Allen Li, Associate Economist, The Conference Board, to find out what's behind consumers' current and future expectations.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence  Forecast for the US Economy  Global Economic Outlook 

In this episode, Dana Peterson, leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance (ESF) Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Malala Lin, economic research associate at the ESF Center, about new research on shifting consumer habits. They explore the widespread move toward value seeking, how strategies differ across income groups, and what these changes signal for businesses planning in an uncertain environment.    More from The Conference Board:   Cutting Back and Making Trade-offs: How Consumers Are Managing Food Costs  How Are Consumers Paying for Health Care?  Will E-Wallets and Deferred Payments Overtake Cash and Credit Cards?  Fur Babies: How Are US Consumers Financing Veterinary Care? 

China remains one of the most essential -- and complex -- markets for global companies. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, host Steve Odland sits down with David Hoffman, Senior Advisor and China Center Leader at The Conference Board, to unpack what's really happening on the ground.  Fresh from a three-week visit to Beijing and Shanghai, David shares a nuanced view of a market in transition: slower growth, ongoing real estate challenges, and a policy environment that is becoming less market driven. Yet, despite these headwinds, China continues to offer unmatched scale, a deeply capable supply chain, and increasingly rapid innovation cycles that make it indispensable for companies competing globally.  The conversation also explores the rising strength of Chinese competitors, whose gains in design, quality, and cost are reshaping industries worldwide. Against a backdrop of geopolitical tension and trade frictions, companies are adapting through "China for China" strategies: localizing operations to build resilience while navigating a more fragmented global landscape.  For more from The Conference Board:  All China Center Research  China Economy Watch  China Consumption Quarterly Roundup 

Dr. Matthew Bunson has the latest Church news and we discuss a return to civil rights sanity with Dr. Thomas Powers.

This encore presentation revisits our conversation with Natasha Miller Williams, a speaker and writer who brings data and insight together to advance the conversation about inclusion in the workplace. Together we explore a powerful idea: one person can challenge an established system.We talk about why systems inside organizations often continue long after they stop serving people well, and how leaders at every level can begin shifting them. Natasha introduces the S.E.E.R. approach: See, Expect, Express, Repeat. It offers a practical way to recognize unfair or unbalanced systems, speak up with clarity, and stay committed to change even when resistance appears.We also discuss the responsibility leaders have to create environments where people feel safe sharing perspectives that may be unpopular or overlooked. When leaders listen with empathy and act on what they hear, they strengthen trust and open the door for better decisions.This conversation reminds us that meaningful change often begins with one voice choosing to speak.Key HighlightsOne Voice Can Start Change – We explore how any leader, regardless of title, can challenge systems by speaking up and sharing a perspective that may not yet be represented in the room.Awareness Comes First – We learn why noticing whose voices are heard and whose are missing is the first step toward creating more balanced and inclusive systems.Clarity Drives Better Outcomes – We discuss the importance of knowing the outcome we expect when challenging a system so conversations stay focused on meaningful change.Communication Shapes Influence – We look at how understanding what others value helps us express ideas in ways that increase the chances they will be heard and acted on.Persistence Creates Momentum – We reflect on why challenging systems requires patience, support from others, and the courage to keep going when change takes time.About the Guest:Natasha Miller Williams is a speaker and a writer who brings data and insights together to advance the conversation on inclusion in the workplace. Her career has spanned many aspects of business, but what matters most to Natasha is finding ways to improve how we all relate to each other and the opportunities we can create for everyone.Natasha shares her perspective and research on belonging, self-expression, and organizational resilience at keynotes, panels and workshops. She's been a guest speaker for The Conference Board, Society for Human Resource Management, DiversityInc, DiversityMBA, Human Capital Institute, and many talent, inclusion and performance conferences.She is recognized as one of Crain's Notable DE&I Executives, DiversityMBA Magazine's Top 100 Executive Leaders and Top 100 Women of Influence. Natasha has been featured in several career and lifestyle magazines including Black Enterprise and SharpHeels. She sits on the editorial board for Training Industry Magazine and on the board of directors for the Village of Oak Lawn's Chamber of Commerce.About the Host:Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and consultant. She has over 2 decades of experience developing leaders at all levels. Her clients include Cisco Systems, Deloitte and Barclays.As a trusted leadership coach and consultant, Amy has worked with hundreds of leaders one-on-one, and thousands more as part of a group, to fully step into their leadership, create amazing teams and achieve extraordinary results.Amy's most popular keynote speeches are:The Courage of a Leader: The Power of a Leadership LegacyThe Courage of a Leader: Create a Competitive Advantage with Sustainable, Results-Producing Cross-System CollaborationThe Courage of a Leader: Accelerate Trust with Your Team, Customers and CommunityThe Courage of a Leader: How to Build a Happy and Successful Hybrid TeamHer new book is a #1 international best-seller and is entitled, The Courage of a Leader: How to Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results.www.courageofaleader.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley/Link mentioned in the podcastThe Inspire Your Team assessment (the courage assessment): https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/ Thanks for listening!Thanks so much for listening to The Courage of a Leader podcast! If you got inspired and/or got valuable leadership techniques you can use from this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share using the social media buttons on this page.Do you have questions or feedback about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!Subscribe to the podcastIf you would like to get automatic updates of new The Courage of a Leader podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.Leave us an Apple Podcasts reviewRatings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which helps us ignite The Courage of a Leader in more leaders! Please take a minute and leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.Mentioned in this episode:The Inspire Your Team to Greatness Assessment (The Courage Assessment)https://courageofaleader.com/inspireyourteam/

In this episode, Brian Campbell, leader of the Governance & Sustainability Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Blair Jones and Greg Arnold, managing directors at Semler Brossy, to examine the evolving role of the board in CEO selection and transition. Drawing on recent research, they discuss internal versus external hires, the signaling challenges boards face, and how disciplined succession planning can protect long-term value and organizational resilience.  More from The Conference Board:   CEO Succession Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500: 2025 Edition  CEO Insight Minute: How Are CEO Succession Trends Shifting in 2025?  CEO Succession and Representation of Women in European Companies  CEO Succession Practices in the Russell 3000 and S&P 500: 2024 Edition 

As climate extremes intensify, resilient infrastructure is no longer a future consideration; it is a present-day imperative.  Alex Heil, senior economist at The Conference Board, speaks with Greg Stonehouse, chief strategy officer at HDR, about how infrastructure design is evolving in response to rising climate risk. From transportation and water systems to health care and energy facilities, they explore how resilience is becoming a core design parameter rather than an add-on.  The conversation examines the economics of resilient investment, the growing role of nature-based solutions, advances in data and real-time system controls, and how cross-sector collaboration is reshaping the future of infrastructure.  For more from The Conference Board:  At the Climate Crossroads: US Corporate Commitments 10 Years After Paris Accord  Extreme Impacts: Severe Weather Events Create Growing Risks for US Businesses  Rising Stakes: Climate Impacts Worsen as World Set to Miss Paris Agreement Goals  Window On: The Business Impact of Intensifying Natural Disasters  Flooding Is Getting Worse. What Should Businesses Do? 

Shoot us a Text.Episode #1279: Today we break down CarEdge's new Dealer Transparency Index shaking up pricing accountability, GM's MobileService+ reboot with lower-cost gas crossovers, and a fresh bump in consumer confidence that could signal steadier showroom traffic ahead.CarEdge just launched a new public report card for dealers—and it's aiming straight at pricing transparency. The AI-powered platform unveiled its Dealer Transparency Index, grading over 4,600 U.S. dealerships on how “real and honest” their pricing practices actually are.The Dealer Transparency Index (DTI) scores dealers on a 100-point scale, translating into A–F grades based on real out-the-door quotes.Scores are built from 40,000+ verified OTD quotes using CarEdge's AI negotiation platform. Dealers can't pay to improve their grade.The formula weighs doc fees (30%), add-ons (30%), dealer markups (30%), and quote data quality (10%).CarEdge lists 4,957 dealers in their search. 2,403 are graded A, 306 are graded F.CEO Zach Shefska clarified the mission: “We're not anti-dealer. We're anti-deception…"GM is retooling its MobileService+ strategy after dealers pushed back on the original $150,000 BrightDrop EV vans. Now, gas-powered crossovers are stepping in to power the next phase of at-home service—and dealers say this version actually pencils.Starting Q2, GM will offer upfitted 2026 Chevy Equinox, GMC Terrain and Cadillac XT5 models for mobile service.The move follows the cancellation of BrightDrop 600 production and dealer concerns over cost, size and battery range.Upfront costs are expected to be cut by at least half compared to the $150,000 EV van. Dealers can even self-install the service kit in 6–8 hours.The setup allows stores to remove the equipment and resell the vehicle later—far more flexible than the “one-and-done” BrightDrop approach.MobileService+ Director Chris Hornberger said the new models hit the mark: “This, we feel, is the sweet spot, exactly what the dealers are looking for.”Consumer confidence edged higher in February, snapping a January slide as Americans felt slightly better about jobs and the labor market. While optimism is still well below last year's peak, expectations for the months ahead are starting to firm up.The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index rose 2.2 points to 91.2, beating economist expectations of 87.The labor market differential improved, with more consumers saying jobs are “plentiful” versus “hard to get.”Today's show is brought to you by ESi-Q. ESi-Q measures employee satisfaction and provides actionable insight Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/

Weakness in the labor market and sticky inflation are more important than headline numbers, argues Dana Peterson. She talks about data from the Conference Board signaling an economic slowdown in fourth quarter of last year and the industries it affects the most. Tariff tensions are another factor in the slowdown, says Dana, but makes the case that a strong American consumer will hold the economy up. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Options involve risks and are not suitable for all investors. Before trading, read the Options Disclosure Document. http://bit.ly/2v9tH6DSubscribe 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

Kevin reacts to the State of the Union address and reviews some of the highlights. Kevin also covers the following stories: last Friday the U.S. Commerce Department (CD) reported the 4th Quarter Gross Domestic Product; the CD's Bureau of Economic Analysis released the Personal Consumption Expenditures; the Conference Board reported February Consumer Confidence; Kevin talked about joining Dan Caroll during the previous afternoon on a show to talk about CDL Mills, enforcement of English Language Proficiency requirements and Chameleon Carrier Networks; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Kevin reacts to the State of the Union address and reviews some of the highlights. Kevin also covers the following stories: last Friday the U.S. Commerce Department (CD) reported the 4th Quarter Gross Domestic Product; the CD's Bureau of Economic Analysis released the Personal Consumption Expenditures; the Conference Board reported February Consumer Confidence; Kevin talked about joining Dan Caroll during the previous afternoon on a show to talk about CDL Mills, enforcement of English Language Proficiency requirements and Chameleon Carrier Networks; 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.

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® increased by 2.2 points in February to 91.2 (1985=100), from an upwardly revised 89.0 in January. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—decreased by 1.8 points to 120.0 in February. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—rose by 4.8 points to 72.0.    Join Dana M. Peterson and guest Malala Lin, Economic Research Associate, to find out what's behind consumers' expectations for the future, and where CEOs are focusing their growth efforts this year.    For more from The Conference Board:  US Consumer Confidence  C-Suite Outlook 2026  Forecast for the US Economy  Global Economic Outlook 

Three years into the conflict, the Ukraine war has evolved into a brutal war of attrition—with implications far beyond the battlefield.    The Conference Board CEO Steve Odland and Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, a global affairs consultant most recently with the Council on Foreign Relations and the Committee for Economic Development, discuss the history underpinning the conflict, the realities on the ground, and the economic and political pressures facing both Kyiv and Moscow.     From sanctions and shifting alliances to the possibility of a frozen conflict or negotiated settlement, they explore how the war is reshaping geopolitics—and what may come next.    For more from The Conference Board:   The US Critical Minerals Ministerial and Industrial Policy  Three Years of War in Ukraine – And an Extraordinary Week  US–Ukraine Negotiations and Possible Ceasefire  Global Grey Swans Tool 

Kevin covers the following stories: the Labor Department reported the U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims; some highlights in the minutes from the recent Federal Reserve meeting; the Conference Board, a research group, reported the Leading Economic Index; a story from The Wall Street Journal, pointed to a number of companies announcing price increases, hint, the reason is not what you have been led to believe; Kevin has the data, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.

Kevin covers the following stories: the Labor Department reported the U.S. Weekly Jobless Claims; some highlights in the minutes from the recent Federal Reserve meeting; the Conference Board, a research group, reported the Leading Economic Index; a story from The Wall Street Journal, pointed to a number of companies announcing price increases, hint, the reason is not what you have been led to believe; Kevin has the data, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and opinions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Weekly Witness is back with a new look and a new sound, as well as new content. The Texas Impact team recognizes that this is a unique moment in history, and we believe it is especially important for people of faith to lead and engage. So, we want to use the podcast to highlight faith voices who are leading in the areas of justice and advocacy. We want to give them a platform to inform, inspire and motivate us in the long journey that lies ahead as we prepare for elections and the Texas Legislature returning to Austin next January. And, who better to kick off this new season of Weekly Witness than Rev. Phil Dieke? Phil is an ordained deacon in the Horizon Texas Conference, where he serves as Chair of the Conference Board of Church and Society. He also works in an advisory capacity with the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. He serves many other great causes, including at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with the 787 Collective and Houses of Hope, as well as president of Texas Impact's board. When most people think of Phil, they immediately think of his commitment to justice and equity—and maybe his fantastic hair. Scott had a chance to talk with Phil about the current political realities we are facing in the United States and how faith leaders and people of faith are called to respond in this moment. Phil talks about people who inspire him, who he takes his cues from (an answer that might include some familiar names), and what it looks like to faithfully live out our call to be co-creators of a world that is more loving and just. Check out the new and improved Weekly Witness and let us know what you think.       Weekly Witness is hosted by Scott Atnip and engineered and produced by David Vassallo. Our executive producer is Bee Moorhead. Theme music by Kimberly Zielnicki, Hayden Havard and Andres Garcia-Bonilla. The opinions expressed on Weekly Witness are those of Texas Impact and our guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Weekly Witness is a product of Texas Impact. Visit us online at texasimpact.org.

Weekly Witness is back with a new look and a new sound, as well as new content. The Texas Impact team recognizes that this is a unique moment in history, and we believe it is especially important for people of faith to lead and engage. So, we want to use the podcast to highlight faith voices who are leading in the areas of justice and advocacy. We want to give them a platform to inform, inspire and motivate us in the long journey that lies ahead as we prepare for elections and the Texas Legislature returning to Austin next January.  And, who better to kick off this new season of Weekly Witness than Rev. Phil Dieke? Phil is an ordained deacon in the Horizon Texas Conference, where he serves as Chair of the Conference Board of Church and Society. He also works in an advisory capacity with the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church. He serves many other great causes, including at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary with the 787 Collective and Houses of Hope, as well as president of Texas Impact's board. When most people think of Phil, they immediately think of his commitment to justice and equity—and maybe his fantastic hair.  Scott had a chance to talk with Phil about the current political realities we are facing in the United States and how faith leaders and people of faith are called to respond in this moment. Phil talks about people who inspire him, who he takes his cues from (an answer that might include some familiar names), and what it looks like to faithfully live out our call to be co-creators of a world that is more loving and just. Check out the new and improved Weekly Witness and let us know what you think.   Weekly Witness is hosted by Scott Atnip and engineered and produced by David Vassallo. Our executive producer is Bee Moorhead. Theme music by Kimberly Zielnicki, Hayden Havard and Andres Garcia-Bonilla. The opinions expressed on Weekly Witness are those of Texas Impact and our guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views of our sponsors. Weekly Witness is a product of Texas Impact. Visit us online at texasimpact.org. Get full access to Texas Impact at texasimpact.substack.com/subscribe

After cutting 14,000 jobs back in October and denying there were more of them coming, Amazon confirmed yesterday there will be another 16,000 layoffs and made comments suggesting the company won't be done even after then. These job cuts will only add to the worsening anxiety among American workers, who reminded everyone of those deep concerns in the latest plunge in consumer confidence. According to the most optimistic measure for it, from the Conference Board, confidence crashed to its lowest level in over a decade.  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---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------CNBC Amazon laying off about 16,000 corporate workers in latest anti-bureaucracy pushhttps://www.cnbc.com/2026/01/28/amazon-layoffs-anti-bureaucracy-ai.htmlInternal messages reveal which teams, jobs affected in Amazon layoffshttps://www.businessinsider.com/internal-messages-teams-jobs-affected-amazon-layoffs-2026-1CB US Consumer Confidence Fell Sharply in Januaryhttps://www.conference-board.org/topics/consumer-confidence/https://www.eurodollar.universityTwitter: https://twitter.com/JeffSnider_EDU