C-Suite Perspectives

America at 250: Can Americans Still Compromise?

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

How a Super El Niño Could Test Business Resilience

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 State of the Economy for July 2026

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

Doing a Carve-Out? Steve Sapletal from KPMG Explains How

2026 is being called "the year of the carve-out." Why are carve-outs so popular right now, and what makes such deals successful? Join Steve Odland and guest Steve Sapletal, Principal, U.S. Transaction Strategy Practice Leader, KPMG, US, to learn about how to conduct successful carve-outs, why stranded costs can be an overlooked concern, and why you need a business continuity plan as the carve-out is underway. For more from The Conference Board: · From Strategy to Value: Building a Proactive Approach to Divestment & Carve Outs · 2026 M&A Summit - San Francisco · Mergers & Acquisitions Executives Council

Beyond AI Pilots: Building Future-Ready Companies

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

America at 250: What's Next for Civic Responsibility

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

More Life, Smarter Use: Lessons from Hitachi Energy

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

America at 250: Compromise for the Common Good

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

Can Policymakers Stay Ahead of Global Risks?

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

How Effective Are Today's Boards? We Have the Data

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

How Circular Innovation Creates a Competitive Edge

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

The State of the Economy for June 2026

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

How DuPont Gets Strategic About Its Carbon Footprint

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

• Transcript

What Consumer Confidence Reveals About Europe's Recovery

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by Matei Farcas and Konstantinos Panitsas of The Conference Board Europe to analyze the latest Consumer Confidence Index findings for the Euro Area. Together, they discuss the factors shaping consumer sentiment; explore how inflation expectations, labor market concerns, and geopolitical developments are influencing household behavior; and consider what business leaders should watch as they navigate a more cautious consumer environment. More from The Conference Board: Euro Area Consumer Confidence Stabilized in Early 2026 but Remains Weak European Consumer Confidence database 2 Years Below Neutral: European CEO Confidence Falls as Outlook Deteriorates Where to Hire: Europe 2026

America at 250: How Higher Ed Can Cultivate Citizenship

As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, there are questions about the future of leadership, citizenship, and civic life in a country that seems increasingly polarized. How can higher education develop young people to be the citizens and leaders we need? Join David Young and guest Katherine A. Rowe, president, William & Mary, to learn about the university's role in educating American founders, why students should develop civic leadership skills, and how William & Mary encourages better arguments. For more from The Conference Board: 250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future America at 250: How Can We Move Past Political Deadlock? A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation

• Transcript

Tariff Refunds: What Role Should Comms Leaders Play?

This episode was recorded on June 15 as part of the Policy Talks series hosted by The Conference Board. Up to 330,000 companies could receive tariff refunds because of the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a swath of tariffs. How can communication leaders tell a story about the tariff refunds that builds trust across stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors? Join Ivan Pollard and guests Davy Young, president of The CEO Center, John Gardner, head of public policy and research at The CEO Center, and Denise Dahlhoff, head of research at the Marketing & Communications Center at The Conference Board. They discuss why the court battles over tariff refunds aren't fully resolved, why new tariffs are likely to be issued, and why communications has become a central, collaborative function across the enterprise. For more from The Conference Board: The Tariff Refund Process Intersections: Communications + Government Relations CCOs Have a Seat at the Table. Now What?

• Transcript

What Can We Learn from Kevin Warsh's First Fed Meeting?

The Federal Reserve held its first meeting Wednesday since Kevin Warsh succeeded Jerome Powell as chair. What can we learn from Warsh's statements and the Fed's unanimous decision to leave rates unchanged? Join Dana M. Peterson and guest Yelena Shulyatyeva, senior US economist at The Conference Board, to hear about the potential impact of Warsh's task forces, why we're likely to see less Fed communication, and whether the Fed will prioritize inflation over the labor market. For more from The Conference Board: FOMC Decision: There's a Task Force for That June FOMC Preview: Meet the Warsh Fed: Rates on Hold, Communication in Focus What Could the Fed Look Like Under Kevin Warsh?

• Transcript

Modernizing Board Governance for Today's Risk Environment

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes-Jorge, Sustainability Communications Expert and guest host, speaks with Susan Stenson, Founder of Sustainable Boards on the gap between boards that function and boards that truly perform. They examine how boards can prepare for geopolitical disruption, emerging technology risks, and an increasingly complex operating environment; discuss the role of scenario planning and governance in effective oversight; and highlight the conversations boards need to have before a crisis emerges. More from The Conference Board: Board Effectiveness 2026: A Survey of the C-Suite From Principles to Practice: Governing AI in the Corporation AI Policies and Regulation in the EU: What Companies Need to Know What Drives CEO Succession Today—And Are Boards Ready?

How CHROs Create People-First, Performance-Driven Companies

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)

Europe's CEOs on Economic Outlook, Business Prospects, and Risks

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