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C-Suite Perspectives

C-Suite Perspectives

Hosted by The Conference Board

BusinessNewsInterviews guests

Episodes

100

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Welcome to C-Suite Perspectives, a podcast series by The Conference Board. Hosted by our President & CEO, Steve Odland, this weekly conversation will take an objective, data-driven look at a range of business topics aimed at executives. Listeners will come away with what The Conference Board does best: insights for what's ahead™.

Listen to episodes

60 recent
August 10, 2026Episode 39121 min

How E4E Relief Builds Workforce Resilience

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

August 6, 2026Episode 39032 min

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

August 3, 2026Episode 38927 min

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

July 28, 2026Episode 38821 min

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

July 27, 2026Episode 38728 min

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. Transcation Strategy Practive 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

July 23, 2026Episode 38621 min

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

July 20, 2026Episode 38527 min

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

July 16, 2026Episode 38427 min

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

July 13, 2026Episode 38330 min

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

July 9, 2026Episode 38232 min

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

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