IR in Focus

Hosted by S&P Global Market Intelligence

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Oct 2025

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About the show

IR in Focus is a monthly podcast series intended to illuminate emerging, evergreen, and exceptional challenges faced by corporate issuers, asset managers and IR professionals. The podcast offers commentary, analysis and dialogue in a conversational and accessible style with actionable insights to advance strategic decision-making in fluctuating markets.

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27 recent

October 16, 2025Episode 627 min

Navigating Investor Activism: Strategies for Corporate Leaders

In this episode of IR in Focus, host Carmen Lilly dives deep into the dynamic world of investor activism with expert John Karageorge, Executive Director at S&P Global who leads our Activist Defense Surveillance Group. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of activist campaigns, discussing trends, strategies for engagement, and the importance of proactive shareholder communication. John shares valuable insights on how companies can prepare for potential activist pressures and the collaborative approaches that are reshaping the activism playbook. Tune in for a comprehensive look at how corporations can navigate the complexities of investor activism in today's market.

August 19, 2025Episode 527 min

Retail Investors: Understanding Investment Patterns and Engagement Strategies

Welcome to another episode of "IR in Focus" with your host, Carmen Lilly. In this episode we're diving deep into the evolving world of retail investment behavior and engagement strategies. Joining us is Tom Bruni, the Editor in Chief and VP of Community at Stocktwits, the largest social media platform for retail investors. In this episode, we explore how retail investors have transformed from mere participants during the meme stock craze to a formidable force in the market. Tom shares insights on the impact of platforms like Robinhood, the importance of real-time sentiment analysis, and how investor relations teams can effectively engage with this dynamic audience. More S&P Global Content: It All Starts With Data Webinar: The Expanding Reach of Investor Relations To learn more about Stocktwits and its suite of IR offerings, email advertising@stocktwits.com Credits: · Host/Author: Carmen Lilly · Guest: Tom Bruni · Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

June 5, 2025Episode 430 min

Empowering Investor Relations: Lessons from Jennifer Como at Visa

Welcome to this insightful exploration of Investor Relations through the lens of Jennifer Como, the head of IR at Visa. In this engaging discussion, we delve into the multifaceted world of IR, where finance, communication, and strategy converge to shape corporate narratives and foster investor engagement. Jennifer shares her unique career journey, the challenges and rewards of leading IR at a globally recognized company, and the pivotal role that effective communication plays in navigating the dynamic landscape of global commerce. Join us as we uncover the essential skills and strategies that define successful Investor Relations. More S&P Global Content: It All Starts With Data Webinar: The Expanding Reach of Investor Relations Credits: · Host/Author: Carmen Lilly · Guest: Jennifer Como · Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

May 30, 2025Episode 324 min

Beauty and Business: Kiley Rawlins on Ulta's Investor Relations Strategy

In this episode of "IR in Focus," host Carmen Lilly welcomes Kiley Rawlins, Senior Vice President of Investor Relations at Ulta Beauty. The discussion explores the intersection of investor relations, corporate strategy, and messaging, particularly in the dynamic beauty retail market. More S&P Global Content: It All Starts With Data Webinar: The Expanding Reach of Investor Relations S&P Global Research and Insights: Trade Tensions Credits: · Host/Author: Carmen Lilly · Guest: Kiley Rawlins · Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

April 22, 2025Episode 227 min

Navigating Corporate Governance: Insights on Board Effectiveness and Leadership Diversity

In this episode of "IR in Focus," host Carmen Lilly engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Nithya Das, GM of the governance business and chief legal officer at Diligent. Together they explore the evolving relationship between corporate boards and C-suite executives and key themes, including the shifting priorities for boards in 2025, such as focusing on growth opportunities, CEO succession planning, and navigating geopolitical risks. This episode underscores the critical role of effective governance in shaping corporate strategy and fostering inclusive leadership. More S&P Global and Diligent Content: · Market Insights Reporting, powered by S&P Global Market Intelligence · Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Corporate Governance: Key Insights from Our Recent Webinar with Diligent · S&P Global Research and Insights: Trade Tensions Credits: Host/Author: Carmen Lilly Guest: Nithya Das Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

February 10, 2025Episode 135 min

AI Landscape for IR Professionals in 2025

AI is evolving, how is your corporation preparing? In this episode of IR in Focus, host Carmen Lilly is joined by Eric Hanselman, Chief Analyst, Data and Research for S&P Global Market Intelligence. Tune in to discover emerging themes in AI and recommendations for corporations to navigate this rapidly evolving landscape. More S&P Global Content: S&P Issuer & IR Solutions Next in Tech: Ep. 203 NRF conference shows AI challenges and rewards The 2025 Generative AI Outlook Credits: Host/Author: Carmen Lilly Guest: Eric Hanselman Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence

January 15, 2025Episode 932 min

Insights Into The Economics of Labor for Corporations

In this episode of IR in Focus, host Carmen Lilly is joined by Ph. D. Economist and Independent Economic Policy Consultant Economist Kathryn Edwards. From emerging trends and themes, to practical tips on managing your workforce, listen in to hear an insightful discussion on the economics of labor and what corporations should prepare for in 2025. More S&P Global Content: S&P Issuer & IR Solutions Research and Publications by Kathryn Edwards S&P Economic Research Credits: Host/Author: Carmen Lilly Guest: Kathryn Edwards Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence

November 14, 2024Episode 826 min

Best Practices For Managing Investor Communication, Feedback Cycle and Engagement

In this episode of IR in Focus, host Carmen Lilly and special guest Michaella Gallina explore best practices and approaches to investor communication. Listen in for a lively discussion on how to align messaging with a corporation's long-term vision, tips on how to manage shareholder and C-Suite expectations and how to adapt in a constantly changing financial landscape. More S&P Global Content: IR & Issuer Solutions Credits: Host/Author: Carmen Lilly Guest: Michaella Gallina Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence

September 30, 2024Episode 721 min

Managing Broker Relationships And Fine-Tuning Investor Messaging

In this episode of IR in Focus, host Carmen Lilly sits down with Melissa Otto, Head of TMT research at Visible Alpha, to discuss the evolving landscape of broker relationships, managing investor communications, and maintaining consistent messaging in the world of investor relations. More S&P Global Content: IR & Issuer Solutions Webinar Replay: From Noise to Knowledge: Mastering Earnings Season and Looking Ahead to 2025. Excel in navigating the complexities of the upcoming earnings season, where our expert panel will analyze recent results and provide strategies for transforming data into actionable insights for 2025. Visible Alpha is a part of S&P Global, creating a premium offering of fundamental investment research capabilities with S&P Global Market Intelligence's Capital IQ Pro platform. Visible Alpha's deep, granular consensus and broker estimates data complements Capital IQ's broad estimates solution. The combination of our businesses allows us to offer an incredibly comprehensive platform for financial analysis, and our goal remains the same: to help you make more informed decisions while saving time and increasing efficiency. Credits: Host/Author: Carmen Lilly Guest: Melissa Otto Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence

August 28, 2024Episode 623 min

Keys To Successful Virtual And Hybrid Investor Events

In this episode, host Carmen Lilly is joined by the CMO of GlobalMeet, Trent Waterhouse, to dive into the evolving landscape of virtual events in investor relations. We explore trends and themes in virtual event hosting, address challenges faced by companies in planning, coordination and execution, and how data analytics have become essential to measuring success. The conversation also touches on future trends and the impact of emerging technologies on investor communications. Tune in for insights on the future of virtual and hybrid investor relations events. More S&P Global Content: IR & Issuer Solutions Generative AI Solutions About GlobalMeet: GlobalMeet empowers IR programs to design and execute polished investor calls with silky-smooth, high-definition video and audio. With fewer distractions and more control over your meeting, you can rest assured that your message comes across crystal clear to those listening on the other side. Credits: Host/Author: Carmen Lilly Guest: Trent Waterhouse Producer: Carmen Lilly www.spglobal.com www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence