C-Suite Perspectives
C-Suite Perspectives is a weekly podcast series by The Conference Board, hosted by President & CEO Steve Odland. It offers an objective, data-driven look at business topics aimed at executives, providing insights for what's ahead.
Episodes
How Solar and Battery Storage Can Meet Rising US Power Demand
After two decades of relatively flat US electricity consumption, power demand is growing again as AI, data centers, and advanced manufacturing expand. Solar and battery storage can add capacity relatively quickly and economically—but lengthy development and grid-interconnection processes could prevent new power from coming online fast enough. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young,
How NetApp CEO George Kurian Turns Disruption into Opportunity
An established company can be profitable and still lose its place in the future. Avoiding that fate requires treating disruption as an opportunity, preserving what remains valuable, and renewing the organization for the next era. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, speaks with George Kurian, CEO of NetApp and a recipient of t
Why the Best CEOs Act as Catalysts, Not Commanders
No CEO can personally master every technological, geopolitical, and economic challenge confronting a modern organization. The leadership advantage now comes from building a system that draws on the knowledge of the entire team—and enables the business to keep transforming without depending on one person for every answer. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of
Salary Budgets Are Flat—But Jobs and Skills Are Changing Fast
US salary increase budgets are projected to remain at 3.5% in 2027, unchanged from 2026. But stability in the headline number does not mean the workforce—or the way companies allocate compensation—is standing still. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, speaks with Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, abo
How Better Boards Navigate Disruption and Transformation
Strategic errors rarely begin as obviously bad decisions but emerge when a strategy outlives the assumptions on which it was built—and leaders fail to recognize that disruptions or transformations have changed the game. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, speaks with Vincent Giolito, Professor of Strategy and Organizat
State of the Economy for September 2026: Consumer Confidence Takes a Tumble
US Consumer Confidence fell to 81.9 in September, marking a third consecutive monthly decline. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, The Conference Board's Eric Lundh and Allen Li examine what is driving greater consumer caution — from financial well-being and inflation concerns to signs of softer discretionary spending. They also discuss The Conference Board's latest global economic forecast:
Leading for the Next Generation: Graybar CEO Kathy Mazzarella
What changes when employees are not only part of a company but its owners? At Graybar, employee ownership has fostered a long-term approach to leadership—one that places trust, resilience, shared accountability, and responsibility to future generations alongside financial performance. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, speak
Why Empathy Is a CEO's Strategic Advantage: Terumo CEO Antoinette Gawin
Leading a global organization does not mean making every decision yourself. It means creating enough strategic clarity for people to act, understanding the context behind difficult choices, and knowing when to step in—or step back. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Antoinette Gawin, President and CEO of Terumo Bl
Why AI Alone Won't Fix Health Care Staffing: Covista CEO Steve Beard
The US has no shortage of people who want careers in health care—or employers eager to hire them. Yet tens of thousands of qualified nursing and medical-school applicants are turned away each year, revealing a constrained pipeline with too few classroom seats, faculty members, and clinical placements to train the workforce the country needs. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young
From Vinyl to AI: What the Music Industry Teaches Business About Disruption
Few industries have survived as many waves of disruption as music—from vinyl and MTV to streaming, AI, and now virtual artists. The performers who endure do more than react: they anticipate the next curve, reinvent without losing their identity, and keep experimenting before a crisis forces them to change. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International
How AI Is Changing Health Care - from Diagnosis to Discharge
Health care systems face a widening capacity challenge: an aging population and rising rates of chronic illness are increasing demand for care, while persistent workforce shortages limit how many patients clinicians can serve. AI could help close that gap—not by replacing health care workers but by reducing administrative burdens, improving workflows, and enabling the existing workforce to deliver
How CEOs Lead Through Uncertainty: Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck
Leadership does not get easier—leaders get better at doing hard things. For Kristin Peck, navigating uncertainty requires discipline, a growth mindset, and the mental resilience to move forward without having all the answers. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center of The Conference Board, is joined by Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, to explore how she leads
Can Climate Goals Survive the AI Energy Boom?
The era of corporate climate pledges is giving way to the harder work of execution. As 2030 deadlines approach and AI drives demand for energy and infrastructure, companies are confronting difficult questions about which emissions they can control, what they can afford, and how their goals may need to evolve. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Confere
How AI Is Reshaping the Future of Employee Reward
Reward is moving out of the HR back office and into the heart of business strategy. From improving frontline productivity to navigating AI and pay transparency, decisions about how employees are rewarded increasingly shape organizational performance, workforce trust, and a company's ability to compete. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at T
Is Your Workplace Culture Ready for AI?
A strong culture can help an organization navigate disruption—but the same beliefs and behaviors that drove success in the past can become barriers when the world changes. With AI accelerating uncertainty, how can leaders tell whether their culture is helping their organization adapt or holding it back? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Boar
September Fed Rate Hike? The Inflation Data That Will Decide
Could the Federal Reserve raise interest rates in September? Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist for The Conference Board, analyzes Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's latest remarks and discusses with Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist for The Conference Board, why markets interpreted Warsh's message as increasingly hawkish. Shulyatyeva examines what Warsh revealed about the Fed's approach to inflatio
From Small Bank to Regional Powerhouse: FNB's Playbook
FNB grew from a small bank into a major regional institution without abandoning the culture, communities, or risk discipline that helped make its expansion possible. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Vincent Delie Jr., Chairman, President, and CEO of FNB Corporation and First National Bank, and a 2026 Distinguishe
State of the Economy for August 2026
Consumer confidence edged lower in August as expectations weakened, even as consumers' assessment of current conditions improved. Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist, The Conference Board and Allen Li, Associate Economist, The Conference Board examine what the latest data reveal about jobs, inflation, and recession concerns. They also preview Jackson Hole and discuss what Fed Chair Kevin Wa
Why Prediction Markets Matter for Business Intelligence
Organizations have long relied on surveys, forecasts, and expert analysis to anticipate future risks and opportunities. Could prediction markets offer business leaders a new—and in some cases more accurate—way to forecast economic conditions, manage risk, and improve decision making? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by PJ T
How to Build the AI Skills Your Business Really Needs
Organizations are racing to prepare their people for AI—but many may already be training them for yesterday's technology. As AI advances, knowing how to prompt a chatbot isn't enough. The bigger challenge is building the business acumen, adaptability, and organizational capabilities employees will need to put AI to work effectively. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Diana Scott, Human Capit
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 Cap
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
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 implic
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 exa
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-o
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 co
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 25
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 circularit
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,
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 respon
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 researche
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 d
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, di
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-bas
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, an
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 America
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
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
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 th
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 finan
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 d
America at 250: How Can We Move Past Political Deadlock?
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
Building Investor Trust Through Sustainable Finance
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes-Jorge, sustainability communications expert and guest host, speaks with Tashmeem Muntazir Chowdhury, senior vice president and head of ESG and sustainable finance at BRAC Bank, about the changing landscape of sustainable finance and the growing expectations of ESG investors. They discuss why sustainability is becoming a business imperative ra
How Solomon Partners Views the Deal Landscape
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
How Economic Security Is Reshaping Asia Trade
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 growi
The State of the Economy for May 2026
The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® dipped 0.7 points to 93.1 in May, down from an upwardly revised 93.8 in April, continuing a downward trend for consumer confidence since late 2024. The Present Situation Index—based on consumers' assessment of current business and labor market conditions—retreated by 3.2 points to 121.2. The Expectations Index—based on consumers' short-term outloo
How Merck Uses AI to Improve Clinical Research
Generative AI and other technologies are transforming clinical research and trials. Find out how it's done. The clinical trials sector is risk-averse, heavily regulated, and not often thought of as a technology first-mover. How is Merck changing that perception by using AI to improve insights, innovation, and operations? Join Steve Odland and guest Jennifer Sheller, senior vice pr
Measuring Sustainability ROI in an Era of Risk & Resilience
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes-Jorge, sustainability communications expert and guest host, speaks with Fabienne Crisovan, group head of governance, ESG legal, and corporate law at Zurich Insurance Group, about how companies can measure the return on investment of sustainability initiatives through the lens of risk, resilience, and long-term value creation. They discuss why
IBM's Legal Chief on What Successful AI Strategy Looks Like
IBM's chief legal officer explains how governance drives AI success through trust, transparency, and employee adoption. Enterprises are learning that employees won't use AI if they don't trust it. How can the right governance policies help companies improve AI adoption while also increasing innovation? Join Steve Odland and guest Anne Robinson, senior vice president and chief legal officer at
What Employers Need to Know About the EU's Pay Transparency Law
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 AI Is Transforming Performance Systems at Microsoft
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?
How Sustainability Can Drive Real Business Results
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 sustainab
AI Is Scaling Fast—How Companies Can Manage Risk
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
Turning Sustainability into a Competitive Advantage
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes-Jorge, Sustainability Communications Expert and guest host, speaks with Manali Paranjpe, Program Director of the Governance & Sustainability Center at The Conference Board Europe, about how sustainability is being integrated into European businesses' corporate strategy. They explore a range of insights from C-suite leaders, including on recen
The State of the Economy for April 2026
Consumer confidence has ticked up slightly from March but remains low, and the global economic outlook has been downgraded for a second time. The growing impact of tariffs, inflation and ongoing war is extending to consumers' expectations for their incomes, job prospects and overall confidence in the economy. The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® edged up by 0.6 points to 92.8 (
Inside Canada: What Business Leaders Are Seeing Right Now
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 ex
The Global Impact of Middle East Tensions
What does the ongoing conflict in the Middle East mean for European markets? Join Sara Murray and Alejandro Fiorito as they unpack the latest developments and economic implications.
How Leaders Can Close the AI Readiness Gap
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
What's Next for ESG Legislation in Europe?
Join Bárbara Mendes-Jorge and guest Radhika Ralhan, an ESG and sustainability global impact leader and a guest lecturer at the Maastricht School of Management, to find out how the EU compares with India and the US, why she's excited about the Circular Economy Act, and why younger generations are unafraid to question a company's commitment to sustainability. For more from The Conference B
"The Water Is Not Going to Be There:" A Risk for Business
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 ineffi
Where to Hire in Europe in a Changing Market
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 c
What Does it Really Take to Succeed in the C-Suite?
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
The State of the Economy for March 2026
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 co
Consumer Spending on Food Signals Deeper Economic Pressures
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
China for China: How MNCs Are Rewriting Their Playbooks
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 transiti
What Drives CEO Succession Today—And Are Boards Ready?
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 success
Climate Risk Is Rising. Is Our Infrastructure Ready?
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, th
What Makes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work?
New global data reveals strong employee support for diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI)—but also a widening gap between how leaders view progress and how workers experience it. Allan Schweyer, principal researcher in the Human Capital Center, speaks with Marion Devine, principal researcher, Human Capital Europe, and Matthew Maloof, researcher, Human Capital Center, about findings from a s
The State of the Economy for February 2026
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
Ukraine War: Are We Headed for a Frozen Conflict—or a Bigger War?
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
How AI Is Reshaping Corporate Sustainability
Learn why companies need to understand AI's promise and potential drawbacks for environmental sustainability. More than 60% of companies are using AI to support or advance environmental sustainability. What are the use cases they're exploring, and how can businesses also guard against the environmental risks of AI? Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, PhD, principal researche
What's Next for CEO and Executive Compensation?
Find out what's new in CEO and executive compensation, including say-on-pay practices and SEC regulations. CEO pay in the S&P 500 increased 7% year-over-year in 2025, with stock awards as the largest driver. What are the latest trends in CEO and executive compensation for governance teams and boards to consider? Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Etra, managing director and head of
What Could the Fed Look Like Under Kevin Warsh?
Find out what Kevin Warsh's nomination for Fed chair means for interest rates—and the potential Senate battle ahead. Kevin Warsh has been known as an inflation hawk. Will that change if he is confirmed as Federal Reserve chair, and what could that mean for the economy? Join Yelena Shulyatyeva and guest John Gardner, head of public policy and research at the Committee for Economic
Why 2026 Will Be the Year of Agentic Commerce
Learn what C-Suite Outlook 2026 reveals for marketing and communications executives as organizations prepare for the rise of A-Commerce (Agentic Commerce)—a new model of commerce driven by autonomous, AI-powered agents. CEOs and CMOs agree: boosting profitability through business model change is a top priority in 2026, according to The Conference Board C-Suite Outlook 2026 survey. But how should
Why Skills, Not Headcount, Matter Most to HR in 2026
Finding skilled talent remains difficult. Find out how CEOs and CHROs plan to develop their workforce this year. Nearly 37% of CEOs say finding qualified workers is a challenge, according to the C-Suite Outlook 2026 survey by The Conference Board. How have labor challenges evolved since the Great Resignation, and what can CEOs do to attract and keep skilled talent in 2026? Join St
The State of the Economy for January 2026
Consumer confidence has plummeted. What does it mean for the economy? The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® fell sharply in January, from 94.2 in December to 84.5. Consumers' assessment of both current business and labor market conditions, and their short-term outlook of the same, fell by 9.9 and 9.5 points, respectively, to 65.1, well below the threshold of 80 that typically si
Governance Is Changing. Find Out What's on Deck for 2026
Find out how governance and sustainability are evolving, including what's next for ESG. Change is coming for governance leaders, whether it's the evolution of ESG, the risks around AI, or an increased focus on strategic execution. How can these executives adapt in this rapidly changing and uncertain environment? Join Steve Odland and guest Brian Campbell, leader of the US Governan
Control Risk's Lessons on Keeping Your Executives Safe
CEOs are increasingly at risk, both physically and digitally. Find out what's new in corporate risk preparedness. The killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in 2024 has forced companies to rethink their executive security posture, both in terms of physical and digital security. How can companies and boards assess their security readiness? Join Steve Odland and guest Bill U
C-Suite Outlook 2026: Top Priorities for CEOs
Our latest C-Suite Outlook reveals CEOs' biggest concerns—and why they're measuring the ROI of AI. US CEOs rank economic and geopolitical uncertainty as top risk factors for 2026, according to the C-Suite Outlook 2026 survey from The Conference Board. How can CEOs overcome the lack of policy certainty while making investments that lead to long-term success? Join Steve Odland and g
C-Suite Outlook 2026: Where CEOs Plan to Invest This Year
Find out how CEOs are planning to win this year amid a world of uncertainty. As 2026 begins, CEOs are worried about uncertainty — in the economy, geopolitics, trade policy, supply chains, and more. What does the C-Suite Outlook 2026 survey tell us about how CEOs plan to grow and invest despite the headwinds? Join Steve Odland and guest Dana M. Peterson, chief economist at The Conf
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