C-Suite Perspectives (The Conference Board)

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Frank Meuers, a retired teacher, joins The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss his personal experience as a member of the Silent Generation. Tune in to find out:

• Why are they called “silent”?
• How are the silent generation similar to other generations, and how are they different?
• Why were they optimistic after WWII, and how did they stand up for civil rights?
• How do they view other generations?

The days of viewing ESG as a separate compliance function are gone. CEOs are recognizing that sustainability directly impacts a company's long-term success—and they’re moving toward embedding ESG into core business strategy. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director, Environmental, Social and Governance Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the evolution of the CEO’s role and why CEOs should take the “helm” of ESG strategy. 

Tune in to find out:  

· What has shifted in today’s ESG landscape, and what are the key trends? 

· Why does current business environment involve a more comprehensive approach to ESG that balances multiple stakeholders' interests, including customers, employees, suppliers, and the broader community? 

· What’s involved in taking a proactive approach to ESG, rather than a reactive one? 

· How can CEOs look beyond compliance to capture business opportunities?  

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:  

Read: CEOs at the Helm of ESG: Leading the Sustainability Transformation 

Read: Building a Sustainability Culture 

Access: Sustainability Disclosure Practices 

What’s top of mind for world leaders, and do their priorities sync with what CEOs are thinking?  In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, The Conference Board, to report on the insights from Davos forum and how those dovetail with CEO views from our latest research.  

Tune in to find out:  

·       How are world leaders thinking about the rise of generative AI and what are their concerns?    ·       How are structural changes in the global economy, such as aging labor markets and deglobalization, affecting inflation rates and risk of recession worldwide?  

·       What geopolitical risks could disrupt global trade and economic stability, and how might they be navigated? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM:   

Read: Policy Backgrounder: Insights from Davos   

Read: C-Suite Outlook: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption  

Read: 2024 Policy Priorities 

Listen: What Are CEOs’ Top Priorities for 2024? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dominique Shelton Leipzig, Partner at Mayer Brown, joined Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). The conversation focused on the European Union AI Act, including its implications for companies, the precedent it will set for AI legislation around the world, and steps companies can start taking now so they stay ahead of the curve. Tune in to find out:

• What are the main components of the EU AI Act? What aspects of AI usage will it regulate?
• The EU AI Act will set a global standard. What can businesses do now to future-proof their organizations?
• What role will companies’ boards play in managing AI?
• What are the similarities and differences between the EU AI Act and other legislation across the world?
• How can legislation regulate AI without stifling innovation?
• What lessons can the US learn from its response to the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland speaks with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board (CED). The conversation centered around CED’s insights and recommendations for the US to attain its goal of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Tune in to find out:

• What are the necessary investments for achieving a decarbonized economy by 2050?
• What are the potential economic opportunities of achieving carbon neutrality? Alternatively, what are the consequences of not reaching this target?
• What steps can the public and private sectors take—both separately and in collaboration—to achieve net-zero emissions?
• What should be the top priority of the US when it comes to the energy transition?
• What role should nuclear power play in the energy transition?

For the third straight month, the Consumer Confidence Index^® has fallen, but while consumers mention the ongoing headache of elevated food and energy prices, they’re not expecting a recession. Can the US meet its projected GDP growth for the year in an uncertain economic and geopolitical environment?

Join Senior Economist Erin McLaughlin and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out how reduced spending on big-ticket items, ongoing tensions in the Middle East, and bird flu are affecting the global economy. 

Following two years of gloom, CEOs are cautiously optimistic: results from The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ mark the second consecutive quarter in which the Measure is above 50, reflecting more positive than negative responses. 

 Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, to find out the reasons behind this cautious optimism and the main challenges for businesses now. 

 Read the latest The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence. 

With 40% of the US living in coastal areas, the risk of flooding from stronger storms and rising sea levels isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a looming crisis for businesses, insurers, and governments. How can businesses and governments assess the risks, update their strategies, and balance the needs of all stakeholders, including residents? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, PhD, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to explore the rising costs of more severe flooding, the challenges of urban planning and development in flood-prone areas, and how businesses can build resilience against these risks.  

(00:08) Overview of Economic Impact of Flooding
(00:41) Discussion on Recent Flooding Events 
(01:53) Global Warming and Weather Events 
(04:12) Development in Flood-Prone Areas 
(06:22) Economic Costs of Flooding
(09:30) Insurance Industry Challenges 
(13:49) Business Adaptation Strategies
(25:17) Public Policy and Flood Management

For more from The Conference Board: 

• Under Water: How Will Firms Respond to Ever More Severe and Frequent Flooding? 

• Extreme Heat Is Causing Business Disruptions and Higher Costs 

• Climate Lawsuits: A Rising Threat for Business  

From recruiting to knowledge management, AI can transform HR processes across the employee lifecycle. So how are CHROs already using AI and making sure their initiatives are aligned with business strategies? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Leader, in the second instalment of our AI in HR series as they discuss real-world examples of how AI is revolutionizing the way HR recognizes and nurtures talent across organizations.   

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President, Human Capital, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss multiple generations in the workplace. Tune in to find out:

• How do different generations and their unique perspectives impact the workforce and the workplace?
• Why is flexibility key for attracting and retaining employees from different generations?
• What are different generations looking for in their career development trajectories?
• How can leaders maximize knowledge transfer from the baby boomer generation to younger generations in the workplace?
• Why should regional differences, personal experience, and small differences in cohorts make leaders wary of drawing easy generalizations about generations?

Medicare costs are expected to jump from 3.8% of GDP in 2023 to 6% in just 10 years. Why is this happening? And what does it mean for everyone seeking health care in the US? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development of The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss how Medicare started, how it has evolved and what we can do to keep it running. 

Tune in to find out: 

· How did Medicare come about, and how does it work? 

· Why does Medicare’s cost as a part of the federal budget continue to grow? 

· Could increasing market competition lower costs and improve health care benefits? 

· Why should everyone, not just those nearing or at retirement, care about this issue? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read the CED report Health Care Policy After the Pandemic 

· Watch the on-demand webcast CED Policy Watch: Health Policy After the Pandemic 

“Today, Medicare program costs in fiscal year 2023 are about 12% of the total federal government spending; that's about 3.8% of GDP. In 10 years this is expected to become 6% of GDP. So that’s huge.” -- Lori Esposito Murray 

The latest survey results from The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® show consumers in the US have positive views about current and future business conditions, but their overall feelings about the economy remain mixed, and they are still worried about high prices, inflation and unemployment. 

Join Erik Lundh, Senior Economist, Global at The Conference Board and Stephanie Guichard, Senior Economist, Global Indicators at The Conference Board, to find out how US consumer sentiment could soften spending in the second half of 2024. 

(00:30) U.S. Consumer Confidence Overview
(01:33) Factors Influencing Consumer Confidence
(02:33) Labor Market and Recession Risks
(06:14) Inflation and Interest Rates
(08:04) Consumer Financial Sentiments
(12:20) Buying Plans and Durable Goods
(16:45) Global Economic Forecast
(33:00) Conclusion and Final Thoughts

For more on this topic from The Conference Board:  

• Consumer Confidence Survey 

• Economic Forecast for the US Economy 

• Economy Watch: United States  

Our latest C-Suite Outlook 2024 survey results show that an economic downturn is still a top concern for both CEOs and CMOs. Yet, CMOs are optimistic, saying they can still drive growth in this environment. What strategies and investments are CMOs planning to use to achieve this—and do they differ from the CEO view? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Ivan Pollard, Center Leader, Marketing & Communications, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the survey results and the implications for the marketing & communications landscape in 2024.  

Tune in to find out:  

• What’s the CEO perspective on driving growth in 2024—and what role will marketing play?  
• What investments do CEOs and CMOs believe are needed to drive this growth?  
• How are the CEO and CMO envisioning AI’s role in these efforts?  
• What impact do they foresee for their organizations? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:  

• Read: C-Suite Outlook 2024: Leading for Tomorrow 
• Access our hub: AI—Marketing & Communications 

Rural areas account for 20% of the total US population—and 97% of the country’s landmass—but only about 5% of large philanthropic grants are directed to nonurban regions. Why is this?  

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center at The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the ESG Center's latest report on corporate citizenship in rural communities. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What exactly defines a “rural area” in the United States? 

· US company headquarters are mostly in cities; how can companies justify donating in areas where they have no presence? 

· What benefits can companies expect when they invest more in rural communities? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read: Investing in Rural America: Corporate Citizenship and Rural Communities 

· Read: Rural Diversity: The Untapped Opportunity for Corporate America 

Marketing and communications teams are harnessing the new opportunities presented by AI. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Denise Dahlhoff, Senior Researcher in Marketing and Communications, and Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, sit down to discuss widespread use and experimentation with AI in marketing and communications as well as the concerns that are arising. Tune in to discover:

• The future impact of AI in the eyes of marketing and communications professionals, based on our latest research
• What are the greatest concerns about AI’s use?
• Why marketers appear to be making greater use of AI than communications executives
• How AI helps productivity and creativity
• How can AI help with development of strategy
• Why are midlevel/junior marketers at the forefront of adopting AI in their work, ahead of senior marketers?

To learn more, access the research report, AI in Marketing & Communications: Boosting Productivity—and Creativity, Too? here.

The Gulf serves as a key source of oil for the world. But as the climate and geopolitics change, how is this region evolving? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Hisham Al Razzuqi, former CEO of Gulf Investment Corporation and a Global Counsellor for the Middle East at The Conference Board, joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the state of affairs in the Gulf. Tune in to find out:

• How has the Gulf benefited from the wealth generated from oil?
• How sustainable is the reliance on oil in the region?
• How are the Gulf countries diversifying their economies?
• How has the war in Ukraine affected the Gulf?
• What is China's current impact on the Gulf?
• What is the Iranian influence in the region?

The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ for Q4 shows that US CEOs are less optimistic about the economy than they were last quarter. So how should leaders be thinking about the opportunities and risks in the current economy? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana M Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss what’s top-of-mind for CEOs right now—and what this could mean to all leaders thinking about strategy in the current economic climate.   

Tune in to find out:  

· CEOs say they’re planning to increase investment. Does this make sense in the current economy?  

· Are CEOs still expecting a recession?

· What does this mean for the labor and wages?

· How are CEOs prioritizing risks? 

· What’s in store for future interest rate hikes or cuts? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:   

· See the survey results: CEO Confidence Dips in Q4 

· Read: The Global Economic Outlook

· Read: US Consumer Confidence Fell Again in September 

The economic outlook for emerging markets has shifted: What are the prospects over the short and long term? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO, and Klaas de Vries, Senior Economist, both of The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what’s ahead for this critical engine of global growth. Tune in to find out:

·       What explains the better-than-expected performance so far?

·       What’s the outlook for emerging markets for the remainder of 2023 and into 2024?

·       How exposed are emerging markets to the prospect of a US recession?

·       Which emerging markets are at risk of recession—and which are poised for growth?

Read the latest data on The Conference Board Economy Watch: Emerging Markets View for July 2023.

Consumers are spending more, buoyed by a tight labor market, pent-up demand in the wake of the pandemic, and access to easy credit. Can CEOs depend on these trends to continue under the pressures of inflation? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Denise Dahlhoff, Director of Marketing & Communications Research, to find out how consumer behavior is changing as well as the strategies companies can use to communicate price increases and market sustainable products.  

For more on this topic from The Conference Board:  

·       Read:  US Consumers Want More Specific Sustainability Terms and More Detail  

·       Read:  US Consumer Confidence Survey 

·       Read:  Sustainability Needs a Sustainable Price, Especially in Inflationary Times 

·       Read:  Consumer Trends: What to Expect in 2024 

People expect employers to invest in their well-being at work, but despite CHROs’ efforts to meet this demand, employee-reported levels of well-being have stagnated. How can CHROs move the needle on keeping their workers happy?

Join Diana Scott and guest Rita Meyerson, principal researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to learn how organizations are handling the employee well-being crisis. 

The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index^® fell in February to 106.7, down from 110.9 in January. Consumers are more pessimistic—putting a halt to the rising optimism of the past few months. Yet business leaders are cautiously optimistic and poised for growth. How do interest rates, inflation, labor markets, supply chains, and the US political environment affect these different viewpoints? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss our latest indicators—and what they reveal about market dynamics and potential shifts.  

Tune in to find out:   

·       What specific factors are driving renewed consumer pessimism? 

·       How should businesses interpret the signals consumers are sending about their expectations and buying plans? 

·       What are the key upsides and downside risks for the US economic outlook? What about for Europe, China, and emerging economies? 

·       What might bring on a redux of the banking crisis? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM:     

Read: Global Forecast Update  

Read: Consumer Confidence Survey^® 

Read: The Conference Board Economic Forecast for the US Economy  

Watch: Economy Watch: The C-Suite Outlook 2024 

As the US labor shortage continues, organizations struggle to attract and retain talent. Those that leverage baby boomers—who still make up 20% of the workforce—tap into a valuable pool of experience. Organizations that write them off may lose competitive advantage. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Robin Erickson, Vice President, Human Capital, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss how to make the most of boomer talent in an age-diverse workforce. 

Tune in to find out: 

• How are baby boomers influencing current corporate strategies and work cultures? 
• What innovative approaches are companies taking to retain and engage boomer talent? 
• How can generational diversity be managed for business success? 
• What strategies should CEOs employ to address age diversity and ageism in the workplace? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM:   

• Read: Baby Boomers Still Striving 
• Listen: CEO Perspectives: The Generations, A View from a Baby Boomer

Find out why the 2024 elections present multiple challenges for businesses — and why the regulatory environment is potentially more onerous. 

As the 2024 elections approach, research by The Conference Board reveals that companies face more challenging political and regulatory environments than they did four years ago. How can businesses manage these multilayered, interconnected challenges, including employees demanding that companies speak up on social and political issues? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Merel Spierings, Senior Researcher in the ESG Center, to find out how companies can navigate a hyper-polarized environment, promote democracy, and prepare for possible regulatory shifts. 

(01:09) Key Findings from the Research
(01:38) Challenges of the 2024 U.S. Elections
(02:56) Impact of Polarization on Workplace Dynamics
(03:56) Strategies for Companies to Address Political Issues
(07:30) Encouraging Civic Engagement
(12:24) Navigating the Legal and Regulatory Environment
(19:14) Scenario Planning for Regulatory Changes
(22:14) Corporate Political Activities and Lobbying

In this era of rapid change, every company is in the business of risk management—preparing for the most likely contingencies but ready to adjust to the unexpected. What are the five most important global risk themes business leaders should be monitoring?  

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Templeton, to find out what guides Johnson’s leadership style, the big themes she sees in risk management, and how her company is building inclusion, diversity and sustainability into the business.

This Leadership in Challenging Times discussion is featured as a C-Suite Perspectives podcast and a special CED Policy Watch Webcast. Leadership in Challenging Times features timely and insightful discussions with the outstanding CEOs who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. Business leader honorees discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

The BRICS bloc recently doubled its membership and expanded its global reach—especially in the Middle East. Will it succeed as a counterweight to the West—and the US dollar? What are the possible impacts on the global economy and corporations? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, our Chief Economist, join Steve Odland, President and CEO, to discuss the impact of BRICS—and what it may mean for business and the global economy. 

• Could BRICS become independent from the West? Is this a new cold war?
• What does this bloc mean for the primacy of the US dollar for trade? For business operations? How much food and global energy will the expanded bloc control?
• How might access to critical materials—such as rare earth minerals or advanced chips—be impacted?
• What challenges might global corporations face? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™: 

• Read: CED Policy Backgrounder: BRICS Summit—Deepening the Divide
• Read: CED Policy Backgrounder: Putin-Erdoğan Meeting on Grain Exports
• Read: Economy Watch | China 

Exhaustion on the front lines. A dire shortage of health care workers. New technologies that change and disrupt. These are a few of the challenges faced by one of the largest health care providers in the US before, during, and after the pandemic. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Jennifer Berres, Senior Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer at HCA Healthcare, joins Rebecca Ray, Emeritus Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, to discuss HCA’s dynamic human capital journey and how innovations and technology have enabled greater support for caregivers. 

Tune in to discover: 

·       How did technology and AI deliver not only automation but also free up staff to maximize patient-centered care? 

·       What direct investments and partnerships for training did HCA develop to become the largest provider of RNs in the nation? 

·       How did the organization address burnout during the pandemic? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

·       Read The Reimagined Workplace 2023: Striking a Delicate Balance 

·       Attend Winning in the New AI Landscape 

In companies around the world, there’s a massive shift taking place: the mandated return of workers to the workplace. But employees are hesitant after experiencing a “taste of freedom” with remote work during the pandemic. What are the pros and cons of returning to the office? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the dynamics of the move back to the office and what CHROs and CEOs need to consider to maintain culture and productivity.  

Tune in to discover: 

·       What are the benefits and drawbacks of hybrid work? 

·       Are some jobs better suited to hybrid and remote work than others? 

·       How can CHROs lead hybrid teams effectively? 

·       How is productivity defined, and how do we measure it in remote and hybrid environments? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

·       Read The Reimagined Workplace 2023: Striking a Delicate Balance 

·       Access the latest insights on the Future of Work 

The advent of “Killer AI” could mean the use of artificial intelligence—by design or through unintended consequences—that directly leads to physical harm or death of human beings. What should business leaders know about this potential? In this episode, Nathan Summers, AI Research Analyst with the Luxembourg Tech School, and Dr. Sergio Coronado, Professor at the University of Luxembourg, join Steve Odland, CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss their recent report, On Defining Killer AI and the potential impacts for business and society. 

Tune in to find out: 

·   How could AI could harm businesses and society?

·   What financial impacts should businesses consider?

· What steps should businesses take to ensure the safety of this emerging capability?

·   AI is already affecting mental health in virtual systems like social media—could it cause deaths?

·   Should the government get involved? What could be the consequences of government involvement?

·   Should the EU AI legislation or other frameworks be used as models for regulating AI to prevent harm?  

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:    

Read: Explainability in AI: The Key to Trustworthy AI Decisions  

Visit: AI: The Next Transformation: Your guide to real-world application  

Today's research from The Conference Board shows US consumer confidence declined moderately in October—a trend C-Suite executives will want to watch. Consumers are particularly concerned about rising food and energy costs.  

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Erik Lundh, Principal Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss newly released data on consumer confidence in the US. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What is the main message the C-Suite should take away from today’s US Consumer Confidence Index?  

·  What caused the movement in the overall confidence index? 

· What is The Conference Board’s forecast for the US economy, and does it match consumers’ expectations? 

· How will rising consumer debt affect the financial sector?          

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· The Consumer Confidence Index for October 2023 

· Q3 GDP expands by an unsustainable 4.9 percent 

Hybrid and remote work have changed our workplaces, our homes and our lives. How is the future of office space and culture being shaped post-COVID? And how is the metaverse involved? 

Join Steve Odland and guests Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist in the Economy, Strategy and Finance Center at The Conference Board, and Robin Erickson, Vice President, Human Capital at The Conference Board, for a multi-faceted conversation on new trends in the hybrid work environment.

Twenty-three percent of global CEOs report they’re already using AI to transform every facet of the employee experience from onboarding to succession planning. But HR can also apply its people expertise to optimize the partnership of AI and human beings throughout the organization.

Join Steve Odland and guest Diana Scott, US Human Capital Center Leader, to find out how HR can bolster company-wide AI transformation by addressing employee fears of displacement, preventing bias in AI models through diversity, and spurring creativity with better job design. 

Although methane accounts for a much smaller share of total greenhouse gas emissions than carbon dioxide does, it’s about 80 times more potent as an atmospheric warming agent. How can companies benefit from taking steps to eliminate it? 

Join Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, and guest Alexander Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to find out which three industries can profit most from reducing methane, why it’s sometimes strangely better to create more CO₂, and how Norway has emerged from its coal-clouded past as a global model of emissions-reducing efficiency. 

Enriched by Vizzy

(00:14) Understanding Methane's Role in Climate Change
(02:25) The Unique Challenge of Methane Emissions
(04:36) Sources and Impact of Methane Emissions
(06:21) Strategies for Reducing Methane Emissions
(17:05) The Role of Regulations and Technology in Methane Reduction
(22:23) Global Methane Emissions and International Efforts
(24:48) Norway's Model for Methane Efficiency
(27:48) The Importance of Global Cooperation on Methane Reduction
(30:27) Concluding Remarks and Future Directions

Chapters, images & show notes powered by vizzy.fm.

This episode of CEO Perspectives is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from CED. The series features discussions with the outstanding business leaders who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. In this series, business leaders discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

The countries of the Global South comprise 88% of the world’s population but only 40% of GDP. How is this bloc’s growing economic and geopolitical influence manifesting, and what role does Russia play in all of this? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, former president of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to learn about the evolution of the Global South, how the pandemic and the war in Ukraine have empowered these countries, and what China and Russia’s closer ties mean.

(00:13) Understanding the Global South

(01:04) Geopolitical and Economic Definitions

(02:20) Countries in the Global South

(04:41) Origins of the Term 'Global South'

(10:09) Friction Points Between Global South and North

(13:29) Impact of COVID-19 and Ukraine on Global South

(22:00) The Role of BRICS

(24:27) Military Coordination and Exercises

What’s keeping CEOs up at night these days? More than 1,200 C-Suite executives told us in the annual C-Suite Outlook survey by The Conference Board. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the C-Suite Outlook 2024. For 25 years, the C-Suite Outlook survey has served as a pulse-check to understand what challenges and opportunities the world’s top business leaders are facing—and their strategies for addressing them.  

Tune in to find out: 

· What are the biggest issues for CEOs going into 2024? 

· Geopolitics was a key theme in the survey -- what were the greatest concerns among CEOs globally? 

· How prepared are CEOs and C-Suite executives for the next big crisis?  

· What do CEOs plan to do to encourage growth this year? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption 

· Attend: 2024: A Year in Preview 

The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® ticked down for the month of May. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland and Erik Lundh, Principal Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out: 

• How do the current outlook and expectations differ, and what does that say about the likelihood and timing of a recession?
• What effect is inflation having on consumer confidence and who is feeling it the most?
• What can we expect from the Fed going forward?
• Is the job market weakening, and if so, how much?
• How are the debt ceiling discussions affecting consumer confidence?

Hybrid work works, according to The Conference Board Reimagined Workplace 2024 report, with 84% of human capital leaders reporting higher job satisfaction and 79% citing better worker attraction and retention. But can HR leaders continue to demonstrate the ROI of flexibility and employee well-being, or are we headed for a Great Resignation 2.0? 

Join Diana Scott and guest Robin Erickson, Vice President, Human Capital, at The Conference Board, to find out about the tightening job market, trends in employee well-being and flexibility, and how human capital leaders are exploring AI. 

(00:58) History and Methodology of the Reimagined Workplace Study
(02:30) Demographics and Trends in the Workplace
(03:45) Recruiting and Retaining Employees: Trends and Challenges 
(07:59) The Impact of Flexibility on Employee Retention 
(10:25) Current Rates and Benefits of Hybrid Work
(13:49) Economic Impact of Remote Work on Cities 
(16:51) Employee Well-being: Current Trends and Strategies 
(20:12) AI in HR: Opportunities and Challenges
(28:51) Future Predictions and Concluding Thoughts

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Donna Morris, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Walmart, joined Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, to discuss the future of HR. Tune in to find out:

• What will the future of work look like—especially as generative AI advances—and how can HR support employees through this evolution?
• How does the size of an organization impact the strategy for leading through times of change?
• How can we expect careers to change as people live and work for longer and how can employers adapt?
• How can you foster a sense of belonging and purpose among your workers?
• What top priorities should HR leaders consider as we move into the future of work?

Consumer confidence has pulled back in June, according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index®. The index dipped to 100.4, down from 101.3 in May, with consumers expressing mixed feelings on the labor market and short-term business outlook. 

Join Markus Schomer, Senior Economist with The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out why consumer confidence continues to decline—and what that means for US and global economic growth.  

(00:31) June Consumer Confidence Survey Insights

(00:53) Factors Influencing Consumer Confidence 

(02:04) Age and Income Differentiation in Confidence

(02:58) Present Situation and Expectations Indices

(06:09) Consumer Views on Recession and Inflation

(07:49) Interest Rates, Stock Market, and Finances

(10:16) Consumer Spending and Buying Plans

(13:50) Outlook for the U.S. Economy

(17:04) Global Economic Outlook

The latest Consumer Confidence Index® indicates that overall confidence has improved after three consecutive months of decline, but consumers’ feelings may be more mixed than positive. 

Join Erik Lundh and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what’s affecting US consumer attitudes and spending—and how they fit into the bigger picture of economic growth around the world. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Katie Plotkin, Chief of US Member Development, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss her experience as a member of Gen X and manager of different generations. Tune in to find out:

• How might Gen Xers be overshadowed, “sandwiched” between Baby Boomers and Millennials?
• How are Gen Xers the “peacekeeping generation,” navigating between two much larger generations?
• What are the reasons why Gen Xers may not be very vocal?
• How did events in the 80s and 90s—from the explosion of the Challenger to 9/11—instill a sense of caution in this generation?

How does a company develop a foundation and plan for giving back to the community? Companies across the country and in every industry are contemplating how to best train their current and future workforce, aligning their values and assets to help drive change in our society. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, David Etzwiler, CEO, Siemens Foundation, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss how companies can think strategically about how to make their biggest impact. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What is the best way to develop workforce training programs? 

· How can companies reduce health disparities in their communities? 

· What can companies do to build sustainability efforts into their planning? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read: From Crisis to Opportunity: Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy in 2023 

· Attend: 2023 Corporate Citizenship Summit 

“The fact of the matter is, growth in the labor market is slowing, when it comes to white males and older white males. And so you have to look at your practices -- as a society, as an employer, as an academician -- and ask yourself, how do I appeal to a different market? How do I make sure that women understand these jobs are out here [and] what the value of them is? How do I think through how childcare or transportation might have to be better developed? How do I think of community communities of color, and how they perceive or don't perceive access to these jobs?” -- David Etzwiler, CEO, Siemens Foundation 

“We're very narrowly focused within workforce training, those jobs that require more than a high school degree, less than a college degree and strong technical skills. … These are a floor to a career, not a ceiling to a career. They're really an opportunity to advance to the middle class and beyond.” -- David Etzwiler, CEO, Siemens Foundation

When it comes to ESG, most companies feel better about their progress on “E” — environmental — than on the “S” or the “G,” according to a new report by the ESG Center at The Conference Board. How can companies reset their ESG agendas and make meaningful progress in the face of economic, political, and other tailwinds?  

Join Steve Odland and guest Andrew Jones, Senior Researcher, ESG Center, at The Conference Board to find out about the political and economic factors creating a backlash against ESG investing, the role of regulation in achieving ESG goals, and the business opportunities available in the “S” and “G” pillars of ESG. 

(00:47) Understanding ESG: A Brief Overview
(01:38) The Evolution of ESG and Stakeholder Capitalism
(02:52) Challenges and Backlash in ESG
(03:48) The Importance of Hitting the Reset Button
(10:29) Deep Dive into Environmental (E) Changes
(14:53) Social (S) Aspects and Corporate Citizenship
(18:00) Governance (G) and Its Role in ESG
(28:16) Emerging Trends and Future Outlook

For more from The Conference Board: 

• Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy in a Time of Uncertainty 

• Climate Lawsuits: A Rising Threat for Business 

• EU 2024 ESG Regulatory Outlook: Q2 Update 

China's economic growth for 2024 is projected to reach 4.6%—still high compared to developed nations but a decline from previous high-growth rates. How will this slowdown impact the global economic landscape and multinational companies (MNCs) operating there?

Join Steve Odland and Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Head of the China Center at The Conference Board, to explore what steps China may take to stimulate growth in its state-led economy and the strategies MNCs should consider in this environment.

Consumers are happy to be working, but they’re still concerned about elevated prices and interest rates. That’s according to The Conference Board Consumer Confidence Index® for July. 

Join Markus Schomer, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what’s affecting US consumer attitudes and spending—and how it fits into the bigger picture of economic growth around the world.  

(00:36) Key Insights from the July Consumer Confidence Survey 
(00:55) Consumer Concerns: Inflation, Interest Rates, and Politics 
(01:46) Labor Market and Economic Expectations
(03:57) Consumer Spending and Financial Sentiment
(05:33) Recession Fears and Economic Indicators 
(10:49) Durable Goods and Service Spending Trends
(17:17) Global Economic Outlook 
(26:20) Inflation and Central Bank Policies 

For more on this topic from The Conference Board:  

• Consumer Confidence Survey 

• Economic Forecast for the US Economy 

• Economy Watch: United States  

Improvements in productivity, corporate reputation, and the bottom line are just a few of the direct benefits of an inclusive workforce. But organizations often overlook the importance of mental wellness in their current workforce as well as the largely untapped pool of neurodivergent talent. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice president, Human Capital, at The Conference Board, sits down with Holly May, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Human Resources Officer at Walgreens Boots Alliance, to discuss the value of wellness and neurodiversity programs and how to implement them. Tune in to discover how to:

• Meet the new expectations from today’s workforce—including those of Gen Z
• Expand the pool of candidates and enhance the diversity of your workforce with programs for neurodiversity
• Put “teeth” into targets with specific representation goals
• Celebrate the authentic person that each employee brings to work and provide tools for success
• Lead with authenticity and vulnerability

To learn more about neurodiversity, access the webcast Debunking the Myths of Neurodiversity here.

The Federal Reserve added trillions of dollars to its balance sheet in response to the 2007-09 financial crisis and the pandemic. Can the Fed successfully roll off assets without jeopardizing bank reserves or introducing new risks into the financial system?  

Join guest host Dana Peterson and guest Kurt Reiman, Senior Economist, Finance, Risk & Strategy, at The Conference Board, to learn about the Federal Reserve’s evolving approach since the financial crisis, the challenges of qualitative tightening, and insights into the Fed’s policy levers.

Despite turbulence in geopolitics and the economy, in January the US Consumer Confidence Index^® soared to its highest level since 2021, marking a significant uplift in consumer sentiment. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins Markus Schomer, Senior Global Economist, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the latest consumer views on inflation and recession—and what they reveal about market dynamics and potential shifts. 

Tune in to find out: 

· How is consumer confidence and spending being affected by inflation, price levels, and the rate of price increases? 

· How does the future of the US economy stack up against global economic trends, particularly in Europe and China? 

· What are the key upside and downside risks in the global economy, and how can CEOs navigate these challenges? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM:  

Read: US Consumer Confidence Increased in January 

Read: Global Overview 

Companies have significant opportunities to transform and generate more value with AI. But many don’t know where to begin. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Brian Evergreen, founder and CEO of The Profitable Good Company, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss the next the evolution of AI and how leaders should be thinking about their AI strategy.  

Tune in to find out:  

·       What is autonomous transformation, and how is it different from digital transformation?  

·       Should you revolve an AI strategy around a single service, like ChatGPT? 

·       What are the three prongs that every AI strategy needs? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:   

·       Visit our AI Hub: The Next Transformation, Your guide to real-world application 

·       Read: A Simplified Guide to How AI Works 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Aileen Du, Member Engagement Associate at the Human Capital Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss her personal experience as a member of Generation Z. Tune in to find out:

• What does it mean to Gen Zers to work “smarter” rather than “harder”?
• Why do they value quality of life over material well-being?
• Why is COVID-19 likely to be the defining event of this generation, with long-lasting impacts?
• How did remote learning during the pandemic disrupt their socialization?
• Why is Gen Z vocal about mental health issues?

What’s keeping CEOs and CHROs up at night these days? More than 1,200 C-Suite executives told us in the annual C-Suite Outlook survey by The Conference Board.  

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Diana Scott, Center Leader of the US Human Capital Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the results—and the implications for human capital. For 25 years, the C-Suite Outlook survey has served as a pulse-check on the challenges and opportunities the world’s top business leaders are facing—and their strategies for addressing them. 

Tune in to find out:  

• Where are CEOs and CHROs aligned on the issues impacting business in 2024? And where are they not?  
• Attracting and retaining talent remains the number-one internal focus for both CEO and CHROs. What’s different in 2024—and what strategies will CEOs and CHROs use to meet this challenge? 
• How is the economic climate influencing CEOs' and CHROs' focus on human capital, especially regarding labor shortages and higher labor costs? 
• Where do CEOs and CHROs want to invest to ensure growth in 2024?  

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:  

• Read: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption  
• Attend: 2024: A Year in Preview  

Does your organization have an inclusive pipeline of capable leaders who are ready to execute the business strategy? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Cheryl Stokes, CEO of CNEXT, an organization that helps to develop and advance high-impact leaders, joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss succession planning. Tune in to find out:

• What is succession planning and why is it important?
• What are the elements of a good succession plan?
• Why should diversity and inclusion be a critical part of your talent pipeline and succession planning?
• What should organizations assess when looking for a candidate?
• Who is accountable for succession planning?
• How does succession planning differ from leadership development?

The latest research from The Conference Board shows US consumer confidence declined again in September—a trend C-Suite executives will want to watch. Other global economic trends on the horizon include a possible redux in the US banking crisis due to commercial real estate, a slowdown in China, and increased trade tensions between the US and China. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, and Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the wider economy in the US and abroad.  

Tune in to find out:  

• What caused the movement in the overall confidence index?
• Are consumers pulling back from spending because they see a recession ahead? 
• What is the outlook for interest rates for this year and next year? 
• What are the global trends the C-Suite should watch for?

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead®: 

• Read the September Consumer Confidence Index
• Read the latest edition of StraightTalk®, Five Risks and Trends to Watch
• Access the latest insights on Navigating the Economic Storm 

Four billion people in over 70 countries are expected to vote in major democracies, including the US, the UK, India, Russia and Taiwan, in 2024. How could the outcomes reshape our world?   

Join Steve Odland and guest Lori Esposito Murray, Former President of the Committee for Economic Development, to find out where pivotal elections are taking place and what’s at stake.  

For more on this topic from The Conference Board: 

·       Read: The 2024 Election Year: Fasten Your Seatbelts 

·       Attend Building Resistance to Misinformation: The 2024 Election in the Era of AI  

·       Read The 2024 Election: Rebuilding Trust   

·       Read: C-Suite Outlook: Leading for Tomorrow: Winning Through Change and Disruption

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Evelyne, a nine-year-old fourth grader, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss her personal experience as a member of Generation Alpha. Tune in to find out Evelyne’s impressions of these questions:

• Why were generations before Gen Z able to concentrate more easily?
• What has shaped Generation Alpha’s life so far, including the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic?
• What is the best music from the early 2000s?
• Why do newer generations care more about climate change though older generations caused it?

The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® fell this month, erasing back-to-back increases in June and July. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Steve Odland, The Conference Board President and CEO, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the labor market, inflation and wider US economy. 

Tune in to find out:  

·       How are consumers feeling about inflation and the job market in August? 

·       What is consumer sentiment around the stock market? 

·       How are consumers’ balance sheets doing, specifically their savings? 

·       To what extent are CEOs currently expecting a recession? 

·       What can we expect for global growth later this year and into next year? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

·       Read the August Consumer Confidence Index 

·       Access the latest insights on Navigating the Economic Storm 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Michael Fraccaro, Chief Human Resources Officer at Mastercard, joined Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, to discuss the health and well-being of the workforce. Tune in to find out:

• How has the notion of well-being in the workplace changed in the aftermath of the pandemic?
• What are some innovative ways organizations can support the well-being of their teams?
• What should companies be doing to attract and retain talent?
• How can leaders measure and drive the cultural health of an organization?
• How can offering flexibility either enhance or work against the culture that businesses are trying to create and maintain?

2024 Distinguished Leadership Award recipient Raj Subramaniam explains how FedEx thinks about sustainability, data, culture and much more. 

FedEx aims to have carbon-neutral operations by 2040, and that will require careful management of 5,000 facilities and 200,000 motorized vehicles. How can FedEx do this while making millions of deliveries every day, continuing to innovate, and leveraging its data to improve supply chains globally? 

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Raj Subramaniam, President & CEO of FedEx, to find out the three principles today’s leaders need, how FedEx leverages physical networks and proprietary data, and its plans for meeting ambitious sustainability goals. 

(01:51) Leadership and Risk Management
(03:58) Navigating the Pandemic
(05:55) FedEx's World-Class Culture
(08:49) Innovation at FedEx
(13:50) Global Economic Insights: China and India
(17:57) The Importance of Trade Policy
(20:47) Sustainability Goals and Future Challenges

For more from The Conference Board: 

• 2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards 

• Organizing for Success in Corporate Sustainability 2.0 

• Silos to Synergy: Building a Cohesive Sustainability Strategy 

This Leadership in Challenging Times discussion is featured as a C-Suite Perspectives podcast and a special CED Policy Watch Webcast. Leadership in Challenging Times features timely and insightful discussions with the outstanding CEOs who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. Business leader honorees discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate. 

Running a business or organization takes stamina, grit and determination. So does running for office. What does it take to do both at the same time? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Wendi Taylor Nations, EVP & Partner, Hawthorne Strategy Group, and former candidate for Chicago City Council, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss her choice to run for Chicago alderman. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What does it take to run for local office? 

· How can a newcomer set themselves apart in a crowded candidate pool? 

· And how much does personal experience bear on one’s ability to win an election? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy 

Forty-three percent of executives surveyed by The Conference Board expect ESG backlash to increase. Despite bumpy waters ahead, ESG backlash can be a clarifying moment for companies, prompting them to reevaluate their ESG strategy, priorities, and commitments. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director, Environmental, Social & Governance Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss ESG backlash—and what organizations should do about it.  

Tune in to find out: 

• The main sources of ESG backlash, according to our latest research 

• How you can avoid pendulum swings in your organization’s approach to ESG 

• Why a two-fold approach of a fact-based business case and broad communications offers the best solution 

• What to focus on to engage the board and senior management in a candid discussion without polarization  

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™: 

• Read: How Companies Can Address ESG Backlash 

• Read: Four Ways Directors Can Steer a Steady Course Amid ESG Backlash

• Watch: Values to Value: How to Win with ESG Strategy, Communication, and Reporting for Investors

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Chuck Mitchell, Senior Director of Content Quality, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss Chuck’s personal experience as a member of the baby boomer generation. Tune in to find out:

• What were the economic pressures that perhaps made “boomers” more goal-oriented and competitive than other generations?
• What kinds of anxieties resulted from their experiences—from fallout shelters, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and fear of nuclear holocaust to fierce workplace competition?
• How did shifts in the media landscape—from the definitive news voice of Walter Cronkite to the rise of the internet and alternative sources—affect their perspective?
• What happened to this generation’s idealism as they matured?

The capabilities of AI continue to rapidly evolve, with major implications for the workforce and workplace. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Rebecca Ray, Executive Vice President of Human Capital at The Conference Board, joined President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss AI’s role in HR—and HR’s role in overseeing the use of AI. Tune in to find out:

• What is AI—and what is it not?
• What are some ways that AI can be used by the HR function?
• What are the implications of using more and more advanced AI in the HR space?
• What is the role of HR in the governance of AI throughout a company?
• What risks and rewards should business leaders keep in mind when adopting AI at their organizations?

In the post-pandemic new world of work, how can leaders keep their employees engaged, motivated and, most of all, productive? Learn how skills development, management capabilities and organizational agility can influence strategies to drive productivity and success. 

Join Steve Odland and Marion Devine, Principal Researcher, Human Capital, Europe, to uncover the six key initiatives to boost productivity across the board. 

(00:35) Understanding Productivity
(02:22) Current State of Productivity
(03:05) Key Drivers of Productivity
(04:35) The Importance of Skilling and Leadership
(11:40) Agility and Resilience in Organizations
(13:12) Diversity and Its Impact on Productivity
(15:00) Employee Well-being and Productivity
(16:35) AI's Role in Enhancing Productivity
(21:02) The CHRO's Role in Driving Productivity

Average support for environmental proposals has declined from 35% in 2022 to 12% thus far in 2024—even as more proposals are going to a vote. Are investors bored with green issues—or is something else causing the decline?

Join Steve Odland and guest Merel Spierings, Senior Researcher, ESG Center to find out what environmental and social issues shareholders are focusing on this proxy season, how the Supreme Court's decision on race-based admissions is affecting companies’ diversity-related practices, and why board directors are receiving strong support.

In this CEO Perspectives episode, Tamara Lundgren, Chairman and CEO of Schnitzer Steel Industries, Inc., speaks with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of CED, about advancing sustainability and global net-zero goals, how she navigates through disruption, leadership lessons from COVID, and more. Tune in to find out:

• What are the three pillars of Schnitzer Steel’s sustainability framework?
• During the uncertainty of COVID-19, what leadership tactic did Lundgren more frequently rely on—which she continues to leverage today? 
• What steps is Schnitzer Steel taking to be at the forefront of sustainability and global net zero objectives?
• What leadership principles have helped Lundgren to navigate her company through vast change and disruption? 

This episode of CEO Perspectives is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the outstanding business leaders who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. In this series, business leaders discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

Many large economies across the globe are experiencing or will experience labor shortages over the next decade. How can countries address these gaps, and to what extent can artificial intelligence (AI) and immigration solve the workforce crisis?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader, Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out about the current state of global labor markets, the impact of an aging population, and potential solutions to labor shortages. 

00:40 Welcome to C Suite Perspectives  

01:11 Global Labor Market Outlook  

02:12 Aging Population and Labor Shortages  

05:23 Impact of Immigration on Labor Markets  

08:30 AI and Automation in the Workforce  

10:15 Regional Labor Market Differences  

15:43 Solutions to Labor Shortages  

18:21 Engaging the Domestic Workforce  

29:49 Final Thoughts and Conclusion 

With recent rating downgrades of banks heavily exposed to commercial real estate (CRE)—and office space in particular—concerns about the US banking sector are resurfacing. The unprecedented shift to flexible work has not only prompted many companies to seek a smaller footprint but also spaces with greater energy efficiency for sustainability and modern amenities to lure workers back to the office. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist in the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss what this shift and plummeting CRE values may mean for banking, lending, and economy in general. 

Tune in to find out:    

· How have business conditions changed in the wake of hybrid work arrangements?    

· Small and mid-size banks hold the most CRE assets; what could this mean for their future or for M&A activity?  

· What is the Fed doing to prevent bank failures?    

· What are the potential ripple effects throughout the economy—and the urban landscape? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:     

· Read: 2023 Banking Crisis: US By the Numbers, 6-Month Update  

· Watch: Economy Watch: The 2024 Global Economic Outlook 

Corporations used to consider themselves as having one constituent: the shareholder. That has changed. Engaging with the communities where corporations have operations, where their supply chains are located, and with society in general, is critical to be effective in today’s business climate. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives Jeff Hoffman, the Institute Leader of Corporate Citizenship & Philanthropy at the ESG Center, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the evolution of the function and what it takes to align initiatives with the business in complex political and social contexts. 

Tune in to find out:  

• How has corporate citizenship evolved over time?  

• What are the biggest challenges in navigating the complex landscape of social issues and political polarization? 

• How can companies ensure their corporate citizenship efforts are strategic and aligned with their overall business goals?  

• How can companies leverage their resources and influence to make a meaningful impact? 

•  What are the key trends shaping the future of corporate citizenship and philanthropy?  

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:  

·  Read From Crisis to Opportunity: Corporate Citizenship and Philanthropy in 2023 

· Read Corporate Citizenship in a Time of Uncertainty 

·  Visit our ESG Center 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Ivan Pollard, Leader of the Marketing and Communications Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss marketing to multiple generations. Tune in to find out:

• Do the fundamentals of marketing remain the same across generations?
• How can marketers exploit differences and similarities between generations?
• Does mass marketing still have a role to play?
• Why do marketing messages today function more like a “neural network” than a one-way transmission to a target?
• Are there shared events or universal experiences that marketers can still tap into across generations?

Businesses face multiple challenges during a crisis. What if your headquarters were the point of impact, and you were responsible for critical infrastructure in the region? This was the situation Mary Lee Hannell, Chief of Human Capital for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, found herself in during and after the attack on the World Trade Center on 9/11. In this bonus episode of CEO Perspectives, Hannell joins Rebecca Ray, Leader of the Human Capital Center of The Conference Board, to discuss how Hannell provided leadership in the wake of the crisis—and why a human-centric approach helped keep the organization moving forward. 

Tune in to find out how to: 

·       Keep an organization and business moving through a crisis  

·       Support employee mental health in the wake of a tragedy 

·       Move beyond a crisis to become more resilient    

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:    

·       Visit: Our Well-Being at Work hub 

·       Read: Managerial Support for Well-Being and Mental Health 

The Conference Board measure of CEO Confidence is at its highest level since 2019, marking a significant shift in business sentiment. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the latest results of the Measure of CEO Confidence™ and the C-Suite Outlook. They discuss why CEOs are positive and whether their concerns, including inflation, cost of debt, and interest rates, track with the economic outlook.  

Tune in to find out: 

·       Why are CEOs more optimistic about the current economic climate? 

·       How do they view the dynamics of the current labor market? 

·       Despite optimism, why are some companies “standing in place,” waiting to see what happens before mobilizing capital? 

·       What are the key economic concerns and opportunities CEOs are focusing on? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM:  

·       Read: US CEO Confidence 

·       Read: The C-Suite Outlook 

·       Watch: Economy Watch: The C-Suite Outlook 2024  

·       Access: The C-Suite Outlook 2024 Data Tool 

The latest Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™ in collaboration with The Business Council reveals cautious optimism among US CEOs, with only 30% expecting a recession in the next 12 to 18 months. What do CEOs expect in terms of hiring and wages, and what are the biggest risks they see in the marketplace? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, to find out why recession has faded as an immediate fear, whether CEOs plan to reduce headcount, and why they’re especially worried about cyber risks right now. 

(00:28) Overview of the CEO Confidence Survey
(01:13) Current CEO Sentiment and Market Conditions
(02:44) CEO Predictions on Recession
(05:10) Labor Market and Wage Trends
(07:18) Industry-Specific Insights
(13:45) Impact of Interest Rates on Housing
(15:59) Tech Sector Dynamics
(18:07) Key Risks Identified by CEOs

For more from The Conference Board: 

• The Conference Board Measure of CEO Confidence™  

• CEO Confidence Improves Globally, But Little Pain Relief Is Expected for Europe 

• C-Suite Outlook 2024: Leading for Tomorrow 

The Consumer Confidence Index bounced back in November after three straight monthly declines as consumers’ expectations – and spending – continue to improve. Still, predictions for slower economic growth and outright recession in 2024 abound. What does it all mean for the global economy?

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Dana Peterson, the Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the latest Consumer Confidence Index and what it portends for 2024. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What big change did we see in the latest Consumer Confidence Index? 

· Consumer spending is up, but much of it is on credit. What does this portend for the economy? 

· How much more can consumer spending expand? 

· How will the global economy grow in 2024? Will we see a recession next year? 

· What potential black or grey swans could we see in 2024? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read: The Consumer Confidence Index for November 2023 

As world leaders wrap up COP 28, the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference, limiting the rise in average global temperatures to 1.5 degrees Celsius is a top priority. What is the role of the private sector in helping achieve this goal? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development, just returned from the event, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the mix of initiatives that may affect the private sector: renewables, tech innovation, carbon markets, and more. 

Tune in to find out:   

• How does the involvement of business leaders contribute to the goals of COP 28 in addressing climate change? 
• What role did major oil-producing countries, like the UAE, play in the discussions at COP 28? 
• What were the key discussions regarding technology innovations, such as AI and quantum computing, and their impact on addressing climate change? 
• How do commitments from countries like the United States to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 contribute to carbon reduction?  
• How will effective carbon markets play a part? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:   

• Road to COP28: Business Takeaways from the UN's Latest Climate Change 
• December 6, 2023: Insights from COP28, and More 
• Biggest Companies Increased GHG Emissions by Just 3% from 2021 to 2022 
• Smaller US Companies are Increasingly Embracing Renewable Energy 

Challenges—and opportunities-- abound in the current business climate—and more innovation is on the horizon with the revolutions in AI and quantum computing. How can companies maintain their core values, seize these opportunities and thrive? In this CEO Perspectives episode, Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM, sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to discuss the opportunities and challenges facing companies—and how the technological advances in AI and quantum computing will have an impact. Tune in to find out:

• As AI’s presence accelerates, how should companies embody trust and transparency?
• How does Krishna see AI transforming the future workforce?
• How is IBM helping companies leverage technology to advance sustainability goals?
• Over the next decade, what will be the extraordinary impacts from quantum computing?
• What leadership principle does Krishna advocate for managing through disruption and uncertainty?

This episode of CEO Perspectives is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from CED. The series features discussions with the outstanding business leaders who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. In this series, business leaders discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate.

The AI Hub from The Conference Board lays out the business implications, opportunities and challenges of evolving AI. Read the latest insights.

With temperatures rising and countries trailing on net zero goals, how can the private and public sectors adapt? 

Global temperatures are well on their way to rising 2.6 degrees Celsius by 2100, and we’re already seeing deleterious effects. How can humanity adapt to climate change—and what happens if we don’t? Join Steve Odland and guest Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to discuss the most pressing risks, where we stand on 2050 emissions goals, and how the private and public sectors should help our world adapt. 

(00:10) Understanding Climate Change
(01:12) Current Climate Trends and Projections
(03:48) Regional Impacts of Climate Change
(07:40) Adaptation and Resilience
(09:54) Global Efforts and Policies
(13:54) Technological Solutions and Sequestration
(20:42) Risk Assessment and Personal Actions
(26:09) Role of Private and Public Sectors

For more from The Conference Board: 

• Hitting the Reset Button on ESG: Setting Strategy in a Time of Uncertainty 

• Beyond Carbon: Why Methane Matters 

• Carbon Emissions Continue to Rise Despite Massive Clean Energy Investments 

The Conference Board expects global growth to slow to 2.5%, well below the 3.3% average prior to the pandemic. Declining contributions from labor and capital are mainly responsible for the downward trend. But new technologies, investment in people, and high productivity could improve growth. What should leaders know about operating in this environment? In this episode, Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss the outlook and economic conditions around the globe. 

Tune in to find out:   

·       What are the upsides and downsides to the outlook over the next decade?  

·       How are the three inputs to the global economy—labor, capital, and productivity—shifting and impacting growth? What will this “mix” look like in the decade ahead? 

·       What trends are on the horizon—globally and within regions? 

·       Which economies will drive growth over the next decade?  

·       How might the Israel-Hamas war effect the MENA region economy, and consequently, the rest of the world? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:     

·       Read: Global Economic Outlook 2024 to 2036 

·       Read: Economic Forecast for the US Economy 

·       Visit: The Global Recession Hub: Navigating the Economic Storm (continuously updated) 

·       Visit: Data Central for forecasts and long-term projections 

AI has had a long evolution but only recently has shown a significant leap. Leaders are now playing “catch up” with the ramifications. In this episode, Joel Trammell, CEO, author and educator, joins Steve Odland, CEO of The Conference Board, to discuss how leaders should think about AI’s impact on their business—and their own roles as leaders. 

Tune in to find out: 

·       How might the role of CEOs and leaders evolve with AI—and what will become of human judgment and adaptability? 

·       How can CEOs use AI to augment their effectiveness as managers and leaders?   

·       Why should AI be seen as an iterative transformation not an overnight revolution? 

·       Why should CEOs view AI as an enhancement or augmentation of human capabilities?  

·       What could AI mean for a shift in skill sets in demand and the “war for talent”? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead™:   

Read: Explainability in AI: The Key to Trustworthy AI Decisions 

Visit: AI: The Next Transformation: Your guide to real-world application 

Nearly half of CEOs around the globe see the transition to renewable energy as good for business. But how can companies start building environmental and social considerations into their strategic business planning? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO, Steve Odland, and Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center, address this issue. Tune in to find out: 

§  What are the main causes of climate change? How much is driven by natural events and how much by human activity?  

§  How can companies help cut emissions while maintaining a developed, global economy? 

§  Why should firms focus on near-term emissions targets as well as those farther out? How can lower emissions translate into lower costs? 

§  Why should companies no longer address climate change and sustainability as different silos? 

Access ESG essentials, including key terminology and how boards are addressing this topic, here

The world economy has not yet reached peak GHG emissions. Achieving net zero by 2050 will require dramatic reductions in emissions, but carbon removal technology is in its infancy and still too costly. What advancements could help get us to net zero, and what’s at stake for business? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Alex Heil, Senior Economist, joins President and CEO Steve Odland, both of The Conference Board, to discuss carbon removal technology and implications for the C-Suite. 

Tune in to find out:   

·       How do carbon removal, direct air capture, and sequestration technologies work? 

·       What are the implications for businesses and CEOs in the context of carbon reduction and carbon capture technologies? 

·       What are the costs and energy demands of these carbon capture technologies—Are they feasible for businesses now? 

·       How can we quickly scale up carbon removal? 

·       How does buying carbon offsets work? What do leaders need to know about the process? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM: 

·       Read: Biodiversity as a Cornerstone of Corporate Environmental Strategy 

·       Read: Too Much Sun? Heavy Focus on Solar Might Create Volatile US Electricity Markets   

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland conduct an interview about human generations with a non-human—ChatGPT, the language model created by OpenAI. Tune in to find out AI’s “thoughts” on these questions:

• What risks does AI pose to human generations?
• What are the key characteristics of each human generation?
• How did each generation get its name?
• What events define all human generations—from an AI perspective?

The Measure of CEO Confidence™ for China suggests CEOs are cautiously optimistic about current and future conditions, even as hiring slows and demand remains below pre-COVID levels. How should CEOs respond to the new competitive reality of economic, regulatory, and geopolitical risk factors? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Head of the China Center at The Conference Board, to find out how multinational corporations are managing the risk landscape, rethinking supply chains, and continuing to leverage innovation. 

(00:09) Welcome to C Suite Perspectives
(00:47) Introducing the CEO Confidence Index 
(01:40) Current CEO Sentiment in China
(02:27) Challenges Facing Multinationals in China
(06:46) Impact of Chinese Policies on Business
(09:08) CEO Expectations on Sales, Investment, and Employment
(10:19) Risks and Concerns for CEOs in China
(11:40) Geopolitical Tensions and Business Strategy
(27:47) Final Thoughts and Conclusion

The Consumer Confidence Index® reached 104.7 in March, an indication that confidence is holding steady, but although perceptions of current economic conditions are brighter, anxiety about the future is rising.

Join Stephanie Guichard and guest Dana Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center, to find out what’s affecting US consumer attitudes and spending—and how this fits into the bigger picture of slower economic growth around the world. 

The US government is $34 trillion in debt and counting; in 10 years, interest payments alone are projected to be $1.6 trillion per year. These astronomical sums are leading to a crisis that could see the end of the US dollar as the “world’s currency.” 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Joseph E. Kasputys, PhD, former US Navy Commander, CEO of Economic Ventures, and CED Trustee, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss solutions to the US debt crisis and what the business landscape might look like if US debt continues to grow unchecked. 

Tune in to find out:  

·                How will the US debt situation affect the world economy over the next decade? 

·                How do Medicare and Social Security fit into this intricate puzzle, and what policy changes could bring the debt back down to an acceptable level? 

·                What happens when markets lose faith in the dollar and the US can't finance its debt?  

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead^TM:    

·                Read: US National Debt and Federal Budget Negotiations

·                Read: Record Debt Servicing Costs Weigh on US Fiscal Outlook  

·                Watch: CED Policy Watch: Debt Matters: Finding an Affordable Way to Build Back Better 

Being a CEO is like playing tennis against 10 people at once. That’s the take of one former CEO who now leads and coaches C-Suite executives. When there are a million things flying at you at once, how do you delegate, negotiate and manage? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Jack Stahl, co-founder of CNEXT, joins The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the five key components of successful C-Suite leadership. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What three key tasks does every CEO need to deliver on? 

· How can leaders encourage workers to effectively use their time in-office? 

· Are informal conversations better than formal training programs? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read content on Coaching, Mentorship & Sponsorship 

· Access the Global Executive Coaching Survey 2023 (Member only) 

“Being a CEO, or even a senior leader inside a company, is kind of like playing tennis against 10 people at once. Things are coming at you so fast, and so furious, so having a way to think about the work that you do can be very powerful.” -- Jack Stahl, co-founder of CNEXT 

About 52% of the world's GDP is directly or indirectly dependent on biodiversity, and so maintaining biodiversity is an important part of business strategy and addressing climate change. 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center at The Conference Board, joins President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss biodiversity and its importance for sustainability, including business sustainability.  

Tune in to find out:  

· What is biodiversity, and why does it matter? 

· How does biodiversity impact climate change, and why is it essential for slowing or even reversing the warming of the planet? 

· How does biodiversity affect various industries like agriculture and medicine, and why is it important to maintain biodiversity in these areas? 

· What is the economic impact of biodiversity, both directly and indirectly, and why should companies focus on biodiversity as a critical aspect of their sustainability efforts?  

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead:  

· Read: Biodiversity as a Cornerstone of Corporate Environmental Strategy 

· Visit our hub: ESG Risks and Opportunities  

The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® increased this month to the highest level in two years. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out: 

• How were consumers feeling in July? Are they still signaling a recession?
• What do we need to achieve a soft landing?
• What is likely to affect consumer spending in the months ahead?
• What can we expect for US GDP later this year and into next year?
• How many more rate hikes can we expect from the Fed?
• How are the rest of the world’s economies?

Generative AI could create trillions of dollars in impact across multiple waves of innovation and productivity gains. But how can we create the conditions for AI to thrive while helping businesses build systems of scale that are also inclusive? 

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Robert Smith, founder, chairman, and CEO of Vista Equity Partners, to find out how Smith expects generative AI to jump-start productivity, why businesses and communities need greater access to capital, and how he’s working to expand broadband access, especially for students. 

This Leadership in Challenging Times discussion is featured as a C-Suite Perspectives podcast and a special CED Policy Watch Webcast. Leadership in Challenging Times features timely and insightful discussions with the outstanding CEOs who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. Business leader honorees discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate. 

Do you have the financial know-how to make strategic and informed decisions for your organization? In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Maria Doughty, President and CEO of The Chicago Network, joined The Conference Board President and CEO Steve Odland to discuss the importance of financial acumen in the C-suite. Tune in to find out:

• Why is financial acumen a key part of development for leadership positions?
• What does it mean to have financial acumen?
• What are the risks of not having financial literacy as a business leader?
• How can you develop more financial expertise?

Recent years have tested our resiliency in myriad ways: a global pandemic, wars, and economic uncertainly have all strained our limits. We often think about resiliency in individual terms, but what does it look like for businesses to be resilient? And how can companies cultivate flexibility in the face of change? 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Jon Bahl, CEO of Agility Recovery, joins Paul Washington, Executive Director of the ESG Center at The Conference Board, to discuss how organizations can make operational resilience a competitive advantage. 

Tune in to find out: 

· What is operational resilience? 

· How do companies and other organizations cultivate it? 

· What would it look like to simplify resiliency and make it more accessible? 

· How can CEOs themselves be more resilient? 

· What five disruptions are resiliency professionals calling out as ones to watch? 

For more Trusted Insights for What’s Ahead: 

· Read: Making Operational Resilience a Competitive Advantage 

· Access: The ESG Center at The Conference Board 

The next five to 10 years could yield unprecedented, life-changing innovation in artificial intelligence (AI). Can industry and governments capitalize on this moment by finding the right balance of business innovation, AI regulation, and cybersecurity best practices? 

Join Dr. Lori Esposito Murray and guest Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, to find out why consistent AI regulation is important, how Arora built an innovation culture at Palo Alto, and why cybersecurity is more important than ever. 

(01:24) Nikesh's Leadership Journey
(01:46) Key Pillars of Leadership
(04:30) Navigating Uncertainty and AI 
(05:45) The Evolution of AI
(12:59) Balancing Innovation and Regulation
(15:28) Building an Innovative Culture
(18:44) Future of Cybersecurity and Technology

For more from The Conference Board: 

• 2024 Distinguished Leadership Awards 

• AI and Cybersecurity Rank Among Top 2024 Issues for CEOs 

• Principles for AI Guardrails in the US: Safety, Security, and Innovation 

In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Alex Keaton, Assistant Producer, Digital Media, joins Steve Odland, President and CEO, both of The Conference Board, to discuss her personal experience as a member of the millennial generation. Tune in to find out:

• How do millennials view their career trajectory: Are they “job hoppers” or expanding their experience?
• What value do millennials place on being open-minded when it comes to their careers and life goals?
• How cautiously do younger millennials approach their social media presence and “personal brand”?
• How did millennial experiences such as COVID-19, legalization of same-sex marriage, and Obama’s election as the first Black US president affect their outlook?
• Why do millennials value having a “seat at the table” in the workplace so highly?

The Conference Board announced that the Consumer Confidence Index® increased substantially in June. In this episode of CEO Perspectives, Erin McLaughlin, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, and Dana Peterson, Chief Economist at The Conference Board, sit down to discuss what this means for the US economy. Tune in to find out: 

• How were consumers feeling in June?
• Are they still signaling recession? When is it expected to begin?
• Why did the Fed pause raising interest rates and what can we expect in the future?
• How might the end of the pause on student loans affect consumer spending?
• What challenges are facing the European and Chinese economies?
• How have rising interest rates affected bank lending and business spending?

Most workers and leaders believe in the benefits of hybrid work, but they're struggling to measure these effects or find an approach that serves all employees. How can human capital leaders create a compelling vision for new hybrid policies? 

Join Diana Scott and guest Matt Rosenbaum, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to find out about the shortcomings of existing metrics, why hybrid policies require a clear vision, and the benefits of training people on how to work in this new reality. 

For more from The Conference Board: 

• Hybrid 2.0: Optimize Not Compromise 

• Are You Redesigning Your Workplace for the Hybrid World? 

• Job Satisfaction 2024: Is US Job Satisfaction at Risk? 

Without Social Security, the largest single source of income among Americans aged 65 and older, millions of people would fall below the poverty line. But the program now pays out much more than it takes in—and seniors face a mandatory benefit cut in the next decade if nothing is done. What solutions will reform Social Security both for short-term stability and long-term solvency?

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, Former President, Committee for Economic Development, to find out why this long-standing issue hasn’t been addressed sooner, why Congress may be more ready to tackle it now, and what solutions might just work.

How did Michael Dowling, President and CEO of Northwell Health, the largest health care provider and private employer in New York state, lead his team through the COVID-19 pandemic? Perpetual optimism. In this CEO Perspectives episode, Dowling sits down with Dr. Lori Esposito Murray, President of the Committee for Economic Development (CED), the public policy center of The Conference Board, to discuss his core principles and how they are helping Northwell Health meet the challenges of government regulation, a tight labor market, a toxic political environment, and more.  

Tune in to discover:  

·       What is the value of perpetual optimism in a crisis? 

·       How important is leadership visibility and “walking the floor”? 

·       Why do you have to "fix the roof while the sun is shining”? 

·       How does one lead innovation despite regulations and politics? 

·       How does a constant focus on the customer give valuable perspective? 

This episode of CEO Perspectives is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from CED. The series features discussions with the outstanding business leaders who are recipients of CED’s Distinguished Leadership Awards. In this series, business leaders discuss the unprecedented challenges facing the nation and how they are helping chart a path forward for both their companies and communities in which they operate. 

For the 13th straight year, U.S. workers reported higher overall job satisfaction, according to The Conference Board Job Satisfaction Survey, but paradoxically, all 26 subcomponents of the survey declined from a year ago. What’s causing this disconnect, and what are the risks for employers when it comes to job satisfaction and employee retention? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Allan Schweyer, Principal Researcher at the Human Capital Center of The Conference Board, to find out why job flexibility, leadership quality, and focused onboarding are three essential elements of job satisfaction.