Episodes
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In this era of polarization, how can Americans embrace statesmen who find common ground and move the country forward?
The United States has thrived for 250 years despite constant and evolving political differences. But does today's political and civic environment reward the leadership qualities essential to a robust democracy?
Join David Young and guest Rep. Don Bacon, R-Nebraska, to explore how the Founding Fathers would react to America in 2026, why politicians should spend less time on social media and more time with constituents, and why we need more statesman willing to compromise for the common good.
For more from The Conference Board:
250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future
America at 250: How Can We Move Past Political Deadlock?
The CEO Center Q2 2026 Impact Report
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In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director International at The Conference Board and guest host, speaks with Alejandro Fiorito, Economist at The Conference Board Europe, about the economic impact of the war in Iran and the broader geopolitical forces influencing markets and business.
Together, they explore the outlook for global growth; the evolving policy response in Europe and beyond; and why resilience, scenario planning, and adaptability are becoming essential capabilities for business leaders.
More from The Conference Board:
European Consumer Confidence
CEO Confidence Diverges Globally, With Europe Lagging the US and China
What Consumer Confidence Reveals About Europe's Recovery
2 Years Below Neutral: European CEO Confidence Falls as Outlook Deteriorates
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Board effectiveness is rising, but so are expectations, according to the latest research.
In 2026, 41% of executives rated their boards as "excellent" or "good," the highest percentage seen by The Conference Board and PwC. What does board effectiveness look like today, and where do boards still need to improve?
Join Brian Campbell and guests Ariane Marchis-Mouren, senior researcher for corporate governance at The Conference Board, and Arielle Berlin, director of the Governance Insights Center at PwC. Find out about why boards struggle with adapting to change, three ways to improve board assessments, and why top board trends have only intensified in the first half of 2026.
For more from The Conference Board:
Board Effectiveness 2026: A Survey of the C-Suite
Director Bandwidth Is Becoming a More Visible Test of Board Effectiveness
Modernizing Board Governance for Today's Risk Environment
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In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes-Jorge, Sustainability Communications Expert and guest host, is joined by Arnaud Marqui, Chief Sustainability and Safety Officer at Tarkett, to explore how the circular economy is transforming business models and helping companies build long-term resilience.
Together, they discuss Tarkett's circular economy journey, the role of product design and take-back programs in reducing waste, and how business leaders can balance sustainability investments with commercial success while preparing for a more resource-constrained future.
More from The Conference Board:
EU Regulatory Outlook: The Way Ahead for 2026
Corporate Governance in an Era of Sustained Disruption
Europe 2026: Competitiveness, Clean Industrial Policy, and Institutional Reform
How Businesses Can Turn Sustainability Ambition into Commercial Opportunities
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How are US consumers feeling as summer begins — and what should business leaders know about the growing economic impact of extreme heat?
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Alex Heil, Senior Economist.
They begin by examining the latest US Consumer Confidence Survey, discussing why confidence improved modestly in June, how consumers are thinking about inflation, interest rates, employment, and recession risks, and what those expectations could mean for spending in the months ahead.
In the second half of the conversation, the focus shifts to one of the defining business challenges of our time: extreme heat. Alex explains how rising temperatures are affecting workers, productivity, energy systems, supply chains, and business operations around the world, while highlighting practical considerations for executives looking to build resilience.
For more from The Conference Board:
US Consumer Confidence Forecast for the US Economy Global Economic Outlook -
Carbon reporting gives you data but isn't a strategy. How do businesses like DuPont put that data into context so they can make better, smarter business decisions?
Join Steve Odland and guest Scott Collick, chief sustainability officer and vice president of sustainability and regulatory compliance at DuPont. Learn how Collick defines "carbon fluency," why companies should switch from spend-based models to activity-based models, and why sustainability needs to be fully integrated with the rest of the business.
For more from The Conference Board:
Measuring Sustainability ROI in an Era of Risk & Resilience
Did US Companies Pull Back from Sustainability Reporting in 2025?
Corporate GHG Emissions Progress: Scope 1 and Scope 2 in Focus
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In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by Matei Farcas and Konstantinos Panitsas of The Conference Board Europe to analyze the latest Consumer Confidence Index findings for the Euro Area.
Together, they discuss the factors shaping consumer sentiment; explore how inflation expectations, labor market concerns, and geopolitical developments are influencing household behavior; and consider what business leaders should watch as they navigate a more cautious consumer environment.
More from The Conference Board:
Euro Area Consumer Confidence Stabilized in Early 2026 but Remains Weak
European Consumer Confidence database
2 Years Below Neutral: European CEO Confidence Falls as Outlook Deteriorates
Where to Hire: Europe 2026
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As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, there are questions about the future of leadership, citizenship, and civic life in a country that seems increasingly polarized. How can higher education develop young people to be the citizens and leaders we need?
Join David Young and guest Katherine A. Rowe, president, William & Mary, to learn about the university's role in educating American founders, why students should develop civic leadership skills, and how William & Mary encourages better arguments.
For more from The Conference Board:
250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future
America at 250: How Can We Move Past Political Deadlock?
A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation
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This episode was recorded on June 15 as part of the Policy Talks series hosted by The Conference Board.
Up to 330,000 companies could receive tariff refunds because of the Supreme Court ruling that invalidated a swath of tariffs. How can communication leaders tell a story about the tariff refunds that builds trust across stakeholders, including employees, customers, and investors?
Join Ivan Pollard and guests Davy Young, president of The CEO Center, John Gardner, head of public policy and research at The CEO Center, and Denise Dahlhoff, head of research at the Marketing & Communications Center at The Conference Board. They discuss why the court battles over tariff refunds aren't fully resolved, why new tariffs are likely to be issued, and why communications has become a central, collaborative function across the enterprise.
For more from The Conference Board:
The Tariff Refund Process
Intersections: Communications + Government Relations
CCOs Have a Seat at the Table. Now What?
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The Federal Reserve held its first meeting Wednesday since Kevin Warsh succeeded Jerome Powell as chair. What can we learn from Warsh's statements and the Fed's unanimous decision to leave rates unchanged?
Join Dana M. Peterson and guest Yelena Shulyatyeva, senior US economist at The Conference Board, to hear about the potential impact of Warsh's task forces, why we're likely to see less Fed communication, and whether the Fed will prioritize inflation over the labor market.
For more from The Conference Board:
FOMC Decision: There's a Task Force for That
June FOMC Preview: Meet the Warsh Fed: Rates on Hold, Communication in Focus
What Could the Fed Look Like Under Kevin Warsh?
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In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes-Jorge, Sustainability Communications Expert and guest host, speaks with Susan Stenson, Founder of Sustainable Boards on the gap between boards that function and boards that truly perform.
They examine how boards can prepare for geopolitical disruption, emerging technology risks, and an increasingly complex operating environment; discuss the role of scenario planning and governance in effective oversight; and highlight the conversations boards need to have before a crisis emerges.
More from The Conference Board:
Board Effectiveness 2026: A Survey of the C-Suite
From Principles to Practice: Governing AI in the Corporation
AI Policies and Regulation in the EU: What Companies Need to Know
What Drives CEO Succession Today—And Are Boards Ready?
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Companies are increasingly focused on employee performance, which is challenging but also gives CHROs and CFOs an opportunity to collaborate. How can these key functions work together to reinforce culture, drive organizational change, and influence the CEO and board?
Join host Diana Scott and guests Henry Artalejo, SVP of global human resources at Griffith Foods, Matt Corker, EVP and chief financial officer at Griffith Foods, and Maria Colacurcio, CEO of Syndio. Find out what defines a people-first organization in 2026, how the CHRO-CFO partnership can drive culture and compensation conversations, and why AI transformation is an opportunity for HR to rebrand itself.
This special episode was recorded on June 3 at the 2026 CHRO Summit, hosted by The Conference Board in Chicago.
For more from The Conference Board:
CHRO Summit: Turning Uncertainty into Growth The Conference Board to Honor S&P Global and UL Solutions at 2026 People First People First: Elevating Talent for the Future (Event) -
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board Europe, is joined by Alejandro Fiorito, Economist at The Conference Board Europe, to unpack the latest results from the Measure of CEO Confidence for Europe survey.
Together, they examine the factors weighing on CEO confidence; explore signs of resilience at the industry level; and discuss how European business leaders view geopolitical risks, long-term competitiveness, and growth opportunities both within and beyond Europe.
More from The Conference Board:
2 Years Below Neutral: European CEO Confidence Falls as Outlook Deteriorates
Measure of CEO Confidence for Europe Dashboard
CEO Confidence Still Wavering, Investments Stalled, EU Reforms in the Spotlight
The 2026 Agenda for Business Leaders: Reimagining the Future in Europe
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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 country forward?
Join David Young and guest Yuval Levin, director of social, cultural, and constitutional studies at the American Enterprise Institute, to find out why today's era reminds Levin of the Gilded Age, why political leaders must embrace coalition-building, and why today's challenges are numerous but far from insurmountable.
For more from The Conference Board:
250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future
A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation
Trusted Elections Are the Foundation of Economic Growth and Business Confidence
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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 rather than a compliance exercise; how companies can strengthen investor confidence through better data, governance, and reporting; and why sustainable finance continues to gain momentum despite evolving regulations and market scrutiny. The conversation also examines sustainable finance opportunities in Bangladesh and the role of public-private partnerships in supporting climate resilience and inclusive growth.
More from The Conference Board:
· EU Regulatory Outlook: The Way Ahead for 2026
· The Sustainability Reset
· Corporate Governance in an Era of Sustained Disruption
· Europe 2026: Competitiveness, Clean Industrial Policy, and Institutional Reform
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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?
Join Steve Odland and guest Marc S. Cooper, chairman and CEO of Solomon Partners, to find out the state of the deals market, the challenges facing middle market private equity, and why the US remains the world's top destination.
For more from The Conference Board:
2026 M&A Summit - New York
Reshaping Strategy: Navigating M&A in the Next Era
Deregulation Reshapes Financial Oversight
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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 growing intersection of trade, national security, and industrial policy; and why companies must rethink efficiency, resilience, and risk in a more fragmented global economy. The conversation also explores supply chain vulnerabilities, shifting trade alliances, and how business leaders can navigate uncertainty while identifying new opportunities for growth.
More from The Conference Board:
Economic Security Reshapes Trade in Asia Amid Rising Volatility C-Suite Outlook 2026: Asia-Pacific Edition Asia's Manufacturing Pivot: Competing for Talent in the New Supply Chain Era Beyond Tariffs: Structural Changes to Trade Are Underway in Asia -
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 outlook for income, business, and labor market conditions—rose by 1.0 points to 74.4.
The survey period for this month's preliminary results was May 1–19, encompassing the ongoing war in the Middle East that is placing upward pressure on prices globally. Join Dana M Peterson and Alex Heil to find out what to make of the latest consumer confidence results and what's next for US energy markets.
For more from The Conference Board:
US Consumer Confidence Forecast for the US Economy Global Economic Outlook -
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 president and head of global clinical trial operations at Merck, to find out how the company is using AI for clinical research and clinical trials, why "human in the loop" remains essential, and how Merck thinks about the ethical, safety, and privacy considerations of digital health.
For more from The Conference Board:
How AI Can Help Remedy the US Health Care Workforce Crisis
Health Care Workforce Policy Summit: Insight Summary
Navigating the Health Care Landscape in 2026
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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 sustainability should be embedded into core business strategy rather than treated as a compliance exercise; how insurers assess climate and ESG risks; and the growing role of governance in building trust with investors, regulators, employees, and customers. The conversation also explores greenwashing, sustainability-related litigation, and why sustainability and profitability are increasingly interconnected.
More from The Conference Board:
· EU Regulatory Outlook: The Way Ahead for 2026
· AI and the New Cyber Risk Landscape: Disclosure Gaps in the S&P Europe 350
· The Sustainability Reset
· Corporate Governance in an Era of Sustained Disruption
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