C-Suite Perspectives

As the US marks its 250th anniversary, what will it take to strengthen the institutions, leadership, and civic trust needed for the next 250 years?
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The Conference Board's CEO Center, is joined by former US Senator Joe Manchin to reflect on America's 250th anniversary and the leadership challenges shaping its future.
Together, they explore the importance of bipartisanship, civic trust, and democratic resilience; discuss the growing influence of political polarization and AI; and consider why compromise, accountability, and common sense remain essential to strengthening American democracy and creating long-term prosperity.
More from The Conference Board:
America at 250: What's Next for Civic Responsibility
Why Should Americans Care About the National Debt?
250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future
A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation

A super El Niño is forecast to bring more than extreme weather—it could reshape the global economy. From supply chains and insurance markets to commodity prices and infrastructure, how should business leaders prepare before disruption strikes?
In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland is joined by Dr. Alex Heil, Senior Economist at The Conference Board, to examine the economic implications of a powerful El Niño event.
Together, they discuss which industries face the greatest exposure, how climate volatility can affect enterprise risk and financial performance, and what practical steps organizations can take to strengthen resilience through scenario planning and strategic decision-making.
More from The Conference Board:
·         El Niño's Global Reach: The Business Impact of Extreme Weather
·         The Global Water Crisis—Mitigation and Adaption in a World of Water Shortages
·         The Heat Is On! How Extreme Heat Is Reshaping Business Risk
·         At the Climate Crossroads: US Corporate Commitments 10 Years After Paris Accord

US consumer spending has been remarkedly resilient. But will consumers' patience run out?  

 

It's one of the questions on the minds of economists, including Allen Li, Associate Economist at The Conference Board. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Erik Lundh, Global Senior Economist, The Conference Board talks with Allen about the US Consumer Confidence Index. 

 

They begin by examining the latest US Consumer Confidence Survey, discussing why confidence declined in July, how consumers are thinking about inflation, interest rates, employment, and recession risks, and what those expectations could mean for spending in the months ahead. 

 

In the second half of the conversation, the focus shifts to the global economic forecast. Erik explains the reasoning behind the improved global outlook and the shift from consumption-led growth toward investment-led growth in the US. 

 

For more from The Conference Board: 

US Consumer Confidence 


Forecast for the US Economy 


Global Economic Outlook

2026 is being called "the year of the carve-out." Why are carve-outs so popular right now, and what makes such deals successful?
 
Join Steve Odland and guest Steve Sapletal, Principal, U.S. Transcation Strategy Practive Leader, KPMG, US, to learn about how to conduct successful carve-outs, why stranded costs can be an overlooked concern, and why you need a business continuity plan as the carve-out is underway.
 
For more from The Conference Board:
·         From Strategy to Value: Building a Proactive Approach to Divestment & Carve Outs
·         2026 M&A Summit - San Francisco
·         Mergers & Acquisitions Executives Council

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by Nick Davis, Senior Fellow at The Conference Board, Chief Innovation Officer at Mid-Ohio Food Collective, CEO of Shopsight, and author of Future Ready, to discuss what it takes for organizations to thrive in an era of generative AI, accelerating technological change, and constant disruption. 

Together, they explore what it means to become future ready; examine how leaders can move beyond isolated AI pilots to enterprise-wide transformation; discuss the operating models, leadership capabilities, and organizational cultures needed to adapt at speed; and share practical lessons on innovation, continuous learning, governance, and building organizations that can turn uncertainty into long-term strategic advantage. 

More from The Conference Board:  

Reinventing the Talent Pipeline in the AI Era 


Upskilling and Reskilling for AI 


Culture in Flux: Continuous Change and AI Transformation 


The Reimagined Workplace 2026: Adopting AI Today, Poised for Tomorrow