CEO Perspectives

Find out how business leaders and workers feel about the workplace amid uncertainty and cost-cutting. 

Layoffs are on the rise, with 41% of organizations issuing them in 2025 compared with only 30% in 2024. What does this uncertain economic environment mean for human capital leaders as they try to shape resilient organizations in 2026 and beyond? 

Join Diana Scott and guests Robin Erickson, PhD, head of human capital research at The Conference Board, and Matthew Maloof, researcher at The Conference Board Human Capital Center. They discuss why hybrid work is increasingly popular, how cost-cutting is affecting culture and more, and the pandemic’s lasting effects on the workplace. 

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Find out what NATO is, how it functions, and why Russia's recent incursions could force the alliance to act.  

Recent Russian violations of Polish and Estonian airspace have NATO considering a possible Article Five response, something last seen in response to 9/11. What are NATO's options, and what happens if the alliance fails to present a united front? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Sara Murray, Managing Director for International at The Conference Board, to learn about NATO’s origins and structure, why defense commitments have increased, and why NATO is approaching a red line with Russia. 

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In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Dana Peterson speaks with economists Stephanie Guichard and Alex Heil about declining US consumer confidence, rising inflation concerns, and lowered spending expectations-- and explores how the global energy transition is reshaping markets, costs, and business strategy. 

This episode provides a dual lens on the economy: the current thinking of US consumers, which shapes spending and growth, and the long-term global shift in energy systems, reshaping industries and business planning. 

Leaders and executives will gain timely insights into how these trends affect both household behavior and strategic business decisions. 

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The lawsuit against certain US tariffs could be resolved soon, but uncertainty for businesses will likely linger. 

The Supreme Court is scheduled to rule in November on certain tariffs issued by the Administration. What’s at stake in the case, and how can businesses prepare for all possible outcomes? 

Join Steve Odland and guest John Gardner, vice president of public policy at the Committee for Economic Development, the public policy center of The Conference Board, to find out how this lawsuit started, how the Supreme Court could potentially rule, and what the administration could do in response. 

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The global economy is slowing — but is it a recession, stagflation, or just a soft patch? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland speaks with Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist at The Conference Board, about the latest forecast for the US and world economies. 

They break down: 

This episode was recorded on September 16, 2025. 

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As organizations head into 2026, pay planning has become more strategic than ever. Salary budgets remain firm, but workforce strategies are shifting toward automation, reskilling, and greater pay transparency.

Diana Scott welcomes Mitchell Barnes and Rita Meyerson of The Conference Board to discuss how salary budgets are evolving; why pay equity and transparency are critical to retention; and how economists, HR leaders, and members of the C-Suite can partner to shape resilient, future-ready workforce strategies. 

Only one in four governance leaders say succession planning is a top priority, even as activists press for change and many CEOs stay in their roles longer than ever. 

In this episode, host Steve Odland sits down with Bonnie Gwin, Vice Chair and Global Co-Managing Partner, CEO and Board Practice, Heidrick & Struggles, and a leading voice on governance and board effectiveness. 

Together, they unpack the risks of neglecting succession, explore best practices for director refreshment, and explain why agility and resilience are now must-have CEO traits. The conversation also highlights how boards are grappling with black swans, geopolitical turmoil, cybersecurity, and the uncertain governance of AI. 

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CVS Health is striving to improve health care delivery in five key areas: cost, quality, access, experience, and equity. What changes are necessary to ensure better outcomes across the US health care system? 

Join Steve Odland and guest Dr. Sree Chaguturu, executive vice president and president of healthcare delivery at CVS Health, to find out what value-based care looks like, why primary care needs subspecialties, and how CVS Health is meeting the different needs of different demographics across its portfolio. 

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