C-Suite Perspectives

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. Transaction Strategy Practice Leader, KPMG, US, to learn about how to conduct successful carve-outs, why stranded costs can be an overlooked concern, and why you need a business continuity plan as the carve-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

Every generation has the responsibility to continue the Founding Fathers' vision, says Rep. Brad Schneider.

If the Founding Fathers materialized in 2026, they'd likely worry about polarization and threats to checks and balances, but they'd also be amazed by the breadth of American innovation. How can today's leaders reinvigorate civic values and political courage as we enter America's next 250 years?

Join David Young and guest Rep. Brad Schneider, D-Illinois, to find out why every generation has a responsibility to the republic, why today's environment punishes civility and political courage, and what gives him hope about American political and civic life looking forward.

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

In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Barbara Mendes George, sustainability communications expert and guest host, speaks with Edvin Lindgren, Global Circular Economy Lead at Hitachi Energy, about how the company is embedding circular economy principles into its strategy, operations and customer offering.

Together, they explore the shift from a linear value chain to a value cycle; how circularity can create customer value through longer product life, resource efficiency and new service models; and why data, regulation, collaboration and a clear business case are critical to accelerating progress.

More from The Conference Board:

The EU's Circular Economy Test: Creating Demand at Scale

How Business Can Turn Sustainability Ambition into Commercial Opportunities

Why Reliable Supplier Data Is Now Key to Supply Chain Transparency

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

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

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

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