Look Forward

As the coronavirus crisis continues to alter the global economy, protectionism, the redefined role of central banks, and a battle for climate leadership will drive the agenda in a post-pandemic world. S&P Global CEO Doug Peterson and political scientist Ian Bremmer, founder and president of the geopolitical think tank Eurasia Group and the global news organization GZERO Media, join the Essential Podcast to discuss some of the factors shaping the future.

Prior to the global pandemic, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics were enjoying a cultural moment as more companies and investors committed to including such factors in their goals and decisions. Instead of being overpowered by the immediate concerns of the pandemic, the events of 2020 reinforced how we don't know what is immediately around the corner and brought the need to focus on ESG metrics to the fore. Now, in 2021, that lesson reinforces the view that a long-term, sustainable approach centered around strong ESG principles is more important than ever. Self-described cautious ESG optimist Martina Cheung, President of S&P Global Market Intelligence and Head of ESG for S&P Global, joins the Essential Podcast to discuss the ESG trends to watch this year.

The global economy is experiencing a prisoner's dilemma. In a post-pandemic world, how moral will capitalism become? Harvard Business School professor Rebecca Henderson, who studies how the private sector can play a major role in building a more sustainable economy, operates as a consultant, and is the author of "Reimagining Capitalism in a World on Fire," joins the Essential Podcast to talk about morality, capitalism, the role of the individual, and the importance of governments in a moment of crisis.

Entrepreneur and author Suneel Gupta joins the Essential Podcast to share insights from his new book, "Backable: The Surprising Truth Behind What Makes People Take a Chance on You." Using case studies and experiences from the worlds of venture capital and entertainment and beyond, Gupta has lessons for anyone who has ideas and needs to persuade others to believe in them.

Bruce Mehlman, founding partner of the bipartisan Washington, D.C. lobbying firm Mehlman, Castagnetti, Rosen & Thomas, joins the Essential Podcast to discuss his latest quarterly review of the U.S. political and social landscape. He explores the greatest threat we face in 2021, which, to give a hint, isn't the coronavirus.

Shaun Roache, Chief Asia-Pacific Economist at S&P Global Ratings, joins the Essential Podcast to explain the rapid changes taking place in China today and share his optimistic perspective on the country's future.

Peter Malinowski, Executive Director of the Billion Oyster Project, joins the Essential Podcast to talk about climate change, social engagement, and an ambitious plan to restore oyster beds to New York waters.

Who feels that they belong at work, and who feels excluded? Julia Taylor Kennedy, Executive Vice President at COQUAL, joins the Essential Podcast to discuss COQUAL’s groundbreaking global research that sought answers to these questions.

Host Nathan Hunt is joined by Essential Podcast producer Molly Mintz to review the events—and episodes—of 2020. Not only discussing their lessons learned and favorite guests of the year, the duo share their thoughts on what topics they’re eager to tackle next.

Who matters? Whose voice is heard? Whose interests are represented? These are the fundamental questions that advocates of stakeholder capitalism are asking. Martin Whittaker of JUST Capital, an organization considered by many to be the driving force behind the stakeholder capitalism movement, and Doug Peterson, the CEO of S&P Global and one of the original signatories of the Business Roundtable’s Purpose of a Corporation, join the Essential Podcast to discuss companies’ shift to leading for the benefit of all stakeholders, customers, employees, suppliers, communities, and shareholders.