In this episode, we discuss America's most complex systems—our healthcare and pharmaceutical industries. From rising costs and drug pricing to employee benefits and AI/biotech breakthroughs, we unpack the forces shaping the care we depend on.

We break down the root causes behind rising healthcare costs, how employers are grappling with rising insurance premiums, and discuss the role of HSAs and wellness incentives, and what this all means for employees.

We also take listeners through the drug development lifecycle, from R&D to market, and candidly discuss the lack of pricing transparency. And as the episode unfolds, we will explore how AI and robotics are driving innovation, and how they are poised to redefine modern medicine.

We dive into healthcare trends, reforms, affordability and the forces shaping healthcare. Ultimately, we ponder big questions: Can innovation and affordability truly coexist? and Is there a prescribed remedy for the broken healthcare system?

Whether you work in healthcare, HR, or simply care about your own wellbeing, Vital Signs keeps you informed of what's ahead.

This episode is co-hosted and moderated by Lynn Gargano of the Financial Executives Networking Group and Andrew Silverman, Lead Transactional and Tax Policy Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence. They are joined by esteemed guests from Lockton: Mr. Ted Pizzo, Managing Executive and Client Advisor for Healthcare, and Dr. Shealynn Buck, Chief Medical Officer leading Clinical Strategies at Lockton, as well as Matt Hendrickson, MedTech Analyst at Bloomberg and co-host of the podcast Vanguard's of Healthcare.

Disclaimer: The Financial Executives Edge provides informational content only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or career advice. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect the views of the moderator, The Financial Executives Networking Group or its affiliates. We make no guarantees about the reliability of the information presented. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial or career decisions. The hosts and creators assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.

Over the past few decades, the real estate and housing market has experienced significant shifts driven by economic cycles, interest rate fluctuations, demographic trends, and policy changes. The 1980s saw high inflation and interest rates. The 1990s brought a recession and recovery, while the early 2000s experienced a housing boom that collapsed during the 2008 financial crisis, followed by a slow recovery with growing affordability concerns. More recently, the 2020s have been shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work trends, and sharp interest rate hikes compounding affordability issues.

In this episode, we dive into the changing tides of the U.S. housing market — from interest rates to inventory, demographic shifts and supply chain constraints. We tackle ongoing affordability challenges, the Fed's long-term strategy and also revisit the renting vs. buying debate.

Whether you are a homebuyer, homeowner, renter, or just tracking the market, this is your real estate pulse check.

Disclaimer: The Financial Executives Edge provides informational content only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or career advice. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect the views of the moderator, The Financial Executives Networking Group or its affiliates. We make no guarantees about the reliability of the information presented. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial or career decisions. The hosts and creators assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.

For decades, wealth conversations have largely overlooked women — but that's changing. Women are not only earning and inheriting more wealth than ever before, but they're also shaping how wealth is built, invested, and used. From entrepreneurs and investors to mothers and philanthropists, women are driving a new financial narrative — one rooted in values, long-term security, and community impact.

In this episode, we get real about how women approach financial decision-making differently, and why traditional wealth management models and financial institutions need to adapt to better serve and engage this growing and influential client base. We will also spotlight the rise of female financial leaders, and how they are shaping a more inclusive, resilient, and forward-thinking wealth landscape.

So, tune in to discover one of the most powerful shifts reshaping the global economy - why women's wealth is the next big economic story. The numbers are truly astounding!

Disclaimer: The Financial Executives Edge provides informational content only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or career advice. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect the views of the moderator, The Financial Executives Networking Group or its affiliates. We make no guarantees about the reliability of the information presented. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial or career decisions. The hosts and creators assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.

The U.S. economy is undergoing a delicate balancing act, with many competing forces at play. The Fed's interest rate policy is central to maintaining this balance, but the complexity of current inflationary pressures, labor market dynamics, consumer behavior and global tariffs, complicates decision-making.

• If the Fed raises rates too much, it risks tipping the economy into recession, increasing unemployment, and stalling growth.
• If the Fed is too slow to raise rates, inflation could become entrenched, eroding purchasing power and undermining long-term stability.

This episode dives into the current state of the U.S. economy, focusing on key economic data, rate policy decisions, and the outlook for the months ahead. With central banks caught in the middle of these challenges, we explore a wide range of economic issues, shedding light on how the Fed's interest rate policy decisions shape the future of the U.S. economy and dig into what policymakers are signaling for the months ahead.

So if you are a CFO, business owner, investor, or just someone trying to make sense of the mixed signals and current economic environment – this episode is for you.

Disclaimer: The Financial Executives Edge provides informational content only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or career advice. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect the views of the moderator, The Financial Executives Networking Group or its affiliates. We make no guarantees about the reliability of the information presented. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial or career decisions. The hosts and creators assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.

The global adoption of cryptocurrency continues to grow, with a more diverse user base now involved, ranging from retail investors to institutional players. However, misconceptions about Bitcoin and crypto still persist from it being too volatile to be taken seriously, to being seen as a scam or speculative bubble and to its perceived association with bad actors and illicit activity.

In reality, Bitcoin's has seen increasing mainstream acceptance, particularly in developing economies, and its use as a hybrid asset—used speculatively as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, as a store of value (Digital Gold"), and as a medium of exchange. While retail investors were initially at the forefront, institutional investors are increasingly playing a role, investing in Bitcoin through ETFs and other regulated products.

The rise of stablecoins—digital assets pegged to stable fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar—has reshaped the financial landscape. The recently passed GENIUS Act bill seeks to regulate digital assets, including stablecoins, by setting cybersecurity standards and enhancing oversight, helping ensure that innovation does not come at the cost of consumer safety or financial stability.

Innovations in crypto technology, such as smart contracts, Layer 2 solutions and improved privacy features, are also advancing the space, making it more scalable and practical for broader use.

For senior finance executives, the key considerations around digital currencies involve understanding them as both investment assets and potential operational tools. Strategically, cryptocurrencies offer new opportunities for diversification and risk management, but operational challenges like security and regulatory compliance must be addressed. With growing institutional adoption, crypto's future is likely to be shaped by both investor sentiment (retail and institutional) and regulatory clarity, making it an evolving area of focus for the financial sector.

Disclaimer: The Financial Executives Edge provides informational content only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or career advice. The views expressed are those of the guests and do not reflect the views of the moderator, The Financial Executives Networking Group or its affiliates. We make no guarantees about the reliability of the information presented. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial or career decisions. The hosts and creators assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.

The "One Big Beautiful Bill" represents a potential turning point for U.S. fiscal policy, balancing economic recovery with long-term sustainability. It is likely to shape key areas of the 2025 budget and face challenges in gaining bipartisan support. Its eventual impact on businesses, industries, and international relations could reshape the U.S. economic landscape.

In this podcast, will we discuss where the bill stands, the most significant areas of the bill, explore whether the provisions are short-term fixes or represent long-term solutions, look at who stands to win, who could lose, and how it all fits into the broader global trade puzzle.

It's fair to say that this sweeping legislation carries the potential for transformative change—but not without complexity and consequence and ripple effect across industries, tax structures, and global trade for years to come. Businesses and individuals must stay agile in their tax planning to mitigate risks and capitalize on new opportunities as the bill's provisions take shape.

Disclaimer: The Financial Executives Edge provides informational content only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or career advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the views of The Financial Executives Networking Group or its affiliates. We make no guarantees about the reliability of the information presented. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial or career decisions. The hosts and creators assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.

The global tax system is undergoing significant changes as countries wrestle with questions about who should have the right to tax income, especially in the context of multinational corporations operating across multiple jurisdictions. At the core of the debate is the question of which jurisdiction has the most legitimate claim to tax a company's profits and how this right is determined. As countries seek to balance sovereignty with fairness, the evolving landscape of international taxation is marked by both convergence and divergence.

We will explore the core debate between tax jurisdiction and legitimacy, finding a potential compromise between current U.S. Tax Law and BEPS 2.0, and the implications for the digital economy and transfer pricing.

In this episode, we're joined by Andrew Silverman, Lead Transactional & Tax Policy Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, and Chris Migliaccio (MILIACHO) Partner - International Tax, M&A and Employee Retention Credit Leader at PKF O'Connor Davies, LLP, moderated by Ryan Bradford. Disclaimer: The Financial Executives Edge provides informational content only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or career advice. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests and do not reflect the views of The Financial Executives Networking Group or its affiliates. We make no guarantees about the reliability of the information presented. Listeners should consult a qualified professional before making financial or career decisions. The hosts and creators assume no liability for actions taken based on this content.