The Reopening

This week, Andrew and Scott’s guest is Ken Langone, Chairman of Invemed Associates and a Trustee of CSIS. Ken is a true American success story who now focuses his efforts on philanthropy, including New York University’s Langone Health. We talk with Ken about the power of education and hear his views on the country’s prospects and promise.

Reading Notes:

 CNBC's full interview with Ken Langone

Kenneth G. Langone discusses the heroism on the front lines and his thoughts that the media is inciting differences instead of sharing positive outcomes of the pandemic.

Philanthropy Magazine – Interview with Ken Langone

Philanthropy Magazine interviews Kenneth G. Langone about his life, philanthropy, and how to be a successful board member.

This week’s guest is Evan Greenberg, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chubb Limited and Chubb Group. Evan is a CSIS Trustee, Chairman Emeritus of the U.S.-China Business Council, and serves by presidential appointment to the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations. In a wide-ranging conversation, Evan describes the post-COVID state of the world economy and the near-term challenges faced by national governments. Evan also outlines how leaders in business and government can work together to accelerate growth and overcome the tendency to turn inward instead of cooperating with trading partners.

Reading Notes:

Chubb CEO on insuring in a pandemic: ‘It’s unlike any other catastrophe’

In an interview with CNBC, Greenberg discusses the importance of cooperation between public and private entities in the midst of a pandemic, the need for payouts, and the unprecedented nature of this crisis.

Chubb is “leaning into” reinsurance firming: CEO Greenberg

“Chubb [is] upsizing on their reinsurance underwriting portfolios to capitalise on improved and more risk-adequate rates.”

This week, Andrew and Scott talk to William Reilly, former President of the World Wildlife Fund and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator during the George H.W. Bush administration. Bill contemplates how the Covid-19-induced increase in remote work will reshape American cities facing lower demand for office space, transit, and in-person conferencing. Bill also expresses optimism about making progress toward climate goals as we quickly adapt to new technologies.

Reading Notes:

Earth Day at 50: Reflections from William Reilly

The week of the anniversary of Earth Day, Bill Reilly joined the Columbia Energy Exchange Podcast to discuss the importance of the environment for voters. He also discusses that while many people do not necessarily find climate change to be false, they are against the ideas of changing their lives and the policies that would come with that.

William K. Reilly accepts the 2020 Climate Pioneer Award

On March 5, 2020, Bill Reilly was awarded the 2020 Climate Pioneer Award at the Climate Leadership Conference.

This week’s guest is Dr. Helene Gayle, CEO of the Chicago Community Trust, a private foundation with more than a century of service to the city of Chicago, and CSIS Trustee. From 2006 through 2015, Dr. Gayle was President and CEO of the venerable anti-poverty organization, CARE USA. Helene talks with Andrew and Scott about the COVID-19 pandemic and her organization’s response. They also discuss the Trust’s research on racial disparities in wealth, education, and health outcomes in Chicago. Helene closes by sharing her vision for equity, opportunity, and shared prosperity.

In this episode, Robin Hood Foundation CEO Wes Moore, author of the new book “Five Days: The Fiery Reckoning of An American City” discusses how changes in public policy must occur for poverty and racial inequality to end in America.

Reading Notes:

 “The Most Powerful Thing We Have Is Our Voice”: A Conversation On Race, Justice, And Social Change With Wes Moore

A conversation between Wes Moore and Dan Porterfield of Forbes. They discuss Moore’s newest book, structural racism and police violence, and his role in one of the leading anti-poverty organizations.

Wes Moore: On a Mission to Fight America’s Growing Poverty Crisis

Wes Moore is a guest on the “You Decide with Errol Louis” podcast. They the pandemic’s effect on the growing hunger crisis and racial wealth gap, among other topical subjects.

Oscar Munoz, Executive Chairman of United Airlines, is our guest this week. Oscar talks about managing through the Covid-19 crisis in an industry that was first to feel the effects--and among the last to recover. We discuss the importance of passengers feeling safe as well as being safe, and how the power of human contact and in-person interaction will ultimately be the driving force in the industry’s recovery. The podcast closes with Oscar’s unique insights on social change and personal leadership, underscoring the fact that we all can help make things better.

Reading Notes:

In this episode, Andrew and Scott speak with Kewsong Lee, Co-Chief Executive Officer of the Carlyle Group. Kewsong is Chairman of Carlyle’s Executive Group and a member of the Board of Directors. He is the President of the Board of the Lincoln Center Theater, a member of the Business Roundtable, a director of the Board of the U.S.-China Business Council, Vice Chair of the US Chamber of Commerce’s China Center Advisory Board and a member of the Executive Committee of the Partnership for New York. Kewsong discusses the global economic outlook and geopolitical issues, how leaders are adapting and re-imagining business for the new environment, the challenge of building and sustaining a strong corporate culture, and the implications of consumer and corporate behavioral changes.

Julie Sweet, Chief Executive Officer of Accenture, joins the podcast this week. Julie talks about innovation and managing change in partnership with her clients. She also discusses the need for speed in firms large and small, the role of automation and artificial intelligence, and her personal commitment to shared success.

Reading Notes:

Mastercard CEO Ajay Banga joins the podcast to discuss his company’s unique perspective of the changing economy here and abroad. Ajay shares his views on financial inclusion, consumer trust, and technology’s role in growth and recovery.

In this episode, Mark Hoplamazian, President and CEO of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, joins Andrew and Scott to discuss how the hospitality business will be reimagined and revitalized as guests return with new expectations. Mark shares his optimism about the joys of travel, his belief in the future of the hotel industry, and his insights on leadership during tough times.