What Makes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work? The Conference Board 2026-03-02 | New global data reveals strong employee support for diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI)—but also a widening gap between how leaders view progress and how workers experience it. Allan Schweyer, principal researcher in the Human Capital Center, speaks with Marion Devine, principal researcher, Human Capital Europe, and Matthew Maloof, researcher, Human Capital Center, about findings from a survey of more than 1,300 employees across the US, Europe, and Asia. They explore why managers are the make-or-break factor in DEI success, how regional attitudes differ, and what senior leaders can do to strengthen credibility in a climate of political and cultural pushback. For more from The Conference Board: Bridging International Perspectives: Exploring DEI Evidence Over Optics: Proving the Impact of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advancing Opportunity and Access: Linking DEI to Business Outcomes A Tale of Two Continents: The Impact of US DEI Policy on European Businesses
Why Thousands of Future Nurses and Doctors Can’t Get a Seat The Conference Board 2026-09-21 | The healthcare workforce is facing an education bottleneck that no one is fixing.In 2026, 96,000 applicants to nursing programs and 26,000 medical students were rejected, leaving thousands of qualified professionals sidelined. We analyze why educational institutions currently lack the incentives to expand medical school capacity.
Why Our Healthcare Pipeline Is Broken—And How to Finally Fix It | Covista CEO Steve Beard The Conference Board 2026-09-21 | In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Steve Beard, Chairman and CEO of Covista, to examine why the health care workforce shortage begins long before employers try to fill open positions—and what it will take to build a larger, stronger, and more sustainable talent pipeline.
From Vinyl to AI: What the Music Industry Teaches Business About Disruption The Conference Board 2026-09-17 | Few industries have survived as many waves of disruption as music—from vinyl and MTV to streaming, AI, and now virtual artists. The performers who endure do more than react: they anticipate the next curve, reinvent without losing their identity, and keep experimenting before a crisis forces them to change. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by Peter Corijn, Founder and CEO of VUCASTAR Consulting, Senior Fellow at The Conference Board, author, and recording artist under the name Paul Numi, to explore what business leaders can learn from the music industry about disruption and reinvention. Together, they examine seven strategies for responding to a game changer; how artists including David Bowie, U2, Madonna, and Prince remained relevant; and why curiosity, resilience, diverse teams, and continuous experimentation underpin lasting success. They also discuss how leaders can innovate without abandoning their core identity, which capabilities organizations should develop before the next crisis, and whether generative AI can replicate the creativity and emotional experience that remain distinctly human. More from The Conference Board: Beyond AI Pilots: Building Future-Ready Companies AI Is Transforming Organizations. How Will Yours Change? C-Suite Outlook 2026: Uncertainty and Opportunity
Why Resilience Is Your Biggest Competitive Advantage The Conference Board 2026-09-15 | Explores the essential role of a growth mindset when facing complex professional obstacles. By prioritizing discipline and empathy, leaders can foster a culture that turns adversity into a competitive advantage in the world of business leadership. Developing this mental resilience is a continuous process for those at the top.
How AI Is Changing Health Care - from Diagnosis to Discharge The Conference Board 2026-09-14 | Health care systems face a widening capacity challenge: an aging population and rising rates of chronic illness are increasing demand for care, while persistent workforce shortages limit how many patients clinicians can serve. AI could help close that gap—not by replacing health care workers but by reducing administrative burdens, improving workflows, and enabling the existing workforce to deliver more and better care. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by Erka Amursi, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to explore how AI can help health care organizations alleviate workforce shortages, increase productivity, and improve the delivery of care. Together, they discuss how AI is already supporting diagnosis, documentation, patient monitoring, and administrative work; why the greatest gains will come from redesigning workflows and operating models; and which new skills health care workers will need. They also examine the risks of overreliance, bias, privacy violations, and unclear accountability—and why effective governance should treat AI as a copilot for clinicians rather than an autopilot for patient care.
AI vs Healthcare Shortages: What You Need to Know The Conference Board 2026-09-14 | Health care systems face a widening capacity challenge: an aging population and rising rates of chronic illness are increasing demand for care, while persistent workforce shortages limit how many patients clinicians can serve. AI could help close that gap—not by replacing health care workers but by reducing administrative burdens, improving workflows, and enabling the existing workforce to deliver more and better care.In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by Erka Amursi, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to explore how AI can help health care organizations alleviate workforce shortages, increase productivity, and improve the delivery of care.
How CEOs Lead Through Uncertainty: Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck The Conference Board 2026-09-10 | Leadership does not get easier—leaders get better at doing hard things. For Kristin Peck, navigating uncertainty requires discipline, a growth mindset, and the mental resilience to move forward without having all the answers. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center of The Conference Board, is joined by Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, to explore how she leads the world’s largest animal health company through rapid change. Together, they discuss how purpose and curiosity have shaped Peck’s career, why culture is a competitive advantage, and how Zoetis uses innovation to address emerging needs in animal health. They also examine the connection between healthy animals, food security, and economic opportunity—and why empathy and “frustrated optimism” are essential qualities for today’s business leaders. This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from The CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.
How CEOs Lead Through Uncertainty: Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck The Conference Board 2026-09-10 | Leadership does not get easier—leaders get better at doing hard things. For Kristin Peck, navigating uncertainty requires discipline, a growth mindset, and the mental resilience to move forward without having all the answers.In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center of The Conference Board, is joined by Kristin Peck, CEO of Zoetis, to explore how she leads the world’s largest animal health company through rapid change.Together, they discuss how purpose and curiosity have shaped Peck’s career, why culture is a competitive advantage, and how Zoetis uses innovation to address emerging needs in animal health. They also examine the connection between healthy animals, food security, and economic opportunity—and why empathy and “frustrated optimism” are essential qualities for today’s business leaders.This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from The CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.
Can Corporate Climate Goals Survive the AI-Driven Energy Boom? The Conference Board 2026-09-08 | The era of corporate climate pledges is giving way to the harder work of execution. As 2030 deadlines approach and AI drives demand for energy and infrastructure, companies are confronting difficult questions about which emissions they can control, what they can afford, and how their goals may need to evolve.In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by Dr. Andrew Jones, Principal Researcher at the Governance & Sustainability Center of The Conference Board, to examine how companies set climate goals and the progress they are making across scope one, scope two, and scope three emissions.Together, they discuss why companies have made the greatest progress on emissions from purchased electricity, the financial and operational challenges putting climate commitments at risk, how AI is reshaping energy demand and corporate emissions—and why revising a target does not necessarily represent a retreat.
The gap between AI skills and your paycheck #career #money #ai The Conference Board 2026-09-03 | While 38% of organizations are adjusting base pay to account for machine learning expertise, a significant disconnect remains. Most businesses continue to rely on a rigid salary structure, with 63% of ranges still tied to legacy job descriptions rather than the specific skills driving business value. This creates a friction point where companies are aggressively redesigning work but failing to incentivize the talent required to sustain that growth.For C-suite leaders, the path forward requires a shift in focus to address the widening AI skill gap. Only a small fraction of firms are currently using salary budgets to reward hot-skill acquisition or upskilling. To bridge this divide, leaders must move beyond standard job roles and establish clear governance that recognizes the skills creating the most significant return. The objective is to align compensation with the workforce transformation necessary for future-proofing the organization.
38% of Companies Are Changing Pay for This One Skill The Conference Board 2026-09-03 | While 38% of organizations are adjusting base pay to account for machine learning expertise, a significant disconnect remains. Most businesses continue to rely on a rigid salary structure, with 63% of ranges still tied to legacy job descriptions rather than the specific skills driving business value. This creates a friction point where companies are aggressively redesigning work but failing to incentivize the talent required to sustain that growth.For C-suite leaders, the path forward requires a shift in focus to address the widening AI skill gap. Only a small fraction of firms are currently using salary budgets to reward hot-skill acquisition or upskilling. To bridge this divide, leaders must move beyond standard job roles and establish clear governance that recognizes the skills creating the most significant return. The objective is to align compensation with the workforce transformation necessary for future-proofing the organization.
How AI Is Reshaping the Future of Employee Reward The Conference Board 2026-09-03 | Reward is moving out of the HR back office and into the heart of business strategy. From improving frontline productivity to navigating AI and pay transparency, decisions about how employees are rewarded increasingly shape organizational performance, workforce trust, and a company’s ability to compete. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by John Beadle, Senior Research Fellow and Corporate Reward and Global Mobility Council Director at The Conference Board, to explore insights from the Future: Reward Europe 2026 event and what they reveal about the changing role of reward leaders. They discuss why successful reward redesign begins with diagnosing the business problem, how global benefit standards are challenging traditional market-based approaches, and whether AI will make reward functions more effective or simply reduce head count. They also examine the unfinished work of EU pay transparency, differences between US and European compensation, the more disciplined use of ESG measures in incentive plans, and the emerging issues that should be on reward leaders’ agendas for the year ahead. More from The Conference Board: What Employers Need to Know About EU’s Pay Transparency Law The New Reward Agenda: Strategy, AI, Transparency, and Trust EU Workforce Regulation Outlook 2026: 5 CHRO Priorities AI and the Workforce: Governing Risk, Opportunity, and Access
Is Your Workplace Culture Ready for AI? The Conference Board 2026-08-31 | A strong culture can help an organization navigate disruption—but the same beliefs and behaviors that drove success in the past can become barriers when the world changes. With AI accelerating uncertainty, how can leaders tell whether their culture is helping their organization adapt or holding it back? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by Erka Amursi, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center, to explore what makes an organizational culture strong, healthy, adaptable, and consistent, and how leaders can determine where their own culture needs work. They discuss a new four-dimension framework for understanding and measuring culture; why trust and psychological safety are especially important during periods of rapid change; and how leaders’ actions, incentives, and communication shape the behaviors that take hold across an organization. They also examine how AI is challenging traditional approaches to change management and why transparency becomes even more important when leaders cannot offer employees certainty about what comes next
September Fed Rate Hike? The Inflation Data That Will Decide The Conference Board 2026-08-28 | Could the Federal Reserve raise interest rates in September? Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist for The Conference Board, analyzes Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s latest remarks and discusses with Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist for The Conference Board, why markets interpreted Warsh’s message as increasingly hawkish. Shulyatyeva examines what Warsh revealed about the Fed’s approach to inflation, why the speed of progress toward its 2% target matters, and what his comments suggest about the underlying strength of the economy and labor market. The conversation also explores the market reaction to the speech, the economic data the Fed will consider before its September meeting, and why The Conference Board is not yet changing its forecast of no rate hikes this year.
Could the Federal Reserve raise interest rates in September? | Video The Conference Board 2026-08-28 | Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist for The Conference Board, analyzes Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s latest remarks and discusses with Erik Lundh, Senior Global Economist for The Conference Board, why markets interpreted Warsh’s message as increasingly hawkish. Shulyatyeva examines what Warsh revealed about the Fed’s approach to inflation, why the speed of progress toward its 2% target matters, and what his comments suggest about the underlying strength of the economy and labor market. The conversation also explores the market reaction to the speech, the economic data the Fed will consider before its September meeting, and why The Conference Board is not yet changing its forecast of no rate hikes this year.
From Small Bank to Regional Powerhouse: FNB’s Playbook The Conference Board 2026-08-27 | FNB grew from a small bank into a major regional institution without abandoning the culture, communities, or risk discipline that helped make its expansion possible. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Vincent Delie Jr., Chairman, President, and CEO of FNB Corporation and First National Bank, and a 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards honoree, about the leadership decisions behind that transformation. Together, they explore how FNB has combined strategic growth with disciplined risk management; why decisiveness, collaboration, and a low-bureaucracy culture create competitive advantage; and how investments in AI, digital banking, and underserved communities are shaping the bank’s next chapter. This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from the CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.
From Small Bank to Regional Powerhouse: FNB’s Playbook | Video The Conference Board 2026-08-27 | FNB grew from a small bank into a major regional institution without abandoning the culture, communities, or risk discipline that helped make its expansion possible. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The CEO Center at The Conference Board, speaks with Vincent Delie Jr., Chairman, President, and CEO of FNB Corporation and First National Bank, and a 2026 Distinguished Leadership Awards honoree, about the leadership decisions behind that transformation.Together, they explore how FNB has combined strategic growth with disciplined risk management; why decisiveness, collaboration, and a low-bureaucracy culture create competitive advantage; and how investments in AI, digital banking, and underserved communities are shaping the bank’s next chapter.This episode is part of the Leadership in Challenging Times series from the CEO Center at The Conference Board. The series features discussions with the business leaders who are recipients of the Distinguished Leadership Awards.
Consumer Confidence Is Cautious Again #shorts #financialliteracy The Conference Board 2026-08-26 | August 2026 consumer confidence dropped 0.8 points—what does this mean for the economy?This update breaks down the recent decline in the index from 90.8 to 90.2, analyzing what this shift tells us about current consumer propensity. Economists and market observers will find this brief data summary essential for tracking monthly trends.Subscribe for more concise economic index updates and market analysis.
State of the Economy for August: Consumer Confidence Slips as Jackson Hole Takes Center Stage Video The Conference Board 2026-08-25 | Consumer confidence edged lower in August as expectations weakened, even as consumers’ assessment of current conditions improved. Yelena Shulyatyeva, Senior US Economist, The Conference Board and Allen Li, Associate Economist, The Conference Board examine what the latest data reveal about jobs, inflation, and recession concerns. They also preview Jackson Hole and discuss what Fed Chair Kevin Warsh’s address could mean for interest rates, Treasury yields, and monetary policy.
Why Excutives Cant Ignore Prediction Markets The Conference Board 2026-08-24 | Are your company moves being tracked on prediction markets? 📈Corporate leaders need to understand how betting markets analyze and speculate on everything from earnings calls to CEO behavior. This breakdown explains why your business is likely already being traded and what it means for your public strategy.Subscribe to stay ahead of how market speculation impacts your brand reputation.
Prediction Markets: A New Frontier for Risk Management The Conference Board 2026-08-24 | On this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, we break down the growing role of prediction markets in business and public policy.In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Steve Odland, President and CEO of The Conference Board, is joined by PJ Tabit, Principal Economic Policy Analyst at The Conference Board's CEO Center, to explore the growing role of prediction markets in business and public policy.Subscribe for weekly C-Suite Perspectives breakdowns, and comment below on how you think prediction markets will evolve in the next fiscal year.
Why Prediction Markets Matter for Business Intelligence | Video Interview The Conference Board 2026-08-24 | Learn how prediction markets are shaping economic policy with P.J. Tabbit from The Conference Board.This discussion outlines the practical application of prediction markets in modern business strategy. P.J. Tabbit, Principal Economic Policy Analyst at The Conference Board, joins the program to break down the findings from his latest research. This conversation is designed for executives and analysts looking to improve their market forecasting capabilities.We discuss the core components of these markets and how they provide actionable data for decision-makers. You will learn where to access the full paper through the CEO Center to apply these insights to your own organizational strategy. By leveraging the economic analysis presented here, you can better navigate the current landscape of policy-driven market trends.
The Truth About Financial Fragility: It’s Not About the Banks The Conference Board 2026-08-19 | Most people define a personal financial crisis as a macro event, but the real impact happens at the individual level every day.We often fixate on global disasters, ignoring the silent, daily struggle of families living paycheck to paycheck. This discussion clarifies why missing just a few days of work due to an unexpected expense can be a catastrophic financial emergency for hourly employees. Understanding the difference between macro events and a micro crisis is essential for recognizing the fragility in our daily lives.Many of us are one missed paycheck away from being unable to make rent. By shifting our perspective on what constitutes a true crisis, we can better address the realities facing those who are vulnerable. This breakdown helps identify the hidden pressures of hourly wage struggles and why these moments matter more than headlines suggest.Subscribe for weekly financial perspective breakdowns, and let me know in the comments: what is the biggest misconception about personal financial stability?
Why You Should Worry About AI now The Conference Board 2026-08-18 | AI job loss, reskilling, and the future of work are becoming critical issues for organizations. Waiting for AI-driven job disruption to appear in the data could mean it’s already too late.Building a culture of continuous learning and reskilling can help organizations prepare their workforce before disruption hits.
How to Build the AI Skills Your Business Really Needs The Conference Board 2026-08-17 | Organizations are racing to prepare their people for AI—but many may already be training them for yesterday’s technology. In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Diana Scott, Human Capital Center Leader at The Conference Board, is joined by Matt Rosenbaum, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, to explore how organizations can build an AI-ready workforce that delivers lasting business value.Explore Related Insights: conference-board.org/publications/skilling-for-AI-critical-factors-for-navigating-AI-disruptionconference-board.org/publications/Reinventing-the-Talent-Pipeline-in-the-AI-Eraconference-board.org/publications/Job-Satisfaction-2026-Record-High-Marks-16-Years-of-Gainsconference-board.org/publications/Organizational-Culture-What-Really-Matters
The Managers Secret to a Stronger, More Energized Team The Conference Board 2026-08-13 | Empower your managers to lead resiliently #shorts #youtubeshorts #manager
Shareholder Proposals Dropped 60%—Here Is What That Means for Your Board The Conference Board 2026-08-12 | The 2026 proxy season saw fewer filings but increased procedural complexity. Learn how these shifting shareholder voting trends affect your board.This analysis examines the first half of the 2026 proxy season, focusing on the decline in overall proposal filings and the sharp drop in activism campaigns. We break down why say-on-pay support improved despite boards facing a more fragmented voting environment and regulatory pressure.We also cover the evolving landscape of environmental and social proposals, specifically looking at how EEO-1 disclosures and worker rights initiatives are currently being handled by institutional investors. This summary provides the necessary context for corporate governance teams to adjust their strategy for the 2027 offseason.
2026 Proxy Season Review: Structural Change in a Lower-Volume Season The Conference Board 2026-08-12 | The 2026 proxy season saw fewer filings but increased procedural complexity. Learn how these shifting shareholder voting trends affect your board.This analysis examines the first half of the 2026 proxy season, focusing on the decline in overall proposal filings and the sharp drop in activism campaigns. We break down why say-on-pay support improved despite boards facing a more fragmented voting environment and regulatory pressure.We also cover the evolving landscape of environmental and social proposals, specifically looking at how EEO-1 disclosures and worker rights initiatives are currently being handled by institutional investors. This summary provides the necessary context for corporate governance teams to adjust their strategy for the 2027 offseason.
How E4E Relief Builds Workforce Resilience - Video Interview The Conference Board 2026-08-10 | Organizations invest heavily in technology and business continuity—but are they investing enough in the resilience of their people? As employee expectations evolve and disruption becomes more frequent, workforce resilience is emerging as a strategic advantage rather than simply a human resources priority.In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Rita Meyerson, Principal Researcher in the Human Capital Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Matt Pierce, CEO of E4E Relief, to discuss how employee relief programs can help organizations build a more resilient workforce.Together, they examine how employee financial resilience, organizational culture, and crisis preparedness influence business performance; explore the changing expectations of today's workforce; and explain why helping employees recover quickly from personal crises can strengthen engagement, agility, and long-term organizational resilience.More from The Conference Board:Strategic Integration of HR & Corporate Citizenship: Insights for the C-SuiteWinning Partnership: HR & Corporate CitizenshipOrganizational Culture: What Really Matters?Reinventing the Talent Pipeline in the AI Era
America at 250: Can Americans Still Compromise? The Conference Board 2026-08-06 | As the US marks its 250th anniversary, what will it take to strengthen the institutions, leadership, and civic trust needed for the next 250 years? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, David Young, President of The Conference Board's CEO Center, is joined by former US Senator Joe Manchin to reflect on America's 250th anniversary and the leadership challenges shaping its future. Together, they explore the importance of bipartisanship, civic trust, and democratic resilience; discuss the growing influence of political polarization and AI; and consider why compromise, accountability, and common sense remain essential to strengthening American democracy and creating long-term prosperity. More from The Conference Board: America at 250: What’s Next for Civic Responsibility Why Should Americans Care About the National Debt? 250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation
How a Super El Niño Could Test Business Resilience The Conference Board 2026-08-03 | 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.
The State of the Economy for July 2026 The Conference Board 2026-07-28 | 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
CLOs Are No Longer Behind the Scenes The Conference Board 2026-07-28 | The Chief Legal Officer role is no longer just a support function; it is now a critical pillar of executive leadership.Public companies are increasingly naming the Chief Legal Officer as a top executive, a clear indicator that boards are prioritizing legal expertise at the highest level of strategy. This shift represents a fundamental change in how corporations handle risk, compliance, and long-term decision-making. By moving the Chief Legal Officer into the inner circle, businesses are signaling that legal foresight is now synonymous with operational success.
CLOs Are No Longer Behind the Scenes The Conference Board 2026-07-28 | The Chief Legal Officer (CLO) role is no longer just a support function; it is now a critical pillar of executive leadership.Public companies are increasingly naming the Chief Legal Officer as a top executive, a clear indicator that boards are prioritizing legal expertise at the highest level of strategy. This shift represents a fundamental change in how corporations handle risk, compliance, and long-term decision-making. By moving the Chief Legal Officer into the inner circle, businesses are signaling that legal foresight is now synonymous with operational success.
Canadas New Energy Strategy: Grid Investment, Workforce Gaps, and Business Resilience The Conference Board 2026-07-27 | On May 14, 2026, Canada released a national energy strategy targeting a largely electrified economy by midcentury — a goal that requires doubling grid and generation capacity by 2050.The path forward hinges on three critical challenges: securing new financing mechanisms, building a specialized energy workforce, and accelerating permitting and approvals. Businesses and governments at every level must also plan comprehensively for extreme weather and rising volatility in the power sector. The Conference Board examines what Canada's electrification strategy means for businesses, policymakers, and the broader economy.
Canadas New Energy Strategy: Grid Investment, Workforce Gaps, and Business Resilience The Conference Board 2026-07-27 | On May 14, 2026, Canada released a national energy strategy targeting a largely electrified economy by midcentury — a goal that requires doubling grid and generation capacity by 2050.The path forward hinges on three critical challenges: securing new financing mechanisms, building a specialized energy workforce, and accelerating permitting and approvals. Businesses and governments at every level must also plan comprehensively for extreme weather and rising volatility in the power sector. The Conference Board examines what Canada's electrification strategy means for businesses, policymakers, and the broader economy.
Doing a Carve-Out? Steve Sapletal from KPMG Explains How The Conference Board 2026-07-27 | 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 (conference-board.org/webcast/ondemand/proactive-divestment) · 2026 M&A Summit - San Francisco (conference-board.org/events/mergers-acquisitions-san-francisco) · Mergers & Acquisitions Executives Council (conference-board.org/councils/mergers-and-acquisitions-executives)
Beyond AI Pilots: Building Future-Ready Companies The Conference Board 2026-07-23 | 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
America at 250: Rep. Brad Schneider on What’s Next The Conference Board 2026-07-20 | 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 loking 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
More Life, Smarter Use: Lessons from Hitachi Energy The Conference Board 2026-07-16 | 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
America at 250: Compromise for the Common Good The Conference Board 2026-07-13 | 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.
How Effective Are Today’s Boards? We Have the Data The Conference Board 2026-07-06 | 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
How Circular Innovation Creates a Competitive Edge The Conference Board 2026-07-02 | 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
The State of the Economy for June 2026 The Conference Board 2026-06-30 | How are US consumers feeling as summer begins — and what should business leaders know about the growing economic impact of extreme heat? In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Dana M. Peterson, Chief Economist and Leader of the Economy, Strategy & Finance Center at The Conference Board, is joined by Alex Heil, Senior Economist. They begin by examining the latest US Consumer Confidence Survey, discussing why confidence improved modestly in June, 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 one of the defining business challenges of our time: extreme heat. Alex explains how rising temperatures are affecting workers, productivity, energy systems, supply chains, and business operations around the world, while highlighting practical considerations for executives looking to build resilience. For more from The Conference Board: US Consumer Confidence Forecast for the US Economy Global Economic Outlook
How DuPont Gets Strategic About Its Carbon Footprint The Conference Board 2026-06-29 | Carbon reporting gives you data but isn’t a strategy. How do businesses like DuPont put that data into context so they can make better, smarter business decisions? Join Steve Odland and guest Scott Collick, chief sustainability officer and vice president of sustainability and regulatory compliance at DuPont. Learn how Collick defines “carbon fluency,” why companies should switch from spend-based models to activity-based models, and why sustainability needs to be fully integrated with the rest of the business. For more from The Conference Board: Measuring Sustainability ROI in an Era of Risk & Resilience Did US Companies Pull Back from Sustainability Reporting in 2025? Corporate GHG Emissions Progress: Scope 1 and Scope 2 in Focus
How DuPont Gets Strategic About Its Carbon Footprint The Conference Board 2026-06-29 | Carbon reporting gives you data but isn’t a strategy. How do businesses like DuPont put that data into context so they can make better, smarter business decisions? Join Steve Odland and guest Scott Collick, chief sustainability officer and vice president of sustainability and regulatory compliance at DuPont. Learn how Collick defines “carbon fluency,” why companies should switch from spend-based models to activity-based models, and why sustainability needs to be fully integrated with the rest of the business.
What Consumer Confidence Reveals About Europe’s Recovery The Conference Board 2026-06-25 | In this episode of C-Suite Perspectives, Sara Murray, Managing Director, International at The Conference Board, is joined by Matei Farcas and Konstantinos Panitsas of The Conference Board Europe to analyze the latest Consumer Confidence Index findings for the Euro Area. Together, they discuss the factors shaping consumer sentiment; explore how inflation expectations, labor market concerns, and geopolitical developments are influencing household behavior; and consider what business leaders should watch as they navigate a more cautious consumer environment. More from The Conference Board: Euro Area Consumer Confidence Stabilized in Early 2026 but Remains Weak European Consumer Confidence database 2 Years Below Neutral: European CEO Confidence Falls as Outlook Deteriorates Where to Hire: Europe 2026
America at 250: How Higher Ed Can Cultivate Citizenship The Conference Board 2026-06-22 | As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, there are questions about the future of leadership, citizenship, and civic life in a country that seems increasingly polarized. How can higher education develop young people to be the citizens and leaders we need? Join David Young and guest Katherine A. Rowe, president, William & Mary, to learn about the university’s role in educating American founders, why students should develop civic leadership skills, and how William & Mary encourages better arguments. For more from The Conference Board: 250 Years Forward: Strengthening an American Future America at 250: How Can We Move Past Political Deadlock? A Stable Democracy at 250: Trusted Elections as the Foundation
America at 250: How Higher Ed Can Cultivate Citizenship The Conference Board 2026-06-22 | As the United States approaches its 250th birthday, there are questions about the future of leadership, citizenship, and civic life in a country that seems increasingly polarized. How can higher education develop young people to be the citizens and leaders we need? Join David Young and guest Katherine A. Rowe, president, William & Mary, to learn about the university’s role in educating American founders, why students should develop civic leadership skills, and how William & Mary encourages better arguments.
