C-Suite Perspectives

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, global head of integration & separation, 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