Human Capital Watch

In our latest episode, we tackle the pressing question: Is this the end of growth? Join us for an engaging discussion with Tony Verb, Executive Director at Carbonless Asia and Alejandro Fiorito, economist at The Conference Board, as they share insights on economic trends, investment strategies, and the role of AI in shaping the future of business.

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, Sara Murray engages in a profound discussion on the evolving dynamics of Europe's relationship with China amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tension and economic transformation. Joined by experts Joerg Wutke and Max Zenglein, the conversation navigates the complexities of trade, investment, and political trust as both regions grapple with the realities of de-risking versus decoupling.

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, we delve into the intricate relationship between semiconductors and global defense strategies with experts Daniel Gerstein and Dan Wong. As the competition for semiconductor supremacy intensifies, we explore the dual systems emerging from the U.S. and China, each with unique approaches to innovation and military capabilities. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, Sara Murray dives deep into the semiconductor race, a critical battleground influencing everything from AI to national security. Joined by experts Daniel Gerstein and Dan Wong, the discussion explores the implications of chip technology on global power dynamics, the intricacies of supply chains, and the potential for military applications. Discover how the competition for semiconductor supremacy is reshaping industrial strategies and what it means for the future of global business.

Are you ready for the upcoming changes in pay transparency? Join us as we unpack the EU's new directive and its impact on organizations. Our expert guests, John Beadle, Saul Husiman, and Marion Devine share valuable insights on compliance and cultural transformation.

In this episode of Let’s Talk Global Business, trailblazers Vinita Bali and Dr. Sandhya Karp explore breaking systemic barriers, redefining success, and creating inclusive cultures that elevate talent—regardless of gender. Listen now and be inspired by women who lead authentically.

What does a four-day work week really look like—and can it actually improve productivity? In this episode of Let’s Talk Global Business, Sara Murray is joined by Joe O’Connor (Worktime Revolution) and Will Hedges (Meridia) to explore how organizations are rethinking work, performance, and well-being.

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, we explore the intricate world of digital currencies and their implications for global power dynamics. Join host Sara Murray as she engages with experts Josh Lipsky and Maria Demertzis to unpack the complexities of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), cryptocurrencies, and the evolving landscape of international finance.

In this episode, we explore the transformative impact of AI agents on marketing with industry veterans Matthew Godfrey and Florian Klaass. Join Sara Murray as she delves into the changing landscape of persuasion, connection, and trust in marketing.

Join senior executives Amy Belcourt, Edvard Bergström, and Mats Lundberg as they share real-world insights into how to communicate sustainability authentically and effectively. From aligning internal values with external messaging to building trust through transparency, this episode is packed with practical advice for any organization navigating the complex landscape of environmental responsibility. Listen now and discover how to turn your eco narrative into an asset — not a liability.

Dive into the world of AI with experts Brian Evergreen and Christian Kromme! Are we nearing an AI bubble? What does the future hold? Find out in our latest episode! In this episode, we explore the rapid advancements and complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) with experts Brian Evergreen and Christian Kromme. From the sustainability of the AI bubble to the ethical implications of AI in the workforce, our guests provide deep insights into the current landscape. Join us as we unravel the future of AI and its potential impact on businesses and society.

In the opening episode of season 2 of Let’s Talk Global Business, host Sara Murray explores the evolving investment landscape in China with Alicia Garcia Herrero, Chief Economist for Asia Pacific at Natixis, and Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Senior Fellow of The Conference Board’s China Center. From changing consumption patterns and economic uncertainty to the rising challenges faced by Western multinationals, the conversation dives deep into the real dynamics shaping business in China today

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, host Sara Murray delves into the latest CEO Confidence surveys for China and Europe. With confidence dipping into negative territory in both regions, Sara is joined by Alfredo Montufar-Helu, who lead the Conference Board's China Center, and Konstantinos Panitsas, economist at the Economy, Strategy and Finance Center in Europe. They explore the reasons behind the declines in confidence, the impact of geopolitical tensions, and the economic outlook for both regions.

Group Chief Economist at BNP Paribas, Isabelle Mateos y Lago joins Sara Murray and Maria Demertzis, The Conference Board's new ESF Center Leader, for a special end-of-year edition of "Let's Talk Global Business". They take a look back at 2024, and the elections that have shaped Europe's economic outlook. Is Europe in a better position after this festival of democracy? Despite the doom mongers, they end on an upbeat note. Listen in to find out more. 

In this special crossover episode of Let's Talk Sustainable Business and Let's Talk Global Business, hosts Sara Murray and Barbara-Mendez Jorge delve into the complexities of ESG reporting with The Conference Board's Anuj Saush and Andrew Jones. The conversation highlights the challenges of managing complex ESG data, the role of ESG controllers, and the cultural differences in ESG adoption between the US and Europe. 

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, host Sara Murray is joined by Denis Pennel, Managing Director for the World Employment Confederation Europe, and Joshua Morley, Global Head of Artificial Intelligence Data and Analytics at Akkodis. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of skills in business, especially in the context of AI and new technologies. They also discuss the regional differences in skill development between APAC and Europe, and the collaborative efforts needed between academia, government, and enterprises to bridge the skills gap.

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business we explore the future of energy on both sides of the Atlantic. Sara Murray is joined by Alan Riley, Visiting Professor at the College of Europe, and Alexander Heil, Senior Economist at the Conference Board, to discuss the transition to renewable energy, the role of small modular reactors, and the challenges of energy security. Delve into the complexities of decarbonization, emerging technologies, and the geopolitical implications of energy policies. Don't miss this insightful discussion on shaping a sustainable energy future! You can find Alex Heil's full article at https://www.conference-board.org/publications/nuclear-renaissance-small-modular-reactors-could-meet-US-baseload-energy-demand

In our latest podcast episode, we explore the intricate world of pay transparency and its implications for businesses across the globe. As companies face increasing pressure from legislation to disclose pay information, the conversation around transparency is more relevant than ever. We speak with Aaron Brown, SVP of Total Rewards at Synchrony Financial, and Marion Devine, Principal Researcher  at the Conference Board Europe who provide valuable insights from their respective regions.

In today’s episode of "Let's Talk Global Business," we delve into the social aspect of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) with experts Paula Byrne and Andrew Jones. Join us as we explore the significance of the "S" in ESG, its impact on business practices, and how companies can effectively integrate social responsibility into their core strategies.

In this episode of Let's Talk Global Business, Sara Murray, Managing Director at The Conference Board International, delves into the recent CEO Confidence Survey results from Europe and China. Joining her are Konstantinos Panitsas, Economist at the European Economy Strategy and Finance Center, and Alfredo Montufar-Helu, Leader of the Conference Board's China Centre for Economics and Business. Together, they explore the cautious optimism among CEOs regarding the short-term global economic outlook and the underlying concerns that persist.