The Conference Board

Missed the live #HumanCapitalWatch webcast? Watch it on demand.   Explore some of this year’s pressing topics: 🔗 Cracking the Code for Talent Retention https://lnkd.in/eV3Yxqnu 🔗 What is the Future of Generative AI in Human Capital? https://lnkd.in/eXwJhDZK 🔗 What is the ROI of Your Employer Branding Efforts? https://lnkd.in/e57Ws8M3 Join us for an upcoming webcast: https://lnkd.in/efndjFYJ

#NavigatingWashington 🏛️ In the United States, rapid legal developments relating to #diversity, #equity, and #inclusion (DEI) practices, programs, and policies require continuous monitoring to ensure companies have accurate, up-to-date information regarding legal compliance and evolving regulatory standards.    Why it matters ⚖️  Companies are identifying and evaluating existing #DEI programs to determine compliance with state and federal law, as well as overall program effectiveness. While “illegal DEI” remains undefined by the new Administration, recent developments have provided useful direction to the private sector. #TheTCBTake 💡  ▪️ Businesses should align compliance with broader inclusive workplace culture objectives.  ▪️ Regular audits and third-party reviews can strengthen organizational resilience against legal scrutiny.  ▪️ Workplace programs should be developed and implemented in accordance with well-established anti-discrimination legal frameworks.  ▪️ Leaders should ensure that employees and other key stakeholders understand the organization’s commitment to creating and maintaining a culture of #fairness and inclusion. Provide timely updates to employees on any changes to existing workplace policies.  ▪️ By maintaining robust compliance protocols, proactively adapting to legal developments, and consulting with legal professionals, businesses can effectively navigate this evolving landscape, sustain lawful inclusive workplace programs, and reaffirm their commitment to equal opportunity, merit, and access.    Read more from The Conference Board on managing the legal risk of corporate DEI 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eYzJar95  

The Conference Board convened nearly 300 #CCOs and other #CSuite leaders for #CorporateCommunications: Driving the Business Forward. 💡 Explore our Top 10 #insights from last week's event—drawn from an all-star lineup of speakers and panelists that included: ▪️ Brian Buchwald, Global Chair, AI and Product, Edelman ▪️ Matthew DiGirolamo, Chief Corporate Affairs & Engagement Officer, North America, L'Oréal ▪️ Leslie Dorris, Director, Internal Communications & Engagement, Yum! Brands ▪️ Paul Dyer, CEO & President, /prompt. ▪️ Katie Hill, SVP of Communications, National Football League (NFL) ▪️ Laurie Korinek, Co-Founder, Strategist and Creative Director, PartnerComm, Inc. ▪️ Bea Perez, EVP and Global Chief Communications, Sustainability & Strategic Partnerships Officer, The Coca-Cola Company ▪️ IVAN POLLARD, Leader, Marketing & Communications Center, The Conference Board ▪️ Teresa (Terry) Rasmussen, President & CEO, Thrivent ▪️Ramon Soto, SVP and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, Northwell Health A special thanks to all the experts and attendees who joined us in Brooklyn! What were your top takeaways from #tcbCorpComms? 🗳️ Share in the comments below! 🔗 More from #tcbCorpComms 2025: https://lnkd.in/ebe-fWv9 📆 Save the date for next year's #Communications event (March 5-6, 2026): https://lnkd.in/eEVaZzmk

AI is Reshaping the Future of Work. Are You Ready?  Join us at People First: Strategic Transformation, May 15–16, 2025, in Brooklyn, NY: https://lnkd.in/eKU-G3q7  This year’s agenda features can’t-miss conversations on AI, including: - AI and Radical Transformation: Lemonade CEO Daniel Schreiber on how AI is reinventing jobs, business models, and culture.    - The Corporation of the Future: Chris Mulh of AlixPartners on how AI lets us rethink org design—redefining how humans and technology work together.    - How AI Will Reshape HR: Michael Manning, VP of HR Data & Innovation at FM joins top HR leaders to explore where AI is already transforming HR—and what’s next. Early Bird Registration is Open! Save $500 when you register by March 28.    #AI #HRTransformation #FutureOfWork #PeopleFirst #CHRO #OrganizationalDesign #ConferenceBoard #HumanCapital #Leadership #GenerativeAI

What did the recent AI Summit in Paris reveal about the state of AI—including the energy problem?⚡ Join Steve Odland and IVAN POLLARD, Center Leader for Marketing & Communications at The Conference Board, as they break down: 🌍 Why the US and UK refused to sign the Paris declaration on AI 🤖 The difference between generative AI and autonomous AI 🔋 The biggest risks AI poses today—including deepfakes and energy consumption Listen now:  Website: https://lnkd.in/eWVtUk6W Apple: https://apple.co/3J0xrhQ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3vAxkGM YouTube Music: https://bit.ly/3vBY0XL #AISummit #GenerativeAI #AIRegulation #tcbPodcast #CSuitePerspectives

♻️🗳️What key trends could shape this #proxyseason? Last year, the number of environmental and climate-related shareholder proposals stagnated, with support levels slightly declining. This trend may continue in 2025. What’s behind the shift? Evolving political and regulatory landscapes—particularly as mandatory #sustainability disclosure requirements (e.g., the CSRD in Europe) enhance transparency. While E&S issues will remain on investors' radar this proxy season, shifting priorities and #ESGbacklash may influence their engagement strategies. Want to stay ahead of the curve this proxy season? Try out our tool #tcbBenchmarking: https://lnkd.in/gtsHDJru Read our proxy preview report, produced with ESGAUGE - ESG Intelligence & Analytics, Russell Reynolds Associates, and The Rutgers Center for Corporate Law and Governance: https://lnkd.in/gmE_zjU3 #ESG #corporategovernance #shareholderactivism #sustainability #businessstrategy #stakeholderengagement

#NavigatingWashington 🏛️ The President has signed a Memorandum focused on the #DigitalEconomy called “Defending American Companies and Innovators From Overseas Extortion and Unfair Fines and Penalties.”     What does it say? 📄  ▪️ It complains that “foreign governments have increasingly exerted extraterritorial authority over American companies,” with a particular emphasis on digital services taxes (DSTs) “that could cost American companies billions [.]”   ▪️ It instructs the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative to seek a “permanent moratorium on #customs duties on electronic transmissions.” This is a goal of major US digital companies that could help retain their positions in many foreign markets.     Why it matters 🗺️  ▪️ The Memorandum implies the potential for investigations under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, used by the first Trump Administration against DSTs.   ▪️ It also raises the prospect of #tariffs when a foreign government takes an action that the Administration believes is discriminatory, disproportionate, “or designed to transfer significant funds or #IntellectualProperty from American companies.”  ▪️ The Administration may challenge the EU’s Digital Markets Act (which regulates large “gatekeeper” platforms irrespective of nationality) and Digital Services Act (which regulates large search engines, online intermediaries and marketplaces, and app stores). #TheTCBTake 💡   The Memorandum states that it will consider taxes, regulations, intellectual property, and “[a]ny other act, policy or practice” that “serves to undermine the global competitiveness” of US companies—a very broad mandate. It signals significant #trade tensions ahead, particularly with the EU. https://lnkd.in/eC96Qa72

#NavigatingWashington 🏛️ The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently issued new guidance tightening the eligibility of large #shareholders to file as “passive investors.”    What is a “passive investor”? 📈  Those who hold significant stock in a company but do not seek to change or control its operations.     Expect less #ESG-related engagement 🌎   These changes will likely impact shareholder engagement this #proxy season, discouraging #investors from raising ESG-related issues and policies. The move aligns with the new Administration’s broader push for #deregulation and a shift toward corporate autonomy over investor influence.    #TheTCBTake 💡   ▪️ Companies should anticipate potential changes in shareholder engagement dynamics this #proxyseason, with some investors taking a more cautious approach to ESG and hot-button topics.   ▪️ At the same time, boards should also prepare for less predictable voting outcomes, as investors may provide limited input ahead of key resolutions.  ▪️ Ultimately, companies and boards should proactively reassess shareholder engagement strategies to ensure alignment with the evolving regulatory landscape.    Watch our webcast on #shareholderactivism expectations for 2025 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eKyG55Uz  

#NavigatingWashington 🏛 Nearly 250 years after declaring independence from England, the United States is making English become the official #language of the country.  The #ExecutiveOrder “Designating English as the Official Language of The United States,” sets out the rationale for picking only one language for the #FederalGovernment. It argues that, to promote unity, cultivate a shared American culture for all citizens, ensure consistency in government operations, and create a pathway to civic engagement, it is in America’s best interest for the federal government to designate one—and only one—official language.      What does this mean for companies?   ▪️ The population of America is multilingual, and reaching your customers and stakeholders in the way that is most likely to engage them remains the primary concern for companies.    ▪️ This is an order that promotes the efficiencies of adopting one language while leaving room for federal agencies to use other languages where necessary. Companies should watch the actions taken by agencies but stick to their own policies for linguistic access and #communication.   ▪️ The rise of reliable AI #translation tools makes communications in multiple languages cheaper and speedier. Companies should confirm with their #EmployeeResearchGroups (ERGs) the language policies of their organizations going forward.    #TheTCBTake 💡 Until March 1, there was no official language of the United States, though English has long played that role for all practical and business purposes. Acknowledging the diverse roots of your stakeholders is an effective practice for engagement, but this order points to the value of also capitalizing on the country’s heritage of unification, assimilation, and #belonging. Declaring a national language is a small point on that spectrum, but one that can be used to build connections.      🔗 Read the policy alert from the Committee for Economic Development: https://lnkd.in/dSGeqpR2

🌍 Join Us at the 2025 Corporate Responsibility Summit! 🌍  📅 April 24-25, 2025 | 📍 New York City  🔗 Register now: https://lnkd.in/eBKK9y-U Featured Session:  The Future of Responsible Sourcing: Reimagining Global Supply Chains for a Sustainable and Equitable Tomorrow  How can companies prioritize sustainability, ethical sourcing, and fair labor practices—while driving business success? This session brings together top industry leaders to share actionable strategies on reshaping global supply chains for a more sustainable future.  🎤 Speakers:  ✅ Ann Tracy, Chief Sustainability Officer, Colgate-Palmolive  ✅ Federica Marchionni, CEO, Global Fashion Agenda ✅ Molly Ernst-Alper (She/Her) Director, Global Social Impact, James Hardie Be part of the conversation that’s shaping the future of corporate responsibility! #TCBCorporateResponsibility #ESG #SustainableBusiness #SupplyChain #Sustainability #ResponsibleSourcing #CorporateResponsibility