logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2023
27m 19s

Maybe don’t take a stand

MARKETPLACE
About this episode

The number of Americans who want brands to take a stance on political issues is trending down, according to a Bentley-Gallup poll. While a company’s public position on current events may have been on point over the last few years, consumers may see such statements as a ploy to make a buck. Still, there are some issues Americans want companies to speak up about, like climate change and labor conditions. Also in this episode: optimism ahead of corporate earnings reports, the problem with fixing AI bias, and a visit to a mushroom farm.

Up next
Mar 2024
Will safety issues at Boeing seriously impact air travel?
Consumer trust in Boeing is wearing thin since an airplane door ripped off a 737 Max 9 in January, which has been followed by a string of other recent Boeing safety incidents. So how much does faltering trust actually impact the business of air travel? Plus, President Joe Biden w ... Show More
8m 36s
Mar 2024
China’s National People’s Congress comes to a close
From the BBC World Service: China’s annual policy meeting has drawn to a close at a time when the country has mountains of debt, high youth unemployment and a property sector in crisis. So what is the government’s plan to boost confidence and steady the economy? Also on today’s p ... Show More
7m 44s
Mar 2024
AI can’t handle the truth when it comes to the law
Almost one in five lawyers are using AI, according to an American Bar Association survey. But there are a growing number of legal horror stories involving tools like ChatGPT, because chatbots have a tendency to make stuff up — such as legal precedents from cases that never happen ... Show More
9m 50s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 2024
Corporate America Done with DEI? & $20K EV That Could Ruin Tesla
Episode 399: Neal and Toby discuss Ford announcing its plan to step back from DEI initiatives, which is the latest in a wave of large corporations in America following suit. Then, a listeria outbreak from Boar’s Head deli meat reveals horrific conditions at one of its plants. Nex ... Show More
29m 47s
Feb 2024
When Should Companies Weigh in on Contentious Issues?
In a globally connected and highly politicized world, organizations are increasingly expected to comment on social, political, and environmental issues. But taking a stance doesn't always make business sense and can backfire when employees or consumers see a disconnect between le ... Show More
29m 43s
Jul 2022
Woke or Broke?
From Disney to the Halifax bank, companies are increasingly willing to take a stance on everything. But what is driving this trend and will it continue? Ultimately isn't it the job of a business to make money for its shareholders and not get involved in politics and contentious s ... Show More
28m 53s
May 2021
Why is corporate America getting political?
This week Exxon Mobil saw a board revolt over its stance on climate change. One of the energy giant's biggest shareholders supported rival directors to successfully replace two Exxon board members with more green-friendly candidates. This reflects a growing trend across the Unite ... Show More
48m 49s
May 2022
🍻 “No More Mr. Nice Bud” — Budweiser’s angry. 1800-Flowers’ repeat roses. Roe v Wade’s new work perk.
Just in time for Mother’s Day, shares of 1800-Flowers.com are down because donuts are beating daisies. Budweiser revealed that the new drink of 2022 is the opposite of Budweiser. And with the Supreme Court leak on Roe v Wade, we’re noticing that companies are increasingly becomin ... Show More
19m 14s
Feb 2025
Is recession risk rising?
<p></p><br/><p>A growing number of young American consumers say they’re opting out of the economy entirely or pulling back from spending at certain stores over their political views. We’ll explain how this trend could collide with other economic shifts, creating the perfect recip ... Show More
13m 15s
May 2024
American 'Vibescession' Lingers & Nvidia Sales Triple in AI Boom
Episode 329: Neal and Toby discuss the latest poll that shows a majority of Americans believing the economy is worsening despite data showing the contrary. Then, Nvidia shows a strong earnings report that says AI is still riding high. Next, a scary turbulent Singapore Air flight ... Show More
27m 36s