United States: Strategy

Consumer sentiment has plummeted to a decade low while spending surges to four-year highs, creating a puzzling disconnect between what Americans say about their finances and how they actually spend. AlixPartners' latest survey reveals why this gap matters for restaurants, convenience stores, and travel operators navigating a market where anxiety no longer predicts behavior.

Ankura's comprehensive insights hub showcases cutting-edge analysis across cybersecurity threats, life sciences transactions, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. Explore how emerging malware campaigns, building envelope litigation patterns, and evolving valuation landscapes are reshaping risk management and strategic decision-making for enterprises worldwide.

The D.C. Circuit Court has upheld EPA's designation of PFOA and PFOS as CERCLA hazardous substances, rejecting all industry challenges and confirming significant compliance and liability implications for companies. This decision establishes that these "forever chemicals" can now form the basis for federal Superfund response actions and cost-recovery claims, while leaving broader questions about PFAS regulation and enforcement still in motion.

Finance organizations facing leadership transitions, acquisitions, or transformations need experienced guidance without the delays of permanent hiring. Interim Management has evolved into a strategic solution that maintains momentum and accelerates value creation during critical periods of change. Discover how this approach differs from fractional roles and why breadth of experience across industries creates more effective finance leaders.

Aurelia Edwards, co-founder and general partner of Edin Capital, discusses her transition from startup founder to venture capital fund manager and explains why not every startup should pursue unicorn status. She shares insights on supporting founders with investment strategies that align with their actual business goals rather than forcing them into a Silicon Valley mold, while emphasizing the importance of understanding regional markets and generating both financial returns and community impact.

Private equity portfolios are leaving material savings unclaimed because traditional approaches can only surface opportunities one company at a time. New AI-enabled techniques now allow sponsors to identify and capture savings simultaneously portfolio-wide, with results in weeks rather than months, addressing the industry's challenges of higher interest rates, elongated holds, and narrow exit windows.

Dr. Heidi Gardner, best-selling author and business advisor, explores how intentional collaboration creates competitive advantages in the legal industry. Drawing from extensive research, she examines why complex client challenges demand cross-disciplinary teamwork and reveals the performance benefits of strong internal networks. The discussion includes practical strategies for effective collaboration and insights on how collaborative cultures can drive successful AI adoption.

Consumer sentiment has plummeted to a decade low while spending surges to four-year highs, creating a puzzling disconnect between what Americans say about their finances and how they actually spend. AlixPartners' latest survey reveals why this gap matters for restaurants, convenience stores, and travel operators navigating a market where anxiety no longer predicts behavior.

Workplace tensions arising from polarizing political, social, and global issues can create significant challenges for employers. One-on-one coaching offers an alternative approach to formal discipline, helping organizations address problematic conduct while assessing whether employees are receptive to learning and professional growth. This discussion explores when coaching becomes the most effective tool for de-escalating conflicts and reinforcing workplace expectations.

Dr. Heidi Gardner, best-selling author and business advisor, explores how intentional collaboration creates competitive advantages in the legal industry. Drawing from extensive research, she examines why complex client challenges demand cross-disciplinary teamwork and reveals the performance benefits of strong internal networks. The discussion includes practical strategies for effective collaboration and insights on how collaborative cultures can drive successful AI adoption.

Summer associate Daniela Valladares shares her journey from McAllen, Texas to Foley's Chicago office, discussing her transition from accounting to law and offering valuable insights for law students navigating their career paths. She provides practical advice on maximizing summer associate opportunities through proactive networking and strategic use of career resources.

Matthew Irwin, Vice President and Deputy General Counsel at Gap Inc., shares his leadership philosophy built on authentic relationships, service, and continuous growth. Drawing from nearly 20 years at one of America's most iconic retail brands, he explores how great organizational cultures are created through trust, vulnerability, and empowering others. The conversation examines parallels between parenting and leadership, the evolution of Gap's culture, and why the strongest teams emerge when leaders priori