In this episode, Felix, Mihir and Semafor’s Liz Hoffman debate the backlash against woke CEOs. Did America’s corporate leaders go too far when they embraced broad social and political goals? Does corporate activism ultimately undermine political action? What’s the cost of cutting business ties with corporations that are deemed too woke? Plus, we ask Liz Hoffman about her new book, Crash Landing: The Inside Story of How the World’s Biggest Companies Survived an Economy on the Brink. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this dialogue, guest Liz Hoffman, a business and finance editor for Semaphore and author of 'Crash Landing,' offers sharp insights into how major companies navigated the rocky economic terrain during COVID-19. The hosts dive into the legacy of Twitter's verification process, the challenging dynamics for businesses in repressive regimes like Russia and Saudi Arabia, and the ethical dilemmas faced by American companies investing abroad. They also touch on the evolving landscape of U.S.-China relations and the stark realities of youth mortality in America.

Liz Hoffman, business and finance editor at Semafor and author of 'Crash Landing,' dives into the shocking collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. She unpacks how a bank run fueled by tech clients and rising interest rates led to the demise of America's 16th-largest bank. Hoffman discusses the government's response, the role of FDIC insurance, and how social media can trigger panic. With lessons on stability amidst banking innovation, she highlights the challenges and risks smaller banks face in today's volatile environment.

In this insightful discussion, Liz Hoffman, a reporter for Semafor specializing in financial news, unravels the shocking collapse of FTX. She connects this crisis to historical financial disasters, likening it to a modern-day Lehman Brothers moment. The conversation covers FTX's meteoric rise under Sam Bankman-Fried and delves into regulatory challenges and rivalries in the crypto world. Finally, they explore the industry's future, suggesting that only the most resilient structures will survive in the aftermath of this meltdown.

Liz Hoffman, a finance and business reporter, joins the podcast to discuss 777 Partners and their acquisition of Everton Football Club. They delve into the concept of reinsurance in the life insurance industry, alternative investments in soccer, the Premier League's fit and proper test for club owners, and the controversies surrounding 777 Partners' financial transactions.