Peter Atwater

In this engaging discussion, economist Peter Atwater, known for coining the 'K-shaped' recovery term, and Bloomberg reporter Catarina Saraiva explore the widening economic divide in the U.S. They analyze how the pandemic created diverging fortunes, with high earners thriving while lower-income households struggle. The conversation also touches on the fragility of a top-heavy economy, likening it to a Jenga tower. Additionally, they delve into the implications of concentrated spending and consider potential policies to address this growing inequality.

Peter Atwater, a behavioral economist and author of The Confidence Map, dives into the intricate relationship between confidence and decision-making. He highlights how feelings of invulnerability can lead to unprecedented crises, using historical events as case studies. Atwater differentiates between genuine confidence and performative bravado, emphasizing the importance of preparing for consequences rather than causes. He also discusses the psychological dynamics of leadership during times of low confidence and how social media has reshaped the landscape, demanding leaders to react swiftly to changing sentiments.