Bloomberg Talks

Royal Caribbean's stock is facing challenges as quarterly predictions disappoint. CEO Jason Liberty explores how tariffs are influencing the cruise line's operations and consumer vacation habits. Despite current obstacles, there’s optimism about future growth, especially with the launch of a new ship. The discussion highlights the expanding luxury river cruise market and the essential role of unforgettable guest experiences in reassuring travelers and stimulating spending.

Mike Wilson, Chief Investment Officer at Morgan Stanley, shares his insights on the market's trajectory. He discusses the transition from a rolling recession to a rolling recovery, highlighting optimistic economic indicators. Wilson emphasizes the revival of U.S. exceptionalism and its role in driving growth. He also delves into the significance of small banks in supporting local economies and the importance of diversified market participation for future stability.

Rick Welts, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, shares exciting insights about the team's promising new draft pick, Cooper Flagg, hinting at a bright future. He discusses ambitious plans for a new arena designed to deepen the connection with fans. Welts also explores how the Mavericks aim to enhance community engagement and develop the sports entertainment landscape in Dallas, including potential advances in media rights and the growth of the WNBA. Exciting times lie ahead for the Mavericks!

Michael Brown, CEO of Travel + Leisure, shares insights on the impressive growth of the timeshare business despite challenges in the travel sector. He discusses how the unique prepaid vacation model attracts affluent consumers and maintains membership stability. Brown also navigates the impact of economic conditions on travel revenue and the company's innovative rebranding strategies. Additionally, he highlights the significance of currency fluctuations and international travel trends in shaping the company's financial future.

Curtis Sliwa, founder and CEO of the Guardian Angels and NYC Mayoral candidate, shares his insights on the challenges facing New York City, from the soaring tax burdens to the rising housing costs threatening young professionals. He reflects on his personal health struggles and stresses the importance of health screenings. Sliwa critiques law enforcement funding, discusses the influence of Donald Trump on NYC politics, and highlights the need for fair enforcement in transportation policies, emphasizing the role of the NYPD's leadership in public safety.

Richard Masters, CEO of the English Premier League, shares insights into the league's booming popularity in the U.S. He discusses how clubs are engaging American fans through tours and broadcasts. Masters touches on the stark differences in football broadcasting between the UK and the U.S. and addresses concerns over financial regulations, particularly the Manchester City investigation. He reflects on the balance needed to maintain player welfare amid packed schedules and the challenges posed by international competition and the Saudi League.

Rich Lesser, BCG Global Chair, shares his insights on how CEOs can thrive amid economic turbulence. He discusses the pressing issues highlighted in over 4,500 earnings calls, focusing on the need for CEOs to build resilience. Effective strategies include establishing a 'tariff command center' and leveraging AI for customer relations. Lesser emphasizes the importance of adapting supply chains and pricing strategies in response to trade tariffs, consumer behavior shifts, and the ongoing impacts of inflation and the pandemic.

Rob Kaplan, Vice Chairman of Goldman Sachs and former head of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, shares his insights on the intersection of monetary policy and political pressure. He discusses the Federal Reserve's autonomy amidst Trump's push for interest rate cuts. Kaplan also analyzes the sluggish U.S. economic growth, the complexities of the labor market, and the impact of immigration on inflation. With rising debt and a challenging economic landscape, he emphasizes the importance of strong leadership at the Federal Reserve.

In this discussion, Francis deSouza, COO of Google Cloud and former CEO of Illumina, dives into the intersection of AI and business growth. He shares insights on how AI is transforming industries, especially healthcare, enhancing patient care, and streamlining drug development. DeSouza also highlights the competitive landscape among cloud service providers, noting how Google leverages integrated AI technologies to stand out. He emphasizes the importance of innovation and security in cloud technology, particularly in relation to real-world applications like Waymo.

Lael Brainard, former Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve and director of the National Economic Council under President Biden, dives into the political pressures facing Jerome Powell. She discusses Trump's influence on the Fed's decisions and the risks of prioritizing government needs over inflation control. Brainard also emphasizes the importance of the Fed's transparency and accountability in maintaining market confidence while tackling the ongoing issue of 'mission creep' in its activities.