Squawk Pod

Coworking company WeWork has announced it will finally go public via SPAC merger with BowX Acquisition Corp. WeWork CEO Sandeep Mathrani and Bow Capital’s Vivek Ranadive discuss the deal and their bet on an office space resurgence post-pandemic. Twitter, Alphabet, and Facebook CEOs answered lawmakers’ questions about disinformation dissemination and social media accountability in a marathon virtual House hearing on Thursday. Axios media reporter Sara Fischer and tech and press industry veteran Niki Christoff digest the comments from Jack Dorsey, and Sundar Pichai, and Mark Zuckerberg, and consider what legislation may come next. Plus, Warren Buffett’s made a pitch to Texas, the Suez Canal--and the global shipping industry--is near chaos, and Bernie Sanders is pushing Alabama Amazon workers to unionize.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

26 Mar 202138min

Big banks are appeasing their overworked junior staff with perks, from Zoom-free Fridays to $20,000 bonuses. CNBC.com’s Hugh Son discusses the domino effect the “Goldman Sachs 13” have had, up and down Wall Street. AstraZeneca is struggling to maintain public trust after a series of transparency and communication missteps surrounding its otherwise effective Covid-19 vaccine. President Biden’s tax plan continues to fuel debate across the political aisle; President Trump’s former Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) consider whether political ties and promises will win over dollars and cents. Plus, fintech startup Greenwood is getting buy-in from major banks to close the racial wealth gap. CEO Ryan Glover shares his company’s newest funding raise and his plans for a more equitable financial system.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

25 Mar 202133min

Operation Hope founder John Hope Bryant is working with former SEC Chair Jay Clayton to expand financial literacy and inclusion across the country, in an effort to shrink poverty and the wealth gap in the U.S. Nonresident Fellow at Brookings and NBC News contributor Dr. Kavita Patel considers what a third wave of Covid in Europe may mean for the pandemic trajectory here at home. A Covid-free world, she suggests, may not be the post-pandemic reality. Investors are eyeing GameStop after its quarterly earnings call; Hightower CIO and Portfolio Manager Stephanie Link weighs the risks of the meme stock trade. Plus, Elon Musk is midnight tweeting, and the markets are digesting comments from Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

24 Mar 202134min

AstraZeneca’s good vaccine news is tempered by federal health officials voicing concerns about the company’s data. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell digests the news and considers the blow’s impact to the vaccination timeline in the U.S. A year after U.S. stocks plummeted on fears of the coronavirus pandemic, markets have bounced back, in what Mike Santoli calls their best year since the 1930s. CEOs are facing tough decisions as they plan office reopenings; KPMG CEO Paul Knopp shares results from his survey of 140 other U.S. CEOs, addressing C-suite concerns for safety, employee demands for flexibility, and workplace vaccination disclosures post-pandemic. Plus, March Madness has spelled good fortune for the newest addition to the S&P 500: Penn National Gaming. CEO Jay Snowden discusses bets, brackets, and expanding American gambling.   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

23 Mar 202136min

AstraZeneca has unveiled new data on its Covid-19 vaccine, revealing that it’s 79% effective at preventing symptomatic cases. CNBC’s Meg Tirrell explains the news, and AstraZeneca U.S. SVP and President of the Biopharmaceuticals Business Unit Dr. Ruud Dobber shares details and implications from the new study. Some of Wall Street’s junior bankers are banding together to shine a light on the 100 hour work weeks taking a toll on their physical and mental health. New York Times reporter Kate Kelly and Vanity Fair special correspondent William Cohan discuss the generational divide on Wall Street, from work ethic to work-life balance. The wealthiest Americans are finding ways to avoid their taxes, ARK’s Cathie Wood has a new price target for Tesla, and the Kernens are betting on their (individual) basket brackets. Plus, happy 90th birthday William Shatner! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

22 Mar 202133min

States across the country are relaxing of pandemic rules as more Americans are vaccinated against Covid. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy discusses vaccine eligibility, reluctance, and efficacy as he reopens business across his state. Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack founder Danny Meyer says the restaurant industry has learned helpful lessons from the pandemic despite its struggles. “When we get to the point where we’re 100% indoor, plus outdoor dining, shipping, takeout, delivery, it’s going to be better than it’s ever been.” Plus, the Biden team has its first meeting with China, the NFL’s locked a $100 billion deal, and March Madness is ready for its comeback. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

19 Mar 202136min

Description: In a surprise move, Ulta Beauty CEO Mary Dillon announced her departure from the company she’s led since 2013. She reflects on the business’s massive turnaround under her leadership, and she considers the future of beauty, above and below the mask line. In a conversation recorded exclusively for Squawk Pod, Becky Quick discusses Dillon’s legacy on Wall Street. CNBC’s Jon Fortt offers both sides of the NFT debate: growing bubble, or blockchain braintrust? Plus, the Fed’s moving markets, movie theaters are back in action, Joe’s making pizza, and Andrew’s ordering in. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

18 Mar 202132min

Fashion icon Diane Von Furstenberg shares her “secret to life” in a conversation about her new book; she discusses “owning it” and dressing to impress ourselves in a post-pandemic world. Plus, in a conversation exclusive to Squawk Pod, Andrew Ross Sorkin is spilling his wardrobe secrets to this at-home Zooming, broadcasting, reporting reality. Tom Gimbel, CEO of staffing and recruiting firm LaSalle Network, reveals results of a C-suite survey about office life after the pandemic and discusses employer and employee expectations, post-Covid. On the anniversary of our first fully remote experience, Dr. Scott Gottlieb outlines safety measures and vaccination strategies for offices hoping to reopen. Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

17 Mar 202141min