The K-Shaped Economy:
Why Some People Are Flying First Class While Others Are Just Trying to Afford Groceries
In this episode of Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking?, finance expert Dr. Jaime Peters and leadership expert Dr. Cindy Goodwin-Sak dig into the emerging reality of a K-shaped economy—a world where some consumers are spending freely on luxury travel, concerts, and high-end goods while others are pulling back hard on essentials like food, gas, and housing.
Using real-world examples—from Bon Jovi ticket prices to the shifting airline cabin configurations and the ripple effects of Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour—Jaime and Cindy break down:
What a K-shaped economy actually is
Why consumer spending is splitting so sharply
How inflation and interest rates are affecting different income groups
What leaders and business owners should consider when pricing, hiring, and managing demand
How companies like Walmart and major airlines are responding in real time
If you’re trying to make sense of conflicting economic signals—or you’re leading a business in the middle of them—this episode gives you a practical, grounded way to think about what’s happening and how to navigate it.
Hosts: Dr. Jaime Peters (Finance) & Dr. Cindy Goodwin-Sak (Leadership)Podcast: Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking?
