Shows
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastWhy CEOs Make 271x More Than YouThis week, we are diving headfirst into one of business’s hottest topics: executive compensation. Is it justifiable (or just plain outrageous) that today’s CEOs are making hundreds of times what their average employees bring home? (Spoiler: In the US, the CEO-to-worker pay ratio hit 271:1 recently, up from just 59:1 in 1989.) On this episode, we pull back the curtain on how executive pay is really set, including those infamous “perks,” the evolution of stock options, and the wild world of boardroom compensation committees. We break down the research: does massive pay for top brass re...2025-07-2839 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastThe Federal Reserve, Trump, Powell, and the Battle for Your WalletWhat do Alexander Hamilton, JP Morgan, and President Trump all have in common? They’ve each dramatically influenced America’s rollercoaster history with central banking, interest rates, and financial drama…even if Hamilton never saw the modern Fed himself (that’s news to Cindy…). 🤣In this episode of “Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking?”, hosts Jaime Peters and Cindy Goodwin-Sak pull back the curtain on one of the most powerful (and misunderstood) institutions in the world: The Federal Reserve. What does the Fed actually do? Why is it so independent (most of the time)? And what happens when the world’s...2025-07-2142 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastThe Warehouse WarsIn this episode, we're diving into a silent battle between two titans of retail: Costco and Walmart. It's not just a clash of carts but a strategic showdown of loyalty vs. scale, living wages vs. rock-bottom prices. But who’s truly winning in the break room and on the balance sheet? Join hosts Jaime Peters and Cindy Goodwin-Sak as they pull back the shrink wrap on this compelling rivalry. Discover how Costco’s employee-friendly approach and membership model compare to Walmart/Sam’s Club’s pricing powerhouse. From living wages to...2025-07-0733 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastFlight Fight: United vs. American at 30,000 FeetFasten your seatbelts! Today’s episode is taking off into turbulent skies as we debate the strategic routes of two airline giants: American Airlines and United Airlines.Jamie is banking on Team American, championing cost discipline and strategic caution. Cindy, meanwhile, is soaring with Team United, betting on customer experience and bold expansion. On the surface, these airlines may appear nearly identical, with similar revenues, comparable fees, and nearly identical profit margins. But dig deeper, and their strategies reveal sharp contrasts.Why do we pick the airlines we fly? Is it about seat comfort, employee at...2025-06-3036 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastPulling Back the Curtain on LayoffsIn today's episode of "Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking?", we tackle a topic that sends a chill down everyone’s spine: layoffs. We're diving deep to uncover what's really driving those tough decisions behind closed doors. Why do companies resort to layoffs, and what impact do they have on those left behind? Join hosts Jaime Peters and Cindy Goodwin-Sak as they unravel the complex history of layoffs, the pressures facing leaders, and the emotional toll on everyone involved. From the evolution of layoffs in the corporate world to the current waves driven by...2025-06-2333 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastTariffs, Costs, and the Inevitable Reckoning for Retail GiantsIn this episode, we explore a scenario no CEO wants to face: a sudden tariff imposition resulting in a 10% cost increase across all their products. Join us as we explore the tough decisions business leaders have to make. Do they pass these costs on to consumers, risking backlash and lost market share, or absorb the hit themselves, slashing profitability and possibly resorting to layoffs? We'll also discuss the stock market's unpredictable response and why, despite the optimism, a correction seems inevitable. Using real-world examples, we break down the surprising decisions companies ar...2025-06-1633 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastThe $8.5 Billion Oops💸 They paid $8.5 billion. They sold it for just $1 billion. What went wrong?In 2015, Dollar Tree set out to build a discount retail empire by acquiring Family Dollar. Ten years—and billions of dollars in losses—later, the dream was over. In this episode of Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking?, we dive into one of the most expensive retail missteps of the decade.Co-hosts Cindy Goodwin-Sak and Jaime Peters unpack:* The strategic mismatch between Family Dollar and Dollar Tree* How culture clash and operational missteps accelerated the downfall* Wha...2025-06-0936 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastTACO Trades: The Tariff Rollercoaster That’s Driving Execs CrazyOne day tariffs are soaring; the next, they’re gone. Welcome to TACO Trades, the acronym quietly whispered in corporate boardrooms, standing for “Trump Always Chickens Out.” As tariffs flip-flop unpredictably, executives across America are stuck in strategic limbo.In this episode, we explore the critical decisions business leaders face amid this constant uncertainty:* Should companies pull the trigger on long-term investments, or wait out the chaos?* How much political advocacy is too much (or too little) when tariffs can change overnight?* Is it finally time to diversify away from t...2025-06-0338 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastInside Nvidia’s High-Stakes PlayEver see a business headline and immediately wonder, “Seriously, what could they be thinking?” You’re not alone.This week’s episode explores Nvidia’s ($NVDA) recent earnings call:Key questions explored:* Is Nvidia positioned to dominate the global AI infrastructure race?* Are the internal pressures risking employee burnout and brain drain?Behind every eye-popping headline is a leader whose choices impact us all.Listen now to Episode 3 of Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking?: “Nvidia’s Bold Bet on AI, Politics, and Leadership.” This is a public...2025-05-2930 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastCan Berkshire Thrive Without the Oracle?What happens when the world’s most legendary investor steps aside?In this episode, we dive deep into the transition of power at Berkshire Hathaway, from Warren Buffett to his hand-picked successor, Greg Abel. While Buffett has long been the face of value investing and steady leadership, Abel now faces the daunting task of stewarding one of the world's most iconic companies.We explore:* Buffett’s legacy and what made him more than just a great investor.* Who Greg Abel is, how he rose through the ranks, and what his leadership styl...2025-05-2837 min
Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? PodcastThe Price of ProtectionWhen the U.S. ramps up tariffs on Chinese goods, companies don’t just adjust spreadsheets, they make leadership decisions under fire.In our latest episode of Seriously, What Could They Be Thinking? 🎙️ Jamie and I break down how Walmart…yes, Walmart….is navigating the quiet chaos of trade policy, inventory pressure, and pricing strategy.👉 What do they absorb? What do they pass on?👉 How do they plan for Christmas… when trade rules change mid-year?👉 And how do leaders stay steady when every decision has a dollar sign and a headline attached?2025-05-2840 min