Signals and scenario planning: Navigating Trump’s tariffs with Penta CEO Matt McDonald

In this week’s episode of What’s at Stake, Business Roundtable president and COO Kristen Silverberg shares her insights on the opportunities and challenges facing American businesses as they navigate a rapidly shifting policy landscape, both at home and abroad. Ambassador Silverberg shared with Bryan and Ylan the importance of corporate executives maintaining a long-term vision for success that can withstand geopolitical turbulence. The conversation with Penta hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui covered:The two-way street: How Business Roundtable helps members understand Washington while educating policymakers about the business impacts of their decisionsHow businesses have taken proactive steps to prepare for trade uncertaintyTax reform’s role in driving business growth and innovationWorkforce initiatives creating opportunities for those without four- or two-year degrees You can learn more about Business Roundtable at https://www.businessroundtable.org/

This week’s episode of What’s at Stake dives into the evolving world of new media and the rise of independent, online journalists. Penta Group Managing Directors Ylan Mui and Megan Whittemore talk to Mosheh Oinounou, an award-winning executive producer and founder of Mo News, about the impact of the creator economy on journalism, audience trust, and the way we consume information.Their conversation covered:Why authenticity, transparency, and engagement are the new currency of mediaHow traditional journalism values can thrive in a creator-driven ecosystemThe origin story behind Mo News and how it became a go-to source of news on Instagram with over 500,000 followersWhat brands and policymakers need to know when working with digital news influencersYou can follow Mo News online at https://www.mo.news/, on Instagram at @mosheh and on the Mo News podcast.Click here, for the Liz Kelly Nelson piece entitled "From 'Trad News' to AI: The evolving journalism landscape," referenced in the episode.

This week’s episode of What’s at Stake tackles the mounting pressure on corporate America as President Donald Trump’s tariffs rattle the markets and stoke fears of a global economic slowdown. Penta CEO Matt McDonald joins hosts Bryan DeAngelis and Ylan Mui to discuss the response from the business community and frameworks for determining when and how to engage publicly.Their conversation covered:Whether tariffs are a tool for negotiation or an end resultThe importance of "signposting" to determine next stepsThe impact of the markets on White House and corporate decision-making

This week's episode of What's at Stake delves into the creation and consumption of media amid the rapid advancement of AI. Sally Shin, venture partner at Comcast Ventures, joins Penta hosts Ylan Mui and Andrea Christianson, to discuss the impact of this convergence on journalism and our daily lives.Their conversation covered:Guardrails to protect intellectual property and the accuracy of AI-generated contentPartnerships between publishers and AI companiesOpportunities to leverage AI within news organizationsThe revolution that voice technologies and no-code tools could bring to content creation

This week's episode of What's at Stake explores the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency as the industry gears up for a transformative 2025 amid strong support from both the Trump administration and Capitol Hill. Ron Hammond, senior director of government relations and institutional engagement at the Blockchain Association, joins Penta hosts Ylan Mui and Bryan DeAngelis to discuss the vibeshift in Washington and the industry's policy priorities. Their conversation covered:Policymakers' evolving perceptions of cryptocurrencyChallenges and opportunities for stablecoin legislationCrypto interest from institutional investors Building consensus across the crypto universe

This week's episode of What's at Stake crosses the Atlantic to discuss the impact of President Trump's tariffs with Penta's experts in Europe. Rory O’Donnell, a partner in the Brussels office, and Stuart Harbinson, a senior adviser who has represented Hong Kong to the World Trade Organization, joined Penta managing director Ylan Mui to examine the motivations behind the tariffs and the implications of global retaliation.Their conversation covered:EU and Chinese perspective on trade tensionsPotential economic consequences for consumers and businessesHow the private sector can best navigate these turbulent timesThe potential end game for tariffs 

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Axios political reporter Hans Nichols sits down with Penta Washington office lead Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui to discuss President Trump's priorities and potential pitfalls during his first 100 days in office…for the second time.The trio discussed several topics, including:Trump’s unique media strategy and how it differs from President Biden’sThe effectiveness of the blitz of executive orders The political chess game swirling around Trump’s nominees and CongressInsights on tariffs, tax reform, and potential legislative hurdlesPublic sentiment and tipping points on key issuesYou can subscribe to Hans’ newsletter, Axios Hill Leaders here: https://www.axios.com/signup/hill-leaders

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Partner Bryan DeAngelis and Managing Director Ylan Mui speak to two special guests from the Tax Foundation, one of Washington's most influential think tanks. President and CEO Daniel Bunn and president emeritus Scott Hodge examine the complexities of the anticipated tax reform battle in 2025, and its implications for Americans and businesses, as well as the potential international ramifications.Specific topics include:Examination of proposed tax cuts and their potential effects on individuals and businessesConsideration of the balance between tax cuts and the impact on the national debtInsights on potential revenue sources and the politics surrounding themOverview of international tax discussions and their relevance to U.S. policiesKeep listening to What’s at Stake to understand the political and economic shifts of the incoming administration, and check out Scott’s book “Taxocracy” for more on tax policy and how it affects everyday life.

Long waits at the DMV or when buying a car seem like a fact of life—but do they have to be? This week on What's at Stake, Penta senior partner Kevin Madden sits down with Shane Bigelow, CEO of CHAMP Titles, to discuss the company's mission to modernize DMVs and bring digital titling technology to the nation.Shane shares CHAMP's founding story and explains how their technology streamlines title transfers, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and helping DMVs better serve constituents in an age of online car dealers and autonomous vehicles. Kevin and Shane also explore the environmental benefits of going digital along with improvements in privacy and security for the auto industry.Don't miss this in-depth look at how cutting-edge technology is reshaping the future of car ownership.

On this week's episode of What's at Stake, Senior Partner Andy Whitehouse speaks with Marie Donnelly, Chair of Climate Change Advisory Council Ireland and Senior Advisor to Penta, and Director Liza McIntosh about what to expect from COP29—the 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference—which begins today in Baku. Together, they discuss the critical agenda items facing world leaders and organizations as they gather to tackle climate change. From ambitious climate finance targets to bold resilience initiatives, Andy, Liza, and Marie break down the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for a low-carbon future. They also unpack what a second Trump presidency means for climate policy—both in the U.S. and abroad. Tune in for this timely discussion to understand what's truly at stake as COP29 shapes the future of climate action amid new geopolitical tensions.