Larry Summers: ‘Smart Businesses Are Going to Maintain Flexibility’

Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and President Emeritus of Harvard University, has seen the ups and downs of the American economy throughout the decades. As leaders today contend with fears of economic downturn, the growth of artificial intelligence, tariffs, inflation and more, he shares what he thinks we should—and shouldn’t—be worried about. He also discusses how he believes businesses can create stability through macroeconomic uncertainty, and how coming technological and economic forces will shift the labor market, policy agendas, and more.

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Episode 1033

Larry Summers: ‘Smart Businesses Are Going to Maintain Flexibility’

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A conversation with the former U.S. Treasury Secretary on leading businesses in 2025.

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July 01, 2025

Lawrence H. Summers, former U.S. Treasury Secretary and President Emeritus of Harvard University, has seen the ups and downs of the American economy throughout the decades. As leaders today contend with fears of economic downturn, the growth of artificial intelligence, tariffs, inflation and more, he shares what he thinks we should—and shouldn’t—be worried about. He also discusses how he believes businesses can create stability through macroeconomic uncertainty, and how coming technological and economic forces will shift the labor market, policy agendas, and more.

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This article is about MANAGING UNCERTAINTY

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Related Topics:

• Economic cycles and trends

• Recessions

• Tariffs

• Leadership and managing people

• Labor

• AI and machine learning

• Economics

• Politics

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