Dr. Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak Keynote Speaker

Global Chief Economist at Boston Consulting Group (BCG).
Co-author of Shocks, Crises, and False Alarms, named one of 2024’s best books by the Financial Times.
Columnist for Fortune and frequent contributor to leading business publications.

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Dr. Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak's Biography

Dr. Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak is the Global Chief Economist at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Managing Director & Partner in the firm’s New York office. Renowned for his incisive and contrarian economic insights, he advises corporate leaders and institutional investors on navigating real, financial, and geopolitical risks.

Before joining BCG, Philipp served as Chief Economist at Sanford Bernstein, further cementing his reputation as a trusted voice in global economics.

An advocate of “rational optimism,” Carlsson-Szlezak critiques traditional, model-based macroeconomics and challenges the media’s often alarmist narratives. His innovative approach blends data-driven analysis with narrative and judgment to provide a more nuanced understanding of the global economy.

He is the co-author of Shocks, Crises, and False Alarms published by Harvard Business Review Press in 2024, recognized by the Financial Times as one of the best books of the year.

Philipp writes a regular column for Fortune, contributes to leading business publications, and is a sought-after guest on finance and economics podcasts. His engaging perspectives on cyclical trends and thematic issues resonate across industries, particularly in financial services, private equity, consumer goods, and industrial sectors.

A sparring partner for executives worldwide, Philipp translates complex economic challenges into actionable strategies for navigating uncertainty.

Macroeconomic Outlook

What is the tactical macroeconomic outlook, and what is the strategic outlook? What risks should executives and investors watch, and how? Phillip shares an up-to-date talk, customized to the audience’s industry, and based on our tried and tested cyclical risk framework that has underpinned successful calls. Discover insights on a differentiated take on the economy and the cycle.

When Technology Lifts Growth and When it Doesn’t

Why has technology failed to lift growth in recent decades, and will AI do better? Is the hype justified and what does it take for firms to win? Explore insights on how executives and investors frame the role of technology, using a set of contrarian insights about the hurdles to macro impact and why many firms lose out during technology shifts.

Stimulus, Debt, and Bubbles: Managing Financial Risks

How much debt is too much? What are the risks of a US debt and dollar crisis as deficits grow? Will the US run out of stimulus ability, and will we be able to respond when another crisis hits or bubble bursts? A popular theme with corporate leaders and investors alike, in this talk Phillip addresses systemic risks to the economy and how we can rationally watch and assess them.

What’s Wrong with Economics

Why are macroeconomic forecasts consistently wrong and why does the financial press augment every doomsaying tale? What is wrong with economic discourse—and how can leaders navigate it? Discover a behind-the-scenes look at the macroeconomic discourse, forecasting, and the media. It aims to help executives cut through the clutter of economic narratives, parse contradicting information, and cultivate their own judgment.