Headlines

We are excited to share that Molly Jong-Fast's recently released memoir, How to Lose Your Mother, has landed on The New York Times Bestseller List! With rave reviews continuing to pour in, People magazine said: "This raw, intimate memoir is a stunning portrait of difficult relationships and how we survive them.”

Juan Bendana—known for energizing audiences with actionable insights on leadership and decision-making—is set to release his highly anticipated new book, Confident by Choice: The Three Small Decisions That Build Everyday Courage (August 5). At a time when organizations face unprecedented change and cultural shifts, Bendana’s approach to building confidence, cultivating resilience, and navigating complexity is more relevant than ever. In Confident by Choice, he distills principles that empower individuals to make clear, values-driven decisions—whether they’re managing teams, leading change, or navigating the pressures of fast-paced work environments.

India has clinched the top spot in the 2025 Baseline Profitability Index (BPI)—a globally respected tool for benchmarking foreign direct investment (FDI) returns—according to economist and APB exclusive keynote speaker Daniel Altman. In a recent LinkedIn post, Altman announced the relaunch of the BPI on a new interactive platform featuring nine years of data and powerful tools for investors navigating complex global markets.

On June 1, 2025, CBS Sunday Morning aired a compelling interview between correspondent David Pogue and Elon Musk, delving into topics ranging from space exploration to government policies. Pogue, known for his incisive journalism and engaging storytelling, was the only non-space journalist invited to interview Musk ahead of SpaceX's ninth test flight of the Super Heavy-Starship rocket.

APB exclusive speaker Dr. Jeanette Epps recently retired from NASA, concluding a remarkable 16-year career that broke barriers and inspired countless individuals. From her roots in Syracuse, New York, to her groundbreaking mission aboard the International Space Station, Dr. Epps’s incredible journey reflects an unwavering commitment to perseverance and excellence.

Popular keynote speaker Lt. Colonel Olga Custodio, USAF (Retired), is a history-making aviator and an unrelenting advocate for opportunity and inspiration. Now, with the release of her powerful new memoir, Flightpath of Fortitude: Breaking Barriers, Building Horizons, Olga is inviting readers—and audiences—to join her on a journey through the clouds and beyond. Flightpath of Fortitude is a deeply personal reflection from the first Latina to become a military pilot in the U.S. Air Force—and the first Latina commercial airline captain for American Airlines.

Molly Jong-Fast is the only child of a famous woman, writer Erica Jong, whose sensational book Fear of Flying launched her into second-wave feminist stardom. She grew up yearning for a connection with her dreamy, glamorous, just out of reach mother, who always seemed to be heading somewhere that wasn’t with Molly. When, in 2023, Molly's mother was diagnosed with dementia just as Molly’s husband discovered he had a rare cancer, Jong-Fast was catapulted into a transformative year.

We are excited to share that Steve Pemberton, an APB exclusive speaker, renowned author, and human-centered thought leader, has launched The Pemberton Podcast, a series dedicated to stories of resilience, reflection, and hope. Drawing from his experiences detailed in his bestselling memoir A Chance in the World, Pemberton offers listeners narratives that inspire and uplift. The podcast aims to be a guiding light for those navigating challenges, emphasizing that one's beginnings do not dictate one's destiny.

Venture capitalist, strategic investor, and APB exclusive speaker Rashaun Williams has taken the helm of the Harbinger Sports Partners Fund, serving as co-founder and managing partner of the new $750 million private equity fund targeting minority stakes in the biggest leagues in American sports: the NBA, MLB, and NFL.

The recently released Reputation Risk Index, commissioned by the Global Situation Room, delivers a stark warning to companies: proceed cautiously with AI adoption or risk eroding consumer trust and brand credibility. Brett Bruen, President of the Global Situation Room and former Director of Global Engagement at the White House, played a pivotal role in commissioning this index, offering invaluable insights into the reputational challenges posed by rapid technological integration.