Described by Fast Company as “the coolest econ nerd on the internet,” Kyla Scanlon studies the economy through the lens of how it feels to everyday people. In daily TikTok and Instagram videos that synthesize financial news in under a minute, she makes complex information accessible to her largely Gen Z audience.

Ryan Johnson is co-founder and CEO of Culdesac, developer of the first car-free neighborhood in the US. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the project is hailed as “a pedestrian oasis.” Ryan’s long-term vision is to bring the urban walkability of New York and San Francisco to America’s Sunbelt cities.

Tasha Jones is one of the nation’s leading voices for marketing, branding, and business strategy rooted in an authentic commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Cutting through corporate DEI jargon, Tasha helps businesses tap the power of diverse teams—and diverse communities—bringing their full creative potential to the table.

Nina Simon is an expert on the design of places and organizations that are lively, engaging and people-centered. When life took an unexpected turn in 2020—not the one you’re thinking of—she pivoted and wrote her first novel, the New York Times bestselling Mother-Daughter Murder Night.

Throughout his career, Tony Avila has raised approximately $20 billion in debt and equity for public and private builders and developers. His latest endeavor, Avila Real Estate Capital, is providing much-needed A&D loans to keep projects on track at a time when banks continue to tighten lending requirements.

Daniel Berlant is the California State Fire Marshal, leading the efforts of one of the largest, most advanced fire prevention agencies in the world. Appointed by Governor Newsom in 2023, he is deeply committed to collaborating with industry, researchers, and local communities to create safer, more resilient environments.

Robert Dietz, Ph.D., is chief economist for NAHB, and one of the nation’s leading experts in housing market analysis and forecasting, home construction trends, and housing policy research. Prior to joining NAHB in 2005, Dr. Dietz worked as an economist for the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

Krista and Phil Franks help leaders boost performance by maximizing their ROI—Return on Intention. They’re the creators of “Strategic Planning for Life,” a framework used by CEOs, professional athletes, entrepreneurs, and Fortune 500 companies to build their businesses—and their lives—around deeply held values.

No one peers into the hearts and minds of American consumers quite like J. Walker Smith, described by Fortune as “one of America's leading analysts on consumer trends.” Always one of the most in-demand speakers at PCBC, Walker will share new insights into people’s attitudes about home and community.