Welcome to the PE-CPI Index Podcast — where culture meets capital, and every dollar tells a story.

“The Culture Couch” offer a critical analysis of Starbucks, arguing that the company’s reputation for a welcoming “third place” culture does not align with its low economic reciprocity toward its employees. Speakers Marcus and Naomi use metrics to illustrate a venti-sized gap between the brand’s high cultural alignment—evidenced by strong community trust and engagement—and its minimal economic reinvestment, which is rated poorly.

"The Culture Couch," where hosts Marcus and Naomi discuss Adobe's corporate performance through a "Reciprocity Report Card." The central argument critiques Adobe for achieving high scores in cultural alignment and representation (such as featuring diverse art) while failing significantly in economic reciprocity—specifically, reinvesting dollars back into the creative communities, particularly Black creatives and vendors.