Perspectives: Episode 128 – Dispatches from the US

In this episode of Perspectives, Escala Chief Investment Officer, Tracey McNaughton, takes us inside the Milken Institute Global Conference 2026, from space-based AI breakthroughs to the massive infrastructure buildout powering the next wave of innovation. (1:09) Alright, you've been roaming the halls at Milken earlier this week. Before we get into that, tell us about how it feels on the ground in the US right now. (3:27) You mentioned before you left that there were over 300 sessions across two hotels – the Beverly Wilshire and the Beverly Hilton. (5:03 How did he arrive at creating this conference, which has been running annually for almost 30 years. (5:45) What's the underlying theme this year – if you had to distil it? (6:52) What would you say was the most eye-popping session you went to?         (7:51) Okay, let's talk specifics: what actually happened that got your attention? (8:37) So, a supercomputer that was able to learn in space was the breakthrough. What did it learn? (9:21) Sounds like he could be another Sam Altman. What does this do for the space industry? (10:40) Where does this hit us day-to-day? (12:13) Judging by the photos you sent back to us, I'm guessing the most exciting session for you was the one where Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia, was being interviewed. (13:58) Did the issue of job destruction come up? (15:14) So, again, it comes back to that distinction between automating tasks and eliminating entire roles? (15:50) What about the next constraint in the system? (16:28) And just finally, stepping back from all of that, what's the main idea he leaves you with?