Weaponized Optimism

Megan Comfort, Director of Business Banking at Nevada State Bank, sits down with Jeremy Aguero, Principal Analyst with Applied Analysis, for a wide‑ranging discussion on Nevada’s economic outlook and key findings from Nevada State Bank’s 13th Annual Small Business Survey. The episode takes listeners inside what small business owners are seeing on the ground and what it reveals about broader economic shifts. Aguero highlights rising optimism amid uncertainty, from easing workforce pressures to rapid AI adoption, and reframes resilience as a competitive advantage. His concept of “weaponized optimism” offers a sharp take on how businesses move forward by acting boldly, even when the path is unclear.All price references and market forecasts correspond to the date of this recording. This podcast should not be copied, distributed, published or reproduced in whole or in part. The information contained in this podcast does not constitute research, recommendations, representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the statements of any information contained in this podcast and any liability from Zions Bancorporation, N.A or its divisions (including direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage) is expressly disclaimed. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. or any of its divisions. Zions Bancorporation, N.A. is not providing any financial, economic, legal, accounting or tax advice or recommendations in this podcast. In addition, the receipt of this podcast by any listener is not to be taken as constituting the giving of advice, investment or otherwise, by Zions Bancorporation, N.A. to that listener, nor to constitute such person a client of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Copyright reserved by Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Nevada State Bank is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. Member FDIC