Why are business leaders freaking out about Zohran Mamdani?

In this revealing conversation, host Juan Manuel Benítez sits down with Kathryn Wylde, the powerful voice of New York's business community who's stepping down after decades at the helm of the Partnership for NYC. As the business world grapples with Zohran Mamdani's surprising mayoral primary victory, Wylde offers unprecedented insight into how corporate leaders really feel about the self-proclaimed socialist who could become their next mayor.Wylde reveals that business leaders were "shocked" by Mamdani's win after investing heavily in Andrew Cuomo's expected victory, but explains why the panic has subsided since election night. She details Mamdani's immediate outreach to reassure the business community and draws surprising parallels to Bill de Blasio - noting that while their policies may be similar, Mamdani lacks de Blasio's "vindictiveness" toward the wealthy.What Kathryn Wylde is reading:The gods of New York : egotists, idealists, opportunists, and the birth of the modern city : 1986-1990, by Jonathan MahlerThe New York place she loves:Green-Wood CemeteryHer second home:Quebradillas, Puerto RicoKeywordsNew York City, Kathryn Wylde, mayoral election, business community, affordability, public safety, taxation, Zohran Mamdani, leadership transition, economic growth, Andrew Cuomo, Eric Adams, millionaires, billionaires