Advice for Janet Yellen
When you’re in a position of power, you get no shortage of unsolicited advice. Bearing that in mind, we wondered what sort of advice people might have for Janet Yellen, as she becomes the chairwoman of the Federal Reserve, after Ben Bernanke’s term ends today. We took a sampling, not just from those who know the Fed, but from some regular folks, too.
DONALD KOHN, Former Vice Chairman, Federal Reserve
Dear Janet,
Better you than me. May the force be with you.
Your friend,
Don Kohn
ED MORALES, a tourist from California we caught up with near the Fed building in Washington
Dear Janet,
Treat others as you would want to be treated. Obviously going in and talking with your coworkers… Give them the respect that you would want, and obviously you would receive the same respect in return. And it would make for a better work environment.
Sincerely,
Ed Morales
SUSAN TENDALL, of North Potomac, Md.
Dear Janet,
If I were to give advice to my four grown children on the first day of their jobs, I would tell them to try and find somebody they can mentor with. Take lots of notes, review those notes every night until you know what you’re doing, and keep a smile on your face and to not give up.
Sincerely,
Susan Tendall
JOHN MAKIN, Resident Scholar, American Enterprise Institute
Dear Chairman Yellen,
Congratulations on your appointment as Fed chairman. One of the things that’s important to remember is that the usual problem the Fed faces – rising inflation – is no longer present. In fact, deflation is a primary threat to a stable and growing economy. As you proceed with deliberations with the FOMC, I hope that you will put a higher priority on avoiding deflation.
With very best wishes for success in what I’m sure you know is a challenging job,
John H. Makin
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
