Multinational professional services network
POPULARITY
Categories
We've never talked more about mental health at work and yet, burnout is rising, disengagement is everywhere, and leaders still feel stuck. In this episode, I'm joined by strategy coach and former PwC partner David Lancefield to talk about why the current approach isn't working and what actually creates change. David shares why “mental health” has a bad brand in corporate life, how leaders can engage even the most skeptical executives, and why the real leverage point isn't awareness campaigns, but better questions. We also dive into why small pilots beat big programs, and how leaders can design environments where people do their best work. Tune in to know what it means to treat mental health as a business solution. Check out our sponsors: Northwest Registered Agent - Protect your privacy, build your brand and get your complete business identity in just 10 clicks and 10 minutes! Visit https://www.northwestregisteredagent.com/achieverfree Shopify - Sign up for a $1 per month trial, just go to http://shopify.com/anxiousachiever Cozy Earth - Give your home the luxury it deserves. Head to http://cozyearth.com and use code ACHIEVER for up to 20% off. Express VPN - Secure your online data today. Visit http://expressvpn.com/achiever and find out how you can get up to four extra months. Talkiatry - Head to http://talkiaitry.com/achiever and complete the short assessment to get matched with an in network psychiatrist in just a few minutes. Working Genius - Take the working genius assessment today and get 20% off with code ACHIEVER at working http://genius.com In this Episode, You Will Learn 00:00 Why the mental health conversation at work isn't working. 07:00 The fear and freedom of leaving a prestigious role. 13:15 The mistake we make when trying to persuade leaders. 17:45 Why business results are the bridge to mental health. 21:15 How to reframe burnout as a performance problem. 25:00 Why storytelling can backfire without resolution. 30:45 What leaders should leave people feeling after sharing. 34:45 The “motherhood penalty” and its parallels at work. 39:00 2 questions every leader should ask. 43:00 How do you move from drifting to designing your life? 47:00 3 questions that reset your day. 49:00 How do you help people shape roles around their strengths? Resources + Links Get a copy of my book - The Anxious Achiever Watch the podcast on YouTube Find more resources on our website morraam.com Follow Follow me: on LinkedIn @morraaronsmele + Instagram @morraam Follow David: on LinkedIn @davidclancefield
It's that time of year, with many focused on year-end reporting. After wrapping up our Year-end toolkit series last week, we revisit another set of conversations that are especially relevant right now. We're re-releasing the kickoff episode from last year's Reporting reset series.This first episode sets the stage for the series by covering foundational reporting principles, key disclosure considerations, notable differences between public and private company financial statements, and accounting changes and error corrections. Links are provided to other episodes in this presentation and disclosure series.In this episode, we discuss:1:25 – Foundational GAAP and SEC requirements for financial statement presentation3:09 – Determining appropriate reporting periods5:25 – Balance sheet presentation: classification, required disclosures, and best practices11:44 – Income statement presentation: structure and key considerations21:31 – Accounting changes, estimates, and error corrections29:53 – Subsequent events: recognition and disclosureFor more on this topic read the following chapters in our Financial statement presentation guide:Chapter 1: General presentation and disclosure requirementsChapter 2: Balance sheetChapter 3: Income statementChapter 28: Subsequent eventsChapter 30: Accounting changesBe sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestPat Durbin is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS.About our guest hostDiana Stoltzfus is a partner in PwC's National Office who helps to shape PwC's perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA's Professional Practices Group.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.comDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
What if charitable giving could be simpler and more impactful?In this episode of The Business Ownership Podcast I interviewed John Bromley, founder and CEO of Charitable Impact, grew up in a family where charity was a core value. Starting his career in corporate finance at PwC and RBC Capital Markets, John later transitioned to work with leading charity law experts, gaining a deep understanding of the complex charity sector. Recognizing the need for a more accessible and effective approach to philanthropy, he founded Charitable Impact to help people turn their desire to give into meaningful action. The platform has since facilitated over $1.4 billion in donations, empowering individuals to nurture their generosity and create lasting change in theworld. John's vision is rooted in the belief that while the desire to help others is natural, knowing how to make an impact through charitable giving requires support and guidance. Through Charitable Impact, John is making philanthropy more inclusive and impactful for all Canadians. John is a two-time TEDx speaker, a Business in Vancouver Forty Under 40 winner, a soccer coach, and a doting father of two kids.Wondering how charity and business can work together? Check this out!Show Links:Charitable Impact Website: https://www.charitableimpact.com/John on LinkedIn: John Bromley | LinkedInBook a call with Michelle: https://go.appointmentcore.com/book/IcFD4cGJoin our Facebook group for business owners to get help or help other business owners!The Business Ownership Group - Secrets to Scaling: https://www.facebook.com/groups/businessownershipsecretstoscalingLooking to scale your business? Get free gifts here to help you on your way: https://www.awarenessstrategies.com/
Doug McHoney (PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Craig Stronberg, Senior Director on PwC's Intelligence Team. Craig leads analysts focused on macroeconomic and geopolitical intelligence; he previously served in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Doug and Craig discuss why business and tax leaders should focus on the geopolitical landscape to understand its impact on cross-border business, including tax. Stability is the new bar for many businesses in 2026, requiring greater agility to deal with change. Craig discusses how many businesses are in a 'wait‑and‑see' mode versus decisive movers across industries. He also describes areas of focus, such as the US policy stance for the Americas, Greenland, and tariffs; the Global South's rising coordination; and governance strains across the G20. While AI data falsification is a significant concern, Craig suggests practical actions for boards such as enabling direct access to the business' risk team.
This is a recap of the top 10 posts on Hacker News on January 28, 2026. This podcast was generated by wondercraft.ai (00:30): Microsoft forced me to switch to LinuxOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46795864&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(01:58): Amazon cuts 16k jobsOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46796745&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(03:26): Please don't say mean things about the AI I just invested a billion dollars inOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46803356&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(04:54): Somebody used spoofed ADSB signals to raster the meme of JD VanceOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46802067&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(06:22): ICE and Palantir: US agents using health data to hunt illegal immigrantsOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46794365&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(07:50): Airfoil (2024)Original post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46795908&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(09:18): ASML staffing changes could result in a net reduction of around 1700 positionsOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46792370&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(10:46): Show HN: The HN ArcadeOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46793693&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(12:14): UK Government's ‘AI Skills Hub' was delivered by PwC for £4.1MOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46803119&utm_source=wondercraft_ai(13:42): Super Monkey Ball ported to a websiteOriginal post: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46789961&utm_source=wondercraft_aiThis is a third-party project, independent from HN and YC. Text and audio generated using AI, by wondercraft.ai. Create your own studio quality podcast with text as the only input in seconds at app.wondercraft.ai. Issues or feedback? We'd love to hear from you: team@wondercraft.ai
Why do some recruiters stay stuck on contingent work while others shift a large portion of their business to retained without pitching harder or sounding salesy? James Cairns found the answer the hard way. James is a CPA who left a stable corporate finance career to start a boutique search firm with no agency experience, no local network, and just $30,000 in savings. His first year was brutal. Three placements. Borrowed money. Serious doubts about whether he'd made a huge mistake. Then one summer night, sitting on his back porch, James made a decision that changed everything. He eliminated Plan B. From that point on, momentum followed. Today, James runs The CSP Group, a highly respected finance and accounting search firm in St. Louis. He regularly beats national firms, fills senior roles up to CFO level, and now operates with roughly 40% of his work on retained or contained terms. In this episode, James breaks down what actually drove that shift. Not better sales tactics, scripts, or pressure. But commitment, process, and the confidence to walk away from the wrong work. This conversation offers a clear look at what changes when a recruiter stops competing on volume and starts choosing the right work. In this episode, you'll learn: Why eliminating "Plan B" unlocked consistent momentum How James moved from 3 placements to 40% retained work The candidate profiling system that generates a third of his placements Why being local and specialized beats national firms How to position retained search without pitching or pressure Why walkaway power matters more than persuasion Episode highlights: [3:44] Why a CPA with zero agency experience started a search firm [6:31] Quitting with $30K, a pregnant wife, and no local network [8:46] First-year reality: three placements and borrowed money [10:04] The back porch moment that eliminated Plan B [18:41] The candidate process that transformed responsiveness [21:51] Talent profiles and how they drive a third of placements [38:02] Why local specialization beats national firms [43:27] The CFO placement that changed everything [50:04] "This is how we work": James's retained positioning [59:06] Why walkaway power leads to more retained work James's story is proof that retained success isn't about being louder or more persuasive. It's about clarity, commitment, and choosing the right work. Guest Bio: James Cairns is the founder of The CSP Group, a boutique executive search firm specializing in finance and accounting talent in the St. Louis market. James earned his CPA license and began his career at PwC in Big Four audit before moving into corporate finance roles. He started The CSP Group in 2014 with $30,000 in savings, a one-year-old at home, another child on the way, and no local business network. After a difficult first year, James committed fully to making the business work - a decision that changed everything. Today, the CSP Group places senior-level finance professionals up to the CFO level, with approximately 40% of search assignments on retained or contained terms. Connect with James: James on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-cairns-062a5b7/ The CSP Group website - https://thecspgroup.com/ Connect with Mark: Get your free 30-minute strategy session: recruitmentcoach.com/strategy-session Mark on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mwhitby/?originalSubdomain=uk Follow on Instagram: @RecruitmentCoach This episode is brought to you by Recruiterflow. Recruiterflow is an AI-first ATS and CRM built to help recruitment businesses run and scale more efficiently. With built-in sequencing, data enrichment, marketing automation, and AI agents, it's trusted by many leaders in our coaching community. Learn more or request a demo at https://recruitmentcoach.com/recruiterflow
Welcome to the CRE podcast. 100% Canadian, 100% commercial real estate. What if the “easy money” era in real estate is actually behind us? In this episode of the Commercial Real Estate Podcast, hosts Aaron Cameron and Adam Powadiuk are joined by Fred Cassano, National Real Estate Leader at PwC, to unpack the 2026 Emerging... The post Why the Easy Money Era in Real Estate Is Over, with Fred Cassano, National Real Estate Leader at PwC appeared first on Commercial Real Estate Podcast.
Tait Duryea is joined by Brandon Hall to break down one of the most misunderstood tools in real estate investing: depreciation. From straight-line depreciation to cost segregation and 100 percent bonus depreciation, this episode explains how so-called “phantom losses” can legally reduce or even eliminate taxable income for pilots and other high earners. They also cover depreciation recapture, common investor mistakes, and why experienced investors think in decades, not tax years.Brandon Hall is the founder of Hall CPA, widely known as The Real Estate CPA. After working at Ernst & Young and PwC, he left the corporate world to build a national firm focused exclusively on real estate investors. His team supports everyone from first-time landlords to large syndications and funds, with a practical, no-nonsense approach to depreciation, cost segregation, and long-term tax strategy.Show notes:(0:00) Intro(01:14) What depreciation really is(03:06) Brandon's CPA and real estate background(09:20) Why assets depreciate while values rise(11:15) Straight-line depreciation explained(14:01) Leverage and real estate returns(18:42) Tax losses vs operating income(20:57) Cost segregation basics(23:07) Bonus depreciation returns in 2025(31:41) Depreciation recapture explained(46:42) The “lazy man's” 1031 strategy(1:00:04) OutroConnect with Brandon Hall:Website: https://www.therealestatecpa.com/ Podcast: https://www.therealestatecpa.com/podcasts/ If you're interested in participating, the latest institutional-quality self-storage portfolio is available for investment now at: https://turbinecap.investnext.com/portal/offerings/8449/houston-storage/ — You've found the number one resource for financial education for aviators! Please consider leaving a rating and sharing this podcast with your colleagues in the aviation community, as it can serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the industry.Remember to subscribe for more insights at PassiveIncomePilots.com! https://passiveincomepilots.com/ Join our growing community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passivepilotsCheck us out on Instagram @PassiveIncomePilots: https://www.instagram.com/passiveincomepilots/Follow us on X @IncomePilots: https://twitter.com/IncomePilotsGet our updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/passive-income-pilots/Do you have questions or want to discuss this episode? Contact us at ask@passiveincomepilots.com See you on the next one!*Legal Disclaimer*The content of this podcast is provided solely for educational and informational purposes. The views and opinions expressed are those of the hosts, Tait Duryea and Ryan Gibson, and do not reflect those of any organization they are associated with, including Turbine Capital or Spartan Investment Group. The opinions of our guests are their own and should not be construed as financial advice. This podcast does not offer tax, legal, or investment advice. Listeners are advised to consult with their own legal or financial counsel and to conduct their own due diligence before making any financial decisions.
We continue our year-end toolkit series with insights on key areas of the year-end accounting and reporting process. Today's episode focuses on the finance team's engagement with the audit committee, which faces a packed agenda and expanding oversight responsibilities. We explore how management can strengthen collaboration with those charged with governance, streamline reporting, and address emerging issues such as AI, enterprise risk management, and transformation initiatives.In this episode, we discuss:1:18 – Strengthening management/audit committee communication and collaboration10:10 – Key year-end issues finance teams should be prepared to address15:02 – Oversight of AI: risks, opportunities, and controls21:33 – Enhancing enterprise risk oversight27:35 – Navigating the evolving cyber risk landscape in the age of AI36:05 – Elevating proxy disclosuresFor more, watch the replay of our Year-end audit committee webcast and read our publication, Your year-end audit committee guide.In case you missed it, check out the previous episode in this year-end miniseries:Year-end toolkit: Accounting and reporting reminders for 2026Year-end toolkit: Materiality assessmentsYear-end toolkit: Cash flow classificationBe sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestStephen Parker is a partner in PwC's Governance Insights Center, which strives to strengthen the connection between directors, executive teams, and investors by helping them navigate the evolving governance landscape. With more than 30 years of experience, Stephen has advised boards of directors on a variety of complex financial reporting matters. Stephen's client service experience includes energy and utility companies, financial services companies, and nonprofits.About our guest hostDiana Stoltzfus is a partner in PwC's National Office who helps to shape PwC's perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA's Professional Practices Group.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.comDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
出演:片岡剛士( PwCコンサルティング合同会社・チーフエコノミスト ) 2026年1月28日(水)「Main Session」より。 発信型ニュース・プロジェクト「荻上チキ・Session」 ★月~金曜日 17:00~20:00 TBSラジオで生放送 パーソナリティ:荻上チキ、西川あやの 番組HP:荻上チキ・Session 番組メールアドレス:ss954@tbs.co.jp 番組Xアカウント:@Session_1530 ハッシュタグは #ss954 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Nicholas Mobilio is a Partner at PwC. In this episode of Specified Growth Podcast, Nicholas talks about his entrepreneurial background and some of the things he's learned throughout his career. He also discusses building strong relationships, some of his tips for networking and connecting with people, the importance of giving back, and more. Don't miss this episode of Specified Growth Podcast! Please reach out if you have any feedback or questions. Enjoy! Twitter: @TatsuyaNakagawa Instagram: @tats_talks LinkedIn: Tatsuya Nakagawa YouTube: Tats Talks www.tatstalk.com www.castagra.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this month's episode, Anu Pandya is joined by Stefan Schoenmakers and Scott Bandura to explore new illustrative examples from the IASB which clarify how entities should navigate disclosing uncertainties in financial statements. Find out more at PwC's IFRS Talks homepage
It's time we retire the debate over whether or not AI can improve outcomes in business. New data out of PWC from over 4,000 global CEOs indicates that for one-third of the market, the financial returns are real. However, while the headlines are quick to celebrate the winners, they are burying the hard reality that the majority of companies are stalled and some are actively paying an "innovation tax" with nothing to show for it.This week, I'm framing my conversation around two key charts from the 2026 PwC Global CEO Survey. What's hidden in them is a reality check on the cognitive dissonance happening in the C-Suite. I'm exposing an uncomfortable mirror test facing leadership and the survival strategy for the teams reporting to them. I'll explain why the high confidence in culture and tech is often a mask for a lack of execution and highlight why the pressure is about to boil over.My goal is to strip away the optimism to expose the critical gaps hidden in the data and why they are fatal for your ROI: The "Dead Zone" Reality (Stalled vs. Bleeding): It's not just that companies aren't winning; 13% are seeing costs rise with no revenue growth. I break down why you might be paying a tax on innovation rather than investing in it, and why staring at the P&L won't fix the leak. The C-suite Mirror Test (Vibes vs. Velocity): 69% of leaders believe their culture is ready, yet only 29% can access their own data. I explain why you cannot "mindset" your way to ROI and why confusing sentiment with strategy is a trap. Escaping the Trap (Lead vs. Lag Measures): The winners aren't overemphasizing the lag measures “Cost" and "Revenue.” I discuss why chasing the scoreboard leads to bad decisions (like the Grok crisis) and how to pivot to the operational metrics that actually remove friction. The Direct Report's Survival Guide: Your boss sees the winners and expects results. I provide the specific defense strategy for functional leaders to turn "we're working on it" into a data-backed case for better resources before the heat turns up. By the end, I hope you see this not as a critique of your readiness, but as a call to operational rigor. You cannot build a future-focused organization on "vibes," and you cannot join the winning 33% without doing the unsexy work of fixing the roadmap.⸻If this conversation helps you think more clearly about the future we're building, make sure to like, share, and subscribe. You can also support the show by buying me a coffee at https://buymeacoffee.com/christopherlindAnd if your organization is wrestling with how to lead responsibly in the AI era, balancing performance, technology, and people, that's the work I do every day through my consulting and coaching. Learn more at https://christopherlind.co⸻Chapters:00:00 – The Hook: "Does AI Work?" is Retired01:45 – The Context: PwC's 2026 Global CEO Survey02:45 – The Data: Visualizing the "Dead Zone" vs. The "Winners"07:35 – To the CEO: The "Mirror Test" (Vibes vs. Reality)17:30 – To the Team: Surviving the "Heat" from the C-Suite29:20 – Now What: Auditing the Bleed & Fixing the Plumbing #AIStrategy #PwC #LeadershipDevelopment #OperationalRigor #FutureOfWork #DigitalTransformation #FutureFocused #ChristopherLind #ROI #BusinessStrategy
Crypto News: Institutional crypto adoption has passed the ‘point of reversibility,' PwC says. Ripple CEO says he expects the crypto market to hit a new all-time high and institutional adoption is not priced in by the market. Crypto custodian BitGo goes public on NYSE.Brought to you by ✅ VeChain is a versatile enterprise-grade L1 smart contract platform https://www.vechain.org/
What up, jeeks?
The AI Breakdown: Daily Artificial Intelligence News and Discussions
New surveys from PwC, Workday, and Section are being read as evidence that AI is overhyped, but the real story is simpler: companies that deeply integrate AI into core workflows are nearly three times more likely to see real financial gains, while everyone else stalls. This is not a story about AI capability—it's a story about leadership, integration, and execution. In the headlines: Apple explores a new AI device form factor, Meta previews internally trained models, and Congress moves to tighten oversight of advanced chip exports.Brought to you by:KPMG – Discover how AI is transforming possibility into reality. Tune into the new KPMG 'You Can with AI' podcast and unlock insights that will inform smarter decisions inside your enterprise. Listen now and start shaping your future with every episode. https://www.kpmg.us/AIpodcastsZencoder - From vibe coding to AI-first engineering - http://zencoder.ai/zenflowOptimizely Opal - The agent orchestration platform build for marketers - https://www.optimizely.com/theaidailybriefAssemblyAI - The best way to build Voice AI apps - https://www.assemblyai.com/briefLandfallIP - AI to Navigate the Patent Process - https://landfallip.com/Robots & Pencils - Cloud-native AI solutions that power results https://robotsandpencils.com/The Agent Readiness Audit from Superintelligent - Go to https://besuper.ai/ to request your company's agent readiness score.The AI Daily Brief helps you understand the most important news and discussions in AI. Subscribe to the podcast version of The AI Daily Brief wherever you listen: https://pod.link/1680633614Interested in sponsoring the show? sponsors@aidailybrief.ai
In this episode of Cannabis Unlocked, Tiby Erdely sits down with Brian Kuo, an operator-investor with a rare mix of Big 4 rigor and “in the trenches” cannabis experience, and a new Investment Partner alongside KEY in MM Brands - to talk candidly about what actually drives success in this industry.Brian shares his unconventional path from PwC and academia into cannabis, including the moment he realized the best opportunities weren't about hype or financial engineering - they were about unit economics, clean fundamentals, and the captain of the ship. Drawing on his early CFO work with Wyld and his co-founding journey at Vape Jet (and a meaningful exit), Brian breaks down what “good” looks like inside a real business: tight controls, honest numbers, disciplined cash management, and incentives that keep teams aligned when markets get tough. Together, they dig into why mismanaged debt has been a recurring killer in cannabis, what Brian prioritizes in diligence, and how he thinks about investing in and around the space today, what to look for, what to avoid, and why asymmetric setups can be especially compelling in a reset. The episode closes with a forward-looking conversation on where opportunity still lives: battle-tested operators, disciplined capital, and the networks that compound over time.Please enjoy the episode.
Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, we're excited to welcome Nicolas Christiaen, CEO and co-founder of Donna, the AI assistant revolutionizing the lives of field sales teams. Ben Murray sits down with Nicolas Christiaen (introduced as Nicolas in the episode) to dive into Donna's journey from inception in late 2023 to its rapid growth and latest $5 million seed round. You'll hear how Donna leverages AI to boost sales rep productivity, seamlessly integrates with CRMs, and is gaining traction across verticals like medical devices, CPG, manufacturing, and insurance. Nicolas Christiaen reveals their data-driven approach to finding ideal customer segments, lessons learned from fast-paced fundraising, and why partnerships with global consulting firms like Deloitte and PwC are fueling their go-to-market strategy. If you're keen to learn about what's driving growth for AI-powered SaaS, how to balance vertical focus, and why healthy SaaS margins are still possible with AI, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Tune in to find out how Donna is scaling up in 2026 and what's next for this ambitious SaaS startup! Show Notes: 00:00 "Sales, Efficiency, and Acquisition" 05:05 "Adapting AI for Industry Needs" 06:45 "24/7 AI Assistant Support" 10:14 "Global Launch Leads to Growth" 14:59 "Early Success with Partners" 19:18 "Outbound Strategy with Multi-Channel Approach" 22:08 AI Costs Will Decrease Over Time 23:50 AI Companies Will Streamline Operations Links: Nicolas Christiaen's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaschristiaen/ Donna's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/donna-by-dealside Donna's Website: https://www.askdonna.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray
Live from NRF 2026: Retail's Big Show in New York City, Ali Furman, partner and U.S. consumer markets industry leader at PwC, and Barbara O'Beirne, head of global enterprise business development at Stripe, both join Retail Gets Real for a wide-ranging conversation on how AI is rapidly moving from experimentation to execution — and what that means for retailers right now.Near the Expo floor buzzing with robots, AI demos and next-generation technology, Furman and O'Beirne unpack why agentic AI represents a structural change rather than a passing trend. Unlike earlier generations of AI that primarily assisted with search and discovery, agentic AI is designed to act. It can evaluate options, make decisions and increasingly transact on behalf of consumers. They say this evolution is reshaping the very top of the shopping funnel and redefining how consumers decide what to buy.(00:00:00) Why agentic AI was everywhere at NRF 2026(00:04:49) How commerce is moving inside AI conversations(00:07:29) Why agentic commerce is a structural shift, not a trend(00:10:21) How will agentic AI impact bricks-and-mortar retail?(00:12:45) How PwC and Stripe are helping retailers move from pilots to reality(00:18:31) Where retail leaders should start with AI right nowThe National Retail Federation is the world's largest retail trade association.Every day, we passionately stand up for the people, policies and ideas that help retail succeed.Resources:• Become an NRF member and join the world's largest retail trade association• Learn about our retail education platform, NRF Foundation, at nrffoundation.org• Learn about retail advocacy at nrf.com/advocacy• Find more episodes at retailgetsreal.comRelated:• 395: Adapting to the rise of AI shoppers• 390: The role of AI in shaping cybersecurity and fraud prevention
January 20, 2026: Oxford Economics data suggests AI-driven layoffs are still a small slice of overall job cuts, raising questions about whether AI is being used as a convenient explanation for traditional cost cutting. At the same time, Goldman Sachs warns that up to 25% of work hours could be automated—not as a job apocalypse, but as a task-level shock that exposes poorly designed roles. I also unpack new PwC research showing that most CEOs aren't seeing meaningful ROI from their AI investments yet—and why that failure has more to do with broken workflows and leadership decisions than with the technology itself. Meanwhile, a quieter but more consequential shift is happening as physical AI and robotics move rapidly into logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, and other parts of the real economy. And finally, I explain why ServiceNow's partnership with OpenAI signals AI moving into the core "plumbing" of organizations—where it will force leaders to confront inefficiency, bureaucracy, and outdated ways of working. Grab a copy of my new book: https://8exlaws.com/ Request to join my CHRO group: https://futureofworkleaders.com/
PwC's Karl Russo and CBRE's Henry Chin share their outlook for the U.S. economy and commercial real estate in 2026, exploring opportunities and risks to growth.Key Takeaways:The U.S. economy should remain resilient in 2026.While the labor market finds a new equilibrium, many companies are racing to upskill and retain talent as they adopt AI processes.Reshoring and infrastructure improvements are expected to drive industrial growth in secondary markets.Data centers are positioned as a leading sector amid structural undersupply.
We continue our year-end toolkit series sharing insights on key areas of the year-end accounting and reporting process. In this episode, we focus on the statement of cash flows—an area that remains critical to investors and continues to get focus from regulators. We discuss recent SEC comment letter observations, practical considerations for complex transactions such as debt restructurings, payment processing arrangements, and business combinations; we also highlight reminders and best practices to help companies navigate year-end reporting.In this episode, we discuss:1:05 – Overview of the statement of cash flows and key reminders3:46 – SEC comment letter themes7:52 – Debt restructurings15:21 – Payment processing arrangements20:27 – Business combinations32:56 – FASB project on targeted improvements to the statement of cash flowsFor more on the statement of cash flows, see Chapter 6 of our Financial statement presentation guide.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop. About our guestsSuzanne Stephani is a director in PwC's National Office specializing in the statement of cash flows as well as the application and interpretation of the accounting guidance related to financing, leasing, and foreign currency transactions.Christopher Gerdau is a partner in PwC's National Office specializing in accounting for financial instruments and banking-related topics. Chris also conducts technical reviews of SEC filings and provides technical support to PwC's practice offices. Chris's client service expertise includes the banking, capital markets, and insurance industries.About our guest hostDiana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office who helps to shape PwC's perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA's Professional Practices Group.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
Are GLP-1 weight loss drugs changing America—for better or worse? Michael explores the surprising ripple effects of drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy with PwC consumer markets leader Ali Furman. From gyms and grocery stores to travel, fashion, alcohol, gambling, and wellness, this conversation looks beyond weight loss to how these drugs may be reshaping consumer behavior, the economy, and even compulsive habits. Callers weigh in with real-world experiences that challenge assumptions about fitness, motivation, and what a “healthier society” really means. Original air date 15 January 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Doug McHoney (PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Pat Brown, an International Tax Partner in PwC's Washington National Tax Services practice and Co-leader of the National Tax Office. Pat previously served as GE's VP of Tax and Director of Tax Policy. Doug and Pat discuss highlights from 2025: the US day-one Pillar Two executive order and the OECD's late-year side-by-side package; Section 899; the shifting of DSTs into the trade lane; and the expanding role of the UN for global tax policy. On US policy, they also unpack how OBBBA yielded greater stability; CAMT corrections; stock buyback excise tax guidance; and long-awaited Section 987 rules. Looking ahead to 2026, they assess the potential for additional US tax legislation under reconciliation, as well as the future of Pillar Two, its complexity, and how QDMTTs are now the backbone of Pillar Two.
As signs of market stabilization emerge, companies are reassessing their deal strategies for 2026. In this episode, we explore IPO and M&A trends, the influence of AI and macroeconomic shifts, and the steps finance teams can take now to be ready for what's next.In this episode, we discuss:3:35 – Where the deals market stands today 9:38 – Deals outlook for 202617:35 – Expected IPOs and financing trends for 202625:28 – What finance leaders and teams can do now to prepareFor more read our publications, US Capital Markets 2026 Outlook—IPO markets look primed to accelerate in 2026 and The next wave of M&A: Bigger and bolder deals driven by AI and private equity—US Deals 2026 outlook. Also, be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestMike Bellin is a PwC Deals partner who leads PwC's US Capital Markets practice. Mike advises clients on accessing the debt and equity capital markets by providing clients with technical/project management advice on complex accounting and financial reporting issues associated with the SEC registration process, IPOs, direct listings, SPAC mergers, 144A debt and equity offerings, divestitures, spinoffs and carve-outs, and GAAP conversions.About our hostHeather Horn is the PwC National Office Sustainability and Thought Leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting, financial reporting, and sustainability matters. In addition, she is part of PwC's global sustainability leadership team, developing interpretive guidance and consulting with companies as they transition from voluntary to mandatory sustainability reporting. She is also the engaging host of PwC's accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
Raids replaced audits, and guns replaced spreadsheets. Blake and David connect the dots from Minnesota's sprawling public-assistance fraud to a decade of IRS budget cuts and ICE crackdowns. You'll learn why enforcement shifted from prevention to raids, what California's one-time billionaire tax really proposes, how new AICPA rules could hit PE-backed firms, and why a botched audit didn't cost PwC its client, plus one pro tip to level up your Excel game.SponsorsOnPay - http://accountingpodcast.promo/onpayTaxBandits - http://accountingpodcast.promo/taxbanditsUNC - http://accountingpodcast.promo/uncChapters(00:00) - TAP 470 (00:33) - Minnesota Fraud Scandal Overview (03:18) - Historical Context and IRS Budget Cuts (08:34) - IRS and ICE Collaboration Issues (10:39) - Impact of Budget Cuts on Fraud (20:56) - Current Events and Political Reactions (26:17) - California Billionaire Tax Act (27:58) - Billionaire Tax Proposal Discussion (29:01) - Challenges of Implementing Wealth Tax (29:58) - Practical Concerns and Comparisons (34:24) - VRBO's Legal Battle with Michigan (36:46) - Private Equity and CPA Firms (47:17) - UNC Master of Accounting Program (51:11) - Excel World Championships Insights (55:27) - Earmark App for CPE Credits Show NotesJudge hits pause on IRS sharing taxpayer information with ICE https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/judge-issues-order-blocking-irs-sharing-taxpayer-information-ice-rcna245262Federal Agents Pepper Spray Protesters During Tucson Taco Giro Raid https://www.themarshallproject.org/2025/12/05/tucson-ice-raid-protests-taco-giroPoll: Nearly Half of Americans Think Their Financial Security Is Worsening https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2025/12/29/poll-nearly-half-of-americans-think-their-financial-security-is-worsening/175587/California Billionaire Tax Act (2026 Billionaire Tax Act - PDF) https://oag.ca.gov/system/files/initiatives/pdfs/25-0024A1%20(Billionaire%20Tax%20).pdfVrbo Parent Company Sues Michigan Over $18.8 Million Tax Bill https://www.cpapracticeadvisor.com/2026/01/02/vrbo-parent-company-sues-michigan-over-18-8-million-tax-bill/175675/AICPA Seeks Comment on Ethics Rules Update for Alternative Practice Structures https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/aicpa-seeks-comment-on-ethics-rules-update-for-alternative-practiceWH Smith asks shareholders to support PwC despite audit error https://www.internationalaccountingbulleteen.com/news/wh-smith-support-pwc-audit-error/I won the Microsoft Excel World Championship. Here's what every office worker should know about Excel. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/articles/won-microsoft-excel-world-championship-093001306.htmlNeed CPE?Get CPE for listening to podcasts with Earmark: https://earmarkcpe.comSubscribe to the Earmark Podcast: https://podcast.earmarkcpe.comGet in TouchThanks for listening and the great reviews! We appreciate you! Follow and tweet @BlakeTOliver and @DavidLeary. Find us on Facebook and Instagram. If you like what you hear, please do us a favor and write a review on Apple Podcasts or Podchaser. Call us and leave a voicemail; maybe we'll play it on the show. DIAL (202) 695-1040.SponsorshipsAre you interested in sponsoring The Accounting Podcast? For details, read the prospectus.Need Accounting Conference Info? Check out our new website - accountingconferences.comLimited edition shirts, stickers, and other necessitiesTeePublic Store: http://cloudacctpod.link/merchSubscribeApple Podcasts: http://cloudacctpod.link/ApplePodcastsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheAccountingPodcastSpotify: http://cloudacctpod.link/SpotifyPodchaser: http://cloudacctpod.link/podchaserStitcher: http://cloudacctpod.link/StitcherOvercast: http://cloudacctpod.link/OvercastWant to get the word out about your newsletter, webinar, party, Facebook group, podcast, e-book, job posting, or that fancy Excel macro you just created? Let the listeners of The Accounting Podcast know by running a classified ad. Go here to create your classified ad: https://cloudacctpod.link/RunClassifiedAdTranscriptsThe full transcript for this episode is available by clicking on the Transcript tab at the top of this page
In this episode, we share key insights and reminders on navigating materiality judgments. We revisit the fundamentals of SAB 99, explore how to apply both quantitative and qualitative considerations, address identified errors, and more.In this episode, we discuss:3:53 – The framework for assessing materiality and errors in financial statements8:51 – Addressing identified errors15:01 – Reassessing materiality amid economic and other changes19:48 – Trends in reporting errors, including cash flow statement impacts23:09 – Fraud and illegal actsIn case you missed it, check out the previous episode in this year-end miniseries, Year-end toolkit: Accounting and reporting reminders for 2026.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestMichael Mullen is PwC's US Assurance Quality Management leader. In this role, he oversees complex client issues, providing technical insights and expertise in support of overall quality. With over 35 years of client service experience, Michael has led numerous global client engagements.About our guest hostDiana Stoltzfus is a partner in the National Office who helps to shape PwC's perspectives on regulatory matters, responses to rulemakings and policy development, and implementation related to significant new rules and regulations. Prior to rejoining PwC, Diana was the Deputy Chief Accountant in the Office of the Chief Accountant (OCA) at the SEC where she led the activities of the OCA's Professional Practices Group.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.comDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
Doug McHoney (PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Beth Bell, a Principal in PwC's Washington National Tax Services Policy Office. She previously served as a Senior Advisor to the US Treasury Department, Tax Counsel for the US House Committee on Ways and Means, and Policy Director and Tax Counsel in the United States Senate. Doug and Beth discuss the OECD's January 2026 side‑by‑side package: why consensus formed, how the side‑by‑side and UPE safe harbors operate, and why QDMTTs are taking center stage. They cover the simplified ETR safe harbor, the one‑year extension of the transitional CbCR safe harbor, elections and 2024–2025 compliance, enacted‑law accounting effects, the key footnote on UTPR allocation, and the new qualified tax incentives safe harbor, including both expenditure-based and production‑based credits, plus implications for inbound investment and the 2029 stocktake.
Introduction In this Deep Dive episode, we dive into PwC's latest AI Business Predictions — a roadmap offering insight into how companies can harness artificial intelligence not just for efficiency, but as a strategic lever to reshape operations, workforce, and long-term growth. We explore why “AI adoption” is now about more than technology: it's about vision, leadership, and rethinking what work and human potential look like in a rapidly shifting landscape. Key Insights from PwC AI success is as much about vision as about adoption According to PwC, what separates companies that succeed with AI from those that merely dabble is leadership clarity and strategic alignment. Firms that view AI as central to their business model — rather than as an add-on — are more likely to reap measurable gains. AI agents can meaningfully expand capacity — even double workforce impact One bold prediction: with AI agents and automation, a smaller human team can produce work at a scale that might resemble having a much larger workforce — without proportionally increasing staff size. For private firms especially, this means you can “leapfrog” traditional growth limitations. From pilots to scale: real ROI is emerging — but requires discipline While many organizations experimented with AI in 2023–2024, PwC argues that 2025 and 2026 are about turning experiments into engines of growth. The companies that succeed are those that pick strategic high-impact areas, double down, and avoid spreading efforts too thin. Workforce composition will shift — rise of the “AI-generalist” As AI agents take over more routine, data-heavy or repetitive tasks, human roles will trend toward design, oversight, strategy, and creative judgment. The “AI-generalist” — someone who can bridge human judgment, organizational culture, and AI tools — will become increasingly valuable. Responsible AI, governance, and sustainability are non-negotiables PwC insists that success with AI isn't just about technology rollout; it's also about embedding ethical governance, sustainability, and data integrity. Organizations that treat AI as a core piece of long-term strategy — not a flashy add-on — will be the ones that unlock lasting value. What This Means for Leaders, Culture & Burnout (Especially for Humans, Not Just AI) Opportunity to reimagine roles — more meaning, less drudgery As AI takes over repetitive, transactional work, human roles can shift toward creativity, strategy, mentorship, emotional intelligence, and leadership. That aligns with your mission around workplace culture and “Burnout-Proof” leadership: this could reduce burnout if implemented thoughtfully. Culture becomes the strategic differentiator As more companies adopt similar AI tools, organizational vision, values, psychological safety, and human connection may become the real competitive edge. Leaders who “get culture right” will be ahead — not because of tech, but because of people. Upskilling, transparency and trust are essential With AI in the mix, employees need clarity, training, and trust. Mismanaged adoption could lead to fear, resistance, or misalignment. Leaders must shepherd not just technology, but human transition. AI-driven efficiency must be balanced with empathy and human-centered leadership The automation and “workforce multiplier” potential is seductive — but if leaders lose sight of human needs, purpose, and wellbeing, there's a risk of burnout, disengagement, or erosion of cultural integrity. For small & private companies: a chance to leapfrog giants — but only with clarity and discipline Smaller firms often lack the resources of large enterprises, but according to PwC, those constraints may shrink when AI is used strategically. For mission-driven companies (like yours), this creates an opportunity to scale impact — provided leadership stays grounded in purpose and values. Why This Topic Matters for the Breakfast Leadership Network & Our Audience Given your work in leadership development, burnout prevention, workplace culture, and coaching — PwC's predictions offer a crucial lens. It's no longer optional for organizations to ignore AI. The question isn't “Will we use AI?” but “How will we use AI — and who do we become in the process?” For founders, people-leaders, HR strategists: this is a call to be intentional. To lead with vision, grounded in human values. To design workplaces that thrive in the AI era — not suffer. Questions for Reflection What parts of your organization's workflow could be transformed by AI — and what human strengths should those tools free up rather than replace? How might embracing AI shift your organizational culture and the expectations for leaders? What ethical, psychological, or human-impact considerations must you address before “going all in” on AI? As a leader, how will you ensure the “AI-generalists” — employees blending tech fluency with empathy, creativity, and human judgment — are cultivated and supported? How do you prevent burnout and disconnection while dramatically increasing capacity and output via AI? Learn more at https://BreakfastLeadership.com/blog Research: https://www.pwc.com/us/en/tech-effect/ai-analytics/ai-predictions.html
Today's episode of the Punk CX podcast is with Chris Morrissey, who is the General Manager and Global Head of CX Sales & Go-To-Market at Zoom, where he drives strategy and execution for the company's customer experience business. Chris joins me today to talk about why describing yourself as ‘AI-first' these days is a mistake, why reducing effort outweighs everything else in CX, the difference between "lip service personalization" and true personalization and how we should be moving beyond chatbots and what the future of customer interaction really looks like. We finish off with Chris's best advice, his Punk CX brand and his very own good news story. This interview follows on from my recent interview – Brands should avoid making Gen AI or chatbots their sole frontline – Interview with Phil Regnault of PwC – and is number 568 in the series of interviews with authors and business leaders who are doing great things, providing valuable insights, helping businesses innovate and delivering great service and experience to both their customers and their employees.
[This recording of Deans Counsel originally published on July 25, 2025 as episode #67.]On this episode of Deans Counsel, Jim Ellis and Ken Kring speak with Blair Sheppard, Special Advisor to Duke Kunshan University, and previously Dean of Duke's Fuqua School of Business. Blair is responsible for directing all of Duke Kunshan's fundraising, corporate development, non-degree program development and regional development for the newly formed campus in China.From 2012-2024, Blair served as Global Leader for Strategy and Leadership at PwC, where he focused on building resilient strategies and leadership for PwC worldwide, and further sharpened his ability to see further into the future than most of the rest of us.In this episode, we hear very compelling observations from Blair about four key mega-trends -- climate, technology, global forces and aging -- that he feels will fundamentally reshape every aspect of society (including business, of course). With us, he shares some insight into how business schools, through their research and teaching, must soon lean into these abrupt changes in societal needs. In so doing, he also lends advice as to how we as leaders should go about the change process of taking faculty through this difficult process, touching on topics such as:- Why some long-held assumptions are no longer holding- Our rapidly changing world's impact on curriculum- Rethinking the teaching of strategy- How Ai will shape demand for the MBALearn more about Blair Sheppard.Comments/criticism/suggestions/feedback? We'd love to hear it. Drop us a note.Thanks for listening.-Produced by Joel Davis at Analog Digital Arts--DEANS COUNSEL: A podcast for deans and academic leadership.James Ellis | Moderator | Dean of the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California (2007-2019)David Ikenberry | Moderator | Dean of the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado-Boulder (2011-2016)Ken Kring | Moderator | Co-Managing Director, Global Education Practice and Senior Client Partner at Korn FerryDeansCounsel.com
This episode explores key accounting and reporting considerations for year-end financial reporting. Technical leaders from our National Office share reminders and timely insights across a range of topics, including tariffs, income taxes, held-for-sale accounting, and other emerging issues–topics that are relevant for all finance teams, even if it's not year-end close time.In this episode, we discuss:1:52 – AI mega-deal structuring and related accounting and reporting complexities11:30 – Equity method accounting considerations and related disclosures15:58 – Tariffs and trade considerations, including inventory impacts21:38 – Crypto asset accounting models and new FASB guidance25:16 – Accounting and reporting for private credit transactions33:00 – Tax reform developments and income tax accounting40:00 – New ASUs related to derivatives and hedge accounting42:52 – Held-for-sale accounting46:00 – OECD Pillar 2 and global taxFollow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsBret Dooley is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant who leads teams focused on the financial services sectors and accounting for financial instruments. He has over 25 years of experience in the financial services, banking, and capital markets industries. Bret focuses on emerging financial reporting issues related to financial instruments, developing interpretive guidance, and assisting clients in resolving complex accounting matters.Pat Durbin is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience consulting with our clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters, including issues related to revenue, compensation, income taxes, and inventory under both US GAAP and IFRS.Beth Paul is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant responsible for a team of consultants that specialize in business combinations and related areas, such as consolidations, disposals, impairments, and segment reporting. She has over 30 years of experience consulting with clients and engagement teams on complex accounting matters.About our guest hostTom Barbieri is PwC's US Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience advising large financial services and multinational corporations on complex accounting issues. Tom leads the Accounting & SEC Services Group within the National Office, which is focused on supporting our clients and engagement teams in navigating complex technical accounting and financial reporting matters. He is also a member of the Financial Accounting Standards Advisory Council.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.comDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
What if podcasting wasn't just content—but a bridge out of corporate?In this episode, Brett sits down with Mark Hayward, former PwC and KPMG consultant turned podcast host and podcast guesting entrepreneur, to break down his escape from corporate—and how podcasting quietly became one of his most powerful tools.Mark shares how he started a podcast while still in corporate, not to make money, but to build confidence, find his voice, and explore what life outside the corporate box could look like. That passion project eventually opened doors to consulting, coaching, real estate experimentation—and ultimately a business built around helping others grow through podcast guesting.This is a real, honest conversation about experimentation, false starts, energy, and why podcasting works differently than most people expect.What We Cover • Leaving PwC and KPMG after a 14-year corporate career • Why Mark started a podcast before leaving corporate • The role experimentation plays in finding your escape path • Why not every revenue stream is worth keeping • Coaching vs. consulting vs. creative work (and the energy test) • Podcast hosting vs. podcast guesting — and how each actually works • Why guests often get more business than hosts • How podcasting builds confidence, clarity, and opportunity • Practical advice for corporate professionals who know they want out—but don't know what's nextKey TakeawayYou don't need a perfect plan to escape corporate. You need momentum, experimentation, and a way to get into conversations that open doors. Podcasting can be one of those doors.Connect with Mark • Website: podcastintroduction.com • Podcast: Business Growth Talks • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-hayward-163721a0/ Listen, subscribe, and shareIf corporate feels off—but you can't see the exit yet—this episode will help you think differently about your options.
Dave Lukas, The Misfit Entrepreneur_Breakthrough Entrepreneurship
This week's Misfit Entrepreneur is John Garrett—a keynote speaker, award winning author, consultant, and the creator of the powerful concept known as "What's Your And?" If you're looking for the X factor in how to build a culture where people actually perform at their best, feel connected, and bring their whole selves to work… John is the guy you need to hear from. John started his career as a CPA before breaking the mold—quite literally—by becoming a nationally touring comedian. And that's what sparked his groundbreaking discovery: people are more than their job titles, and organizations that embrace their employees' outside-of-work passions—what he calls their "Ands"—build stronger cultures, retain talent longer, and unlock levels of performance and engagement most leaders never tap into. He's worked with companies like PwC, AstraZeneca, and Microsoft, and written the bestseller What's Your And? His message is simple but transformative: We perform better when we bring all of who we are to what we do. And for entrepreneurs and business owners looking to build thriving, winning cultures—John's frameworks are pure gold. I've personally spent time with John and seen him present his concepts live. His insights land. His stories resonate. And the applications for leaders are immediate. Show Sponsors: Entrepreneurs, what if there was a way to know you were hiring the best salespeople to drive your business? How much would that help your success? Well, with SalesDrive's DriveTest, you can! Drive is composed of three non-teachable traits shared by all top producers: Need for Achievement, Competitiveness, and Optimism. You can get a FREE DriveTest assessment to help you in your hiring efforts at www.MisfitEntrepreneur.com/SalesDrive 5 Minute Journal: www.MisfitEntrepreneur.com/Journal
Quantum computing is coming—but what does that actually mean for cybersecurity leaders today?In this episode, Rob Aragao is joined by Morgan Adamski to break down key insights from PwC's 2026 Global Digital Trust Insights Report and explore why quantum risk belongs on every CISO's strategic roadmap. From geopolitical uncertainty to the shift from reactive to proactive cyber defense, the conversation cuts through the hype to explain what's real, what's next, and what leaders should be doing now.Morgan demystifies quantum threats to encryption, explains the “harvest now, decrypt later” risk, and shares practical steps organizations can take today—starting with asset visibility, prioritization, and clear communication with the board.If you're thinking beyond today's incidents and preparing for tomorrow's threats, this episode is for you.As featured on Million Podcasts' Best 100 Cybersecurity Podcasts Top 50 Chief Information Security Officer CISO Podcasts Top 70 Security Hacking Podcasts This list is the most comprehensive ranking of Cyber Security Podcasts online and we are honoured to feature amongst the best! Follow or subscribe to the show on your preferred podcast platform.Share the show with others in the cybersecurity world.Get in touch via reimaginingcyber@gmail.com
Crypto News: XRP ETFs are the top-performing crypto ETFs today, and recorded their highest daily trading volume since launch. Grayscale Ethereum Staking ETF becomes first ‘33 Act spot crypto ETF to distribute staking rewards. US government could seize Venezuela's Bitcoin & crypto reserves, CNBC says.Brought to you by
Real Estate Syndication Investment Overview Michael and Stewart explored the world of real estate syndication and why it has become a practical alternative to traditional property ownership. They explained how 25 to 50 investors can pool their capital to purchase larger properties, giving individuals access to substantial real estate deals without managing the property themselves. Stewart pointed out that although real estate is generally less liquid than stocks, the future looks promising as tokenization grows and could make private deals more accessible within the next few years. Understanding Investment Risks and Rewards Michael and Stewart broke down the complexities of alternative investments, especially in areas like cryptocurrency and innovative financial models. Stewart explained SEC rules for accredited investors and shared that typical syndicate minimums start at $50,000, with $25,000 possible for new investor relationships. They highlighted the potential for recurring cash flow, attractive tax advantages, and average annual returns around 13.5 percent, with a minimum expected return of 6.5 percent in the first year. Real Estate Tax Depreciation Benefits The conversation shifted into tax strategy, where Stewart explained how depreciation and bonus depreciation can significantly impact an investor's bottom line. He described cost recovery, the ability to deduct the cost of an asset over time, and how current tax laws allow for 100 percent bonus depreciation on certain types of personal property. Michael and Stewart emphasized that real estate offers unique tax opportunities through cost segregation, allowing investors to classify a large portion of a property's cost as personal property and deduct it in the first year. Real Estate Investment Tax Benefits and Market Outlook Michael and Stewart emphasized the importance of solid research and guidance from qualified financial professionals when evaluating real estate investments. They discussed how the U.S. economy is heavily tied to real estate and how government incentives often support development. Stewart shared his outlook on the housing market, predicting potential movement in the first half of next year if interest rates ease and new policies, such as down payment support or extended mortgage terms, are introduced. Housing Market and Investment Insights Wrapping up, Michael and Stewart discussed the importance of a balanced housing ecosystem that supports both home ownership and rental opportunities. Stewart encouraged listeners to explore more about their projects at harvardGrace.com and offered a free digital copy of his latest book to help aspiring investors deepen their understanding of real estate investing. Stewart O. Heath, CPA Stewart is the Founder and CEO of Harvard Grace Capital, a private equity real estate investment firm that helps individuals and business owners build wealth faster through hands-off real estate investing that generates passive income, reduces risk, and maximizes tax efficiencies. Backed by a combined 150+ years of entrepreneurial and CRE experience, Stewart and the Harvard Grace Capital team have raised millions of dollars via syndications, and consistently deliver tax-advantaged 18%+ ROI on well-located commercial real estate assets (office, retail, medical, self-storage, etc.) between Nashville, Tennessee and Birmingham , Alabama. Harvard Grace Capital stands out in a crowded market because of its focus on stabilized commercial real estate, which cash flows from day one – a refreshing contrast to high-risk, speculative ventures. Stewart and his team prioritize consistency and resilience in an economy that feels increasingly unpredictable, often reciting their motto: “boring is beautiful.” A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Stewart brings over 40 years of business experience to the real estate sector. His background spans multifamily and commercial development, construction, management, and investing, but it's his CPA-level financial rigor that gives him an edge in deal analysis and risk mitigation. Stewart's journey has been deeply shaped by his comeback after losing everything in the 2008 financial crisis. Rather than retreating, he rebuilt smarter. He learned how to structure real estate portfolios that provide tax-optimized long-term, reliable returns. That experience now fuels his mission: to help investors navigate uncertain markets with investments that perform through all cycles and beat inflation. More about Stewart: Served as a COO/CFO across industries including media, manufacturing, and retail; held leadership positions at Tennessee Valley Properties, Creative Trust Ventures, Gaines Manufacturing Company, and more. Former Board Member of the Freedom Business Alliance, the only global network creating business solutions to human trafficking. Worked as a tax consultant with PwC in the 1980s, creating value or tax savings in the millions of dollars. Hosted the Growth, Grace & Prosperity Podcast, where he interviewed top entrepreneurs, executives, and wealth builders about what it takes to succeed in business and life. Social media links: Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/harvard-grace-corporation/ Stewart's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stewartoheath/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/harvardgrace
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Episode #1235: Welcome to the first news show of the new year! CES puts autonomy and AI front and center as EV plans cool. Dealer sentiment improves—but trust gaps threaten CDJR and Nissan valuations. And despite years of doom-and-gloom, physical retail dominates holiday spending, with AI quietly reshaping how consumers shop across every channel.Show Notes with links:https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/self-driving-tech-ai-take-center-stage-ces-automakers-dial-back-ev-plans-2026-01-05/As EV hype cools down, CES 2026 is turning the spotlight toward AI and autonomy. With EV rollouts slowing due to cost and policy, automakers are looking to autonomous tech as the next frontier.Automakers pull back EV launches amid weaker policy support.AI and autonomous systems dominate CES 2026 exhibits.Tesla and Waymo's recent moves have reignited AV momentum.Rivian teases “eyes-off” driving for city streets.“That connectivity on autonomous, I do think will be front and center,” said C.J. Finn of PwC.https://www.autonews.com/retail/an-kerrigan-dealership-2026-trust-valuation-0104/The latest Kerrigan Advisors survey shows dealer optimism growing—but not for every brand. CDJR, Nissan, and Infiniti topped the least-trusted list, with many dealers expecting declining valuations for these franchises in 2026.64% of dealers have no trust in CDJR and Nissan; 61% distrust Infiniti.Dealers anticipate Toyota, Lexus, and Kia stores will gain the most value.Chevrolet sees a reputation bump, with higher dealer trust and value outlook.CDJR showed the biggest improvement in valuation sentiment year-over-year.“Dealers that trust the franchise are going to invest in the franchise,” said Erin Kerrigan.https://retailwire.com/discussion/lessons-physical-retail-holiday-season/Despite endless headlines forecasting its decline, physical retail flexed its muscles this holiday season—capturing 73% of spend, according to Visa's latest data. But the real story may be the rise of AI and its impact on how we shop.Total holiday spend rose 4.2% YoY; real growth closer to 2.2% after inflation.Physical stores dominated spend, though e-commerce grew 7.8%.Consumer electronics and fashion led category growth.AI drove smarter shopping—price comparisons, discovery, and decision-making.“This led to a more informed, more intentional consumer,” said Visa's Wayne Best.Join Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier every morning for the Automotive State of the Union podcast as they connect the dots across car dealerships, retail trends, emerging tech like AI, and cultural shifts—bringing clarity, speed, and people-first insight to automotive leaders navigating a rapidly changing industry.Get the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/
In this final episode of our SEC-focused series, we discuss SEC comments on revenue. Revenue is the top line for a reason; it's closely watched by investors and therefore the SEC staff as well. From performance obligations to disaggregated revenue disclosures, we discuss the issues most frequently raised by the SEC staff and offer advice to preparers for getting it right the first time.In this episode, we discuss:1:34 – An overview of SEC comment letter trends related to revenue6:22 – Performance obligations10:48 – Variable consideration17:07 – Principal versus agent considerations26:00 – Disaggregated revenue disclosuresIn case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:SEC now: MD&A 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: Segments 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactionsSEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: Today's landscape and recent developmentsFor more on the SEC, listen to our recent episodes:Key takeaways from the AICPA & CIMA ConferenceSEC to revisit quarterly reporting: Pros, cons, and what's aheadBe sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsMike Coleman is a partner in PwC's National Office who specializes in accounting for revenue and software arrangements and has served technology clients for much of his career. In addition, Mike has represented the firm on the AICPA Software Task Force.Ryan Spencer is a partner at PwC's National Office specializing in SEC reporting matters both for US domestic issuers and some of the world's largest foreign SEC registrants. He has over 25 years of experience serving clients and is a frequent contributor to PwC's publications and communications.About our guest hostKyle Moffatt is PwC's Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.comDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
Leading treasury teams across borders isn't just about numbers - it's about people, adaptability, and strategic vision.In this episode, Mike Larsen,Global Head of Client Treasury at Computershare reveals how he's built and led treasury teams on three continents, and what it really takes to thrive in today's complex, global financial environment.Mike Larsen is the Global Head of Client Treasury at Computershare. With a 25 year career that has spanned top financial institutions like PwC, JP Morgan, and HSBC across the US, UK, and Asia, Mike brings deep expertise in building and leading global treasury functions. At Computershare, he has spearheaded a major treasury transformation, helping the company navigate explosive growth and increasing complexity.This episode delivers a masterclass in global treasury leadership. Mike Larsen shares firsthand lessons from building and leading treasury teams across the US, Europe, and Asia - adapting to cultural nuances, managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios, and transforming operations through technology.What We Cover in This Episode:Mike's global career journey through San Francisco, New York, London, and Hong KongThe critical role of mentorship and networking in treasury career developmentThe evolution of Computershare's treasury function and managing $80+ billion in client assetsHow to adapt leadership style across cultural contexts and global teamsThe importance of control frameworks, cash forecasting, and risk assessment in modern treasuryLessons learned from crises: treasury's role in resilience and transformationAdvice for aspiring treasury professionals on taking career risks and building influenceWhether you're a rising treasury professional or a seasoned leader, this episode offers practical strategies and mindset shifts to elevate your impact in an increasingly complex financial world.You can connect with Mike Larsen on LinkedIn.---
Move over New Year's Resolutions! I've got a simple alternative that will knock resolutions into touch! Today is all about simplicity. In this quick 10 minute episode I am guiding you through some simple words that you can use to help you make better decisions for yourself and your career next year.Words like 'Courage'; ' Grace'; 'Boundaries'... what do you need most in 2026?Links:Book a free 15-minute Career Strategy Call with Rebecca - make sure you create the opportunities you want from your career in 2026Rate, Review, & Follow our Show on Apple Podcasts:Also, if you haven't done so already, follow the podcast. We air every week and I don't want you to miss out on a single broadcast. Follow now!About Rebecca:Rebecca Allen is a Career & Leadership Coach for corporate women, aspiring to senior levels of leadership. Over the last decade, Rebecca has helped women realise their potential at companies including Woolworths, ANZ, J.P. Morgan, PwC, Coca-Cola Amatil, Ministry of Defence, Frontier Sensing and AbbVie Medical Research through her Roadmap to Senior Leadership coaching programs. Connect with Rebecca
We continue our SEC-focused series with a discussion of management's discussion and analysis (MD&A), a topic that remains a consistent focus in SEC staff comment letters. In this episode, we explore the latest trends, common themes, and areas of emphasis—including results of operations, liquidity, and critical accounting estimates—and share practical considerations as companies prepare year-end filings.In this episode, we discuss:1:31 – An overview of SEC comment letter trends related to MD&A6:43 – The results of operations25:16 – Liquidity and capital resources28:30 – Critical accounting estimates35:24 – Final reminders and best practices related to MD&AIn case you missed it, check out the previous episodes in this SEC-focused series:SEC now: Segments 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: 2025 comment letter trends on transactionsSEC now: Non-GAAP 2025 comment letter trendsSEC now: Today's landscape and recent developmentsFor more on the SEC, listen to our recent episodes:Key takeaways from the AICPA & CIMA ConferenceSEC to revisit quarterly reporting: Pros, cons, and what's aheadBe sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsLindsay McCord is a PwC National Office partner specializing in matters related to the SEC and the capital markets. Prior to joining PwC, Lindsay spent over 15 years at the SEC, most recently as the Chief Accountant in the Division of Corporation Finance. In this role, Lindsay led an accounting team in providing technical accounting and reporting support to the Division, including SEC rulemaking, interpretation, and guidance.Ryan Spencer is a partner at PwC's National Office specializing in SEC reporting matters both for US domestic issuers and some of the world's largest foreign SEC registrants. He has over 25 years of experience serving clients and is a frequent contributor to PwC's publications.About our guest hostKyle Moffatt is PwC's Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com Did you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
In today's episode, Carly sits down with Scarlett Leung, Chief Brand Officer and Co-founder of Pretty Tasty, a collagen tea company. Scarlett shares her unconventional path from accountant, to turnaround CEO, to CPG founder, and how growing up around intense family entrepreneurship shaped her views on work. This conversation covers Scarlett's experiences navigating parental expectations, making big career pivots without a rigid 5-year plan, and the stripped-back, unglamorous reality that is founding a consumer brand.References:AllSaints: https://www.allsaints.com/Carolina Herrera: https://www.carolinaherrera.com/Deepak Chopra: https://www.deepakchopra.com/Deloitte: https://www.deloitte.com/global/en.htmlEstée Lauder: https://www.esteelauder.com/FreshDirect: https://www.freshdirect.com/Gucci Group / Kering: https://www.kering.com/Honest Tea: https://www.honesttea.com/L'Oréal: https://www.loreal.com/en/Lancôme: https://www.lancome-usa.com/LVMH: https://www.lvmh.com/MIT: https://www.mit.edu/Philip Morris International: https://www.pmi.com/Pretty Tasty: https://www.prettytasty.com/PwC: https://www.pwc.com/Sugarbreak: https://www.sugarbreak.com/Target: https://www.target.com/Uniqlo: https://www.uniqlo.com/University of Waterloo: https://uwaterloo.ca/Virgin Group: https://www.virgin.com/Waterloo Sparkling Water: https://www.drinkwaterloo.com/Timestamps:(01:17) Growing up with an entrepreneurial family(06:59) The decision to study accounting(09:47) Should you choose a risky career path?(13:39) Unpacking Scarlett's unique career journey(18:12) Lessons learned from a travel-heavy role(22:51) Why you need to advocate for yourself(23:39) Why Scarlett went to MIT business school(26:11) Scarlett's superpower in business(31:10) Pretty Tasty's culture manifesto(32:55) The journey to founding Pretty Tasty(36:16) Developing the collagen product(38:44) The one thing most CPG founders miss(40:05) Advice for someone starting a company(42:15) Scarlett's scariest founder moment(44:41) How to navigate a quarter-life crisis
PwC's new training program aims to give early-career recruits hands-on experience integrating artificial intelligence tools into everyday work. The Big Four accounting and advisory firm started piloting AI immersion sessions in October, with a full rollout to new US associates slated for July. The sessions are happening across PwC's tax, assurance, and advisory business. "We truly believe that the role of the new associate will be changing with AI and that their role will become somewhat elevated, and we need to make sure that we're really training them on those skills to work and think differently," said Margaret Burke, the firmwide talent acquisition and development leader for PwC US. Like its competitors, PwC has recently funneled resources into next generation autonomous tools aimed at handling routine tasks solo. The firm said in November it shed about 150 jobs across marketing, human resources, and other US support roles as part of a longer-term effort modernizing its back-office unit, including through using new AI tools. In this week's Talking Tax, Burke and PwC US Tax Leader Krishnan Chandrasekhar sat down with Bloomberg Tax reporter Jorja Siemons to discuss how the AI trainings have gone so far and what skills they hope new employees learn. Do you have feedback on this episode of Talking Tax? Give us a call and leave a voicemail at 703-341-3690.
Doug McHoney (PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Hanan Abboud, a Dubai‑based International Tax and M&A partner who leads PwC's Pillar Two efforts across the Middle East. Doug and Hanan discuss the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) region's corporate tax landscape, including country differences, Zakat as a covered tax, and the prevalence of withholding and treaty networks. They then map Middle East Pillar Two adoption: Bahrain's QDMTT, Kuwait's QDMTT, Oman's IIR, Qatar's DMTT plus IIR, the UAE's QDMTT, and Saudi Arabia's lack of announcements. They dive into filing timelines, estimated payments, the evolving incentive landscape, the intersection with free zones, as well as practical pain points: data, provisioning, governance, and allocating top‑up taxes.
Doug McHoney (PwC's International Tax Services Global Leader) is joined by Beth Bell, a principal in PwC's Washington National Tax Services Policy group. Beth previously served as a senior advisor at the U.S. Treasury Department, tax counsel for the House Ways and Means Committee, and policy director and tax counsel in the U.S. Senate. Doug and Beth discuss contrasts between Senate personal offices and House committee roles; Ways and Means' tax jurisdiction; and Beth's experience moving from Congress to Treasury. Next, they jump into how DST disputes led to Pillar One and ultimately the emergence of Pillar Two; Build Back Better legislation; the Pillar Two model rules; U.S. credit design under Pillar Two; and the new administration's response to Pillar Two.
In this replay from the Kindness Matters series, Kristine Carlson sits down with global leadership expert, humanitarian, and #1 bestselling author Robin Sharma for a heartfelt, wisdom-rich conversation on why kindness is foundational to life mastery, leadership, and meaningful success. You'll learn: the unforgettable story of Robin meeting Richard Carlson, and the last words Richard shared how relationships, service, and generosity fuel success and build great companies Robin's learning framework, The Four Interior Empires of Mindset, Heartset, Healthset, and Soulset which strengthens our inner foundation so we show up as our best self This inspiring conversation reminds us that kindness is not only who we are at our best—it's what elevates every area of our lives. Guest bio: Robin Sharma is a globally respected humanitarian who, for over a quarter of a century, has been devoted to helping human beings realize their native gifts. Widely considered one of the top leadership and personal mastery experts and speakers in the world, his clients include NASA, Microsoft, Nike, Unilever, General Electric, FedEx, HP, Starbucks, Oracle, Yale University, PwC, IBM Watson, and the Young Presidents' Organization. As a presenter, Robin Sharma possesses the rare ability to electrify an audience while delivering uncommonly original and tactical insights that lead to individuals doing their best work, teams providing superb results and organizations becoming unbeatable. His #1 international bestsellers such as The 5AM Club, The Wealth Money Can't Buy, The Everyday Hero Manifesto, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, and Who Will Cry When You Die? have sold 25+million copies in over ninety-two languages and dialects; making him one of the most widely read authors in the world. As a special thank you to our listeners, please visit www.kristinecarlson.com/kindness for a free download of an invigorating guided meditation by Kristine—an exclusive sneak peek of her Guided Meditation Series releasing soon.
In this episode, we debrief the 2025 AICPA Conference in Washington, DC, highlighting key takeaways including perspectives from SEC Chairman Paul Atkins and other regulatory leaders. Topics include the SEC's rulemaking priorities for 2026, trends in capital formation, and emerging issues such as AI and cryptocurrency. We also explore practical reminders for year-end reporting and insights into international standard setting collaboration.In this episode, we discuss:6:42 – SEC Chair keynote: “Making IPOs great again”12:51 – Emerging issues: AI, crypto, and international standard setting25:08 – SEC shutdown impacts and capital markets backlog32:06 – Rulemaking outlook and year-end reminders47:08 – PCAOB oversight, inspections, and audit standard-setting themesFor more, read our In depth, 2025 AICPA & CIMA Conference: Current SEC and PCAOB Developments.Be sure to follow this podcast on your favorite podcast app and subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the loop.About our guestsKevin Vaughn is a PwC National Office partner specializing in SEC reporting matters. Kevin leverages his extensive experience to support PwC public company and pre-IPO clients on accounting and SEC reporting matters. Prior to joining PwC in 2023, Kevin spent over 18 years at the SEC, most recently serving on the leadership team in the SEC's Office of the Chief Accountant where he focused on technical accounting consultations, SEC rulemakings, and standard setting matters.Scott Feely is a PwC National Office Deputy Chief Accountant. He has over 30 years of experience supporting clients as they address the SEC and financial reporting implications of their capital markets and merger and acquisition-related activities.About our guest hostKyle Moffatt is PwC's Professional Practice leader, leading a team responsible for working with standard setters and regulators as well as delivering brand-defining thought leadership and educational materials. He also consults with engagement teams and audit clients on SEC reporting matters. Before PwC, Kyle spent almost 20 years with the SEC, most recently as Chief Accountant and Disclosure Program Director in the Division of Corporation Finance.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.comDid you enjoy this episode? Text us your thoughts and be sure to include the episode name.
The biggest competitive advantage in banking right now isn't scale … it's speed. According to PwC, GenAI is reshaping the balance of power across financial services, and the banks that move fastest will define the next era of growth. In fact, 58% of banking leaders believe generative and agentic AI will be the single most transformative force in the industry over the next three years, and 55% already consider it their top investment priority—more than any other sector in financial services. What's truly disruptive is that AI is leveling the playing field. Smaller, more agile institutions now have access to the same intelligence, decision-making power, and client insights that once required massive scale. Speed—not size—is becoming the key differentiator. And this shift is pushing banks from asset-focused growth toward client-centered growth, where relevance, responsiveness, and rapid innovation drive real competitive advantage. Today, I'm joined on the Banking Transformed podcast by Sean Viergutz, Banking & Capital Markets Advisory Leader at PwC, to break down what this transformation means for leaders right now. We'll explore how banks can redesign operating models, build new capacity for growth, and turn AI from a cost-saving tool into a true driver of client value.
Is your contact center ready to become a profit center? Agility requires not just adopting new technologies like AI, but also fundamentally rethinking how we structure our teams, measure success, and interact with customers. It demands a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt quickly in a constantly evolving landscape. Today, we're going to talk about how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the contact center, transforming it from a cost center into a driver of customer loyalty and revenue growth. To help me discuss this topic, I'd like to welcome Chang Chang, Senior Director, Product, Cloud CX Solutions at Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions. About Chang Chang Chang Chang, Senior Director, Product, Cloud CX Solutions, Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions. Chang is a senior director of product management in the Webex Customer Experience Solutions business at Cisco. With over 14 years of product leadership experience, Chang has held key roles at Intuit and Mighty Audio (an early-stage startup), as well as a management consultant at PwC. Chang holds an MBA from UCLA Anderson. Chang Chang on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/changjonathanj/ Resources Cisco's Webex Customer Experience Solutions: https://www.webex.com/ The Agile Brand podcast is brought to you by TEKsystems. Learn more here: https://www.teksystems.com/versionnextnow Catch the future of e-commerce at eTail Palm Springs, Feb 23-26 in Palm Springs, CA. Go here for more details: https://etailwest.wbresearch.com/ Connect with Greg on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregkihlstromDon't miss a thing: get the latest episodes, sign up for our newsletter and more: https://www.theagilebrand.showCheck out The Agile Brand Guide website with articles, insights, and Martechipedia, the wiki for marketing technology: https://www.agilebrandguide.com The Agile Brand is produced by Missing Link—a Latina-owned strategy-driven, creatively fueled production co-op. From ideation to creation, they craft human connections through intelligent, engaging and informative content. https://www.missinglink.company