Digitally Curious

In this episode, Andrew Grill welcomes back Chris Juneau from SAP Concur to discuss the latest findings from the 2025 CFO Insights report, “Action for Growth.” The conversation explores the evolving role of CFOs, the growing impact of AI and automation in finance, and the introduction of new agentic AI capabilities within SAP Concur’s platform.

Key Topics Covered

• Evolution of CFO Mindset:
  The shift from “repositioning for growth” to “action for growth” reflects CFOs moving from reactive strategies to actively driving business expansion. 
  
  
• Expanded Research Scope:
  This year’s report surveyed not only 350 CFOs but also 115 HR and 150 IT leaders, providing a more holistic understanding of business pressures and cross-functional collaboration.
  
  
• Top Challenges for CFOs in 2025:
  • Geopolitical tensions cited as the top external challenge by 37% of CFOs 
  • Concern over worsening economic conditions has declined
  • A dramatic rise in manual processes as a pain point 
• AI’s Transformational Role in Finance:
  • Adoption of generative AI is now mission-critical for managing data overload and driving efficiency.
  • AI is being used for forecasting, closing the books, fraud monitoring and creating new pricing models.
  • SAP Concur’s “Verify” tool now automatically audits 100% of expense reports, with 97% requiring no human intervention.
• Agentic AI & SAP Joule:
  • Introduction of “Joule,” SAP’s generative AI copilot, embedded across SAP applications.
  • Joule automates mundane tasks, pre-audits expense reports, and provides real-time policy compliance checks.
  • Joule acts as an agentic AI, orchestrating decisions and actions across multiple business processes, not just within finance.
• Integration and Real-Time Data:
  • SAP Concur now integrates with payment providers like MasterCard and American Express to capture real-time authorisation data, streamlining expense reporting and improving categorisation.
• Data Privacy & Security:
  • All financial data processed by Joule is contained within the customer’s environment and is not exposed to external AI sources.
  • Data is anonymised when used for model training, ensuring compliance with strict privacy standards.
• Customisation & Future-Proofing:
  • SAP’s Business Data Cloud enables organisations to unify and govern all SAP and third-party data, supporting custom AI queries across previously siloed data sets.

Resources & Further Reading

SAP Concur CFO Insights Report

SAP Concur Blog

Chris Juneau on LinkedIn

Upcoming Events
Catch Andrew Grill and Chris Juneau on stage at Fusion Exchange in London on June 12.
 

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

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What happens when we prioritise innovation over ethics in AI development? For the 100th episode of the Digitally Curious Podcast, Kerry Sheehan, a machine learning specialist with a fascinating journey from journalism to AI policy, explores this critical question as she shares powerful insights on responsible AI implementation.

Kerry takes us on a compelling exploration of AI guardrails, comparing them to bowling alley bumpers that prevent technologies from causing harm. Her work with the British Standards Institute has helped establish frameworks rooted in fairness, transparency, and human oversight – creating what she calls "shared language for responsible development" without stifling innovation.

The conversation reveals profound insights about diversity in AI development teams. "If the teams building AI systems don't represent those that the end results will serve, it's not ethical," Kerry asserts. She compares bias to bad seasoning that ruins an otherwise excellent recipe, highlighting how diverse perspectives throughout the development lifecycle are essential for creating fair, beneficial systems.

Kerry's expertise shines as she discusses emerging ethical challenges in AI, from foundation models to synthetic data and agentic systems. She advocates for guardrails that function as supportive scaffolding rather than restrictive handcuffs – principle-driven frameworks with room for context that allow developers to be agile while maintaining ethical boundaries.

What makes this episode particularly valuable are the actionable takeaways: audit your existing AI systems for fairness, develop clear governance frameworks you could confidently explain to others, add ethical reviews to project boards, and include people with diverse lived experiences in your design meetings. These practical steps can help organisations build AI systems that truly work for everyone, not just the privileged few.

This is an important conversation about making AI work for humanity rather than against it. Kerry's perspective will transform how you think about responsible technology implementation in your organisation.

More information
Kerry on LinkedIn

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Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

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A phone call that changes everything. A seemingly impossible challenge. Hours instead of months to prepare. When mezzo-soprano Deborah Humble received that unexpected call from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, she faced a career-defining decision: step onto the stage of the Sydney Opera House that very evening to perform Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony—a piece she had never fully sung before—or walk away from the opportunity of a lifetime.

What followed was a whirlwind day of frantic preparation, from retrieving a discarded concert dress from a garbage bag in her car trunk to a 45-minute crash course with her vocal coach. With barely enough time to warm up, Deborah found herself standing before a sold-out audience at the Sydney Opera House, performing in a concert that was not only being live-streamed globally but also recorded by Deutsche Grammophon for worldwide release.

The stakes couldn't have been higher. The pressure more intense. Yet amid the chaos, Deborah found clarity in a simple thought: "Simone wouldn't have asked you to step up if she didn't think you could do it." With the support of conductor Simone Young and drawing on decades of professional experience, Deborah delivered a performance that earned her a standing ovation and secured her place in Sydney Opera House history.

This remarkable story transcends the world of classical music, offering powerful insights about preparation meeting opportunity, managing self-doubt, and having the courage to take calculated risks. As Deborah reflects, "We are capable of doing what we have spent our whole lives working towards." Her experience reminds us that behind every "overnight success" lies years of dedication, discipline, and determination—qualities that prepare us to seize extraordinary moments when they unexpectedly arrive.

Ready to be inspired by a tale of remarkable courage under pressure? Listen as Deborah reveals what it truly takes to rise to an impossible occasion when everything is on the line.

Find out more about Deborah Humble on her website.

Listen to the recording here. 

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

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Welcome to Season 7 of the Digitally Curious Podcast. This show is a perfect compendium if you’ve bought the book of the same name, and if you haven’t grabbed yourself a copy, may I suggest that’s something you should consider investing in - just  click here or ask for it by name wherever great books are sold.

In today’s episode, we’re going back in time to an interview I conducted with David Shrier in late 2021 - well before ChatGPT hit the headlines. We discuss his book Augmenting Your Career: How to Win at Work In the Age of AI, and the book and our discussion are as relevant as ever, three years on.

What I found interesting while editing the episode on New Year’s Day 2025 is that it’s an excellent discussion about the fundamentals of AI without the hype of ChatGPT and Generative AI

David Shrier, a trailblazer in technology and educational innovation, joins us in dissecting the future of work in the age of artificial intelligence. His perspective on AI as "augmented intelligence" challenges us to rethink the relationship between humans and machines.

With examples from around the globe, David advocates for AI literacy as a cornerstone of modern education, highlighting how nations like Denmark, China, and Singapore are setting benchmarks.

This episode promises to enhance your understanding of how AI can be integrated into educational ecosystems and professional life, guided by insights from David's book, "Augmenting Your Career."

Navigating the ethical landscape of AI is more important than ever, and we bring focus to the critical role of government regulators in this space. We dive into real-world examples, such as Google's image recognition failures, to underscore the importance of diverse data and ethical diligence. The conversation praises initiatives like those of the UK government and challenges the pitfalls of overregulation, drawing lessons from New York's BitLicense situation. ]

Our discussion is a must-listen for anyone interested in how regulatory frameworks can either propel or stifle technological innovation.

As AI reshapes the job market, we explore the shifting roles and opportunities emerging across various industries. From philosophy majors finding their niche in AI development to the resilience of healthcare and creative arts, there's a world of possibility awaiting those prepared to adapt. We also touch on corporate responsibility, using Accenture's workforce reskilling as a model for sustaining company culture amidst AI-driven changes.

Discover practical strategies for staying ahead in this rapidly evolving landscape, emphasizing cognitive flexibility and continuous learning as keys to thriving in the digital age.

More on David
David on LinkedIn
David's books

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

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In this episode, we speak to Australia's first official astronaut, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, about her lifelong passion for space exploration and how she pursued her dream of becoming an astronaut.

We also covered:

• The importance of international experience and cultural adaptability in the astronaut selection process and training
  
  
• The rigorous and diverse nature of astronaut training, including spacecraft systems, robotics, survival techniques, and more
  
  
• The exciting future of space exploration, including missions to the Moon and the scientific research opportunities on the International Space Station
  
  
• Advice for those interested in space-related careers, emphasizing the need for purpose-driven work and a willingness to step outside one's comfort zone

We last covered space on the podcast in Season 4, Episode 3 -  Space Based Solar Power.

Quotable Quotes:

"Working in an international environment from a project basis as well as from a life basis really made me say that there's lots of different kinds of engineers, lots of ways to culturally come to solutions."

"Being an astronaut is bigger than the space sector. It's for many kinds of researchers, as well as raising the aspirations of the public as well."

Resources:

Katherine on LinkedIn
Katherine on Instagram
Katherine on Twitter

Learn more about Katherine Bennell-Pegg and the Australian Space Agency at space.gov.au

Explore the International Space Station and its scientific research here.

Thank you to Katherine, Engineers Australia and Frank Gallagher for contributing to this episode.

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

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@Andrew.Grill on Instagram
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In this episode, Andrew Grill sits down with Carol Howley, Chief Marketing Officer at Exclaimer, a leading email signature management company. Carol shares her extensive experience in B2B marketing, from her early days at Skyscanner to her current role at Exclaimer, where she has been instrumental in scaling the company's marketing efforts. They discuss a wide range of topics, including:

• Carol's Marketing Journey: From her start at Best Western Hotels to building the B2B arm at Skyscanner and her move into the tech-heavy world of Canonical (the company behind Ubuntu), Carol’s career path is full of insights for aspiring marketers.
  
  
• The Role of Exclaimer: Learn how Exclaimer helps organisations manage their email signatures centrally, ensuring compliance and branding consistency while also turning email signatures into valuable marketing real estate.
  
  
• Innovative Use Cases for Email Signatures: Discover how companies are leveraging email signatures for account-based marketing, customer feedback collection, and more.
  
  
• Challenges in Scaling Marketing Programs: Carol discusses the challenges she faced in scaling Exclaimer’s marketing efforts, particularly around change management and balancing short-term lead generation with long-term brand building.
  
  
• The Evolution of Buyer Behaviour: With buyers now doing up to 80% of their research before engaging with sales teams, Carol explains how Exclaimer is adapting to this shift by focusing on personalisation and delivering value at every touchpoint.
  
  
• B2B Influencer Marketing: Carol shares her thoughts on the growing role of influencers in B2B marketing, both formal and informal, and how they can help build credibility and trust in a crowded marketplace.
  
  
• The Power of Integrated Marketing Campaigns: Why integrating multiple marketing channels leads to higher success rates and how Exclaimer wraps potential customers in consistent messaging across various touchpoints.
  
  
• AI in Marketing: Carol highlights how AI is transforming marketing operations at Exclaimer, from automating routine tasks to analysing customer reviews for insights that drive product development.

Join us as we explore the strategies behind successful B2B marketing campaigns and gain actionable insights from one of the industry’s leading voices.

Key Takeaways:

• Email Signatures as a Marketing Tool: Email signatures can be more than just contact information; they are valuable real estate for promoting content, scheduling meetings, and driving engagement.
  
  
• Scaling Challenges: Change management is crucial when scaling a business. Building new channels and operational foundations requires buy-in from all stakeholders.
  
  
• Adapting to Buyer Behaviour: Modern buyers are more independent, often completing most of their research before contacting sales. Marketers need to focus on building trust early in the buyer journey.
  
  
• AI’s Role in Marketing: AI is not replacing marketers but enhancing their ability to scale operations and make data-driven decisions faster than ever before.
  
  

More on Carol
Carol on LinkedIn
Exclaimer Website

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

Andrew's Social Channels
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@Andrew.Grill on Instagram
Keynote speeches here
Order Digitally Curious

Join Carolanne Ashley, co-host of the Your MindBody Link podcast, as we journey into the future of AI and unpack Andrew Grill's new book, Digitally Curious.

Have you ever wondered how digital curiosity can shape your career? This episode promises to unravel that and more as we uncover the behind-the-scenes story of "Digitally Curious" and how Andrew's early experiments with technology and over 100 podcast interviews fueled its content.

The episode examines groundbreaking technologies such as quantum computing and self-sovereign identity, discussing their imminent and profound impact on businesses.

We also tackle the looming "Q-Day", and the need for organisations to prepare for a new era where quantum computers will challenge current data security measures.

Find out how Andrew's experience speaking to corporate audiences as the Actionable Futurist, where he leaves them with five things to do next, spawned the "Curious Five", which is included at the end of every chapter, making it practical and actionable.

Carolanne asks how AI can transform everyday workflows like never before, acting as an "always-on intern" to revolutionise business operations. 

Watch as the tables are turned, and the interviewer becomes the interviewee!

More information

Order Digitally Curious
More on the book
Your MindBody Link podcast
Carolanne's website
Carolanne on LinkedIn

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

Andrew's Social Channels
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@Andrew.Grill on Instagram
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In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the role of the CFO is undergoing a transformative shift. As highlighted in a recent discussion on the Digitally Curious podcast with Chris Juneau, Head of Market Strategy for SAP Concur, CFOs are increasingly turning to AI to drive strategic growth and innovation.

Many of you may already be using SAP Concur without realising it. When you book a trip, submit your expenses, or you use the brilliant traveller app Tripit, you’re using SAP Concur services.

I spoke with Chris about a couple of recent reports from SAP Concur, one which looks at how CFOs are embracing AI, and another about how to measure and maximise the returns from AI.

Key Insights from the CFO Insights Report:

• Rising Investment in AI: Despite 58% of CFOs admitting limited understanding of AI, investment in AI technologies has surged from 15% to 51% since 2023. This reflects a growing recognition of AI's potential to revolutionise financial processes.
• AI Applications in Finance: CFOs are leveraging AI for various applications, including journaling and bookkeeping (65%), financial planning (59%), and risk scenario planning (53%). These technologies are not only enhancing efficiency but also enabling more strategic decision-making.
• Bridging the Knowledge Gap: Education is key. SAP Concur is committed to educating financial leaders on AI applications, helping them ask the right questions and implement AI responsibly within their organisations.

AI adoption is not just about cost reduction; it's about unlocking productivity gains and fostering innovation. By automating mundane tasks, CFOs can focus on strategic initiatives that drive business growth.

So what can you do next?

Educate and Empower: Continuously educate your teams on AI's potential and collaborate with technology partners to harness its full capabilities.

Collaborate Across Functions: Partner with HR and IT leaders to ensure a holistic approach to digital transformation.

Challenge the Status Quo: Always seek better ways to optimise business processes and drive strategic outcomes – start exploring your existing platforms and see if they can be enhanced by AI.

Join us in exploring how AI is reshaping the role of the CFO and driving businesses towards a more innovative future. 

Resources Mentioned
CFO Insights report: Repositioning for Growth
CFO Insights report: How to Measure and Maximise AI Returns
Concur Expense
Chris Juneau on LinkedIn

This is a paid partnership with SAP Concur.

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

Andrew's Social Channels
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@Andrew.Grill on Instagram
Keynote speeches here
Order Digitally Curious

Many will know that I’ve just published my new book, Digitally Curious: Your Guide to Navigating the Future of AI and All Things Tech, which is now available worldwide. 

The reception has been overwhelmingly positive, and I believe it is a book that will help many people better understand the technology surrounding us.

I’ve already been interviewed on several podcasts about the book, and you can find links to these below.

I wanted to showcase the book on the podcast, but it would be strange for me to interview myself.

I recently presented at the Skillsoft London Perspectives event at the Shard on “The future of work in the age of AI.”

I always strive to present the latest thinking in my keynotes, and as part of my research, I wanted to try out the new Google product Notebook LM, which stands for Notebook Language Model.

You can access it via notebooklm.google

In Google’s own words: NotebookLM is your personalised AI research assistant powered by Google's most capable model, Gemini 1.5 Pro.

One cool feature is the ability to upload your data and turn it into a podcast with two AI-generated hosts.

I decided to try this out with the book. I uploaded the book's PDF, which contains 74,000 words, and pushed the button to make a podcast. 

I did nothing else. Five minutes later, what you hear on this episode is what was produced verbatim. 

I’ve not edited the 12-minute AI-generated  episode in any way.

I don’t think this will immediately replace podcasts or podcast hosts. However, it may be a new way to present written information.

We all have different learning styles, and so perhaps this would help people who prefer to listen instead of reading content.

I look forward to your thoughts on this and the content from my AI hosts about the book.

If you’d like to pick up a copy of the book head to curious.click/order, and as always, I encourage you to stay curious.

Resources
NotebookLM
AI in Education Podcast with Nadio Granata
Silicon UK Podcast on Digitally Curious
Purchase Digitally Curious

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

Andrew's Social Channels
Andrew on LinkedIn
Andrew on YouTube
@Andrew.Grill on Instagram
Keynote speeches here
Order Digitally Curious

Thanks for listening to Digitally Curious. You can buy the book that showcases these episodes at curious.click/order

Your Host is Actionable Futurist® Andrew Grill

For more on Andrew - what he speaks about and recent talks, please visit ActionableFuturist.com

Andrew's Social Channels
Andrew on LinkedIn
Andrew on YouTube
@Andrew.Grill on Instagram
Keynote speeches here
Order Digitally Curious