PwC Pulse - a business podcast for executives

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In this episode, Dinkar Saran, Pharma and Life Sciences Operations Partner at PwC, and Jim Cafone, SVP of Global Supply Chain at Pfizer, dive into operations transformation and its critical role in building resilient and sustainable supply chains, revenue growth and differentiation in an ever-changing world.

Their discussion features insights on how to navigate the delicate balance between short-term pressures and long-term challenges, exploring strategies for improving operations, enhancing agility and leveraging technology to drive productivity and adaptability.

Join us as we uncover key principles and practical approaches that can help your organization thrive in an evolving business landscape.

About the podcast participants

Dinkar Saran leads PwC’s Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Operations practice delivering integrated operations solutions for PwC clients.

Globally he has worked across biopharmaceuticals, generics and CDMOs with the board and C-suite of multinational companies to enable quantifiable value and EBITDA improvements. He has extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions and has supported multiple corporate and private equity driven transactions on revenue and cost side diligence, integration planning, and post deal value capture.

Jim Cafone is the Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, at Pfizer. He is responsible for global demand forecasting, demand and supply planning, worldwide logistics, and inventory management.

Jim is an engineer by trade and has expertise in supply chain management and strategic sourcing. Prior to joining Pfizer, Jim spent almost two decades with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as part of the manufacturing and operations analysis team. He held numerous positions within manufacturing, materials management, customer order management, physical distribution, and information technology functions. This included Vice President, EMEA Manufacturing and Supply and Vice President, Worldwide Logistics.

For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

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Technological advances, surging investments and the competition for talent are all working toward one thing: artificial intelligence (AI) is fundamentally changing how business gets done. In this episode, Joe Atkinson, Vice Chair - Chief Products & Technology Officer at PwC and Sal Companieh, Chief Digital and Information Officer at Cushman & Wakefield check in on the top AI trends for businesses – highlighting the need for smart AI choices, responsible AI practices and upskilling leaders to harness its full potential. They discuss how AI can accelerate the value of data-driven decisions and be the 'missing link' for your data investments, helping you stay ahead of the competition. Join us to learn how one of the world’s largest commercial real estate services firms has been using technology and AI in some innovative ways.

About the podcast participants 

Joe Atkinson is a member of PwC's US Leadership Team and is responsible for leading the firm through the next wave of digital transformation. This includes accelerating growth in go-to-market products and digital solutions, as well as the firmwide technology capabilities.

Previously serving as the Chief Digital Officer, Joe defined and executed the vision to digitally enable the firm, and better leverage technology and talent to bring greater value (and experience) to the firm's people and clients. Prior to that, Joe was the leader of PwC’s Technology, Media and Telecommunication consulting business for the US, Japan and China, and he has built a reputation as a trusted, pragmatic and thoughtful advisor to clients as they navigate through accelerating technology changes and increasing regulatory complexity.

Sal Companieh is the Chief Digital and Information Officer at Cushman & Wakefield responsible for providing solutions that improve Cushman & Wakefield’s operations, enhance client service and drive new business. Sal has over 20 years of consulting experience in process and technology transformation and has led the firm through numerous acquisition integrations as well as implementations of global platforms. 

Sal joined Cushman & Wakefield in 2011 as Vice President, Global Applications, and since that time has held technology leadership positions across the business, most recently as co-Chief Information Officer (CIO). She also previously served as CIO, Corporate Solutions, where she was responsible for building processes that collect, curate and optimize enterprise, client and property data, and as CIO for the firm’s facility services business, C&W Services. Prior to joining the firm, Sal was an independent consultant at Covidien and held senior technology positions at IBM and Lindt & Sprüngli.

For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

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In this episode, PwC’s Global Cybersecurity & Privacy Leader, Sean Joyce and Deneen Defiore, Chief Information Security Officer at United Airlines dive into the world of cybersecurity and its growing importance in the C-suite.

They explore how Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are evolving beyond their traditional roles and leading the way in risk management, contributing more directly to the enterprise business strategy and bringing security to the table.

They also discuss the latest news events and tech advancements impacting their approach to cybersecurity. Listen in to explore the evolving role of CISOs, the collaborative opportunities that exist and more.

About the podcast participants

Sean Joyce, Sean is a Principal in PwC’s Consulting Segment and part of the US Consulting Leadership team where he holds multiple leadership roles as the Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Leader, US Cyber, Risk and Regulatory Leader, and recently overseeing US Responsible AI, working across the Trust & Consulting Segments.

Prior to PwC, he held various roles focused on serving alongside those who defended and protected the American values we hold dear.

Deneen DeFiore, currently serves as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at United Airlines. She is responsible for leading the cybersecurity and digital risk organization to ensure the company is prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cyber threats. She leads initiatives on commercial aviation cyber safety risk, improving cyber resilience, and represents United working with international partners to reduce cyber safety risk world-wide across the aviation ecosystem.

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How can CEOs lead with trust? Building trust is the bedrock to enabling your company to continue to be relevant now and in the decades to come. So how do you earn trust with your customers, stakeholders and society at large?

In this episode, we’ll take a deeper dive into the importance of trust and how it is shaping CEOs' plans for 2024, with a conversation between PwC US Senior Partner Tim Ryan and Daryl Brewster, CEO of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose. Their discussion was recorded during a recent Trust in Action webcast presented by PwC's Trust Leadership Institute, which convenes senior executives and thought leaders to navigate the most complex trust-related issues.

About the podcast participants

Tim Ryan is PwC's US Senior Partner. A forward-thinking leader committed to driving human-led, tech-powered outcomes to build trust in society and solve important problems, Tim has a proven record advancing strategy, growth, innovation, and upskilling. He reimagined PwC leading a complete digital transformation and launching a bold new strategy – The New Equation – to get ahead of the rapid pace of change bringing the best people, capabilities and technology together to support clients in building trust and delivering sustained outcomes. Equity is foundational to Tim’s trust-based leadership – he is also the founder of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion.

Daryl Brewster currently serves as CEO of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), an organization focused on empowering senior executives of the world’s leading companies to achieve unprecedented progress on societal challenges while driving business performance.

Daryl has nearly 30 years of executive experience in the US and abroad. He has been an officer for several Fortune 500 companies, served as the turnaround CEO of a publicly-traded company, run five multi-billion dollar business units and currently serves on several privately-held and non-profit boards.

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Tim Ryan, PwC US Senior Partner, was recently in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, which brings together global leaders from government, business and civil society to help solve global challenges. In this episode, J.C. Lapierre, US Chief Strategy and Communications Officer, talks to Tim about some of the top topics discussed this year, like technology, the future of work, climate and -- the theme of this year’s meeting -- building trust. Tim and J.C. also explore key takeaways for business leaders, including new ways, in this changing world, to find growth and create value for all stakeholders.

For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

About the podcast participants

Tim Ryan is PwC's US Senior Partner. A forward-thinking leader committed to driving human-led, tech-powered outcomes to build trust in society and solve important problems, Tim has a proven record advancing strategy, growth, innovation, and upskilling. He reimagined PwC leading a complete digital transformation and launching a bold new strategy – The New Equation – to get ahead of the rapid pace of change bringing the best people, capabilities and technology together to support clients in building trust and delivering sustained outcomes. Equity is foundational to Tim’s trust-based leadership – he is also the founder of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion.

J.C. Lapierre serves as PwC’s US Chief Strategy and Communications Officer. In that capacity, J.C. works with the executive leadership team to develop, communicate, execute and sustain corporate strategic initiatives. J.C. has been a critical part of the firm’s efforts to streamline business operations and reduce operating costs to create investment capacity. She also helped architect the strategy to digitally transform the firm. 

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People are at the core of organizations, and we need to treat them like the valued stakeholders they are to help retain and recruit them in today’s competitive job market. Upskilling and expanding benefits and strategic hiring for specialized skills will go a long way toward fostering the right culture for growth on your teams and in your business.

In this episode, PwC US Chief People Officer Yolanda Seals-Coffield is joined by J. Ofori Agboka, Amazon Vice-President of People Experience and Technology, for a discussion on how companies are tailoring benefits and development programs for different types of workers, and technology’s role in that process. We’ll also explore ways to personalize the career journey, including PwC’s own My+ people strategy.

For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

About the podcast participants

Yolanda Seals-Coffield, Chief People Officer, PwC US
As US Chief People Officer, Yolanda Seals-Coffield drives PwC's people solutions and function, promoting and supporting our firm’s growth strategy to serve our clients and help our people thrive in and outside of work.

As former Chief Employment Counsel, Yolanda worked with teams across every aspect of the employee life cycle — from hiring to performance, diversity and inclusion and alumni. This gives her unique insights into opportunities to help PwC employees learn, develop and grow.

J Ofori Agboka, Vice President People Experience and Technology (PXT) - Global Operations at Amazon

J Ofori Agboka is responsible for the worldwide Human Resource (HR) practices for Fulfillment, Transportation, Delivery, Customer Service, Employee Relations (ER), and Workplace Health & Safety. He leads teams that support the employment life cycle of Amazonians globally.

His background covers diverse aspects of Human Resources in global and domestic markets spanning automotive and industrial environments. He works hard to utilize his extensive knowledge and expertise and his passion for putting people first, to the fullest potential. He has expertise in strategic human capital planning, employee relations, employment law, employee engagement, performance management, retention and recruiting. His operational background includes in dynamic environments requiring focused decision-making, understanding of how to optimize business processes, developing cost management systems, and enhancing operational efficiency and excellence. His language capabilities include moderate Spanish, and social Mandarin. 

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Board diversity has been an intense focus area for investors for years. This trend is clear among directors as well. With emerging regulations,and growing external expectations, companies recognize having a wider range of representation at decision-making tables can be essential for success in today's landscape. For women looking to positively impact their careers and community, serving on a board can be a proactive way to make a difference. What are some of the steps women can take to become board-ready?

In this episode, Maria Moats, Governance Insights Center Leader at PwC, is joined by Barb Loughran, a Board Director and retired PwC Partner, for a discussion on women's representation on boards and what it means to be board-ready.

For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

About the podcast participants

Maria Moats, Governance Insights Center Leader at PwC
As the Governance Insights Center leader, Maria Moats is relentlessly focused on helping directors address corporate governance issues by providing insights and tools to help them be more informed and effective in their roles and create better outcomes.

Before leading the Governance Insights Center, Maria served as PwC’s Chief Diversity Officer and Vice Chair, Mexico and US Assurance Leader - overseeing PwC’s national Assurance practice, including strategy and operational aspects to manage a practice of approximately 20,000 professionals. Maria is currently the Senior Relationship Partner (SRP) for several large multinational clients in the financial services, transportation, consumer and industrial products industries.

She is a first-generation Mexican-American and an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion.

Barb Loughran, Board Director and retired PwC Partner
Barb Lougran is a current board member, global executive, financial expert and prior advisor to boards and audit committees, with 35+ years of experience working with Fortune 500 C-Suite executives and Boards as they navigate strategic, transformational and operational challenges. She has strong and diversified industry expertise, spanning consumer products, retail, engineering, industrial products, services, energy, pharmaceuticals, medical device and technology. Barb is a highly qualified financial expert with 20 years as a PricewaterhouseCoopers partner, including two tours in the National Office. Barb was responsible for leading PwC’s Industrial Products business unit in NY Metro with P&L responsibility. Additionally, she has deep M&A expertise, including leading due diligence internationally. Barb is a current board member, retired PwC partner and angel investor.

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At a time when economic uncertainty remains, leaders are questioning whether their organizations will be viable a decade from now. It's important to know that resilience is possible if you prioritize transformation and foster trust in a challenging financial environment. And as a leader, your authenticity is paramount.

In this episode, Kathryn Kaminsky, Vice Chair and US Trust Solutions co-leader at PwC, is joined by Mary Callahan Erdoes, CEO of JP Morgan Chase's Asset and Wealth Management line of business for a discussion on what it takes to navigate the evolving needs of diverse stakeholders and technologies, and what areas of investment are important for companies to remain relevant and achieve their growth goals. Mary shares her views on what it means to deliver leading performance and results for clients, and why it’s important to listen not only to our clients, but to the expertise that surrounds us.

About the podcast participants

Kathryn Kaminsky, Vice Chair and US Trust Solutions Co-Leader at PwC

In this role Kathryn Kaminsky oversees the largest Trust platform in the world, bringing together the firm’s combined Audit, ESG, Digital Assurance and Tax Reporting capabilities to best help clients as they seek to build trust with their stakeholders. As co-leader, Kathryn is responsible for the quality of service, excellence in the work performed by over 21,000 partners and staff, developing diverse teams and driving innovation.

Mary Callahan Erdoes, CEO of JP Morgan Chase's Asset and Wealth Management line of business

Mary Callahan Erdoes is Chief Executive Officer of JPMorgan Chase's Asset & Wealth Management line of business – one of the largest and most respected investment managers and private banks in the world, with $4.3 trillion in client assets and a 200-year-old legacy as a trusted fiduciary to corporations, governments, institutions and individuals. Since joining the firm 25 years ago, Erdoes has held senior roles across Asset & Wealth Management before becoming its CEO in 2009 and joining the JPMorgan Chase Operating Committee, the firm’s most senior management team.

Erdoes serves on the boards of the U.S.-China Business Council and the Robin Hood Foundation of New York City. She is also a board member of Georgetown University, where she earned her Mathematics undergraduate degree, and serves on the Global Advisory Council of Harvard University, where she received her MBA.

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With the use of generative AI accelerating, it’s important to focus on how business leaders can get the most out of their tech investment in a trusted and ethical way. In this episode, we dive into responsible AI – what it is, why it’s important and how it can be a competitive advantage.

To cover this important topic, PwC’s host, Joe Atkinson, is joined by leading AI experts and members of the National AI Advisory Committee to the President and the White House – Miriam Vogel, President and CEO of EqualAI, and Ramayya Krishnan, Dean of the Heinz College Of Information Systems And Public Policy and Director of the Block Center for Technology and Society at Carnegie Mellon University.

For more information on this episodes speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

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From blockchain to fintech collaborations, hear how innovation is changing the way we approach risk management and creating new opportunities for growth. Discover the challenges and benefits to integrating technology into traditional financial systems, and learn how partnerships can create a more resilient and secure financial landscape.

In this episode Scott Likens, PwC’s Trust Technology Leader, is joined by Caitlin Long, Founder and CEO at Custodia Bank, to explore the potential of technology and partnerships in stabilizing financial systems.

Learn more about cryptocurrency and digital assets.

For the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

About the podcast participants
Scott Likens leads PwC’s Emerging Tech practice in the United States. With more than 25 years of emerging technology experience, he has helped clients transform their customer experience and enhance their digital operations. Scott has worked across industries with some of the biggest multinational companies to transform their business by applying a local lens to global digital and emerging tech trends. He has expertise using emerging technology and advanced analytics in many areas including e-commerce, digital architecture, mobile technologies and social customer engagement.

Caitlin Long is Founder & CEO of Custodia Bank. A 22-year Wall Street veteran who has been active in bitcoin and blockchain since 2012. In 2018-20 she led the charge to make her native state of Wyoming an oasis for blockchain companies in the US, where she helped Wyoming enact 29 blockchain-enabling laws. From 2016-18 she jointly spearheaded a blockchain project for delivering market index data to Vanguard as chairman and president of Symbiont, an enterprise blockchain start-up. Caitlin ran Morgan Stanley’s pension solutions business (2007-2016), held senior roles at Credit Suisse (1997-2007) and began her career at Salomon Brothers (1994-1997). She is a graduate of Harvard Law School (JD, 1994), the Kennedy School of Government (MPP, 1994) and the University of Wyoming (BA, 1990).