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As the new year begins, management teams continue to look for ways to adeptly navigate changing macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures. This week Heather Horn sat down with Craig Stronberg and Zain Siddiqui, directors in PwC Intelligence, for a discussion about the significant forces expected to shape the business landscape in the year ahead.

In this episode you’ll find:

• 6:05 - How the dynamics of trust and distrust are affecting business
• 9:51 - A historical perspective on current events
• 14:12 - The economic drivers behind supply chain pressure and labor shortages
• 22:56 - The importance of investing in long-term transformation projects
• 26:05 - How the politicization of the consumer base is changing government spending decisions
• 28:56 - Opportunities for businesses in managing the “trust dividend”
• 34:47 - How companies and countries are navigating global tension
• 38:19 - Other topics, including work from home, digital currencies, and long-term supply chain restructuring

Want to learn more?

• Check out our previous podcasts with PwC Intelligence, Forecast 2021: The rise in central bank digital currencies, and COVID-19: How looking back will help business move forward.

Craig Stronberg leads the Macro Capability for PwC Intelligence, spearheading the team of analysts that provides macroeconomic and geopolitical intelligence to key stakeholders. Named as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, Craig had a nearly 20 year career in national security affairs working for and advising numerous agencies and international partners, having been decorated five times. His focus has been on numerous areas, including counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterterrorism, cyber threats, political-military issues, special operations integration, and support for major events such as the Olympic Games.

Zain Siddiqui, is a senior economist for PwC Intelligence with a specialty in macroeconomics and finance. He advises stakeholders and clients on the business implications of emerging macro and geopolitical vulnerabilities, and helps them shape business strategy. His research has appeared in books on international economic policy and macroeconomic journals.

Heather Horn is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office and leader of the thought leadership group, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to [email protected].