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In this week's episode we are exploring the current state of geopolitical forces that are shaping business today. Host Heather Horn sat down with Craig Stronberg, a former historian and current director in PwC Intelligence, and Christina Wobig, a senior manager in PwC Intelligence, to get some insight on the geopolitical landscape, trends, and ways to manage risk.

Topics include:

• 1:59 - Geopolitical forces. We begin by setting the stage and covering the trends that warrant heightened CFO focus, including displacement of power around the globe and the effects of inequity.
• 7:27 - Trust and distrust. Can you build trust in today’s geopolitical landscape? Craig stresses the importance of investing in strategic relationships. Christina tells us how trust in business has actually increased over the course of the pandemic.
• 9:41 - Measure, monitor, manage. Geopolitical forces create risk, but companies that look ahead can capture opportunity. Craig and Christina discuss how companies can put a framework into place to do just that.
• 22:29 - The role of culture in companies. Craig discusses ESG principles, specifically the social elements, and how companies are thinking through today’s social issues.
• 24:27 - What’s the new normal? Does normal exist anymore? Christina and Craig discuss how COVID has changed our world, and what areas CFOs should be paying attention to when looking forward to 2022.

Want to learn more?  Check out PwC’s latest Trust in Business Survey and listen to Craig’s previous podcast, 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 provide 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. He focused on a variety of areas, including counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterterrorism, cyber threats, political-military issues, special operations integration, and support for major events such as the Olympic Games.

Christina Wobig is a senior manager in PwC Intelligence with more than 15 years of experience working in strategy and commercial leadership roles in professional services and industry, including music, pharma, and education technology. She has worked on projects around the globe helping companies navigate geopolitical trends with strategic thinking.

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.

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