🎧 Episode Description 

In this episode of the Tax Pulse Podcast, Tony Santiago sits down with global tax executive Lionel Nobre to explore one of the most urgent challenges facing the profession today: how to properly train and develop tax professionals in an era shaped by AI, automation, and rising global complexity. 

Lionel shares why the common narrative that “AI will replace tax professionals” misses the bigger picture. While technology may automate calculations, the true value of in-house tax teams lies in judgment, business partnership, cultural intelligence, and leadership. 

Drawing on his experience building global development programs at Dell Technologies, Lionel explains how structured rotations, mentorship, and blended technical and human-skills training can transform tax departments from compliance centers into strategic business partners. He also addresses the shrinking talent pipeline, reduced training in public accounting, and why organizations—especially those without large tax teams—must rethink how they develop future leaders, highlighting his work with the Tax Leadership Academy at Tax Executives Institute to create scalable leadership solutions for mid-sized tax departments. 

🔑 Key Discussion Highlights 

• AI Myth Busting: Why automation handles calculations—but not judgment, strategy, or leadership
 • The 80/20 Shift: How technology changes the nature of tax work without eliminating it
 • Technical Skill Erosion: The impact of offshoring and reduced Big Four training models
 • Global Rotation Programs: Building in-house development models that mirror public accounting exposure
 • Cultural Intelligence: Why cross-border communication and change management are now core tax skills
 • Scalable Leadership Training: How the Tax Leadership Academy supports smaller tax departments 

📌 Top Quotes 

“AI may do 80% of the calculation—but it can’t replace judgment.” – Lionel Nobre 

“Tax has never been more complex, and that means leadership has never been more important.” – Tony Santiago 

“We love change in the tax code—but we don’t always love changing ourselves.” – Lionel Nobre 

✅ Key Takeaways 

• Automation will elevate tax roles—not eliminate them—by shifting focus to higher-value work
 • Technical training gaps are widening, making structured development programs essential
 • Cultural awareness and change management are critical skills for global tax teams
 • Smaller tax departments must leverage centralized programs to compete for talent

👤 About the Guest Speaker 

Lionel Nobre is a global in-house tax executive at Dell Technologies with more than two decades of international experience across Latin America and the United States. An attorney by background and longtime educator, he has published extensively in international tax and transfer pricing and is a leading advocate for modern tax leadership development through his work with the Tax Executives Institute. 

Lionel Nobre Contact Information 

TEI Website

ITMP Website

▶️ Next Steps for Listeners 

• Evaluate whether your tax team has a structured development roadmap
 • Invest in mentorship and rotational exposure—regardless of department size
 • Balance technical depth with leadership and communication training
 • Reframe AI as a tool for elevation—not replacement 

📬 Connect With Us 

• Follow us on LinkedIn or Visit TaxTalent.com 

Guest Speaker: Tim McDonald, Former VP of Global Taxes, Procter & Gamble

Duration: 26 minutes

 Release Date: November 5th, 2025

🎧 Episode Description

In this episode of the Exposed Podcast, host Tony Santiago sits down with Tim McDonald, retired VP of Global Taxes at Procter & Gamble, for a timely fireside chat on one of the most rapidly developing trends in the profession — the rise of private equity acquisitions in public accounting firms.

Tim brings decades of experience managing global tax operations and shares a unique insider’s view of how productivity pressures, outsourcing models, and talent dynamics are converging under private equity ownership. Together, Tony and Tim unpack what this means for corporate in-house tax leaders, especially those leveraging co-sourcing, shared service centers, or outsourcing arrangements.

The discussion goes beyond theory — highlighting contract considerations, talent retention risks, and the ripple effects of offshoring and labor arbitrage as private equity reshapes the accounting landscape.

🔑 Key Discussion Highlights

• Productivity Pressure: How PE’s drive for scale and efficiency mirrors internal productivity initiatives in corporate tax.
• Contract Readiness: Why in-house leaders must revisit co-sourcing and outsourcing agreements for change-of-control clauses.
• Shared Service Vulnerability: How private equity firms may poach skilled talent from shared service centers as they expand offshore.
• Plan B Preparedness: Why companies must develop contingency plans if key external providers become PE-owned or cost-prohibitive.
• Training & Succession: The long-term risk of losing data fluency and mentorship opportunities as more tax work is outsourced.
• Talent Competition: How shifting business models could create a labor crunch and spawn a “next generation” of boutique CPA firms.

📌 Top Quotes

• “Productivity is a double-edged sword. You either own it—or it’s imposed on you.” – Tim McDonald
•  “When private equity steps in, you need to make sure your agreements let you step out.” – Tony Santiago
•  “Outsourcing can save money, but if you lose control of your data and your people, you lose leverage.” – Tim McDonald

✅ Key Takeaways

• Reassess your outsourcing and co-sourcing contracts for ownership and continuity protections.
• Protect shared service talent through stronger engagement, visibility, and training.
• Start succession planning early to preserve institutional knowledge as automation and offshoring expand.

👤 About the Guest Speaker

Tim McDonald is the former VP of Global Taxes at Procter & Gamble, where he led a global team across 30+ countries for nearly two decades. With prior leadership roles at Baxter International and in public accounting, Tim brings deep experience in tax strategy, transformation, and operational execution across complex, multinational environments.

▶️ Next Steps for Listeners

• Review your firm’s outsourcing agreements for potential private equity exposure.
• Begin mapping contingency plans for key tax functions.
• Stay tuned for future Exposed episodes exploring how private equity is reshaping the professional services landscape.

 📖 TaxNotes Article on Private Equity 

• For access to the TaxNotes article, click here ➜  https://bit.ly/3TQPjkU 

📬 Connect With Us

• Follow us on LinkedIn 
• Visit TaxTalent.com

Guest Speakers:

• Jed Larkin, SVP, Head of Tax, Moderna
• Doug Cronin, VP of Corporate Tax, Boston Scientific

Duration: 30 minutes

Release Date: July 17th, 2025

🎧 Episode Description

In this episode of the Exposed Podcast, Tony Santiago moderates a dynamic conversation with two tax leaders navigating large-scale transformation at two very different organizations: Jed Larkin of Moderna and Doug Cronin of Boston Scientific.

They dive into the evolving role of technology in tax, from process automation and data flow optimization to the practical limits of AI. Drawing from real-world implementation experiences, Jed and Doug shed light on the gaps between industry hype and operational reality, and what it takes to modernize a tax department.

The episode also explores the growing concern around training the next generation of tax professionals as automation accelerates, and what leaders must do now to avoid knowledge gaps in the future.

🔑 Key Discussion Highlights

• Reality vs. Hype: What tax tech can really do today—and where it still falls short
• Process First, Then Tech: Why understanding internal processes is the foundation for successful transformation
• Data Complexity: The unique challenges of integrating clean, actionable data across ERPs and systems
• AI & Indirect Tax: How both companies are using AI to validate VAT and withholding transactions
• Future-Proofing Talent: The risk of losing institutional knowledge as automation replaces manual tasks

📌 Top Quotes

"You can't automate a bad process—fix the foundation first." – Jed Larkin
"AI is powerful, but it won’t replace judgment. We still need tax professionals who understand the 'why.'" – Doug Cronin
"Governments will soon tell you what you owe. Are we ready for that?" – Tony Santiago

✅ Key Takeaways

• Optimizing tax technology starts with mapping and modernizing core processes
• AI and automation are best applied in repeatable, high-volume areas like indirect tax
• Training the next generation must evolve to ensure expertise doesn’t disappear with retiring talent
• Companies must balance innovation with controls, visibility, and adaptability

👤 About the Guest Speakers

Jed Larkin is SVP and Head of Tax at Moderna, where he brings a forward-thinking approach to tax technology, data integration, and strategic planning. His background includes senior leadership at 3M and a focus on scaling global operations.

Doug Cronin serves as VP of Corporate Tax at Boston Scientific and brings over two decades of experience in driving transformation, automation, and compliance across a highly regulated, rapidly growing business environment.

▶️ Next Steps for Listeners

• Audit your current tax processes—before applying new tech
• Start small with automation—target high-volume, repeatable work
• Begin building a knowledge-transfer plan for your team’s future

📬 Connect With Us

• Follow us on LinkedIn
• Visit TaxTalent.com

Guest: Heath Mitts

 Title: Chief Financial Officer, TE Connectivity

 Duration: 31 minutes

 Release Date: May 28th 

Episode Description

In this insightful episode of the Exposed Podcast, Tony Santiago sits down with Heath Mitts, CFO of TE Connectivity, to explore the evolving relationship between the CFO and the tax function. Heath shares his perspective on how CFOs are navigating today’s complex global tax environment, the expectations they have of tax leaders, and the key traits he values in a Chief Tax Officer.

The conversation also touches on strategies for balancing aggressive tax planning with risk mitigation, the challenges of maintaining compliance in a shifting regulatory landscape, and what CFOs should consider when hiring or promoting their first tax leader.

Key Discussion Highlights

🔹 The CFO-Tax Leader Dynamic: Heath discusses the critical role tax leaders play in shaping business decisions and the need for consistent communication.
🔹 Anticipating Global Change: Insights on how TE Connectivity’s tax function plans ahead for regulatory shifts and manages risk in over 100 countries.
🔹 Telescope Thinking: The importance of a tax leader who can switch between granular technical detail and big-picture strategy.
🔹 Talent Development: Why building and retaining a strong, adaptable tax team is essential for long-term success.
🔹 Balancing Compliance and Planning: How CFOs can work with tax leaders to integrate risk management and proactive planning.

Top Quotes

📌 “Our tax leader is not buried in layers—they have a seat at the table.” — Heath Mitts
📌 “Scenario planning wasn’t even a thing years ago in tax, but today it’s essential.” — Heath Mitts
📌 “Telescope thinking is critical—the ability to zoom in on the technical and then quickly zoom out to communicate with the business.” — Heath Mitts

Key Takeaways

✅ The CFO and tax leader must maintain open, proactive communication to navigate today’s evolving global landscape.
 ✅ Tax functions need to integrate risk management, scenario planning, and adaptability into daily operations.
 ✅ Building a culture of development within the tax team fosters loyalty and long-term business success.
 ✅ Hiring or promoting a tax leader requires prioritizing skills and fit over chasing the elusive “unicorn” candidate.

About the Guest Speaker: Heath Mitts

Heath Mitts is the Chief Financial Officer of TE Connectivity. With over two decades of financial leadership experience across manufacturing and technology sectors, Heath brings a unique perspective on how tax functions can create value, manage complexity, and align with broader business objectives.

Next Steps for Listeners

 🔹 Evaluate your tax team’s readiness for rapid regulatory changes.
 🔹 Foster a culture of development and adaptability within your tax function.
 🔹 Stay tuned for more Exposed episodes exploring leadership, compliance, and corporate strategy.

Connect With Us

LinkedIn
TaxTalent.com

Episode Information

Guest: Jared Dunkin

Title: Senior Partner, Global Advisory Firm

Duration: 29 minutes

Release Date: April 3rd 

Episode Description

In this compelling episode of the Exposed podcast, Tony Santiago sits down with Jared Dunkin, VP of Tax, at a leading global advisory firm, to discuss the evolving role of leadership in a rapidly shifting business landscape. This episode delves into the key forces shaping corporate decision-making, risk management, and the growing need for agility in today’s competitive environment.

Key Discussion Highlights:

• The Leadership Evolution: Jared shares his insights on how the expectations for corporate leaders are shifting, and what executives must do to stay ahead in an era of economic uncertainty.
• Navigating Risk and Compliance: With increasing regulatory pressures, businesses are being forced to rethink how they approach compliance and governance to avoid costly missteps.
• Strategic Agility in a Volatile Market: Jared explores how organizations can build resilience and adaptability into their long-term strategies to remain competitive amid global uncertainty.

Top Quotes:

On leadership transformation: "Companies that embrace a proactive approach to leadership will outmaneuver those who remain reactive." — Jared Dunkin

On risk and compliance: "Regulatory frameworks are only getting more complex—leaders need to anticipate and prepare, rather than simply respond." — Jared Dunkin

On strategic agility: "The companies that thrive will be those that embed flexibility into their core strategy." — Jared Dunkin

Key Takeaways:

• Business leaders must be more proactive in navigating regulatory and market challenges.
• Companies that fail to incorporate adaptability into their leadership structures will struggle to compete.
• Understanding and preparing for regulatory trends is critical to maintaining compliance and avoiding financial pitfalls.

About the Guest Speaker: Jared Dunkin

Jared Dunkin is a seasoned tax executive with over two decades of experience.  Jared is Vice President, Senior Tax Counsel at FTI Consulting, a publicly traded business advisory firm. Prior to FTI, Dunkin led the global tax and treasury function at VICE Media and was the global head of tax at CEB Inc. He also served as VP of global tax planning and M&A at Discovery, worked in EY's national tax group in Washington, D.C., and was an associate at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

Jared lives in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area with his wife and five children.

Next Steps for Listeners:

• Assess your company’s leadership readiness for the evolving business landscape.
• Implement proactive risk management strategies to stay ahead of regulatory challenges.
• Stay tuned to Exposed for more expert insights on leadership, compliance, and corporate strategy.

Jared’s New Book “The Cat’s Meow”

We have the great privilege of announcing Jared's new book, “The Cat’s Meow”! It is an old phrase for something wonderful or remarkable, which is exactly what he hopes this book will be for those who read it. It’s a collection of short musings from his journey to be better, offering insights on mindset, leadership, relationships, decision-making, and wisdom. Jared’s hope is that it sparks reflection and growth, helping you on your own journey.
 
The book is now available on Amazon, and all profits will go to charity in memory of his late mother. https://www.amazon.com/Cats-Meow-Musings-Journey-Better-ebook/dp/B0F19GWS61?ref_=ast_author_dp 

Connect With Us

LinkedIn
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Episode Information

Guest: Tim McDonald

Title: Former VP, Global Taxes Procter and Gamble Company

Duration: 36 minutes

Release Date: February 11th 

Episode Description

In this insightful episode of Exposed, Tony Santiago speaks with Tim McDonald, former Global Head of Tax at Procter & Gamble, about the critical challenges facing tax functions in 2025 and beyond. As the second installment of the podcast, this episode dives deep into tax policy shifts, workforce development, and succession planning amid global tax reform pressures.

Key Discussion Highlights:

• Macro-Level Tax Policy Challenges: McDonald explains why upcoming tax reforms will be more difficult than expected due to debt concerns and exhausted revenue-generating strategies from previous reforms.
• Generational Workforce Shifts: The tax profession is experiencing a leadership transition as baby boomers retire, with Gen X professionals facing unique challenges that may prevent them from stepping into top roles.
• The Future of Tax Structures: Insights into the potential introduction of GST-like tax systems and the critical need for balanced spending controls. 

Top Quotes:

1. On tax reform challenges:
   "The current macro condition we have is such that tax reform is going to be much more difficult than people think." — Tim McDonald
2. On debt & policy dynamics:
   "Tax executives must bring these debt and policy dynamics to their management and board's attention before it's too late." — Tim McDonald
3. On workforce development:
   "Tax leaders need to bring their management and boards up to speed on these debt dynamics, or they'll be blindsided by policy changes." — Tim McDonald

Key Takeaways:

• Companies must rethink their tax strategies and leadership pipelines amid generational and fiscal challenges.
• The need for proactive communication with financial and HR leadership is critical to staying ahead of regulatory and workforce changes.
• Educating tax professionals on indirect tax exposure, such as GST, will be vital as global tax trends evolve.

About the Guest Speaker: Tim McDonald

Tim McDonald is a distinguished tax expert with a 40-year career spanning corporate leadership and tax policy. He recently retired as Global Head of Taxes at Procter & Gamble after 19.5 years and previously led tax functions at Baxter International. He began his career at General Motors Tax Counsel, contributing to the modeling of the Tax Reform Act of 1986, followed by 12.5 years in Big Four accounting. A CPA with a BSA from the University of Michigan and a JD from Wayne State Law School, Tim has served as an advisory board member for the University of Chicago Tax Symposium for 23 years, Co-Chair of the Alliance for Competitive Taxation for 15+ years, and member of PwC’s Tax Study Group for 25 years. His unparalleled expertise makes him a trusted voice in tax leadership and policy.

Next Steps for Listeners:

• Evaluate your team’s leadership pipeline and skills readiness for potential tax system changes.
• Open proactive conversations with your board and management about the political and economic challenges highlighted in this episode.
• Continue following Exposed for more expert insights and actionable advice.

Connect With Us

LinkedIn
TaxTalent.com
[email protected]

Tags

#TaxLeadership #CareerDevelopment #TeamManagement #CorporateTax #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #TaxPolicy

Episode Information

Guest: Sonia Hollies

Title: Senior Vice President, Global Treasurer, Tax and Corporate Finance Head at Perrigo

Duration: 30 minutes

Release Date: December 19th

Episode Description

In this inaugural episode of Exposed, host Tony Santiago sits down with Sonia Hollies, a dynamic tax leader who has expanded her role far beyond traditional tax boundaries. Together, they explore the evolution of tax leadership, the importance of relationship-building in a post-COVID world, and strategies for developing and retaining top tax talent.

Key Highlights

• Sonia's journey from accounting to tax leadership
• Building relationships across organizational boundaries
• Innovative approaches to team development and retention
• Managing multiple stakeholders effectively
• Adapting to remote/hybrid work environments

Notable Quotes

"Every time I talk to Sonia, they add something else onto her title." - Tony Santiago

"Tax is a way for accountants to be creative." - Sonia Hollies

"There is no such thing as 'it's not your job.'" - Sonia Hollies

"I think relationship building is even more important in this COVID, post-COVID environment." - Sonia Hollies

Topics Covered

1. Career Development

• Journey from accounting to tax
• Expanding responsibilities beyond tax
• Building cross-functional relationships

2. Leadership Insights

• Managing diverse stakeholders
• Importance of agility in leadership
• Balancing technical and soft skills
• Communication strategies at all levels

3. Team Management

• One-on-one engagement strategies
• Performance evaluation approaches
• Career development conversations
• Succession planning

4. Organizational Development

• Building transparency in organizations
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Working with HR effectively
• Managing remote/hybrid teams

5. Future Challenges

• Preparing for regulatory changes
• Managing global tax complexity
• Developing next-generation leaders

Resources Mentioned

• Leadership in Action program
• Achievers program
• 360-degree feedback assessments

About the Guest

Sonia Hollies serves as the Senior Vice President, Global Treasurer, Tax and Corporate Finance Head at Perrigo, a life sciences consumer products company. With headquarters in both Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Dublin, Ireland, Sonia brings over 30 years of experience in tax and finance leadership. She served as the Vice President and Chief Tax Officer at Conduent, leading the tax function during the organization's spin-off from Xerox. Sonia has also held senior tax roles at Xylem Inc., MasterCard, United Technologies, Purdue Pharma, and Crane Co. Throughout their career, Sonia has demonstrated expertise in tax compliance, reporting, and strategic planning, successfully managing tax functions and providing valuable insights to senior management and board members.

Next Steps for Listeners

1. Connect with Sonia Hollies on professional networks
2. Explore implementing one-on-one career discussions in your organization
3. Consider developing cross-functional relationships within your company
4. Subscribe to Exposed for more insights from tax industry leaders

Connect With Us

LinkedIn
TaxTalent.com
[email protected]

Tags

#TaxLeadership #CareerDevelopment #TeamManagement #CorporateTax #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #Tale