Tech Directions

In this episode of the EY Microsoft Tech Directions podcast, hosted by Susannah Streeter, the focus is on harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock new business value. Joining the conversation are Anna Stamatelatos, Americas Leader for Analytics and Data at Microsoft, and Edward Bobrin, Ernst & Young LLP, leader of Microsoft Data and AI Competency. The episode explores the critical role of data as a strategic asset in today's digital era, emphasizing the necessity of high-quality data and effective governance to derive actionable insights.

They discuss the challenges businesses face with data silos and integration, stressing the importance of a broad data strategy and the use of hyper-connected systems for efficient data management. They highlight how companies can overcome data bias by continuously monitoring data sets and incorporating third-party data for a balanced view.

The discussion showcases real-world examples of AI driving new revenue streams, improving operational efficiency, and help enhancing customer personalization across various sectors, including retail, health care, and manufacturing. Practical strategies for starting on this journey include defining clear use cases, investing in scalable data platforms and leveraging collaborations for knowledge.

Looking ahead, the episode predicts continued advancements in AI and natural language processing, with AI becoming increasingly embedded in everyday business tools. The importance of responsible AI practices, data security, and ongoing employee training is emphasized to help ensure ethical and effective use of AI.

Key takeaways:  

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

As cyber threats continue to escalate, companies worldwide are grappling with the complexities of keeping their operations both secure and compliant. Our conversation sheds light on the rise of zero trust — a method that minimizes access to what's essential — as a key element in modern cyber defense tactics.

Join host Susannah Streeter as she engages with cybersecurity experts Paul Frate, Security Specialist at Microsoft; Sam Tang, EY Digital Identity Leader for the Americas; and Kevin Runyan, Managing Director at EY. They'll discuss the shifting landscape of international data protection laws, the growing importance of establishing trustworthy digital identities, and the strategic combination of digital identity with zero trust concepts to enhance both digital security and business productivity.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

The world is on a quest to become more sustainable – but what does that mean in practice? How could advances in artificial intelligence help achieve environmental goals? 

Susannah Streeter welcomes Ben Taylor, EY Market Leader for Climate Change and Sustainability Services, and Mark Kroese, General Manager of the Sustainability Solutions team at Microsoft to discuss very latest generative AI approaches, methodologies, pitfalls and use cases.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, stagnant and outdated business processes are more than just financial pitfalls—they are barriers to scaling and innovation. The incentives to shift to automation and leverage AI are massive.

Susannah Streeter welcomes William Smith, Senior Manager for EY Consulting, Jack Virdee, VP of Finance and Automation Leader at Omnicom, and Stephen Siciliano, VP Power Automate at Microsoft, to deep dive into the world of automation and AI.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Generative AI offers innovative avenues for content but comes with challenges and societal implications, from misinformation threats to ethical dilemmas. Businesses must adopt a balanced approach.

Susannah Streeter welcomes Nate Harris, General Manager and Global Leader for Data & AI at Microsoft, and Beatriz Sanz Saiz, EY's Global Consulting Data and AI Leader, to discuss the latest generative AI approaches, methodologies, pitfalls and use cases.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Technology has long been instrumental in enabling HR leaders to create efficient and less stressful work environments, and its importance has only grown. 

Susannah Streeter welcomes Maya Smallwood, EY Global People Advisory Services People Experience Leader, and Reamonn Stynes, Director of Strategic Partner Development for Microsoft Modern Work, to discuss the profound transformation that the world of work has undergone in recent years.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms ofErnst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young GlobalLimited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Underperforming and needlessly complex security systems aren't just a drain on day-to-day budgets, they can also open the back door to cyber criminals. 

Susannah Streeter welcomes Dave Burg, EY Americas Cybersecurity Leader and Kelly Bissell, CVP, Microsoft Security Solution Services, to discuss the benefits of simplifying security and where to spend money doing so.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

M&A activity presents opportunities but can equally bring on plenty of business migraines – particularly operational struggles through the transition. How can companies make progress more quickly, efficiently, and most importantly effectively? 

Susannah Streeter welcomes Alex Corps, partner focused on Microsoft Business Applications innovation at Ernst & Young, LLC, United Kingdom, Bimal Pall, Strategy and Transactions partner at EY-Parthenon, and Amer Dalain, Global Solutions Strategy Leader for Dynamics 365 Finance at Microsoft, to discuss why businesses simply can’t afford for transformations to fail. 

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Tax and finance functions face challenges such as talent shortages, legislative change, and technological transformation. How can they better position themselves to meet these challenges while adding greater value to the organization?

Susannah Streeter welcomes Myles Corson, EY Global Finance Leader, Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader, and Lyn Bird, VP, Cross Industry at Microsoft to discuss how technology is enabling modern finance and tax transformations.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

The evolution of data and analytics has accelerated dramatically in recent years, leading organizations to arrive at a critical point of inflection. Companies must now reimagine their IT functions, democratize both data and code, and ingest large volumes of third-party data if they are to keep pace with the competition and deliver the truly customer-focused transformation demanded by consumers and employees alike. Leaders from EY and Microsoft discuss how this can be achieved and what success looks like in the new era of data and analytics.

EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.