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