Amid the excitement of getting back to a semblance of business as usual, you’re probably asking yourself a lot of questions—as in, what is the new normal and where do I go from here? This podcast is the next episode in a new series for CFOs, controllers—really, anyone in finance—asking big questions, like: how do we emerge from a crisis stronger than before?  Each week, we’ll focus on a different area that may need your focus in this period of recovery. This week, host Heather Horn sits down with Carrie Duarte, PwC partner and Workforce of the future leader, to discuss cost savings and other strategic opportunities from workforce changes.

• 1:14 - Overview. The workforce has changed, and that means there are opportunities for significant cost savings and opportunities—whether that’s in real estate, productivity, or where you find your talent. Carrie lays the foundation for the discussion. 
• 3:55 - The blended workforce. How are companies dealing with the shifting ways of working to overcome challenges such as video conference fatigue and a dispersed workforce? Carrie explains.
• 10:26 - The 6 Cs of productivity. Carrie shares the 6 Cs of measuring productivity: create, collaborate, communicate, coach, community, and commitment. 
• 18:09 - The role of technology. There are many components to getting the work done, and a major factor to that is digital upskilling. Carrie shares tips on how to get teams comfortable with using technology, which can provide a competitive advantage.

Carrie Duarte is PwC's US workforce of the future leader and a director on PwC's US board. Carrie helps CEOs and their organizations build teams that thrive, today and in the future, by providing strategic and tactical guidance as organizations develop their workforce strategy, drive performance, upskill their workforce, and further the impact of their diversity and inclusion efforts. As a director on the PwC US board, Carrie provides governance oversight and strategy input to PwC’s US firm.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National office thought leader, 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 25 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].