The Pre-Read

Joining the conversation are Junko Swain, Chief Accounting Officer at Workiva, and Kim Huffman, Chief Information Officer at Workiva. They dive into impressive ROI from AI in finance, while grappling with gaps in governance and training. The duo emphasizes the importance of high-quality data and role-specific training for effective AI integration. They also discuss how the C-suite can lead the way in establishing a robust AI strategy, addressing both potential job security concerns and the transformative impact of specialized AI tools in organizations.

Leaders in charge of projects around artificial intelligence and sustainability don’t need to manage those two trends in parallel, says Professor Michael Wade of IMD. In fact, strategies for the two are bound to intersect. The Pre-Read hosts Steve Soter and Alyssa Zucker dig into AI, sustainability, and how leaders can harness the transformative power of one to unlock the game-changing impacts of the other.  Keep listening because there is an obstacle to twin transformation that may surprise you. 0:00 Intro 02:33 Meet Professor Michael Wade 03:36 The two mega trends of the decade 04:28 The ties that bind 07:22 The best-positioned sectors to take advantage 08:44 OK, so what are the blockers? 12:21 Transformation is closer than you think 12:23 The playbook Subscribe to catch all our upcoming episodes, including episodes about the latest conversations in all things #accounting #finance #sustainability #audit and #risk.

The PCAOB is under siege. Critics say it's overreached its mission while supporters argue we've forgotten why it was created: to prevent another Enron or WorldCom.  On this episode of The Pre-Read, Workiva Industry Principals Chelsea Hall and Grant Ostler join for a roundtable to discuss what's broken and what's worth saving. We examine the push to dismantle the board and roll its responsibilities into the SEC. We also discuss what executives need to keep in mind, the importance of maintaining investor confidence in financial reporting, and how leveraging technology can streamline compliance and reduce the burden of documentation. 0:00 Introduction 01:40 What's going on with the PCAOB? 03:20 Is this political theater or a real threat? 05:00 Why the PCAOB matters to the C-suite 06:30 The value of audits as a foundation for capital markets 08:00 Where the PCAOB may have missed the mark 10:15 The cost of compliance 13:30 Investor concerns on regulation and efficiency 16:15 How companies can prepare for change 17:30 Finding the balance between regulation and efficiency Enjoy this episode? Find past conversations of us surfing the uncharted waters of accounting, finance, risk, and wherever else the waves take us at workiva.com/pre-read-podcast. Subscribe to catch all our upcoming episodes, including episodes about the latest conversations in all things finance, sustainability, audit, and risk.  

The market is changing, and it’s not just about inflation or interest rates. It’s rewriting valuations, reworking supply chains, and reshaping your disclosures. This episode of The Pre-Read, brought to you by Workiva, explores what happens when market volatility meets materiality, and why CFOs, GCs, and audit chairs are all paying attention. We feature insights from Nick Mazing of AlphaSense and Josh Gertsch, Workiva Industry Principal for Capital Markets, on the unpredictable forces at play. Nick discusses the messy and varied impact of tariffs, noting that the deal-by-deal approach has created an unpredictable environment, even for companies expected to benefit. He also touches on how AI is maturing in corporate disclosures, the return of M&A, and the growing number of companies allocating to Bitcoin. Josh provides a historical perspective on the IPO market, highlighting the biggest boom in over 20 years, followed by some of the worst years ever, and its current upward trend. He explains that despite a large pipeline of companies ready to go public, market volatility—especially with changes over 20%—is preventing deals from being priced. He advises companies to focus on what they can control, such as refining their equity story and ensuring operational readiness, while they wait for stability. Timestamps: 03:00 The messy and explicit nature of tariff disclosures 06:25 The copper example: Who are tariffs really helping? 09:15 Other topics showing up in earnings releases: AI, inflation, and M&A 11:00 Interest rates, inflation, and the new normal 13:50 The return of big M&A deals 15:45 The risk of assessing the impact in SEC filings 18:50 Josh Gertsch’s background and expertise in capital markets 21:30 What happened to the pent-up demand for IPOs 25:30 What needs to happen for the IPO window to open again 30:40 The importance of the equity story and operational readiness  #IPOs #CapitalMarkets #Tariffs #M&A #Finance #Workiva #MarketVolatility Subscribe to catch all our upcoming episodes and never miss out on the latest discussions in all things accounting and finance.    

AI is here, and it’s sparking conversations about everything from how we work to how we report. This episode of The Pre-Read, brought to you by Workiva, dives into the heart of what happens when artificial intelligence meets the real world of finance and risk. We’re talking about why CFOs, general counsels, and audit chairs are all leaning in—and what questions they’re asking.  Our own CFO, Jill Klindt, spills the beans about how finance teams can use AI to make their jobs better, not replace them. Think augmenting expertise and making those tedious tasks disappear. She’s also got the inside scoop on why data quality is like gold for AI success and why CFOs should lead the charge when it comes to experimenting with this new tech.  Plus, Alan Wilson, Partner at WilmerHale, gives us the straight talk on the legal side of things. He emphasizes getting your legal team involved early, treating AI just like any other business risk, and keeping an eye on how regulatory accountability is already shaping up. It’s a must-listen for anyone ready to navigate the exciting, and sometimes head-scratching, world of AI.    Timestamps: 02:30 Jill K. on AI: Enhancing human expertise versus automating the mundane.  05:10 Unlocking value: Where AI fits into your income statement.  08:00 Inside Workiva’s AI strategy: Collaborating to build better tech.  10:45 Why clean data is the secret sauce for AI success.  13:30 Jill K’s candid advice for executives embracing the AI future.  15:45 Alan W. on looping in legal when implementing AI.  18:30 Public perception: How to talk about AI without overselling it.  21:00 Navigating the legal maze: Agencies, juries, and the “AI washing” problem.  24:30 Peering into the crystal ball: Unforeseen risks and the future of AI.     

Just like the slides before a big meeting, The Pre-Read gets CFOs and execs ready for what’s next. Each week, hosts Alyssa Zucker and Steve Soter connect the dots between finance, sustainability, audit, and risk — with sharp insights and unfiltered conversations from leaders navigating change at scale. If you’re driving transformation or need to understand the ones who are, this is your prep. Subscribe now! 

Charley Nelson, an environmental policy expert managing ESG reporting at Etsy, dives into the intersection of sustainability and financial reporting. He discusses the challenges of integrating sustainability practices with traditional financial metrics. The conversation highlights the critical role of CO2E in greenhouse gas accounting and the importance of collaboration across disciplines. Charley also addresses the shifting landscape of regulations, the complexities of disclosures, and shares amusing anecdotes about unique Etsy items and their new 'gift mode' feature.

We're hard at work creating the next evolution of the show and we want to hear from YOU! We want the show to be a resource that reflects what's most important to you. What’s top of mind for you? What questions do you have? What issues are you facing that you think we should dive into? Is there a topic you wish you could ask a whole bunch of peers about to see what they’re each doing? Whether you’re looking for deeper insights, practical tips, or even guest speakers with expertise in your field, we’re all ears. If you have thoughts, suggestions, or topics you’d like us to explore, don’t hesitate to reach out! You can contact us at press@workiva.com

Join Mandi McReynolds and an esteemed panel at UnDavos as they dive into the evolving role of Chief Sustainability Officers post-global elections. Featuring insights from top executives like Dr. Anna Gawlikowska, Co-Founder & CEO @ Swiss AI AG, Rainer Karcher, Founder & CEO of Heartprint GmbH, and Viktoriia Savitska, Chief of Sustainability and Strategic Engagement from EPICNTR Group, this discussion covers the essential values driving their sustainability strategies, the importance of collaboration, and the innovative use of AI to tackle sustainability challenges. Tune in to discover how industry leaders are navigating regulatory landscapes, business performance, and environmental impact to build a sustainable future.

Deanna Bratter, Chief Sustainability Officer at Crocs, Inc., is at the forefront of the company’s sustainability revolution. She shares insights about the innovative Keep It Going Classic Clog, made with 25% recycled content, and Crocs' retail take-back program designed to keep shoes in circulation. The conversation touches on community empowerment through shoe donations, the challenges of scaling sustainability efforts, and the importance of engaging consumers. Bratter also discusses the balance between reduced emissions and product demand, showcasing Crocs’ commitment to a circular economy.