PwC Pulse - a business podcast for executives

Michele C. Meyer-Shipp, CEO of Dress for Success, leads a global nonprofit empowering women towards financial independence. In this engaging conversation, she shares key lessons on navigating organizational change amidst rapid growth. Michele discusses how COVID-19 forced adaptation in service models, advocating for a customer-first mindset. She emphasizes the importance of open communication and engaging stakeholders to cultivate support. With insights on aligning leadership and fostering collaboration, this talk is a treasure trove for anyone navigating transformation.

Text us your thoughts on this episodeIn today’s fast-paced business environment, companies are facing a combination of tech disruption, shifting workforce dynamics and evolving customer expectations. From keeping up with market-speed execution to building resilient talent pipelines and fostering organizational agility, leaders are navigating a complex path toward growth. One of the critical questions executives are asking is: How can we adapt to these shifts while advancing the potential of our people and processes?To explore these topics, PwC US Chief People & Inclusion Officer Yolanda Seals-Coffield is joined by Kathryn Kaminsky, PwC US Chief Commercial Officer to discuss the intersection of meeting the market demands with the right teams, what we’re seeing and how companies can stay ahead. About the podcast participants  Yolanda Seals-Coffield, PwC US Chief People & Inclusion Officer As US Chief People & Inclusion Officer, Yolanda Seals-Coffield is responsible for providing strategic leadership to align the firm’s people and inclusion strategies with the firm’s growth strategy and helping the firm remain a place where people can be their authentic selves, grow their careers, service our clients and thrive in their personal and professional lives.  Kathryn Kaminsky, PwC US Chief Commercial Officer As US Chief Commercial Officer, Kathryn Kaminsky leads PwC’s commercial side of the business across our lines of service to bring the full firm to our clients. This includes our go-to-market strategies in the US and Mexico, all while laser-focused on growing the firm and delivering distinguished client service. For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

Text us your thoughts on this episodeJoin PwC to explore what’s top of mind for the C-suite following the recent US election and key actions to foster agility and seize opportunities in 2025 under a new administration. As we move into a new administration led by President-elect Donald Trump and a Republican Congress, business leaders are focused on what's coming next. Leading our conversation today is Kathryn Kaminsky, Chief Commercial Officer for PwC, as we hear insights from PwC leaders unpacking potential changes. We'll cover everything from policy actions and supply chain impacts to how business can manage AI responsibly and adapt to rising energy demands.  Business leaders have a lot to think about in the coming months. It's a crucial time to plan, be strategic and prioritize effectively.  Find more insights here on how the 2024 election will impact your business. For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

Text us your thoughts on this episodeIn this episode, Dinkar Saran, Pharma and Life Sciences Operations Partner at PwC, and Jim Cafone, SVP of Global Supply Chain at Pfizer, dive into operations transformation and its critical role in building resilient and sustainable supply chains, revenue growth and differentiation in an ever-changing world.Their discussion features insights on how to navigate the delicate balance between short-term pressures and long-term challenges, exploring strategies for improving operations, enhancing agility and leveraging technology to drive productivity and adaptability.Join us as we uncover key principles and practical approaches that can help your organization thrive in an evolving business landscape.About the podcast participantsDinkar Saran leads PwC’s Pharmaceutical & Life Sciences Operations practice delivering integrated operations solutions for PwC clients.Globally he has worked across biopharmaceuticals, generics and CDMOs with the board and C-suite of multinational companies to enable quantifiable value and EBITDA improvements. He has extensive experience in mergers & acquisitions and has supported multiple corporate and private equity driven transactions on revenue and cost side diligence, integration planning, and post deal value capture.Jim Cafone is the Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, at Pfizer. He is responsible for global demand forecasting, demand and supply planning, worldwide logistics, and inventory management.Jim is an engineer by trade and has expertise in supply chain management and strategic sourcing. Prior to joining Pfizer, Jim spent almost two decades with Wyeth Pharmaceuticals as part of the manufacturing and operations analysis team. He held numerous positions within manufacturing, materials management, customer order management, physical distribution, and information technology functions. This included Vice President, EMEA Manufacturing and Supply and Vice President, Worldwide Logistics.For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.

Joe Atkinson, PwC's Chief Products & Technology Officer, and Sal Companieh from Cushman & Wakefield discuss top AI trends. They cover responsible AI practices, upskilling leaders, and the value of data-driven decisions. Learn how AI can give you a competitive edge and hear about innovative AI uses in commercial real estate services.

Text us your thoughts on this episodeIn this episode, PwC’s Global Cybersecurity & Privacy Leader, Sean Joyce and Deneen Defiore, Chief Information Security Officer at United Airlines dive into the world of cybersecurity and its growing importance in the C-suite.They explore how Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are evolving beyond their traditional roles and leading the way in risk management, contributing more directly to the enterprise business strategy and bringing security to the table.They also discuss the latest news events and tech advancements impacting their approach to cybersecurity. Listen in to explore the evolving role of CISOs, the collaborative opportunities that exist and more.About the podcast participantsSean Joyce, Sean is a Principal in PwC’s Consulting Segment and part of the US Consulting Leadership team where he holds multiple leadership roles as the Global Cybersecurity and Privacy Leader, US Cyber, Risk and Regulatory Leader, and recently overseeing US Responsible AI, working across the Trust & Consulting Segments.Prior to PwC, he held various roles focused on serving alongside those who defended and protected the American values we hold dear.Deneen DeFiore, currently serves as Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at United Airlines. She is responsible for leading the cybersecurity and digital risk organization to ensure the company is prepared to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cyber threats. She leads initiatives on commercial aviation cyber safety risk, improving cyber resilience, and represents United working with international partners to reduce cyber safety risk world-wide across the aviation ecosystem.

Text us your thoughts on this episodeHow can CEOs lead with trust? Building trust is the bedrock to enabling your company to continue to be relevant now and in the decades to come. So how do you earn trust with your customers, stakeholders and society at large?In this episode, we’ll take a deeper dive into the importance of trust and how it is shaping CEOs' plans for 2024, with a conversation between PwC US Senior Partner Tim Ryan and Daryl Brewster, CEO of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose. Their discussion was recorded during a recent Trust in Action webcast presented by PwC's Trust Leadership Institute, which convenes senior executives and thought leaders to navigate the most complex trust-related issues.About the podcast participantsTim Ryan is PwC's US Senior Partner. A forward-thinking leader committed to driving human-led, tech-powered outcomes to build trust in society and solve important problems, Tim has a proven record advancing strategy, growth, innovation, and upskilling. He reimagined PwC leading a complete digital transformation and launching a bold new strategy – The New Equation – to get ahead of the rapid pace of change bringing the best people, capabilities and technology together to support clients in building trust and delivering sustained outcomes. Equity is foundational to Tim’s trust-based leadership – he is also the founder of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion.Daryl Brewster currently serves as CEO of Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose (CECP), an organization focused on empowering senior executives of the world’s leading companies to achieve unprecedented progress on societal challenges while driving business performance.Daryl has nearly 30 years of executive experience in the US and abroad. He has been an officer for several Fortune 500 companies, served as the turnaround CEO of a publicly-traded company, run five multi-billion dollar business units and currently serves on several privately-held and non-profit boards.

Text us your thoughts on this episodeTim Ryan, PwC US Senior Partner, was recently in Davos for the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting, which brings together global leaders from government, business and civil society to help solve global challenges. In this episode, J.C. Lapierre, US Chief Strategy and Communications Officer, talks to Tim about some of the top topics discussed this year, like technology, the future of work, climate and -- the theme of this year’s meeting -- building trust. Tim and J.C. also explore key takeaways for business leaders, including new ways, in this changing world, to find growth and create value for all stakeholders.For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com. About the podcast participants Tim Ryan is PwC's US Senior Partner. A forward-thinking leader committed to driving human-led, tech-powered outcomes to build trust in society and solve important problems, Tim has a proven record advancing strategy, growth, innovation, and upskilling. He reimagined PwC leading a complete digital transformation and launching a bold new strategy – The New Equation – to get ahead of the rapid pace of change bringing the best people, capabilities and technology together to support clients in building trust and delivering sustained outcomes. Equity is foundational to Tim’s trust-based leadership – he is also the founder of CEO Action for Diversity & Inclusion. J.C. Lapierre serves as PwC’s US Chief Strategy and Communications Officer. In that capacity, J.C. works with the executive leadership team to develop, communicate, execute and sustain corporate strategic initiatives. J.C. has been a critical part of the firm’s efforts to streamline business operations and reduce operating costs to create investment capacity. She also helped architect the strategy to digitally transform the firm. 

Text us your thoughts on this episodePeople are at the core of organizations, and we need to treat them like the valued stakeholders they are to help retain and recruit them in today’s competitive job market. Upskilling and expanding benefits and strategic hiring for specialized skills will go a long way toward fostering the right culture for growth on your teams and in your business.In this episode, PwC US Chief People Officer Yolanda Seals-Coffield is joined by J. Ofori Agboka, Amazon Vice-President of People Experience and Technology, for a discussion on how companies are tailoring benefits and development programs for different types of workers, and technology’s role in that process. We’ll also explore ways to personalize the career journey, including PwC’s own My+ people strategy. For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.About the podcast participantsYolanda Seals-Coffield, Chief People Officer, PwC US As US Chief People Officer, Yolanda Seals-Coffield drives PwC's people solutions and function, promoting and supporting our firm’s growth strategy to serve our clients and help our people thrive in and outside of work. As former Chief Employment Counsel, Yolanda worked with teams across every aspect of the employee life cycle — from hiring to performance, diversity and inclusion and alumni. This gives her unique insights into opportunities to help PwC employees learn, develop and grow. J Ofori Agboka, Vice President People Experience and Technology (PXT) - Global Operations at AmazonJ Ofori Agboka is responsible for the worldwide Human Resource (HR) practices for Fulfillment, Transportation, Delivery, Customer Service, Employee Relations (ER), and Workplace Health & Safety. He leads teams that support the employment life cycle of Amazonians globally.His background covers diverse aspects of Human Resources in global and domestic markets spanning automotive and industrial environments. He works hard to utilize his extensive knowledge and expertise and his passion for putting people first, to the fullest potential. He has expertise in strategic human capital planning, employee relations, employment law, employee engagement, performance management, retention and recruiting. His operational background includes in dynamic environments requiring focused decision-making, understanding of how to optimize business processes, developing cost management systems, and enhancing operational efficiency and excellence. His language capabilities include moderate Spanish, and social Mandarin.  

Text us your thoughts on this episodeBoard diversity has been an intense focus area for investors for years. This trend is clear among directors as well. With emerging regulations,and growing external expectations, companies recognize having a wider range of representation at decision-making tables can be essential for success in today's landscape. For women looking to positively impact their careers and community, serving on a board can be a proactive way to make a difference. What are some of the steps women can take to become board-ready? In this episode, Maria Moats, Governance Insights Center Leader at PwC, is joined by Barb Loughran, a Board Director and retired PwC Partner, for a discussion on women's representation on boards and what it means to be board-ready. For more information on this episode's speakers, and to view the full transcript, please visit pwc.com.About the podcast participantsMaria Moats, Governance Insights Center Leader at PwCAs the Governance Insights Center leader, Maria Moats is relentlessly focused on helping directors address corporate governance issues by providing insights and tools to help them be more informed and effective in their roles and create better outcomes.Before leading the Governance Insights Center, Maria served as PwC’s Chief Diversity Officer and Vice Chair, Mexico and US Assurance Leader - overseeing PwC’s national Assurance practice, including strategy and operational aspects to manage a practice of approximately 20,000 professionals. Maria is currently the Senior Relationship Partner (SRP) for several large multinational clients in the financial services, transportation, consumer and industrial products industries.She is a first-generation Mexican-American and an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion. Barb Loughran, Board Director and retired PwC PartnerBarb Lougran is a current board member, global executive, financial expert and prior advisor to boards and audit committees, with 35+ years of experience working with Fortune 500 C-Suite executives and Boards as they navigate strategic, transformational and operational challenges. She has strong and diversified industry expertise, spanning consumer products, retail, engineering, industrial products, services, energy, pharmaceuticals, medical device and technology. Barb is a highly qualified financial expert with 20 years as a PricewaterhouseCoopers partner, including two tours in the National Office. Barb was responsible for leading PwC’s Industrial Products business unit in NY Metro with P&L responsibility. Additionally, she has deep M&A expertise, including leading due diligence internationally. Barb is a current board member, retired PwC partner and angel investor.