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Take on Tomorrow

How can business help solve society’s biggest challenges? Welcome to Take on Tomorrow, the award-winning podcast from PwC that examines the biggest problems facing society and the role business can—and should—play in solving them. Hosts Femi Oke and Lizzie O’Leary talk to industry innovators, tech trailblazers and visionary leaders from around the globe about timely topics: from the climate transition to AI and data; and from the future of food to how we build, move and power the world.
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Episodes

How we fuel and power

The way we power society is transforming, and it’s not happening in a silo. As energy demand and geopolitical tensions both rise, and the shift toward new ways to fuel and power our lives picks up speed, how should businesses rethink the opportunities and challenges ahead? Where can they find new value? And what could the world look like with more collaboration and innovative solutions that have never been tried before? In this episode of our special Take on Tomorrow series, hosts Lizzie O’Leary...

Aug 06, 202527 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Introducing a special series of Take on Tomorrow

This special series of Take on Tomorrow, PwC’s award-winning podcast, unpacks how the global economy will change over the decade ahead and what that means for business and society. We’ll explore how business will navigate—and shape—the challenges and opportunities ahead, including emerging technology, climate impacts, and new ways of collaborating across industries. Though basic human needs will stay the same, the way they’re met—by business, government, and others—will rapidly evolve. We look a...

Aug 01, 20252 min0

Take on Tomorrow @ The World Economic Forum in Davos: What does it take to thrive in an uncertain world?

There are strong forces at play right now—deep and profound trends such as technological disruption and social instability, that are changing our lives and the world around us. Business leaders can’t ignore these megatrends. But what actions are they taking? How can they plan amid a constantly shifting landscape? We’ve gathered insights from thousands of CEOs around the world to try to learn what they’re thinking about the big issues—from GenAI to climate change to the need for reinvention—and w...

Jan 31, 202514 minSeason 3Ep. 9

Take on Tomorrow @ the World Economic Forum in Davos: What does responsible AI look like in the age of agentic AI?

AI is being embedded in everything we do, from the way our cities operate to how we live and work. Information, decision-making, and problem-solving are all being transformed. Enter the “AI agent,” here to help people work smarter and more productively. But will people trust this rapidly evolving technology? And what happens if that trust erodes? Business and society are working to navigate the myriad challenges AI presents—and to answer a big question: how can we work to build responsible AI in...

Jan 24, 202515 minSeason 3Ep. 8

How can we reimagine workplace productivity with GenAI?

More than two years have passed since generative AI went mainstream. Now the pressure is on for the technology to deliver concrete results. So has it lived up to all the hype? And, in particular, has GenAI met its early promise to boost workplace productivity and help employees engage in more high-impact work? Hosts Lizzie O’Leary and Femi Oke talk with Svenja Gudell, Chief Economist at the jobs site Indeed, about the state of the labor market in this new GenAI world and the workforce shifts tha...

Jan 10, 202522 minSeason 3Ep. 7

What does it take to run a responsible business?

Business leaders are asked to perform the ultimate balancing act. They face pressure to manage their company’s environmental footprint, adjust to the impacts of climate change, and build rewarding experiences for employees and customers, all while continuing to deliver financial performance. So, how do they accomplish that? And what can the business world learn from companies that are already testing new ways to respond to these pressures? In this episode of Take on Tomorrow, hosts Lizzie O’Lear...

Nov 29, 202426 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Take on Tomorrow @ the APEC CEO Summit: In unprecedented times, how can we create growth that’s both inclusive and sustainable?

The world is full of uncertainties right now. But there’s also opportunity: a chance for reinvention on a global scale, for business and society to work together to create a future that’s inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. To learn more about that vision of the future, Take on Tomorrow is recording live from the APEC CEO Summit—the most influential annual gathering of business and political leaders from the Asia-Pacific rim’s 21 economies—where we’ll unpack some of the crucial discussions ha...

Nov 18, 202417 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Can ideas be the engine of growth?

Consider this: more than half of the companies that were listed on the Fortune 500 in 2003 have since gone bankrupt, been acquired, or otherwise ceased to exist. And the question of survival is just as urgent for businesses today: 45% of respondents in PwC’s most recent Global CEO Survey said their company won’t be viable in ten years if it sticks to its current path. So how do businesses stay ahead of the curve, and make sure they’re still around in 20 years’ time? In this episode of Take on To...

Nov 01, 202424 minSeason 3Ep. 4

How can we secure the future of food?

Food is essential for our health, survival and social well-being. But global food security is facing increased threats. Climate change, global tensions and supply chain disruptions mean our food systems are becoming more precarious. And as the global population grows, demand for food shows no signs of slowing. So, what role can businesses play in reimagining our food systems? And how can they help with the changes that will be required to secure our food supply for generations to come? In this e...

Oct 18, 202425 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Is quantum computing about to radically change the world?

Quantum computing could revolutionize how we live, and it's fast approaching reality—but is the world ready? Quantum computers use the laws of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems in seconds—making them far more powerful than the most advanced supercomputer. The possibilities seem limitless: it could help treat previously incurable diseases, help us make better informed decisions, and completely reinvent our ways of living. The impact will be huge. So, how should business leaders navigate...

Oct 04, 202428 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Take on Tomorrow @ Climate Week NYC: What are the opportunities when business takes climate action?

No one is untouched by the effects of climate change. That includes businesses of all sizes, which face the mounting risks of nature loss and a warming planet. But these challenges can also reveal opportunities. The transformation, and sometimes complete reinvention, of how a business functions could be just what’s needed to spark the new ways of thinking that will lead to green growth. To tackle these issues — and launch Series 3 of Take on Tomorrow— we’ve recorded an episode live, on the groun...

Sep 27, 202415 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Get ready for Series 3

Take on Tomorrow, the award-winning podcast from PwC’s management publication, strategy and business, returns on Friday 27 September for Series 3. Join hosts Lizzie O’Leary and Femi Oke and hear some of the brightest minds and boldest thinkers on how they’re tackling the greatest challenges facing the world. Follow Take on Tomorrow so you don’t miss an episode.

Sep 25, 20243 min0

How can supply chains transform from fragile to agile?

Supply chains are the lifelines of our global economy—quietly connecting and supporting numerous facets of business operations and everyday lives. In Take On Tomorrow’ s final Series 2 episode, hosts Lizzie and Ayesha delve into the seismic shifts rattling these critical networks with Darcy MacClaren, Chief Revenue Officer for SAP Digital Supply Chain, and David Wijeratne, a partner with PwC Singapore in the International Growth Practice. Together, they reveal how geopolitical, environmental, an...

Mar 08, 202428 minSeason 2Ep. 13

How is GenAI reshaping cybersecurity?

If cybercrime were a country, it would be the third-largest economy in the world after the US and China, according to the World Economic Forum. In the face of such a substantial and pervasive global challenge, generative AI is emerging as a tool to level the playing field—offering sophisticated capabilities for both cyberattackers and defenders. In this episode of Take on Tomorrow, Sarah Armstrong-Smith, Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor in EMEA, is joined by Sean Joyce, PwC’s Global Cybersecur...

Feb 23, 202426 minSeason 2Ep. 12

How can cities help create social and economic sustainability?

In an increasingly urban world—in which 70% of the global population is predicted to reside in cities by 2050—thoughtful conversations about urban development are essential. How can cities transform to meet the needs of their ever-growing populations, without compromising the health of the planet or the well-being of their residents? In this episode, we’re joined by climatologist Angel Hsu, founder of the Data-Driven EnviroLab research group, to discuss its use of satellites as a way to measure ...

Feb 12, 202426 minSeason 2Ep. 11

@ the World Economic Forum in Davos: How can CEOs position their businesses for success in an age of continuous reinvention?

The findings from PwC’s Global CEO Survey are out, and they reveal a fascinating dichotomy: while CEOs’ optimism about global economic growth has more than doubled year-on-year, 45% don’t think their company will survive for more than a decade on its current path—a 6% increase from last year. What’s driving CEO anxiety about the long-term viability of their business models? To what extent are global megatrends, like generative AI and climate change, prompting CEOs to make changes? And what strat...

Jan 29, 202415 minSeason 2Ep. 10

@ the World Economic Forum in Davos: How can reducing energy demand accelerate the climate transition and create economic opportunity?

Recorded at the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum—an event convening leaders from government, business, and civil society to address the state of the world—this episode looks at the escalating global demand for energy and its impact on achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Special guest host Sarah von Fischer from PwC sits down with Rob Turner, Energy Transition Partner for PwC UK, and Ramya Krishnaswamy, Head of Institutional Communities and ESG Initiatives at the World Economic Forum,...

Jan 19, 202415 minSeason 2Ep. 9

How will GenAI transform the workforce?

As the capabilities of generative AI rapidly evolve, professionals around the world are watching attentively—and wondering how the technological leap will affect their careers. There is opportunity in this moment, and also some uncertainty. How disruptive will GenAI be to the workforce? Which sectors are likely to see the biggest changes? And what should business leaders be doing now to harness the potential benefits of GenAI tools for their workers? In our latest episode, hosts Lizzie and Ayesh...

Jan 05, 202426 minSeason 2Ep. 8

@ COP28 in Dubai: Can technology help solve the climate crisis?

Take on Tomorrow is on the move again—recording live in Dubai at COP28 to discuss a core theme at the annual climate change conference: climate technology. Host Lizzie O’Leary sits down with Dr. Yahya Anouti, PwC Middle East’s Sustainability Leader, and Patricia Keating, part of the ventures practice with PwC Middle East, to survey the landscape of climate change solutions and examine the role played by technology—and investment in that technology. Together, the trio spotlights today’s most impa...

Dec 12, 202316 minSeason 2Ep. 7

How can we go further, faster, in the fight against climate change?

As the world grapples with the realities of climate change, a significant gap has emerged between recognizing necessary actions and implementing them effectively. So what factors are impeding progress—and is there still a way to increase the speed and scale of change? In this episode, hosts Lizzie and Ayesha are joined by Christiana Figueres, chief negotiator of the 2015 Paris Agreement, and Emma Cox, PwC’s Global Climate Leader, to discuss the role of leadership in accelerating the shift from u...

Dec 01, 202326 minSeason 2Ep. 6

@ the APEC CEO Summit: How will the Asia-Pacific region shape global growth?

Recorded live at the APEC CEO Summit, the most influential annual gathering of business and political leaders in the Asia-Pacific region, this quick-hit episode taps into the crucial discussions happening at this year’s event. Host Lizzie O’Leary is on-site in San Francisco, where she’s joined by PwC’s Asia-Pacific and China Chair, Raymund Chao, and PwC’s Global Chair, Bob Moritz, to explore the role of the Asia-Pacific region in the global economy. Their conversation steers beyond the surface, ...

Nov 17, 202319 minSeason 2Ep. 5

Is privacy possible in the age of AI?

Business leaders are at a crossroads with generative AI—grappling with its vast potential while untangling intricacies of privacy and trust. Join our hosts Lizzie and Ayesha as they facilitate a rich dialogue with two experts working on the leading edge of AI. Keith Enright, Chief Privacy Officer of Google, sheds light on the complexities of managing privacy in an AI-driven ecosystem. And Mona de Boer, Data and Technology Partner at PwC Netherlands, outlines the AI regulatory landscape and addre...

Nov 02, 202326 minSeason 2Ep. 4

Is talent hiding in plain sight?

Today’s CEOs face a daunting dilemma: too many open jobs, and not enough of the right workers to fill them. In this episode, hosts Lizzie and Ayesha are joined by LinkedIn VP Aneesh Raman and PwC’s Global Workforce Leader, Peter Brown, who suggest an innovative solution to workforce gaps: skills-first hiring. By focusing on skills in addition to employment history and academic credentials, Aneesh and Peter reveal a game-changing approach for businesses of all sizes to identify and utilize their ...

Oct 20, 202324 minSeason 2Ep. 3

Why should business be nature positive?

As the global economy grapples with escalating environmental decline, the imperative to protect our natural world is climbing the agenda for both governments and businesses. In this episode, hosts Lizzie and Ayesha discuss the crucial interactions between nature and business with acclaimed global climate scientist Johan Rockström and PwC’s Daniel O’Brien. Together, they explore the intrinsic and quantifiable importance of nature, offering actions for organizations not only to become nature posit...

Oct 06, 202329 minSeason 2Ep. 2

@ Climate Week NYC: How can business overcome the sustainability stalemate?

Take on Tomorrow is back, and we’re kicking off the new series by taking listeners behind the scenes at Climate Week NYC. Join PwC’s Global Sustainability Leader, Will Jackson-Moore, for a special on-site recording at the largest annual climate gathering of its kind. This quick-hit episode taps into the buzz on the ground at the event, and digs into what climate actions businesses can take to deliver on commitments—and make the biggest impact.

Sep 21, 202314 minSeason 2Ep. 1

Can capital help solve climate change?

Can you make green by going green? Could incentives be reimagined to align the power of the profit motive with the interests of the planet? Several green initiatives involving trillions of dollars in assets are already reconfiguring capital markets. But can this approach work? Ayesha and Lizzie are joined by Alison Rose, the CEO of NatWest Group, and Andrew McDowell, a Strategy& partner with PwC Luxembourg, and former vice president of the European Investment Bank. We’ll learn why one of the...

Dec 12, 202225 minSeason 1Ep. 12

How should business adapt to support a world on the move?

We live in a world of greatly increased mobility—of information, of goods and services, and of the world’s 8 billion people. We move for all sorts of reasons, and that movement can create challenges—but also opportunities. In fact, could a world on the move provide solutions to some of the challenges we face? This week, hosts Lizzie O’Leary and Ayesha Hazarika talk to Parag Khanna, author of Move, a book that examines current trends shaping migration and its historical precedents, and predicts a...

Dec 05, 202225 minSeason 1Ep. 11

How can we ensure the workers of tomorrow get the skills they need today?

Though the global youth population has grown by 30% in the last 20, the number of young people between the ages of 15 and 24 in the labor force has actually fallen by approximately 12%. Even as many countries face labor shortages, the global picture shows deep youth unemployment and underemployment. How can business help close the gap? And can it do so in a way that gives people the skills to succeed and contribute to economic development in the future? Hosts Lizzie O’Leary and Ayesha Hazarika t...

Nov 28, 202225 minSeason 1Ep. 10

How do we ensure humanity stays ahead of technology?

New technology, from alternative energy sources to digitization to artificial intelligence, is changing how we live, how we work, and how our businesses function. But what happens when those advances move so fast that we can’t keep up? And, if businesses and governments don’t understand the technologies, what happens to society? We talk with Azeem Azhar, entrepreneur, author, and founder of the future-focused podcast and newsletter Exponential View, about this “exponential age”—and the gaps it h...

Nov 18, 202223 minSeason 1Ep. 9
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