These days, many consumers are finding buying decisions overwhelming and walking away from interactions online. It’s getting harder to tell what’s real – from product reviews to descriptions – which can lead to hesitation and confusion in people’s shopping habits. This poses a real challenge for organizations engaged in digital commerce. In this episode, we’ll hear from Corie Barry, C.E.O. of Best Buy, and Baiju Shah, Global Chief Strategy Officer at Accenture Song.
Oct 30, 2024•18 min•Transcript available on Metacast For this episode, our hosts Josh and Elise take us on a journey into the future of air travel. For the airline industry, the demand for operational resilience in the face of disruption has never been higher. Looking ahead, aviation companies need to reinvent themselves to build a future that is sustainable, innovative and more convenient for the customer. We’ll speak to Emily Weiss, Global Travel Industry Lead at Accenture and Decius Valmorbida, President of Travel at Amadeus.
Aug 28, 2024•22 min•Ep 41•Transcript available on Metacast If there was ever a time for organizations to get better at managing change, that time is now. Leaders have a love-hate relationship with the idea of change. And it’s easy to see why: Accenture research shows that 90% of organizations have gone through two or more major transformations in the past three years. In this episode, we’ll explore what it means to embrace reinvention as a long-term strategy. We’ll speak to Patrick Apostolo, Director of Corporate Operations and Business Transformation f...
Jul 24, 2024•27 min•Ep 40•Transcript available on Metacast Making meaningful progress toward a net-zero transition requires a new era of collaboration between global stakeholders — from oil, gas and power providers to heavy industry such as steel, metals and mining, cement, chemicals, freight and logistics, to light industry that includes pulp and paper, aerospace and defense, automotive, industrial equipment, life sciences and consumer goods. This episode highlights the critical need for innovation, investment and cooperation across industries to drive...
Jun 26, 2024•22 min•Ep 39•Transcript available on Metacast Across industries, innovators are building technologies and systems that can understand people better than ever before. Wearability, portability, convenience and other features of consumer-oriented devices are driving transformation anywhere people and technology interact. It’s time for leaders to ask how these latest developments might help their enterprises. In this episode, we’ll speak to Moha Bensofia, Chief Evangelist at Mendi; Mary Hamilton, Lead of Accenture Technology Innovation Technolo...
Apr 24, 2024•28 min•Ep 38•Transcript available on Metacast Spatial computing is about to hit its stride. A medium is emerging that can create new value in the form of augmented and virtual realities, enabling the digital world to reflect what it means to be human and in a physical space. In this episode, we’ll explore how open source technology — developed in the entertainment industry — is helping enterprises build immersive new environments. And we’ll take a look at how new spatial technologies could have profound impacts on our everyday experiences. ...
Mar 27, 2024•27 min•Ep 37•Transcript available on Metacast With the rapid acceleration of innovation, many people are feeling that technology is happening to them rather than for them. In fact, according to Accenture research, 41% of frequent tech users say that technology has complicated their lives just as much as it has simplified it. Because of this, businesses should not hide from the oncoming tide of people seeking control over their relationship with technology. The best approach for many organizations is to become part of the solution. In this e...
Feb 28, 2024•24 min•Ep 36•Transcript available on Metacast In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of text-based generative AI and its widespread implications for businesses. With increasing attention being paid to how AI systems are trained and implemented, leaders must learn how to use AI technology responsibly and in ways that are beneficial to the world around us. We’ll explore ways businesses have attempted to address these questions, from staying ahead of the technology by “outsmarting” AI’s learning models to working with them in wa...
Dec 13, 2023•28 min•Ep 35•Transcript available on Metacast The manufacturing centers of the future use every technology at their disposal, from automation to digital twin networks and proprietary cellular networks. Advances in technology will allow enterprises to predict and respond quickly to problems before they arise. In this episode, we’ll examine what a resilient supply chain looks like — and discuss the new technologies that can help create manufacturing processes that remain stable amidst disruption. We’ll speak to Eric Green, VP of User Experien...
Nov 29, 2023•27 min•Ep 34•Transcript available on Metacast We are in the midst of an era defined by constant change. Many organizations are rising to the challenge, transforming faster than ever and embracing new technologies. But research shows that some companies are truly leading the way, embracing a strategy that Accenture calls Total Enterprise Reinvention. So what does it mean to be a Reinventor? In this episode, our host Josh Klein leads a roundtable discussion with Jack Azagury, Group Chief Executive, and Penelope Prett, former Chief Information...
Nov 16, 2023•22 min•Ep 33•Transcript available on Metacast Recent breakthroughs in quantum computing show that the technology is on the verge of fulfilling its vast potential, creating a wave of opportunity for businesses. Leaders who understand the capabilities of quantum computing will be better positioned for the long term — and will be able to capitalize as the technology continues to mature. In this episode, we’ll speak to Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C); Carl Dukatz, Next Gen Compute Lead...
Nov 01, 2023•28 min•Ep 32•Transcript available on Metacast For most of the 20th century, the role of CFO didn’t exist. But the economic turmoil of the 1970s prompted big changes and highlighted the need for more stable financial leadership in most organizations. The role has evolved over the years, with the responsibilities becoming broader and more strategic. These days, the modern CFO is often at the helm for critical decisions within their organization, driving change and taking responsibility for vast amounts of data. In this episode, we’ll speak to...
Oct 18, 2023•29 min•Ep 31•Transcript available on Metacast According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a fourth of the American workforce will be over the age of 55 by 2024. At the same time, technology is changing at such a rapid pace that skill gaps and talent shortages are emerging at every level. To help close those gaps, business leaders should invest in a talent pool that is often overlooked: our aging workforce. And yet, Accenture research shows that only 23% of workers feel that their workplace provides them with a learning environment that pro...
Aug 30, 2023•32 min•Ep 30•Transcript available on Metacast Many organizations are collecting large amounts of data just by going about their everyday business. All this data can provide insight into broader industry trends, consumer habits, market shifts and much more. That’s why businesses need to shift their mindsets toward responsibly embracing transparency, to enhance customer relationships—and to secure new ones. The bottom line? Companies can seize the moment and find ways to take advantage of the changing data ecosystem, or resist them and miss b...
Aug 16, 2023•28 min•Ep 29•Transcript available on Metacast Progress in science and technology go hand in hand — their relationship is a bidirectional feedback loop. Advancements in one direction can accelerate innovation in the other. Today, as new discoveries are being made in areas such as space exploration, artificial intelligence and life sciences, it’s critical for organizations to take strategic advantage of these developments to transform their industries. In this episode, we’ll explore the nascent fields of space data and synthetic biology, and ...
Jul 26, 2023•33 min•Ep 28•Transcript available on Metacast A.I.-enabled creative technology is evolving at an astonishing speed and becoming increasingly accessible to all. Chatbots, image processors and music generators are changing the way humans create, but they are also raising concerns around ethics, authorship and intellectual property. As a result, companies must stay ahead of this trend to avoid missing out on a wave of innovation. In this episode, we’ll learn how two A.I.-based companies have reimagined music and design. We’ll also hear from an...
May 24, 2023•27 min•Ep 27•Transcript available on Metacast How can businesses free up more time for their employees, reduce effort spent struggling with multiple applications and foster meaningful collaboration between teams? The key is interoperability. Accenture research shows that companies that achieve high interoperability grow revenue 6x faster than their more disconnected peers. So, in this episode we explore how the ability to quickly adapt to new circumstances, adopt new technologies and otherwise remain nimble allows companies to thrive. We’ll...
May 10, 2023•27 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast In an unstable world, communities of belonging are more important than ever. That’s why people are using technology to build new digital identities. The question is: Will brands find success online by treating people as customers, or as part of the brand? In this episode, we explore why companies should take a community-first approach to things like content, experiences, data and identity. We’ll speak with Tom Verrilli, Chief Product Officer at Twitch, an interactive livestreaming platform; Kati...
Apr 26, 2023•27 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast The energy industry is undergoing a huge transformation. Sustainability goals and the demand for a cleaner energy system are driving new investment across the entire sector. But recently, global challenges such as the pandemic, inflation and the war in Ukraine have shown that the need for secure energy resources also demands immediate attention. In this episode, we’ll explore how the global economy’s energy future depends on a balanced approach to both security and sustainability. We’ll speak to...
Apr 05, 2023•25 min•Ep 24•Transcript available on Metacast Over the past several years, disruption has been the norm in the travel industry. But in 2022, customer demand for vacations, air travel and other forms of hospitality climbed back toward pre pandemic levels. In this episode, we’ll explore how the demands of the modern traveler are shifting – and how companies can reward their customers with new experiences, better service and seamless operations. We’ll speak to Claire Bennett, Global Chief Customer Officer at IHG Hotels and Resorts; Emily Weiss...
Dec 14, 2022•26 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and a multibillion-dollar commercial industry. But as recently as the 2000s, most professional soccer teams did not prioritize — or even consider — data and analytics when making critical business and personnel decisions. That’s not the case anymore. The demand for accurate data, predictive analytics and A.I. in the world of soccer has exploded on both the business and sporting sides. And that growth is thanks, in part, to a popular video game. In th...
Nov 16, 2022•32 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast Between inflation, upheaval from the pandemic, climate change and other forces out of our control, it can sometimes feel as if we’re navigating a world that’s turned upside down. So, it’s no surprise that our purchasing decisions don’t always look orderly and consistent. Accenture research has shown that while most customers want to shop in a way that matches their values — like sustainability and social responsibility — they are also dealing with practical realities, which can lead to contradic...
Nov 02, 2022•26 min•Ep 21•Transcript available on Metacast According to Accenture research, only 12 percent of companies are applying Artificial Intelligence-related capabilities in the right combination to achieve high performance. Organizations that have achieved success – and reached A.I. maturity – have mastered a set of data and A.I.-related skills, applying them across strategy, processes and people. In this episode, we’ll speak with Katica Roy, C.E.O. and Founder of Pipeline; Sanjeev Vohra, Global Lead of Applied Intelligence Business at Accentur...
Oct 12, 2022•29 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast As the boundaries of the virtual world continue to shift, how can organizations work together to design a metaverse that’s enriching and welcoming for all? New technology has the potential to reshape how businesses interact with the world, but it’s time for leaders to commit to a responsible metaverse – one that’s built on the core principles of ethics, safety and inclusivity. In this episode, we’ll speak with Jessica Lindl, Vice President of Social Impact at Unity Technologies; Denise Zheng, Gl...
Sep 28, 2022•29 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast Even before the pandemic, many organizations struggled to foster strong and innovative working connections among their employees. And now – with technological, organizational and societal changes piling up – the pressure is on business leaders to listen to their employees and explore entirely new ways of working. In this episode, we’ll speak with Dominic Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian; Christie Smith, Global Lead, Talent and Organization/Human Potential at Accenture; and Sean Hinton, Founder ...
Sep 14, 2022•26 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast Social commerce offers something radically different from the traditional e-commerce model. It blends social experiences and e-commerce transactions through a single path to purchase, all enabled by a single platform. And it’s already a hugely popular way of shopping in major markets around the globe, including China, Brazil, and India. In this episode, we’ll explore how brands can harness the power of social commerce to form stronger connections with their customers. We’ll be speaking with Robi...
Jun 29, 2022•28 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Cyber attacks are on the rise – and companies face a constant battle to stay ahead. In 2021, breaches of data, networks, services and other assets climbed by 31%. In this episode, we’ll talk to a former hacker who, years ago, was responsible for one of the fastest-spreading computer viruses in history. We’ll also discuss the risks facing organizations that don’t prioritize the alignment of cybersecurity best practices with their overall business strategy. Our guests this week are Samy Kamkar, C....
Jun 01, 2022•27 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Companies are heading toward a future very different from the one they were designed to operate in. Inspired by Accenture’s “Technology Vision 2022” report, this episode explores several emerging trends that will affect the way we do business for years to come. Our hosts Josh Klein and Elise Hu discuss what it means to compute the impossible – and explore Web3 and the metaverse continuum. We speak with Marc Carrel-Billiard, Global Senior Managing Director for Technology Innovation at Accenture; ...
May 11, 2022•29 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast Intelligent automation has the potential to improve the day-to-day experiences for employees, C.E.O.s and customers alike. But it’s also essential that businesses embrace a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence and process automation. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the new book “The Automation Advantage” with one of the authors, Bhaskar Ghosh, Chief Strategy Officer at Accenture. “The Automation Advantage” offers a helpful automation road map for businesses, including guiding p...
Apr 27, 2022•29 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast This week’s episode is a special recording of Built for Change at the DealBook Online Summit, which took place on November 9, 2021. Hosts Josh Klein and Elise Hu are joined in conversation by Jack Azagury, U.S. Northeast Market Lead, Accenture; Christie Smith, Global Lead of Talent and Organization/Human Potential, Accenture; and Leena Nair, former Chief Human Resources Officer, Unilever. Sponsor session by Accenture.
Mar 30, 2022•28 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
