How can cities help create social and economic sustainability?

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, and technological forces are creating an urgent imperative for business leaders to “de-risk” and strengthen their supply chains—while also spotlighting the opportunities that exist for those who adeptly navigate this new terrain. 

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 Cybersecurity and Privacy Leader. Together, they spotlight how organizations can leverage GenAI for cyber defense, where policymakers fit in, and what opportunities exist for companies that get cyber resilience right. 

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 how environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive our cities really are. We’ll also hear from Hazem Galal, Global Leader for Cities and Local Government with PwC Middle East, about smart cities and smart mobility, and what these concepts mean for the future of our urban areas.

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 strategies can CEOs employ to keep their organizations agile and future-ready? Join special guest host Sarah von Fischer and PwC Global Chair, Bob Moritz, for a live recording from the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, as they dissect the insights from PwC’s latest survey of 4,700 CEOs around the world.

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, to discuss the importance of demand-side management to a sustainable future—plus a set of possible business actions that together have the potential to cut global energy demand by more than 30% while saving US$2 trillion per year in the process.

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 Ayesha sit down with Jerry Kaplan, an AI expert and author, and Scott Likens, PwC’s Global AI and Innovation Technology Leader, for a conversation about the cutting edge, where GenAI is shaping the future of work.

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 impactful tools in the fight against climate change, the expansive horizon for innovation, and strategies to rejuvenate climate tech investment, which has plummeted by more than 40%, year-over-year. 

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 understanding to action, the impact of emerging technologies, and the advantages for businesses that integrate climate mitigation and adaptation into their strategies.

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, offering insights into the impact of AI innovation, the global pressure of climate change, and the current challenges of maintaining supply chains.

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 addresses both risks and opportunities facing companies that use GenAI tools.