In this episode, host Adam Boutros sits down with Jean McClellan, PwC Canada’s People and Transformation Leader. During their discussion, Jean offers insights into the evolving skills required by finance, including upskilling tips to retain and attract top finance talent. Jean also shares her perspectives on the future of hybrid work, as well as tangible recommendations for prioritizing well-being in a virtual work environment.
 

00:00- Adam’s introduction to Finance in 15 and guest Jean McClellan

01:33- Jean shares her thoughts on the recent Canadian CFO insights report and the importance of remaining agile in this rapidly changing environment

02:48- Jean discusses successful upskilling practices she’s seen clients implement and the role of the CFO in upskilling

07:28- Jean shares her perspective on the concept of a hybrid work environment

10:58- Jeans offers tips for prioritizing well-being in a virtual work environment

12:25- Jean outlines the top three areas companies should be focusing on in response to workforce challenges

14:14- Adam shares his closing thoughts and conclusions

In this episode, host Adam Boutros sits down with Sarah Marsh, partner at PwC Canada, ESG & reporting and Arlind Sulaj, a director with PwC Canada’s finance transformation practice. They discuss why ESG reporting has become imperative for finance teams and CFOs, how companies can modernize their finance functions and get 'data ready' for ESG reporting with the insights needed to execute on their strategy, and much more.

00:00- Adam’s introduction to Finance in 15 and guests Sarah Marsh and Arlind Sulaj

01:50- Sarah explains the growing intersection between financial performance and sustainability

03:07- Sarah discusses the future of ESG reporting

04:32- Arlind discusses ESG reporting from the perspective of the CFO role

06:01- Sarah explains how CFOs can know which ESG reporting framework is right for their organization

07:19- Sarah explains the roadmap for ESG reporting beyond the first report

09:07- Sarah discusses the type of data companies are reporting on currently

10:08- Arlind explains current trends in data reporting overall

12:14- Sarah explains the role of comp in communicating a company’s ESG priorities

13:21- Arlind discusses new developments in reporting automation

15:01- Sarah discusses current trends in data collection and reporting

17:14- Arlind shares his recommended approach for building robust reporting models

19:00- Sarah offers tips for companies developing their ESG data strategies

19:49- Arlind offers tips for companies developing their ESG data strategies

20:22- Adam shares his closing thoughts and conclusions

In the last episode of 2021, host Adam Boutros sits down with the CFO of PwC Canada, Alaina Tennison, on the Finance in 15 podcast. During the episode, Alaina provides listeners with an overview of her CFO role at PwC, her playbook for leadership, and the future of the finance function. In advance of the release of PwC’s CFO Insights this coming January 2022, Alaina shares her perspectives for CFOs, emphasizing the importance of staying in close communication with finance teams, importance of data and analytics, how ESG is entering the CFO mandate and valuing people above all else. 

Show Notes: 

• 00:00- Adam’s introduction to Finance in 15 and Alaina Tennison
• 01:13- Alaina provides an overview of her role as CFO
• 03:30- Alaina discusses the challenges she and her team have navigated during the pandemic
• 04:57- Alaina discusses her leadership strategy and tips for staying in close contact with her team
• 06:15- Alaina outlines the changes that have occurred within her team during the pandemic
• 08:33- Alaina discusses the increase in productivity she’s seen within her team
• 10:32- Alaina discusses ESG data and reporting
• 14:06- Alaina shares her top tips for finance leaders
• 16:08- Adam shares his closing thoughts and conclusions