Every Tuesday in February, Andreas Ohl, PwC’s Global ESG Technical Leader, took over the podcast and talked all about one of a company’s most valuable intangible assets, human capital. He discussed what it is and why it matters, how it’s treated in financial and ESG reporting, and how its value is reflected in deals.

In this final episode of the miniseries, Heather Horn and Andreas are joined by Carrie Duarte, a PwC workforce transformation specialist, to discuss how sophisticated acquirers are creating value through human capital in transactions. They also share insights on how investing in the workforce may create both social value creation (which is the “S” in ESG) and financial value creation.

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:

• 6:30 - Trends in the deals market that are driving outsized returns
• 14:21 - Practical and tactical examples of opportunities identified through deals to create value through the workforce
• 23:37 - The importance of providing a “good job” and managing the investment in the workforce
• 31:37 - How reflecting the voice of the worker in the company’s labor management strategy creates social and financial value creation

Listen to earlier episodes in this series on the impact of recent demographic trends on the investment in human capital, how a company’s largest asset may not be on balance sheet, and on communicating value through ESG reporting.

Andreas Ohl is a partner in PwC's National Office focused on thought leadership, standard setting, and mergers and acquisitions under US GAAP and IFRS. In addition to his US responsibilities, he leads the sustainability topic team for the PwC global network. Andreas is chairman of the Business Valuation Standards Board at the International Valuation Standards Council, is a member of the working group that authored the AICPA's in-process R&D guide, and has served as a member of the FASB's Valuation Resource Group.

Carrie Duarte is a partner leading PwC's Organization and Workforce Transformation Deals team. Carrie helps CEOs take advantage of the catalyzing event of a transaction to transform their organizations and workforces.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.