As we approach the end of 2023’s first quarter, we wanted to take time today to zoom out to the broader business environment that finance organizations are navigating. Between a tightening money supply, inflation, and ongoing demands from investors and stakeholders to grow in a sustainable way – we wanted to ask, how are companies managing it all? What are their near term and long-term priorities, and how are these changing in the current environment?

Heather Horn was joined by Wes Bricker, PwC’s Vice Chair and Trust Solutions Co-Leader, to discuss these questions and more based on his business leadership within PwC and extensive client experience.

In this episode, you will hear:

• 2:11 - The three areas of uncertainty that businesses are navigating in 2023
• 11:14 - The imperative companies face to reinvent their business models for long-term survival
• 18:53 - How companies are integrating climate, human capital, and other ESG topics into their reinvention strategies
• 29:26 - How the principles of candor, truth-telling, and humility instill trust in companies’ near-term and long-term goals
• 37:20 - The importance of going beyond “check-the-box” compliance in reporting by presenting a coherent strategy and vision for the business
• 44:40 - How the voice of the CFO organization is supporting companies in earning trust

Want to hear more perspectives from our latest Global CEO survey? Check out our summary of the survey results.

Wes Bricker is PwC’s Vice Chair and Trust Solutions Co-Leader for the US and Mexico. In this role he oversees the largest Trust platform in the world, bringing together the firm’s combined Audit, ESG, Digital Assurance, and Tax Reporting capabilities to best help clients as they seek to build trust with their stakeholders. As co-leader, Wes is responsible for the quality of service, excellence in the work performed by over 21,000 partners and staff, developing diverse teams, and driving innovation.

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.