The Better Finance Podcast

EY
The Better Finance Podcast

The EY Better Finance Podcast explores the changing dynamics of the business world and what it means for finance leaders of today and tomorrow. Hosted by EY’s Myles Corson, this series offers insights from leaders on key topics affecting the world of corporate finance.

  1. How board members can manage risk and complexity to drive success

    AUG 14

    How board members can manage risk and complexity to drive success

    This episode of The Better Finance podcast explores the board member’s role in risk management and company structure, and the impact of AI and technology on organizational challenges. Host Myles Corson speaks with Jan Babiak, an independent board member and audit committee chair with extensive experience across various sectors and countries. The discussion begins with Babiak's recognition as one of the top 20 value-adding directors in the US. Her career journey is then explored, from her early days at the EY organization to becoming a seasoned board member. Jan has experience in areas, such as IT security, cybersecurity, regulatory and public policy, and climate change and sustainability. Jan emphasizes the importance of boards managing not just routine business risk strategies, but also being prepared for unexpected events and future challenges. She highlights the differences in risk management responsibilities and resources between public and private companies, noting that private companies may not have the same infrastructure and may need to be more agile in their approach. The conversation also touches on the influence of organizational structures on risk management, the impact of founder culture on private companies, and the challenges of balancing growth opportunities with risk mitigation. Jan shares her insights on the evolving risks associated with technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), and the need for businesses to be aware of the potential misuse of such technologies. Myles and Jan discuss the similarities and differences in board membership across various countries, with Jan noting that while the day-to-day work is largely similar, governance models and regulations can differ significantly. She also offers advice to aspiring board members, stressing the need for intentionality, breadth of experience and openness to serving on different types of boards. © 2024 Ernst & Young Global Limited

    32 min
  2. How CFOs can harness the transformative power of AI in finance

    JUN 19

    How CFOs can harness the transformative power of AI in finance

    In this episode, we delve into the transformative role of the CFO in the rapidly evolving landscape of finance, shaped by the advent of digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Glenn Hopper shares his insights on how the traditional responsibilities of CFOs are expanding beyond mere financial reporting to encompass strategic guidance and predictive analytics. The episode provides an understanding of how CFOs can become pivotal change agents within their organizations. It discusses the importance of embracing technology and AI to not only enhance forecasting and metrics reporting, but also to drive informed decision-making processes. The episode also explores the value of leveraging data from a variety of sources, beyond financial data, to gain a competitive edge. The episode also explores the reasons for CFOs to conduct thorough reviews of business processes across all departments and explains how identifying inefficiencies and optimizing data flows can help to improve an organization's overall performance. Plus, it offers some insights into the potential opportunities and limitations of AI in financial planning and analysis (FP&A). Finally, the episode addresses the strategic leadership skills required by CFOs in this age of digital transformation. Glenn shares insights on the need for CFOs to understand data science principles and responsibly leverage AI tools to enhance organizational efficiency. © 2024 Ernst & Young Global Limited

    34 min
  3. How customer connections, reporting and sustainability drive success

    APR 16

    How customer connections, reporting and sustainability drive success

    In this episode, Lululemon executives Meghan Frank, CFO, and Alex Grieve, CAO, engage in a captivating conversation with Myles Corson. Together, they delve into their pivotal roles in driving Lululemon's success, highlighting the significance of sustainability, customer connections, and technological advancements. To kickstart the discussion, Meghan and Alex reflect on their unique experience of sharing the CFO role for a brief period, which ultimately resulted in the development of a strong and mutually beneficial relationship between them. They emphasize how open and transparent communication has played a pivotal role in their successful engagement with investors. By consistently focusing on key themes that investors are genuinely interested in, they have been able to shape their communication strategies accordingly. Recognizing the paramount importance of sustainability, Meghan and Alex proudly view it as an integral part of Lululemon's mission. They prioritize keeping investors well-informed about the company's progress in this domain, and specifically stress the crucial role of accurate reporting, including sustainability reporting. Customer loyalty is another important aspect that Meghan and Alex address during their discussion. They delve into the various programs implemented by Lululemon to nurture and maintain customer satisfaction. Moreover, they emphasize that the very essence of Lululemon's DNA lies in fostering connection and building a strong sense of community among its customers. By prioritizing these foundational principles, Lululemon continues to cultivate and strengthen its customer relationships, reinforcing loyalty and further solidifying its position in the market. The views and opinions expressed are those of the individuals and do not reflect the official policy or position of EY or any other organization. © 2024 Ernst & Young Global Limited

    23 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

The EY Better Finance Podcast explores the changing dynamics of the business world and what it means for finance leaders of today and tomorrow. Hosted by EY’s Myles Corson, this series offers insights from leaders on key topics affecting the world of corporate finance.

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