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Built for Change

40 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 month ago - ★★★★ - 162 ratings

The modern business landscape is constantly evolving, presenting unprecedented challenges for leaders. The Built for Change podcast, hosted by journalist Elise Hu and technologist Josh Klein, explores these challenges and how leaders can adapt to thrive in this environment.

Through insightful conversations with industry thought leaders, the podcast explores innovative approaches to meeting customer needs, the relationship between employee well-being and company success, and the role of technology and sustainability in driving business transformation.

Whether you're a business leader seeking to stay ahead of the curve or simply interested in the latest developments in the world of business, Built for Change offers valuable insights and actionable advice. Subscribe to the podcast today and join the conversation on how to thrive in an ever-changing business landscape.

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Episodes

What You Need to Know About Spatial Computing

March 27, 2024 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

Spatial computing is about to hit its stride. A medium is emerging that can create new value in the form of augmented and virtual realities, enabling the digital world to reflect what it means to be human and in a physical space. In this episode, we’ll explore how open source technology — developed in the entertainment industry — is helping enterprises build immersive new environments. And we’ll take a look at how new spatial technologies could have profound impacts on our everyday experienc...

Error 429: Human Request Limit Reached

February 28, 2024 09:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

With the rapid acceleration of innovation, many people are feeling that technology is happening to them rather than for them. In fact, according to Accenture research, 41% of frequent tech users say that technology has complicated their lives just as much as it has simplified it. Because of this, businesses should not hide from the oncoming tide of people seeking control over their relationship with technology. The best approach for many organizations is to become part of the solution. In th...

Responsible Generative AI Is Rewriting the Future of Productivity

December 13, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.2 MB

In this episode, we delve into the evolving landscape of text-based generative AI and its widespread implications for businesses. With increasing attention being paid to how AI systems are trained and implemented, leaders must learn how to use AI technology responsibly and in ways that are beneficial to the world around us. We’ll explore ways businesses have attempted to address these questions, from staying ahead of the technology by “outsmarting” AI’s learning models to working with them i...

How to Build End-to-End Supply Chain Resilience

November 29, 2023 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MB

The manufacturing centers of the future use every technology at their disposal, from automation to digital twin networks and proprietary cellular networks. Advances in technology will allow enterprises to predict and respond quickly to problems before they arise. In this episode, we’ll examine what a resilient supply chain looks like — and discuss the new technologies that can help create manufacturing processes that remain stable amidst disruption. We’ll speak to Eric Green, VP of User Expe...

Beyond Business Transformation: A New Strategy for Reinvention

November 16, 2023 09:00 - 22 minutes - 20.4 MB

We are in the midst of an era defined by constant change. Many organizations are rising to the challenge, transforming faster than ever and embracing new technologies. But research shows that some companies are truly leading the way, embracing a strategy that Accenture calls Total Enterprise Reinvention. So what does it mean to be a Reinventor? In this episode, our host Josh Klein leads a roundtable discussion with Jack Azagury, Group Chief Executive, and Penelope Prett, former Chief Informa...

Get Ready for the Quantum Future

November 01, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MB

Recent breakthroughs in quantum computing show that the technology is on the verge of fulfilling its vast potential, creating a wave of opportunity for businesses. Leaders who understand the capabilities of quantum computing will be better positioned for the long term — and will be able to capitalize as the technology continues to mature. In this episode, we’ll speak to Celia Merzbacher, Executive Director of the Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C); Carl Dukatz, Next Gen Compute ...

Beyond the Financials: How Today’s CFOs Are Reshaping Organizations

October 18, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

For most of the 20th century, the role of CFO didn’t exist. But the economic turmoil of the 1970s prompted big changes and highlighted the need for more stable financial leadership in most organizations. The role has evolved over the years, with the responsibilities becoming broader and more strategic. These days, the modern CFO is often at the helm for critical decisions within their organization, driving change and taking responsibility for vast amounts of data. In this episode, we’ll spea...

A Mature Approach to Skilling: What Companies Need to Know

August 30, 2023 08:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MB

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a fourth of the American workforce will be over the age of 55 by 2024. At the same time, technology is changing at such a rapid pace that skill gaps and talent shortages are emerging at every level. To help close those gaps, business leaders should invest in a talent pool that is often overlooked: our aging workforce. And yet, Accenture research shows that only 23% of workers feel that their workplace provides them with a learning environment that...

Why Data Transparency Is a Competitive Advantage

August 16, 2023 08:00 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Many organizations are collecting large amounts of data just by going about their everyday business. All this data can provide insight into broader industry trends, consumer habits, market shifts and much more. That’s why businesses need to shift their mindsets toward responsibly embracing transparency, to enhance customer relationships—and to secure new ones. The bottom line? Companies can seize the moment and find ways to take advantage of the changing data ecosystem, or resist them and mi...

From Biotech to Space: Exploring the Science-Technology Innovation Feedback Loop

July 26, 2023 11:23 - 32 minutes - 30 MB

Progress in science and technology go hand in hand — their relationship is a bidirectional feedback loop. Advancements in one direction can accelerate innovation in the other. Today, as new discoveries are being made in areas such as space exploration, artificial intelligence and life sciences, it’s critical for organizations to take strategic advantage of these developments to transform their industries. In this episode, we’ll explore the nascent fields of space data and synthetic biology, ...

Can AI Help Enable Human Creativity?

May 24, 2023 08:00 - 27 minutes - 24.8 MB

A.I.-enabled creative technology is evolving at an astonishing speed and becoming increasingly accessible to all. Chatbots, image processors and music generators are changing the way humans create, but they are also raising concerns around ethics, authorship and intellectual property. As a result, companies must stay ahead of this trend to avoid missing out on a wave of innovation. In this episode, we’ll learn how two A.I.-based companies have reimagined music and design. We’ll also hear fro...

Breaking Down Silos: How Interoperability Unlocks Growth

May 10, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

How can businesses free up more time for their employees, reduce effort spent struggling with multiple applications and foster meaningful collaboration between teams? The key is interoperability. Accenture research shows that companies that achieve high interoperability grow revenue 6x faster than their more disconnected peers. So, in this episode we explore how the ability to quickly adapt to new circumstances, adopt new technologies and otherwise remain nimble allows companies to thrive. W...

Life Trends: How Emerging Technologies Are Giving People Control Over Their Digital Experiences

April 26, 2023 08:00 - 26 minutes - 24.6 MB

In an unstable world, communities of belonging are more important than ever. That’s why people are using technology to build new digital identities. The question is: Will brands find success online by treating people as customers, or as part of the brand? In this episode, we explore why companies should take a community-first approach to things like content, experiences, data and identity. We’ll speak with Tom Verrilli, Chief Product Officer at Twitch, an interactive livestreaming platform; ...

What to Know About the Energy Transition – And the Balance of Security and Sustainability

April 05, 2023 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23 MB

The energy industry is undergoing a huge transformation. Sustainability goals and the demand for a cleaner energy system are driving new investment across the entire sector. But recently, global challenges such as the pandemic, inflation and the war in Ukraine have shown that the need for secure energy resources also demands immediate attention. In this episode, we’ll explore how the global economy’s energy future depends on a balanced approach to both security and sustainability. We’ll spea...

Looking Ahead to the Future of Travel

December 14, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MB

Over the past several years, disruption has been the norm in the travel industry. But in 2022, customer demand for vacations, air travel and other forms of hospitality climbed back toward pre pandemic levels. In this episode, we’ll explore how the demands of the modern traveler are shifting – and how companies can reward their customers with new experiences, better service and seamless operations. We’ll speak to Claire Bennett, Global Chief Customer Officer at IHG Hotels and Resorts; Emily W...

From Gaming to Growing the ‘World’s Game’

November 16, 2022 09:00 - 32 minutes - 29.5 MB

Soccer is the most popular sport in the world and a multibillion-dollar commercial industry. But as recently as the 2000s, most professional soccer teams did not prioritize — or even consider — data and analytics when making critical business and personnel decisions. That’s not the case anymore. The demand for accurate data, predictive analytics and A.I. in the world of soccer has exploded on both the business and sporting sides. And that growth is thanks, in part, to a popular video game. I...

Why Businesses Need to Be Life-Centric

November 02, 2022 08:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

Between inflation, upheaval from the pandemic, climate change and other forces out of our control, it can sometimes feel as if we’re navigating a world that’s turned upside down. So, it’s no surprise that our purchasing decisions don’t always look orderly and consistent. Accenture research has shown that while most customers want to shop in a way that matches their values — like sustainability and social responsibility — they are also dealing with practical realities, which can lead to contr...

The Art of AI Maturity and Why It Matters

October 12, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

According to Accenture research, only 12 percent of companies are applying Artificial Intelligence-related capabilities in the right combination to achieve high performance. Organizations that have achieved success – and reached A.I. maturity – have mastered a set of data and A.I.-related skills, applying them across strategy, processes and people. In this episode, we’ll speak with Katica Roy, C.E.O. and Founder of Pipeline; Sanjeev Vohra, Global Lead of Applied Intelligence Business at Acce...

The Art of A.I. Maturity and Why It Matters

October 12, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.8 MB

According to Accenture research, only 12 percent of companies are applying Artificial Intelligence-related capabilities in the right combination to achieve high performance. Organizations that have achieved success – and reached A.I. maturity – have mastered a set of data and A.I.-related skills, applying them across strategy, processes and people. In this episode, we’ll speak with Katica Roy, C.E.O. and Founder of Pipeline; Sanjeev Vohra, Global Lead of Applied Intelligence Business at Acce...

How to Build a Responsible Metaverse

September 28, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

As the boundaries of the virtual world continue to shift, how can organizations work together to design a metaverse that’s enriching and welcoming for all? New technology has the potential to reshape how businesses interact with the world, but it’s time for leaders to commit to a responsible metaverse – one that’s built on the core principles of ethics, safety and inclusivity. In this episode, we’ll speak with Jessica Lindl, Vice President of Social Impact at Unity Technologies; Denise Zheng...

Reimagining the Future of Work

September 14, 2022 08:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

Even before the pandemic, many organizations struggled to foster strong and innovative working connections among their employees. And now – with technological, organizational and societal changes piling up – the pressure is on business leaders to listen to their employees and explore entirely new ways of working. In this episode, we’ll speak with Dominic Price, Work Futurist at Atlassian; Christie Smith, Global Lead, Talent and Organization/Human Potential at Accenture; and Sean Hinton, Foun...

Why the Future of Shopping Is Social

June 29, 2022 08:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

Social commerce offers something radically different from the traditional e-commerce model. It blends social experiences and e-commerce transactions through a single path to purchase, all enabled by a single platform. And it’s already a hugely popular way of shopping in major markets around the globe, including China, Brazil, and India. In this episode, we’ll explore how brands can harness the power of social commerce to form stronger connections with their customers. We’ll be speaking with ...

The Path to Cyber Resilience

June 01, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 24.9 MB

Cyber attacks are on the rise – and companies face a constant battle to stay ahead. In 2021, breaches of data, networks, services and other assets climbed by 31%. In this episode, we’ll talk to a former hacker who, years ago, was responsible for one of the fastest-spreading computer viruses in history. We’ll also discuss the risks facing organizations that don’t prioritize the alignment of cybersecurity best practices with their overall business strategy. Our guests this week are Samy Kamkar...

The Technology Trends Shaping Our Collective Future

May 11, 2022 08:00 - 29 minutes - 26.7 MB

Companies are heading toward a future very different from the one they were designed to operate in. Inspired by Accenture’s “Technology Vision 2022” report, this episode explores several emerging trends that will affect the way we do business for years to come. Our hosts Josh Klein and Elise Hu discuss what it means to compute the impossible – and explore Web3 and the metaverse continuum. We speak with Marc Carrel-Billiard, Global Senior Managing Director for Technology Innovation at Accentu...

Discovering the Automation Advantage

April 27, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Intelligent automation has the potential to improve the day-to-day experiences for employees, C.E.O.s and customers alike. But it’s also essential that businesses embrace a human-centric approach to artificial intelligence and process automation. In this episode, we’ll be discussing the new book “The Automation Advantage” with one of the authors, Bhaskar Ghosh, Chief Strategy Officer at Accenture. “The Automation Advantage” offers a helpful automation road map for businesses, including guidi...

A Special Episode of Built for Change at the DealBook Online Summit

March 30, 2022 08:00 - 27 minutes - 25.5 MB

This week’s episode is a special recording of Built for Change at the DealBook Online Summit, which took place on November 9, 2021.  Hosts Josh Klein and Elise Hu are joined in conversation by Jack Azagury, U.S. Northeast Market Lead, Accenture; Christie Smith, Global Lead of Talent and Organization/Human Potential, Accenture; and Leena Nair, former Chief Human Resources Officer, Unilever. Sponsor session by Accenture.

The New Fabric of Life: Fjord Trends 2022

March 09, 2022 09:30 - 26 minutes - 24.3 MB

The past two years have been marked by disruptions on a scale never seen before, and it’s taking a toll on individuals and society as a whole. From “The Great Resignation” to global supply chain disruptions, businesses are grappling with huge shifts in people’s relationships with work and materialism. Each year, the Accenture Interactive team identifies the major emerging trends and challenges that will influence the year ahead. Last year’s trends spoke to how people and businesses needed to...

Flipping the Script on Deepfake Technologies

December 15, 2021 05:41 - 29 minutes - 26.9 MB

An executive at an energy firm based in Britain receives a call from his boss, asking him to transfer 220,000 euros to a Hungarian vendor. He transfers the money, only to find out later that it wasn’t his actual boss who called him. It was a sophisticated fake of his boss’s real voice. You may have heard of “deepfakes” in the media by now. But what about the underlying technologies that power them, called GANs (Generative Adversarial Networks)? While most people probably associate deepfakes ...

Preparing for the Society of the Future

December 01, 2021 05:10 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

To thrive in the future, companies must rethink their growth strategies. A select group of companies, that Accenture calls Forerunners, recognize that emerging lifestyle shifts among consumers and investors will impact business in the future. But Forerunners are not just reacting to change. They are taking real steps to seize opportunities. These companies are charting a better course into the future by prioritizing ethical usage of technology, environmental sustainability, human care and mo...

Brewing Up Innovation in the Cloud

November 10, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

What is the cloud? Sure, it’s a place where photos and files can be stored for quick, easy and affordable access, but do companies understand what’s really possible in the cloud? In this episode, we learn that it can even help a brewery that has been in operation for more than 170 years pour the best possible pint of beer. We will discuss how companies can tap into the potential of the cloud today, so they are well-positioned to take advantage of the new opportunities that the cloud will off...

Shaping the Sustainable Organization

October 27, 2021 04:05 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Business leaders have been under tremendous pressure to deliver financial value to stakeholders, while also committing to sustainability goals. The pandemic only increased the urgency many leaders feel to deliver benefits for all stakeholders. In this episode, we’ll explore how companies with strong “Sustainability DNA” are more likely to deliver financial value and a lasting positive impact for their people, society, and the environment. We’ll speak with: Erik Osmundsen, Former C.E.O. and F...

How ‘New Science’ Is Changing Healthcare

October 13, 2021 04:10 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

If there’s one good thing that’s come from the pandemic, it’s this: Scientists and drug manufacturers came together in record time and with a shared purpose to create a safe and effective Covid-19 vaccine. In doing so, they set a precedent for medical advancements. So, where do we go from here? In this episode, we’ll talk about how biopharma companies can learn from last year’s disruption and harness what Accenture calls ‘New Science’ to rapidly discover and deliver revolutionary treatments ...

Getting to Know the ‘Reimagined’ Consumer

September 22, 2021 04:10 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

The pandemic compelled consumers worldwide to drastically shift their views on what’s important, particularly with the businesses they patronize and the products they use. The majority of consumers are rethinking not only their purchasing habits but also what they prioritize in life, a recent Accenture survey of more than 25,000 consumers in 22 countries showed. How can companies contend with these shifting priorities and turn consumer uncertainty into consumer growth? In this episode, we’ll...

Where Will the Future of Business Take Place?

August 31, 2021 19:04 - 27 minutes - 25.1 MB

In this episode, we ask the question: Where will the future of business take place? Companies are revolutionizing where and how we work, consume and meet up with friends. And the pandemic, which started a worldwide experiment in remote work, has made long-distance collaboration the new normal. We’ll learn how virtual worlds can redefine our sense of place and open up new possibilities for manufacturing, research and commerce. We’ll also explore the radical way business leaders can push decis...

What Makes a Business Future-Ready?

June 22, 2021 18:00 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MB

After 2020, many organizations faced a new imperative: To lean into technology and optimize business operations for agility, resilience and growth. But while many organizations are making incremental changes to their business operations, they’re not scaling fast enough. Only 7% of businesses are future-ready. How can others catch up? In this episode, Manish Sharma, group chief executive of Accenture Operations, shares his insights. Daragh Sibley, director of data science at Stitch Fix, and J...

Where Does Your Business Need to Double Up?

May 26, 2021 04:05 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MB

New business realities are fueling powerful opportunities that lie at the intersection of technology and sustainability. Accenture’s European C.E.O. Jean-Marc Ollagnier discusses how these two currents are playing out in Europe as well as the U.S., and explains that companies which are bold enough to attempt this twin transformation will be tomorrow’s leaders. Hosts Elise Hu and Josh Klein explore how UPS and Schneider Electric saw the true opportunity in the marriage of technology and susta...

A Powerful Business Case for Happier Workers

May 12, 2021 04:05 - 29 minutes - 27.4 MB

Can anything erase the historic tension between employers and workers, create trust and leave both parties better off? Groundbreaking new research from Accenture is paving the way for a new paradigm in modern business: Companies that help employees truly thrive, personally as well as professionally, are the ones that will win in the market of the future. While some leaders have long been sympathetic to this idea, the business case was harder to prove — until now. Ellyn Shook, Chief Leadershi...

Why Business Leaders Must Become Tech Leaders

May 01, 2021 10:00 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MB

Until 2020, many companies believed they were further along in their digital evolution than they actually were. The pandemic revealed the truth about that technology gap — and also the immense opportunity it presents for organizations willing to change. In this conversation with Dr. Mona Flores, global head of medical A.I. at NVIDIA; Port of Rotterdam president and C.E.O. Allard Castelein and Accenture’s C.T.O. Paul Daugherty, we learn how some enterprises reimagined their systems to leverag...

Evolving the Customer Experience

April 13, 2021 16:17 - 27 minutes - 25 MB

User-friendly websites, well-designed billboards, chatbots and customer surveys — these standard customer experience touchpoints have grown so common, consumers are mired in a sea of sameness. How can businesses evolve their strategies to truly stand out? Welcome to what Accenture calls the Business of Experience. In this episode, we’ll meet C.E.O.s who have reoriented their entire organizations to focus on what their customers want, rather than trying to get customers to want their products...

Welcome to Built for Change

April 02, 2021 15:00 - 1 minute - 1.8 MB

Built for Change, hosted by broadcast journalist Elise Hu and technologist Josh Klein, explores how the global pandemic has not only forced radical changes in business, technology and human behavior, but has created new opportunities for leaders to evolve and ultimately excel in this challenging environment. Through compelling conversations with industry thought leaders, Built for Change dismantles shop-worn assumptions of how to meet customer needs; links a new model of employee well-being t...