COVID-19: How looking back will help business move forward

PwC's accounting podcast

As much as we’d like to put COVID behind us—things are still unpredictable and businesses will need to continue to be agile. This week we’re joined again by Chris Benko, PwC’s chief economist and leader of PwC Intelligence, and Craig Stronberg, a former historian and current Director in PwC Intelligence, for some insight on the impact of COVID-19 as compared to past crises and which lessons learned today may help companies in the future.

Topics include:

• 2:25 - Looking to the past and to the future. Craig sets the stage with how COVID has unfolded in the current geopolitical landscape, the direction things are headed, and lessons that can be learned from past crises.
• 12:35 - Economic impacts. Less uncertainty and more predictability—that’s what we all want. Chris discusses the current “stable disequilibrium” we’re in and how companies can continue to exercise strategic agility.
• 22:10 - Evolving workforce and supply chain. The pandemic continues to disrupt the workforce and supply chain. Business practices will have to change, but how? Chris and Craig provide their perspective.
• 34:04 - Key takeaways. Chris and Craig end on a few positive notes and share what they see as opportunities for companies when COVID is over.

Want to hear more from PwC Intelligence? Check out some of our past podcasts:

• Forecast 2021: How will your business respond to tectonic forces?
• Forecast 2021: Top US economic trends to watch

Chris Benko is PwC’s US Senior Economist, providing the firm and its clients with economic analysis and commentary. Chris leads a team of business and sector analysts, economists, and data scientists, leveraging data and analytics to develop provocative points of view and inform strategic decision-making.

Craig Stronberg leads the Macro Capability for PwC Intelligence, spearheading the team of analysts that provide macroeconomic and geopolitical intelligence to key stakeholders. Named as one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business” by Fast Company, Craig had a nearly 20 year career in national security affairs working for and advising numerous agencies and international partners, having been decorated five times. He focused on numerous areas, including counterintelligence, economic espionage, counterterrorism, cyber threats, political-military issues, special operations integration, and support for major events such as the Olympic Games.

Heather Horn is a Deputy Chief Accountant in PwC’s National Office and leader of the thought leadership group, 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, as well as periodic webcasts for the power and utilities industry. With nearly 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.
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