In the wake of global challenges and an intensified focus on corporate responsibility, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance), non-financial reporting, and sustainability have become integral.

In our latest podcast, split into three key parts, RSM's global experts analyse how 2024 is shaping up as the Year of ESG, unravel the significance of non-financial reporting, and explore the evolving landscape of sustainability.

Key topics covered include the rise of ESG as a strategic imperative, the shift from financial to non-financial metrics, regulatory landscapes, compliance expectations, emerging trends in sustainable business practices, and challenges in navigating complexities.

Joining our host, Jon Cronin, are Marion Hanon, Global Leader for Quality and Risk at RSM International, Jacob Elkhishin, Partner, Risk Advisory and ESG Services at RSM in Australia, and Deborah Fischer, Partner, Audit, Sustainability, and Governance at RSM in Belgium.

In part one, we focus on the rise of ESG as a strategic imperative, examining the key drivers leading the way and considering best practices.

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the integration of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal force reshaping traditional practices in the professional services sector. As the seemingly limitless list of AI applications continues to grow, how will accountants and legal professionals be affected?

In this thought-provoking episode of Global Spotlight, host John Cronin is joined by Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, and Professor Jeannie Marie Paterson, Co-Director of the Centre for AI and Digital Ethics at Melbourne Law School, University of Melbourne, as they explore the potential implications and impacts: how these cutting-edge technologies are revolutionising the way professionals in these fields work, the challenges they pose, and the opportunities they create. Whether you are a professional seeking to stay ahead of the curve, a technology enthusiast, or simply curious about the future of professional services, this episode of Global Spotlight provides an enlightening journey into the potential of AI in the realms of professional services.

Listen now to hear Jon, Jean, and Jeannie discuss:

• The capabilities of generative AI systems, examining how they differ from the rule-based approaches of the past.

• Whose interests are truly at the heart of AI deployment in professional services: the clients seeking efficient and cost-effective services, or the advisors aiming to streamline their processes and enhance their expertise?

• The risks associated with generative AI in legal and accounting domains.

• How will the next generation of lawyers and accountants be trained as AI both enhances and disrupts these professions.

• Whether advanced AI could ever truly replace a lawyer or an accountant.

All of this and more in the latest episode of Global Spotlight.



Produced and recorded at the Lansons studio.

Recent years have witnessed major disruptions in supply chains, mainly due to the volatile and disruptive economic environment and unforeseen global challenges. As a result, building business resilience has become of utmost importance. Many companies have taken the significant step of relocating production and suppliers closer to their core markets to bolster their resilience. Given the increasingly uncertain environment, businesses are proactively seeking new and flexible approaches to mitigate supply chain risks.

In this episode of Global Spotlight, host Larry Keyler (RSM US) is joined by sector experts, Jason Alexander (RSM US), Rosa Ana Aranda López (RSM Mexico), Mike Thornton (RSM UK), and special guest Fergus McReynolds, Director of EU and International Affairs at Make UK, as they delve into the macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures that are propelling supply chain transformations worldwide, as well as the global efforts to safeguard supply chains and navigate the uncertainties of the business landscape.

Prepare for a deep dive as we present this edition of Global Spotlight, where RSM’s experts offer their valuable insights into the crucial topic of supply chain resiliency as well as:

• Key drivers for supply chain shifts
• The relationship between ESG, technology, and supply chains
• How nearshoring, friendshoring and reshoring could mitigate supply chain disruption
• And much more...

Featuring:

Lawrence Keyler, Partner and Global Automotive Leader, RSM US

Jason Alexander, Partner and Manufacturing Sector Leader, RSM US

Rosa Ana Aranda López, Tax Partner, RSM Mexico

Mike Thornton, Partner and Head of Manufacturing, RSM UK

Fergus McReynolds, Director of EU and International Affairs at Make UK

Produced, recorded and edited by Lansons

Of the many challenges that businesses faced in 2022, the cyber security risks, and breaches that occurred, were particularly prolific. The world has continued to adopt a more digitally-focused lifestyle with working from home becoming more widespread than it has ever been. Additionally, the rapid adoption of advanced technologies such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and a reliance on data analytics have meant that there are now more points of vulnerability for cyber attackers to exploit and launch more sophisticated attacks.

There is a lack of board-level awareness and understanding to the sheer scale of the threats and potential attack points, leading to many businesses acting to contain attacks rather than preventing them. On top of this, the skills gap for in-house cyber security expertise has widened. With cyber security concerns increasing worldwide, how can businesses prepare for the road ahead?

In this episode of Global Spotlight, host, John Cronin, is joined by cyber risk experts Sheila Pancholi (RSM UK), Gregor Strobl (RSM Germany), and Ashwin Pal (RSM Australia) as they discuss the following topics:

· The major cyber security trends of 2022 and concerns for 2023

· Considerations for business leaders in the face of more sophisticated cyber attacks

· How businesses could overcome newfound cyber security risks

· And much more…

Featuring:

Sheila Pancholi, Partner – Technology Risk Assurance, RSM UK

Gregor Strobl, Partner and Co-Head of Risk Advisory Services, RSM Germany

Ashwin Pal, Partner – Cyber Security & Privacy Risk Services, RSM Australia

Recorded and produced by Lansons

One of the most critical issues we face today is environmental sustainability as climate change threatens the future of the planet. Governments and businesses have begun to implement climate measures, but do they go far enough? How can nations and businesses foster a united approach in order to create a long-term positive impact?

This was the focus of discussion at the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) at Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt, which took place 6th - 20th of November, and saw leaders, representatives, campaigners, and lobbyists from around the world examine the action required to combat climate change.

As some disappointment lingered from COP26, our experts from around the world considered how COP27 measured up. Join RSM’s podcast host, Jon Cronin, Jacob Elkhishin (RSM Australia), Rich Hall, (RSM UK), Gidion Lont (RSM Netherlands), and Kareem Abu Eid (RSM Kuwait), as they explore the following points, and much more:

• The expectations vs reality of COP27
• The standout agreements made and any changes to past net zero agreements
• Progress made on measurement and reporting of impact related activity and net zero targets
• A regional look at how COP27 has influenced key decision makers including the impact in the Middle East and North Africa region

Recorded and produced by Lansons