PwC Tax Talks: The Global Tax Symposium Perspectives

Join PwC’s Teresa Owusu-Adjei as she hosts a live conversation with Tadd Fowler (Procter & Gamble) and Christian Kaeser (Siemens) at the Global Tax Symposium in Barcelona. This episode explores how global tax leaders are navigating unprecedented complexity—geopolitics, technology, sustainability, and regulatory change. Hear practical strategies for staying close to the business, managing compliance challenges like Pillar II, leveraging technology and AI, and leading large tax teams through rapid transformation. Gain actionable advice for tax professionals and the next generation of leaders facing a fast-evolving global landscape.

In "Tax & AI: What Every Tax Leader Needs to Know," Coline Alméras-Vaillant (Director, Technology Transformation and Innovation, PwC France), Hans van der Leeden (Partner, Tax Transformation, PwC Netherlands), and Ewan Fryatt (Partner, PwC United Kingdom) discuss how AI is transforming the tax profession. Explore practical strategies for boosting personal efficiency, building AI-enabled teams, and becoming an AI-enabled leader. Hear real-world examples, actionable tips, and reflections inspired by Mo Gawdat (Author and Former Chief Business Officer of Google [X])’s keynote at the Global Tax Symposium in Barcelona. This episode is essential listening for tax professionals and leaders who want to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape and harness the power of AI for their teams and organizations.

Join Mo Gawdat at the 2025 Global Tax Symposium for a compelling discussion on the future of artificial intelligence, its impact on society, and the evolving nature of work. Discover how AI will transform professional life, why human connection and trust remain essential, and practical strategies for managing stress and uncertainty. This episode also explores ethical AI development, the balance of power, and actionable insights for building a happier, more resilient future.

Welcome to the debut episode of PwC Tax Talks: The Global Tax Symposium Perspectives. Host Peter Riley sits down with Claire Blackburn, Head of Tax at PwC UK, for a candid conversation about what it means to be a tax director in today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.
Claire shares her journey from audit in Australia to leading PwC UK’s tax function, reflecting on how the role of tax professionals has transformed over the past two decades. Together, Peter and Claire explore the shift from technical compliance to strategic business partnering, the growing importance of technology and AI, and the challenges of keeping pace with regulatory change.
Listeners will gain insights into:
The expanding responsibilities of tax teams and directors
How tax functions add value across organizations
The impact of global events and regulatory shifts on tax strategy
The importance of storytelling, collaboration, and culture in driving transformation
The role of technology and AI in shaping the future of tax
Building teams with the right mix of technical and technological skills
Whether you’re a tax professional, business leader, or simply curious about the world of tax, this episode offers practical advice, real-world examples, and a glimpse into the future of the profession.
Tune in for expert perspectives, engaging stories, and actionable takeaways to help you navigate the complexities of modern tax leadership.