Tech Directions

Step into a lively discussion where experts from EY and Microsoft share how Agentic AI is changing the game for enterprise operations—especially within the SAP ecosystem. Rather than sticking to traditional, reactive AI, the conversation explores how intelligent agents are now able to sense, reason, and act, bringing a proactive edge to business processes.You’ll hear how this evolution isn’t just about adopting new technology. It’s about building trust, developing expertise, and having a strategic vision to truly unlock value. The speakers dive into the real-world impact: organizations can move faster, make smarter decisions, and get more out of their SAP investments, all while adapting to today’s unpredictable business landscape.The episode doesn’t shy away from challenges. Leaders talk candidly about overcoming resistance to change, tackling talent shortages, and ensuring strong data governance. There’s also a thoughtful look at workforce transformation—while some worry about job displacement, the consensus is that Agentic AI frees people from repetitive tasks, letting them focus on work that matters most.Throughout, the importance of upskilling and continuous learning is emphasized. Success with Agentic AI, especially in SAP environments, depends on a culture of curiosity and collaboration between humans and AI. If you’re interested in how co-innovation is driving measurable outcomes and reshaping enterprise systems, this conversation is for you.Speakers:Mark Luquire: Global Microsoft Alliance Co-innovation Leader; Managing Director, Microsoft Alliance, Ernst & Young LLPPat Sullivan: Global Digital Engineering Lead; Ernst & Young, LLPMark Skoog: Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships, Microsoft

In this episode of the EY Microsoft Tech Directions podcast, hosted by Susannah Streeter, the focus is on harnessing the power of data and artificial intelligence (AI) to unlock new business value. Joining the conversation are Anna Stamatelatos, Americas Leader for Analytics and Data at Microsoft, and Edward Bobrin, Ernst & Young LLP, leader of Microsoft Data and AI Competency. The episode explores the critical role of data as a strategic asset in today's digital era, emphasizing the necessity of high-quality data and effective governance to derive actionable insights. They discuss the challenges businesses face with data silos and integration, stressing the importance of a broad data strategy and the use of hyper-connected systems for efficient data management. They highlight how companies can overcome data bias by continuously monitoring data sets and incorporating third-party data for a balanced view. The discussion showcases real-world examples of AI driving new revenue streams, improving operational efficiency, and help enhancing customer personalization across various sectors, including retail, health care, and manufacturing. Practical strategies for starting on this journey include defining clear use cases, investing in scalable data platforms and leveraging collaborations for knowledge. Looking ahead, the episode predicts continued advancements in AI and natural language processing, with AI becoming increasingly embedded in everyday business tools. The importance of responsible AI practices, data security, and ongoing employee training is emphasized to help ensure ethical and effective use of AI. Key takeaways: Understand the role of AI in transforming data management and generating actionable insights, emphasizing strategies for overcoming data silos and addressing data quality Appreciate AI's potential to create new revenue streams, improve operational efficiency and personalize customer experiences across various industries Recognize the importance of training and help empowering workforces to utilize AI effectively, highlighting the shift from routine data management to strategic decision-making EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

The world is on a quest to become more sustainable – but what does that mean in practice? How could advances in artificial intelligence help achieve environmental goals? Susannah Streeter welcomes Ben Taylor, EY Market Leader for Climate Change and Sustainability Services, and Mark Kroese, General Manager of the Sustainability Solutions team at Microsoft to discuss very latest generative AI approaches, methodologies, pitfalls and use cases. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Generative AI offers innovative avenues for content but comes with challenges and societal implications, from misinformation threats to ethical dilemmas. Businesses must adopt a balanced approach. Susannah Streeter welcomes Nate Harris, General Manager and Global Leader for Data & AI at Microsoft, and Beatriz Sanz Saiz, EY's Global Consulting Data and AI Leader, to discuss the latest generative AI approaches, methodologies, pitfalls and use cases. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Underperforming and needlessly complex security systems aren't just a drain on day-to-day budgets, they can also open the back door to cyber criminals. Susannah Streeter welcomes Dave Burg, EY Americas Cybersecurity Leader and Kelly Bissell, CVP, Microsoft Security Solution Services, to discuss the benefits of simplifying security and where to spend money doing so. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Tax and finance functions face challenges such as talent shortages, legislative change, and technological transformation. How can they better position themselves to meet these challenges while adding greater value to the organization? Susannah Streeter welcomes Myles Corson, EY Global Finance Leader, Dave Helmer, EY Global Tax and Finance Operate Leader, and Lyn Bird, VP, Cross Industry at Microsoft to discuss how technology is enabling modern finance and tax transformations. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

While more companies than ever value corporate integrity, the EY 2022 Global Integrity Report reveals that the pandemic has made it even harder for businesses to uphold the highest standards. In this latest episode of the EY Microsoft Tech Directions podcast Meribeth Banaschik, EY’s Europe West Innovation Leader and Todd Marlin, EY’s Global Forensic and Integrity Services Technology Innovation Leader join forces with Alan Gibson, Director, Legal and Compliance Innovation at Microsoft to discuss how data-driven technologies can help organizations monitor and manage legal and compliance risk in real time. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Organizations experienced a dramatic spike in cybersecurity risk triggered by the pandemic, largely due to a wholesale switch to remote working. Joram Borenstein, General Manager of Security Sales Strategy & GTM at Microsoft and Kris Lovejoy, EY Global Consulting Cybersecurity Leader, discuss why this increased scrutiny could herald a strategic turning point for the industry. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Organizations will soon be spending $1trn annually on cloud services, according to the IDC. In this podcast Rick Claus, Microsoft Cloud Advocate Team Lead and Tim Rehac, who leads EY’s Cloud Strategy team in the Americas discuss the importance of committing to a definitive company-wide cloud strategy to fast-track success. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.

Artificial Intelligence is now employed in every sector and every business function, but a return on investment is far from guaranteed. In the latest episode of the EY Microsoft Tech Directions Podcast, Stela Solar, Microsoft’s Global Head of AI Solutions and Hugh Burgin, EY’s Data and AI Leader for the Americas, discuss why scale, speed and C-suite sponsorship are critical to success. EY refers to the global organization, and may refer to one or more of the member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. The views of third parties set out in this publication are not necessarily the views of the global EY organization or its member firms. Moreover, they should be seen in the context of the time they were made.