On November 6, 2024, George Brown College’s Centre for Business hosted a fireside chat as part of the Dean’s Lecture Series. Dr. Ian Austin, Dean of the Centre for Business, led the engaging conversation with Nicolas Marcoux, CEO of PwC Canada. The session allowed students to gain firsthand insights from one of Canada’s top business leaders.
Nicolas Marcoux shared his impressive career trajectory at PwC Canada, where he has dedicated over 35 years to the firm. Starting in corporate finance and becoming CEO in 2018, his journey illustrates the value of perseverance, adaptability, and meaningful connections.
A significant focus of the discussion was on generative AI (GenAI) and its transformative potential across industries. Marcoux highlighted PwC’s pioneering role in implementing AI-driven solutions, such as fraud detection and enterprise-wide AI initiatives. He explained, "What we are trying to do as an organization is to build a muscle on how to use GenAI, how to prompt it, use it responsibly, ensure we increase quality and efficiency, and provide a better experience for our people, and ultimately, a better customer experience for our clients."
Marcoux emphasized the importance of using GenAI responsibly, underlining the need for ethical practices and keeping humans at the centre of decision-making. He also addressed concerns about AI’s impact on jobs, encouraging students to embrace AI as a tool to elevate their skills: “Don’t fear AI—fear the people who know how to use AI better than you.”
Advice for Aspiring Business Leaders
Concluding the session, Marcoux shared advice for future professionals, encouraging them to be curious, adaptable, and uncompromising in their integrity. He urged students to cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and innovation to thrive in an evolving job market.
"Engaging with industry leaders such as Nicolas Marcoux provides our students with valuable insights into the skills, strategies, and innovations shaping the workforce of tomorrow. These events are integral to our mission of preparing students to lead and excel in their chosen fields," said Dr. Ian Austin, Dean of the Centre for Business
This engaging discussion provided valuable takeaways for Centre for Business students, highlighting the intersection of leadership, technology, and responsibility in shaping the future of work.
