PwC Leader Talks AI Growth, Cloud Strategy, and Business Transformation

In a rapidly evolving digital era, businesses are navigating a labyrinth of innovation—and technologies like AI and the cloud are leading the way. In a recent conversation on the Cloud Wars Live podcast, Scott Likens, Global AI and Innovation Technology Leader at PwC, shares pivotal insights into how businesses can leverage AI, cloud computing, and modern data strategies to revolutionize operations, drive growth, and remain competitive in a highly dynamic market.

Accelerating Innovation Through AI and Cloud Synergy

The convergence of AI and cloud technologies has opened up a tremendous wave of opportunity for enterprises. Likens emphasizes that these technologies are no longer optional but essential for survival and future success.

AI’s accelerating impact lies in its ability to transform how businesses operate—from automating routine tasks to enabling more strategic decision-making through predictive analytics. But AI doesn’t operate in a vacuum. It needs a robust infrastructure, and that’s where cloud strategy becomes essential.

The synergistic relationship between AI and cloud enables companies to:

• Scale AI models more efficiently using cloud-native services
• Enhance data accessibility and collaboration across global teams
• Deploy AI-powered tools and copilots to increase worker productivity and customer satisfaction

Likens points out that the cloud is not just a storage solution—it’s the foundation that allows AI to operate at optimal speed and scale.

Copilot and AI Agents: Unlocking Workflow Intelligence

One of the most exciting developments in AI involves the rise of AI copilots and agents. These intelligent digital assistants act as smart teammates that help employees complete tasks more efficiently.

In PwC’s own experience, Likens shares that copilots are becoming integral to how consultants and analysts work. From summarizing complex data sets to suggesting next best actions, AI agents are helping to democratize knowledge and speed up decision-making processes.

Business benefits of AI copilots include:

• Enhanced productivity through automation of mundane tasks
• Real-time recommendations and insights that enable more informed decision-making
• Reduced operational costs by streamlining workflows

Moreover, these copilots aren’t just for tech teams. Likens insists that their user-friendly designs are making advanced capabilities accessible to people across all functions—from HR to marketing and finance.

Business Transformation: A Strategy, Not Just a Vision

Likens is quick to point out that adopting AI and cloud isn’t merely about deploying the technologies. Real business transformation comes from pairing these tools with a strategic cultural shift.

“You can’t just bolt AI onto your existing systems and expect magic to happen.”

Transformation requires commitment at all levels: executive sponsorship, IT partnerships, and a commitment to upskilling the workforce. What PwC has learned through both internal transformation and client engagements is that:

• Change management and education are critical in getting buy-in for new technologies
• Building trust in AI—particularly its outputs—is essential for widespread adoption
• Organizations that integrate AI with business goals experience faster ROI and better innovation outcomes

PwC practices what it preaches. The company has invested over $1 billion in upskilling its workforce and developing its own suite of AI-powered solutions to assist consultants and decision-makers internally. This focus on real-world application highlights the importance of aligning technology implementation with human expertise and organizational vision.

Skills, Trust, and Governance: The Human Factor in AI

The discussion also delves into the increasingly crucial elements of trust, data governance, and workforce development. For AI and cloud initiatives to succeed, these human and structural considerations must evolve in parallel.

According to Likens:

• Organizations must invest in AI literacy across their teams to ensure effective usage and ethical understanding
• Governance frameworks must be in place to control data access, privacy, and algorithmic transparency
• Trust is built by involving people in the AI development process so they can challenge assumptions and validate outcomes

This human-centric approach to AI not only reduces the chances of ethical failures and AI hallucinations but also increases user adoption by making people feel a part of the solution rather than passive recipients of a new tool.

Cloud as a Catalyst for Scalable Change

At the heart of transformational initiatives is the cloud. Likens describes the cloud not as a finish line but as the starting point for change. It’s where businesses lay the groundwork to innovate, scale, and stay agile in a volatile market.

The cloud enables the following:

• Global collaboration via seamless data sharing and remote access
• Cost flexibility through usage-based infrastructure
• Rapid deployment of scalable AI and automation tools

Companies that move aggressively and smartly into cloud capabilities unlock significant business value, especially when they align their cloud strategies with long-term business objectives.

What’s Next: Future-Proofing the Enterprise

Looking ahead, Likens envisions a future where AI and cloud continue to redefine traditional business models. However, he cautions that the winners in this transformation era will be those that integrate human insight, agile technology, and trustworthy data into one connected strategy.

“Leaders should focus not just on digitizing processes but optimizing value creation.”

The next few years may bring advances in:

• Autonomous decision systems that enhance real-time operations
• Smarter copilots that tailor experiences to each professional’s workflow
• Cross-industry innovation driven by AI insights and data collaboration

Enterprises that act now, experiment, and iterate quickly will be best positioned to adapt and grow. PwC’s own strategy demonstrates that attempting to leap into the future without a foundation of trust, governance, and culture will ultimately fall short.

Conclusion: Lead with Strategy, Empower with Technology

Scott Likens’ insights from PwC make it clear: cloud and AI are no longer just parts of IT—they’re enablers of widespread transformation. But the key to harnessing their full potential lies in strategic alignment with business goals, cross-functional collaboration, and an unyielding commitment to ethical and robust implementation.

Companies that embrace this mindset can unlock substantial gains in productivity, innovation, and customer value. As Likens puts it, “We’re in an era where every employee could have a copilot—and it’s up to leadership to make that real.”

For organizations navigating their transformation journey, the message is clear: embrace the synergy of AI and cloud, invest in people and process, and lead with a vision rooted in trust and purpose.