Advertise on podcast: SAP Concur Conversations

Most companies think travel and expense data is just for tracking spend. Saia LTL Freight used it to uncover inefficiencies, influence leadership decisions, and give time back to their teams. But they didn’t originally set out to transform their travel and expense program. They just started asking better questions of their data. In this episode of SAP Concur Conversations, Jeanne Dion talks with Ed Hebert of Saia LTL Freight about how his organization transformed T&E from a routine process into a source of strategic insight. With nearly 30 years at Saia, Ed shares how his team learned to spot patterns others missed, turn raw data into stories leaders actually act on, and continuously refine processes as the business grows. You’ll hear how one data discovery eliminated the equivalent of 42 days of manual work per year, how storytelling — not spreadsheets — is what earns leadership attention, and why a “set it and forget it” approach quietly drains time, talent, and visibility. If you want practical ideas for making your T&E data more actionable, more visible to leaders, and more valuable across your organization, this episode delivers a real-world blueprint. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Modernizing travel and expense management is never just a tech upgrade, especially at a large, complex institution like the University of Massachusetts (UMass). In this episode, UMass Associate Vice President for Strategy & Innovation Dave Nero and Supply Chain Partner principal consultant Shannon Nortier pull back the curtain on one of the most successful T&E transformations in higher education. You’ll hear how UMass turned a long-standing pain point into a system-wide modernization initiative powered by clarity, collaboration, and a “policy before platform” strategy. Dave explains why T&E rose to the top of the innovation agenda, how two years of meticulous preparation laid the foundation for real change, and why investing in an internal transformation muscle is now table stakes for any organization. Shannon shares the partner perspective: what made UMass uniquely prepared, how their alignment accelerated implementation, and why the right partner relationship can make or break a project this complex. Listen to learn: Why UMass started with strategy, governance, and policy (not technology)How they united five campuses with different cultures into one Concur instanceWhat it really takes to reduce risk, increase compliance, and modernize employee experienceHow to build a transformation engine capable of tackling projects beyond T&EThe hard-won lessons you can apply immediately to your own modernization efforts Whether you’re in higher education, the public sector, or any complex organization juggling competing priorities, this conversation offers a roadmap for getting transformation right, and doing it in a way that lasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can travel managers move from enforcing rules to driving strategy? In this episode of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, host and Global VP of Customer Advisory at Concur, Jeanne Dion, chats with Chloe Carver, Head of Corporate Travel Consulting at Acquis Consulting Group, about how to build a traveler-centric travel program that empowers employees, simplifies compliance, and drives business value. Join the conversation to learn how to design policies that guide behavior (not police it), turn implementation into transformation, and measure success beyond savings. Whether you’re modernizing your travel program or proving its value to leadership, this episode is packed with practical steps and inspiring ideas for creating a smarter, more human-centered travel experience. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to build sustainable growth in a time of constant disruption? In this special CFO Insights edition of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, leaders across finance, IT, and HR explore how cross-functional collaboration fuels long-term success, and why the future of growth depends on it. Hear from: Julie Schwendimann, VP of Global Shared Services Operations at Stanley Black & DeckerRahul Patel, CIO at KBC Bank USAPriyanka Sudarshan, VP & HR Head for North Central Europe at Capgemini EngineeringVictor Brito Domingos, CFO at SAP Concur Together, they discuss the evolving role of the CFO, how AI is reshaping the workforce, the language barriers that often stall collaboration, and why data—and trust—are the new currencies of cross-functional success. From overcoming silos to balancing risk with innovation, this conversation offers practical insights for any finance, HR, or IT leader navigating uncertainty and driving business transformation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“This is not your parent’s credit card anymore. Virtual cards are really a way to right-size spend.” Virtual cards are transforming travel and expense, eliminating out-of-pocket costs, tightening fraud controls, and simplifying reconciliation. In this episode, Rebecca Meeker, Senior Vice President of B2B Platforms, Corporate Solutions at Mastercard, and Dan Ouderkirk, Senior Director of Product Management at SAP Concur, join host Jeanne Dion to explore why virtual cards are having their moment, what’s driving adoption, and how they’re shaping an expenseless, AI-powered future of T&E. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

65% of organizations say travel risks are at an all-time high. Yet 35% still believe nothing has changed, putting their people and programs at risk. In this episode of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, International SOS experts Dr. Myles Druckman and Tyler Hosford uncover the new realities of travel in a fragmented world. From universities scrambling to evacuate study abroad programs to executives second-guessing “routine” business trips, they reveal how quickly risk has escalated, and how unprepared many organizations remain. You’ll learn: Why misinformation disrupted 27% of organizations during travel crises last yearHow AI is reshaping risk management—for better and worseWhy the traditional duty of care model no longer protects today’s travelers The conversation’s most powerful takeaway? The concept of “return on intervention”—how preventing a single lost workday can justify an entire travel risk program. Plus, hear insights on the overlooked mental health toll of travel and why accommodation is about far more than a hotel room. This episode will reshape how you think about safety, responsibility, and what it truly takes to protect people on the move. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when a self-proclaimed Concur skeptic is suddenly put in charge of implementing it? For MediaKind's Amber Lee, it meant going from fiercely defending her beloved expense spreadsheet to becoming one of the biggest champions of Concur. Now Corporate Travel and Expense Manager at MediaKind, Amber has spent over 15 years refining the art of driving user adoption, turning resistance into enthusiasm, simplifying complex processes, and creating a global community of admins who solve problems together. In this episode of SAP Concur Conversations, Amber shares the mindset shifts, change management tactics, and unexpected wins that transformed her approach. From winning over the most reluctant users (yes, even the “bagel guy”) to showing why community is a game-changer, her story is proof that Concur can be a catalyst for smarter, easier, and more compliant spend management. If you’ve ever struggled with adoption, faced pushback from employees, or wondered how to get more value from your T&E program, this conversation will show you what’s possible. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you build a finance team that can flex, adapt, and thrive in a hybrid world? ? In this special CFO Insights edition of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, three finance leaders unpack what it really means to create an agile workforce — not just in structure, but in mindset. Barbara Salazar, CFO at E2 Consulting, Carl-Christian von Weyhe, CFO for Middle and Eastern Europe at SAP, and Massimiliano Zambon, Head of Finance at Giovanni Rana UK, discuss how they’re redefining collaboration, reimagining the office, and investing in the tools and culture needed to keep finance teams strong, connected, and future-ready. Whether you’re navigating hybrid work or thinking about how to keep top talent aligned with business goals, this episode is full of lessons on leading with intention. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when artificial intelligence moves from theory to reality in the finance function? In this special CFO Insights edition of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, three finance leaders explore how AI is transforming forecasting, operations, and decision-making, and what that really means for the office of the CFO. Barbara Salazar, CFO at E2 Consulting, Carl-Christian von Weyhe, CFO for Middle and Eastern Europe at SAP, and Massimiliano Zambon, Head of Finance at Giovanni Rana UK, share how they’re embracing AI to improve accuracy and efficiency, while carefully navigating concerns around data security, compliance, and ethical use. If you’re weighing the risks and rewards of AI in your organization, this candid conversation offers grounded, real-world perspective from leaders already in the thick of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When global tariffs shift overnight, how do finance leaders keep their footing? In this special CFO Insights edition of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, three seasoned finance leaders share how they’re navigating the ripple effects of trade disruption, and what it takes to build financial strategies that bend without breaking. From real-time scenario modeling to rethinking supplier relationships, you’ll hear how Barbara Salazar, CFO at E2 Consulting, Carl-Christian von Weyhe, CFO for Middle and Eastern Europe at SAP, and Massimiliano Zambon, Head of Finance at Giovanni Rana UK, are leading with agility, leveraging technology, and making tough calls in an unpredictable global economy. Whether you’re bracing for disruption or building long-term resilience, this episode delivers practical insights from the CFOs confidently steering through the storm with agility and strategic foresight. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“There is no book called CFOs for Dummies. It just doesn’t exist.” This candid insight from PEX CEO Toffer Grant sets the tone for a compelling conversation about the evolving role of finance leaders. In this episode of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, host Jeanne Dion sits down with Grant to explore how CFOs can escape the “hamster wheel” of routine tasks and step into a more strategic role. With over 17 years spent democratizing corporate payments, Grant shares practical advice on how finance executives can embrace automation, lead digital transformation, and shift from compliance-focused reporting to forward-looking strategy. Key highlights include: Balancing productivity with long-term organizational resilienceMoving finance from a reporting function to a strategic driverBuilding a technology toolkit that supports growthLeading cultural change across finance and business teamsPractical steps for modernizing finance operationsWhether you’re a CFO, controller, or business leader, this episode offers clear, actionable insights for transforming finance into a catalyst for innovation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it take to run the business side of one of the most iconic live entertainment companies in the world? At Cirque du Soleil, dazzling performances are only part of the story. Behind the scenes, a lean and globally distributed finance team keeps operations running smoothly across continents, currencies, and creative projects. In this episode of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, Chantale Périgny, Accounts Payable Manager at Cirque du Soleil, takes us behind the curtain. She shares how Cirque reimagined its travel and expense processes to support a business that thrives on flexibility and creativity. From simplifying global compliance to empowering employees with mobile-first tools, Chantale explains how SAP Concur solutions like ExpenseIt and Intelligent Audit help her team gain control, improve visibility, and keep everyone focused on the work that matters most — bringing world-class performances to life. Whether you’re in finance, operations, or just curious about how innovation fuels creativity, this is a story of smart automation, strategic alignment, and staying nimble in a fast-moving industry. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Expense compliance in life sciences is anything but simple. In fact, it’s a high-stakes challenge. Regulations are constantly shifting, reporting requirements are strict, and one small mistake can lead to major consequences. But what if there was a way to make compliance effortless? That’s where MedPro Systems comes in. Greg Ungemach, CEO of MedPro Systems, joins this episode of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast to share how MedPro helps life sciences companies navigate the complex world of Healthcare Practitioner (HCP) spend compliance. Together, he and host Jeanne Dion, Global Vice President of Customer Advisory at SAP Concur, discuss how automation, real-time integrations, and strategic partnerships are transforming compliance from a burden into a competitive advantage. Tune in to hear how MedPro’s solutions help more than 500 life sciences organizations stay ahead of regulations, eliminate manual processes, and focus on what really matters—exceptional patient care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if an expense bot could fix your rejected receipts for you? Or a Slack message could remind you of travel policies before your trip? At Uber, automation is making expense management effortless, saving thousands of hours while keeping compliance in check. In this episode of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, Justin Reyhl from Uber joins SAP Concur experts Jeanne Dion and Chris Juneau to discuss how automation is reshaping expense management, scaling operations, and creating a seamless employee experience. Justin shares the strategies and technologies driving Uber’s success, detailing how his team leverages SAP Concur connectivity, Uber for Business functionality, and home-grown automation to drive efficiency and compliance—without adding headcount. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if the key to happier employees, stronger compliance, and smarter spending lies in breaking down silos? In this episode of the SAP Concur Conversations podcast, we uncover how the often-overlooked connection between human resources and travel and expense (T&E) management can transform the way organizations operate. Join Jeanne Dion, Vice President of the Value Experience team at SAP Concur, as she sits down with Philippe Dutkiewicz and Philipp Brunner from HR Campus. Together, they discuss the surprising ways HR’s expertise in employee satisfaction, corporate policy, and duty of care can revolutionize T&E systems. Learn how forward-thinking organizations are simplifying processes, empowering employees, and embracing AI to make expense reporting seamless and stress-free. From creating "light processes" that save time and money to designing systems that reflect trust and flexibility, this episode is packed with ideas to reimagine your approach to T&E. Whether you're exploring digital transformation or looking to build a workplace culture that thrives, this conversation will inspire you to think differently and take action. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.