Executive Roundtable: Thriving in a World of Continuous Change
Sponsored by A.T Kearney

Today's world presents to firms an increasingly broader set of risks and opportunities. The new world order can be characterized by a deepening manifestation of globalization, increased focus on innovation and technology and an emphasis on the triple bottom line through sustainability and bottom of the pyramid opportunities.

A renewed commitment to the next generation of pervasive globalization brings global companies and nations additional substantial benefit. Innovation and technology can help to drive an even more integrated and connected world. Barriers will be broken and new boundaries will be created, further encouraging globalization and creating a truly efficient global market.

The biggest challenge of our time which will require more creativity and innovation than any other is that of sustainability—how do we manage to meet the legitimate needs of a growing population with limited resources and a stressed environment? A brief calculation illustrates the urgency of this issue: If per capita oil consumption in China and India were to rise to the current level of the United States, the total world demand would deplete remaining proven reserves fully in just 15 years. How do we avert the prospect of this incalculable economic, social and environmental disaster?

Emphasis on the so-called "triple bottom line" reflecting both a commitment to sustainability and a nurturing of bottom of the pyramid opportunities will separate top performing companies from laggards. Increased consumer activism will also influence companies to seriously take on sustainability and demonstrate their commitment to "conscious capitalism".

Modern corporations must adapt in order to thrive in a world of continuous change. In this session, a panel of top executives will discuss strategies for doing so.

Moderator:
Paul. A. Laudicina
Managing Officer and Chairman of the Board
A.T. Kearney

Panelists:
Dallas S. Clement
Senior Vice President of Strategy and Production Management
Cox Communications, Inc.

Julio Ramirez
Executive Vice President, Global Operations
Burger King Corporation

Paulino Barros
President of Global Operations
AT&T

Ricardo Saldívar
President of Mexico Operations
The Home Depot