Panelists Lisa Murray of Citizens Massachusetts; Bill Pappas of MetLife; Pallavi Verma of Accenture with Bentley President E. LaBrent Chrite at a Bentley-Gallup event in Boston

(left to right) Panelists Lisa Murray of Citizens Massachusetts; Bill Pappas ’94, MBA ’95 of MetLife; Pallavi Verma of Accenture with Bentley President E. LaBrent Chrite. Photos by Maddie Schroeder.

Bentley Hosts Business Leaders from Accenture, MetLife and Citizens Massachusetts

Panelists join President E. LaBrent Chrite to explore how business can drive innovation and make a positive impact

by Kristen Walsh

October 1, 2024

Top executives from Accenture, MetLife and Citizens Massachusetts joined a panel discussion moderated by Bentley University President E. LaBrent Chrite that tackled the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), corporate activism and creating an inclusive work culture, among other topics. The conversation at WBUR’s CitySpace in Boston was based on findings from the 2024 Bentley-Gallup Business in Society Report. It was co-sponsored by the Massachusetts Business Roundtable and Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

The Bentley-Gallup poll, now in its third year, surveys more than 5,000 adults across America each year on topics such as how companies can build trust in their use of artificial intelligence, what job-seekers value in choosing an employer, and how companies can change their policies to improve their employees’ well-being.

Highlight video by Kevin Maguire.

This year, Bentley and Gallup brought their partnership to the national stage with a panel discussion in Washington, D.C., that brought together executives from Citi, Hologic and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, before hosting the panel in Boston. The participants in Boston included Lisa Murray, president of Citizens Massachusetts and chair of the Massachusetts Business Roundtable; Bill Pappas ’94, MBA ’95, head of Global Technology and Operations and corporate officer at MetLife; and Pallavi Verma, senior managing director, North America Quality at Accenture.

Chrite noted how the Bentley-Gallup survey results can help businesses understand Americans’ views at a time when people have concerns about AI and other technologies and society is divided by a tense political climate. He emphasized the need for leaders who will “ask questions, listen and learn” because more Americans today expect companies to practice good business.

Key Insights from the Panelists

Panelist Pallavi Verma of Accenture at the Bentley-Gallup event in Boston

Pallavi Verma, Accenture

“Doing the right thing is better for business, whether it’s doing the right things for your employees or setting an example for your business community about your sustainability practices.”

Lisa Murray of Citizens Massachusetts speaking at a Bentley-Gallup event in Boston

Lisa Murray, Citizens Massachusetts

“Make no mistake, those who do not engage in AI will be left behind ... AI is not going to replace the human interaction. We can use AI for efficiency but then a human is going to have to interpret that data and use it in a way that makes sense for the business.”

Bill Pappas of MetLife speaking at a Bentley-Gallup event in Boston

Bill Pappas ’94, MBA ’95, MetLife

“There are five generations in our workforce so you need to be able to help make them more effective ... Regardless of where they sit within the hierarchy, they have a point of view. They want a flatter organization, and they want their voice to be heard.”