Bentley Hosts Business Leaders from Accenture, MetLife and Citizens Massachusetts

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.

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, 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.