Today, I'm excited to bring you a sneak peek interview with PCI SSC's 2026 North America Community Meeting Keynote Speaker, Sharon Gai. Sharon is a global expert in e-commerce, digital strategy, and cross-cultural innovation. After nearly a decade at Alibaba, where she guided international brands through China's dynamic digital marketplace, she now advises organizations across North America and beyond on innovation, AI adoption, and building resilient strategies in an evolving economy. She's also the author of two books, including her latest release, How to Do More with Less: Future Proofing Yourself in an AI-Driven Economy, which just hit store shelves.

I'm excited to announce that the Council will open the nomination period for the next Global Executive Assessor Roundtable on June 1st. This roundtable, or GEAR as it's known, represents the perspectives of the PCI assessor community. Joining me to discuss what all of this means and how you can participate is the Council's own Chelsea Lopez, Client Engagement Operations Director.

Today I'm joined by a panel of current Principal Participating Organizations, or PPOs. The Principal PO program is one of three levels of participation with the Council and defined as a strategic level of leadership and influence with the Council. PPOs get access to exclusive strategy sessions with the Executive Committee, with PCI Council staff, and stakeholders to discuss standards direction, drive technical discussions, and have direct input into Council initiatives.