Podcast appearances and mentions of ben murray

How much R&D spend is too much—or not enough? In episode #290 of SaaS Metric School, Ben Murray breaks down R&D spend benchmarks by company revenue size, based on data from Ray Rike's Benchmarkit.ai. Whether you're a founder, CFO, CTO, or finance leader, understanding how your R&D investment compares is crucial for building operational leverage and scaling sustainably. What You'll Learn: Why R&D spend can feel like a black box—especially for CFOs Top vs. lean R&D spending benchmarks by revenue tiers: How R&D spend typically scales down as companies grow Why controlling opex and creating operating leverage is key to cash flow and EBITDA Resources & Links:

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Katherine Tobias, the dynamic co-founder and CEO of InsightWise. Katherine shares her inspiring journey from her early days consulting at KPMG and working in government to leading one of Australia's fastest-growing startups. Driven by her passion for delivering real-world impact and navigating mountains of qualitative data, Katherine reveals how these experiences led her to launch InsightWise—a groundbreaking AI platform tailored for consultants and strategy teams. Tune in as Katherine dives into the realities of startup life, fundraising, and what it takes to disrupt the consulting industry with innovative technology. She opens up about empowering both global enterprises and agile boutique firms with tools that turn unstructured data into actionable insights, while also building a tight-knit team with big ambitions. Katherine's story is a masterclass in navigating career pivots, seizing opportunities, and harnessing AI to drive business transformation. Whether you're a SaaS founder, consultant, or tech enthusiast, you won't want to miss this engaging conversation packed with actionable advice, honest reflections, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to scale a modern software company. Hit play and get inspired! Show Notes: 00:00 From Oxford to Global Startup Success 03:12 Insightwise: AI Hub for Consultants 07:20 AI-Driven Data Synthesis Solutions 10:50 "Building Relationships in Consulting" 15:30 "First-Time Founder Fundraising Journey" 16:32 "Strategic Capital for Business Growth" 19:58 "Insightwise AI Free Trial" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/insightwise-closes-1-million-in-funding Katherine Tobias' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-tobias-40857789/ InsightWise's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/insightwise-ai/ InsightWise's Website: https://www.insightwise.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In episode #288 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben Murray tackles a frequent mistake SaaS operators make when calculating Lifetime Value (LTV) — treating it as an aggregate rather than the point-in-time metric. Ben breaks down the correct formula, shares how to align it with gross revenue retention, and explains when LTV (and LTV to CAC) should be used SaaS businesses. What You'll Learn: Why LTV is a point-in-time estimate, not a company-wide average The correct formula for LTV in SaaS: Cohort ARPA × Gross Margin ÷ Churn How to choose the right churn input using gross revenue retention When LTV to CAC is reliable vs. misleading based on your sales motion (SMB, Mid-Market, Enterprise) Common pitfalls when using LTV in low-volume enterprise models Key SaaS Metrics Covered: LTV (Lifetime Value) LTV to CAC Ratio Gross Revenue Retention (GRR) Cohort ARPA / ACV Churn measurement strategy (trailing 3 vs. 6 months) Who Should Listen: SaaS CFOs, founders, marketers, and RevOps professionals looking to improve financial modeling and SaaS efficiency metrics — especially if you rely on paid acquisition or track LTV to CAC closely. Resources Mentioned: SaaS Metrics Foundation Course: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/the-saas-metrics-foundation Free SaaS Metrics Tools: TheSaaSCFO.com Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page Like What You Hear? Please leave a rating and review to help this podcast reach more SaaS professionals who want to build metrics-driven businesses.

In this episode of SaaS Metric School, Ben Murray dives deep into the often-confusing world of Subscription ARR (Annual Recurring Revenue). After analyzing over 160 public tech company filings, Ben shares the three most common ways companies define and calculate ARR—and why these differences matter for SaaS operators, investors, and finance teams. If you've ever struggled with benchmarking ARR or explaining it to stakeholders, this episode will give you clarity and context. What You'll Learn The three standard definitions of Subscription ARR: Run-Rate MRR Annualized Contract Value Committed/Contracted ARR (CARR) The difference between ARR and CARR and why it matters Why even “pure subscription” businesses report ARR differently How public companies present ARR in earnings reports and filings The pitfalls of using AI tools (like ChatGPT) for ARR extraction Who This Is For This episode is a must-listen if you are: ✅ A SaaS CFO or finance leader looking to align ARR reporting with industry norms ✅ A founder or CEO trying to understand what ARR numbers mean (and don't mean) ✅ A SaaS investor or advisor comparing metrics across multiple portfolio companies ✅ Anyone responsible for forecasting, benchmarking, or reporting SaaS revenue metrics Resources

In episode #286 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben Murray breaks down one of the most common — and costly — mistakes SaaS founders and CFOs make when building their Monthly Recurring Revenue (MRR) schedules: netting contraction and expansion. This seemingly small error can break your ability to calculate key SaaS metrics like Gross Revenue Retention (GRR) and Net Revenue Retention (NRR). What You'll Learn: The essential structure of an accurate MRR waterfall schedule Why separating expansion, contraction, and churn is crucial for calculating SaaS metrics How to calculate GRR and NRR using distinct MRR layers Why trailing 3- and 6-month annualized retention rates offer deeper insights Pro tips on segmenting your MRR by product, ICP, or geography Who This Is For: SaaS founders, CFOs, FP&A leaders, and revenue ops teams looking to improve their SaaS financial reporting and ensure clean, actionable SaaS metrics that stand up to investor scrutiny. Resources Mentioned: Join Ben's private SaaS metrics community: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Subscribe to Ben's newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page Free SaaS Metrics Tools & Templates at TheSaaSCFO.com Enjoying the show? Please rate and review the podcast — it helps more SaaS professionals discover how to build better businesses with metrics that matter.

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Austin Carroll, the dynamic founder and CEO of Warrant. Drawing from her deep roots in marketing and product management at household names like Capital One, Mercury, and Brex, Austin shares how real-world challenges navigating regulatory approvals inspired her to launch Warrant—a platform harnessing AI to automate and streamline marketing compliance for the financial services industry. Austin highlights the complexities and pitfalls of adhering to rapidly evolving federal, state, and local regulations in sectors like mortgage, insurance, and banking. She explains how Warrant checks marketing materials for compliance, helping companies of all sizes—from nimble startups to large enterprises—avoid costly missteps and accelerate their go-to-market strategies. Her journey provides invaluable insight into the needs of modern fintech marketers and compliance teams. Beyond the tech, Austin opens up about her path as a female founder, candidly discussing the fundraising process, her unique go-to-market approach, and the lessons learned from early customer traction. Whether you're passionate about fintech, compliance, or entrepreneurship, this conversation offers a compelling look at the future of AI-powered marketing compliance and the vision of a founder determined to solve one of the industry's most pressing challenges. Show Notes: 00:00 Streamlining Crisis Communication Compliance 06:09 Regulatory Challenges in Financial Compliance 07:12 Targeting Small to Mid-Market Clients 10:59 Strategic Market Engagement Approach 16:57 Entrepreneurship: Play to Your Strengths 17:51 Conversation-Driven Fundraising Strategy 21:40 Tracking Key Business Metrics 25:37 "Sign Up for Newsletter Now" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/warrant-raises-720k-in-pre-seed-round Austin Carroll's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/austincarroll/ Warrant's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warrant/ Warrant's Website: https://www.hellowarrant.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In episode #285 of SaaS Metrics School, Ben Murray dives into one of the most overlooked levers in SaaS financial performance—G&A (General & Administrative) spend. How much should you really be spending on back office functions like finance, HR, legal, and IT? Using data from Benchmarkit.AI, Ben walks through G&A as a percent of revenue across ARR stages—from startups under $1M to companies exceeding $100M. He also explains how operating leverage is created through back office efficiency and why using benchmarks segmented by ARR is crucial in SaaS metrics analysis. What You'll Learn: Why aggregate SaaS benchmarks are dangerous G&A benchmarks by ARR segment (top quartile vs. median) The role of operating leverage in SaaS profitability How to evaluate your own back office spend using metrics Actionable targets for G&A as a percent of revenue SaaS Metrics Covered: G&A % of Revenue Operating Leverage Opex Profile by ARR Benchmarking by ARR vs. ACV Resources Mentioned: Benchmarkit.ai Join Ben's SaaS Metrics community for webinars, templates, and live sessions: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page

In episode #284, let's break down AI ARR. As artificial intelligence transforms SaaS business models, a new metric is gaining traction: AI ARR (Artificial Intelligence Annual Recurring Revenue). But what exactly is AI ARR, how do public SaaS companies define it, and why should private SaaS operators care? In this episode, Ben Murray dives deep into how companies like Verint Systems are reporting AI ARR in their earnings and press releases. Ben breaks down the nuances of these definitions, the implications for SaaS valuation, and what founders, CFOs, and GTM teams need to know to stay ahead of the curve. Key Topics Covered What Is AI ARR? Understand how public companies define AI-based recurring revenue and what makes it distinct from traditional ARR or subscription ARR. Case Study: Verint's AI ARR Disclosure Learn how Verint, a customer and communication automation platform, separates AI ARR from Subscription ARR, and why AI now accounts for 50% of its recurring revenue. Run Rate vs. Recognized Revenue Explore the concept of “annualized quarterly run rate” and why some AI ARR definitions include overages and signed (but not yet active) SaaS contracts. Why AI ARR Matters for SaaS Metrics & Board Reporting Discover how AI ARR can become a key growth driver metric, especially for AI-first SaaS platforms or tools with significant AI adoption. Benchmarking and Financial Transparency Trends Understand why SaaS companies are simplifying metric reporting and focusing on high-signal KPIs like AI ARR for investors and stakeholders. Who Should Listen This episode is a must-listen for: SaaS founders and CEOs scaling AI-powered platforms CFOs and FP&A teams defining KPIs for board decks SaaS investors tracking AI monetization trends RevOps and metrics leaders modernizing dashboards Anyone serious about becoming a SaaS metrics expert Why This Episode Matters As SaaS businesses race to integrate and monetize AI, understanding how to measure, disclose, and leverage AI ARR could be your edge in strategic planning, fundraising, or M&A. SaaS Metrics School isn't just about numbers—it's about empowering you to lead with data. Subscribe & Follow Never miss an insight from the top SaaS metrics podcast. Join our SaaS community. https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Amira Nakouri, co-founder and CEO of Klaimy, to share her inspiring entrepreneurial journey. With a strong background in strategy consulting for major European insurers, Amira reveals how her drive for innovation—and a spark from the rise of generative AI—led her to launch Klaimy in Paris. Klaimy is redefining the insurance industry by using AI to streamline the complex and time-consuming medical underwriting process. Amira explains how their technology helps insurance companies process medical records with incredible speed and accuracy, cutting decision times from days to just minutes. She also discusses the company's go-to-market strategies, working with mid-sized MGAs, and their hybrid SaaS pricing model. Tune in as Amira shares candid insights about building a startup team, navigating challenges with enterprise sales cycles, and raising pre-seed capital during uncertain times in Europe. Whether you're interested in SaaS, AI, or the future of insurtech, this episode offers valuable lessons for founders and innovators alike. Show Notes: 00:00 From Consultant to Entrepreneur in AI 05:12 Streamlining Complex Insurance Tasks 09:22 Expanding Insurance with AI-Powered Models 12:21 Startup Formation and Partnership Milestones 14:54 Small, Strategic Startup Team 17:49 "Insurance Industry Adoption Challenges" 22:46 Amsterdam Insurance Forum 2024 23:59 Targeted VC Strategy Yields Success 27:13 Explore KLAIMY.com Today Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/klaimy-raises-1-2m-in-pre-seed-round Amira Nakouri's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amira-nakouri-1b729248/ Klaimy's Website: https://www.getklaimy.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Ready to crack the code on SaaS finances? In this episode, we're breaking down the numbers behind successful SaaS businesses—without the boring jargon. We're joined by Ben Murray, better known as The SaaS CFO, who brings over two decades of real-world finance and operations experience. He's been in the CFO seat at multiple SaaS companies, and now he's on a mission to help founders and finance leaders make smarter, data-driven decisions.Ben walks us through his popular Five Pillar SaaS Metrics Framework—a game-changing approach that simplifies the financial side of SaaS with templates, tools, and expert guidance. Whether you're building your first product or scaling fast, this episode will help you understand your margins, track the right metrics, and use your financial reports as a roadmap for growth.Tune in—it's time to make your numbers work for you.Key Timecodes(0:00) - Introduction: Importance of bookings data and financial management(0:41) - Episode Overview: Deep dive into SaaS finance metrics with Ben Murray(1:37) - Guest Introduction: Welcoming Ben Murray, the SaaS CFO(1:46) - Key Question: Importance of financial reporting for SaaS founders(2:16) - Common Mistakes: Mismanagement of business with cash flow(3:26) - Misconceptions: Finance as a priority in early stages(4:01) - Five Pillar SaaS Metrics Framework: Introduction and overview(5:16) - Financial Reporting: Growth and bookings data importance(7:31) - Getting Started: Foundational needs for early-stage SaaS companies(8:28) - Implementation Steps: Key data sources and tech stack(10:01) - Data Sources: Financial, customer, HR, and bookings data(12:32) - Challenges in Metrics: Understanding economic operations(15:10) - Financial Strategy: Importance of forecasting and metrics(18:08) - Best Practices: Building a scalable finance function(20:22) - Popular Beliefs: Complications and simplicity in financial metrics(21:45) - Gross Margins: Costs in AI tools versus traditional SaaS tools(23:12) - Opinion on Debt: Financing options for SaaS companies(24:54) - Community and Resources: Ben Murray's offerings and insights(27:27) - Benchmarking: Accurate methods for comparing SaaS metrics(29:05) - Future Risks and Opportunities: Preparing for 2025 and beyond(30:54) - Key Advice: Essential tips for SaaS founders(31:12) - Advice for Early-stage SaaS: Financial foundations and forecasting(32:01) - Scaling to 10 Million ARR: Five Pillar Metrics Framework implementation(34:44) - Summary: Key takeaways from the episode(35:13) - Closing Thoughts: Final remarks and contact information

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray welcomes Ibrahim Ashqar, the co-founder and CEO of Lumi AI. Ibrahim shares his impressive background in data science and AI, including his time at Deloitte and the supply chain tech unicorn Stord, before diving into why he launched Lumi. The conversation highlights the challenges companies face with traditional business intelligence tools, and how Lumi is revolutionizing data access for brands, retailers, and supply chain operators through agentic workflows and conversational analytics. Ben and Ibrahim discuss Lumi's focused go-to-market strategy, their partnerships with industry giants like Deloitte and BCG, and how they're working with mid-market to Fortune 10 enterprises. Listeners will also hear about Lumi's journey through fundraising, lessons learned in scaling an early-stage SaaS company, and the key product metrics that guide their growth. Whether you're interested in AI, enterprise analytics, or the inner workings of a fast-growing SaaS startup, this episode is packed with actionable insights and firsthand advice from the front lines of innovation. Show Notes: 00:00 Supply Chain Analytics Software Focus 04:54 Strategic Supply Chain Planning Overview 09:13 Educational Analytics Approach Success 11:28 Consultant Challenges: Navigating Clearances 15:36 Complementary Tool, Not Replacement 18:36 Unexpected Visibility During Stealth Mode 21:34 Effective Investor Pitch Strategy 24:34 "Optimizing Intuitive AI Workflows" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/lumi-ai-raises-3-7-million-in-seed-round Ibrahim Ashqar's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibrahimashqar/ Lumi AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lumi-ai Lumi Ai's Website: https://www.lumi-ai.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

On this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray sits down with Gus Neate, the co-founder and CEO of Wilson AI. Gus shares his unique journey from engineering and law to entrepreneurship, explaining how his experience in top law firms and in-house legal teams inspired the creation of Wilson AI—the world's first AI-powered paralegal. Together, they delve into how Wilson AI is helping in-house legal teams automate repetitive contract workflows, extract key terms from documents, and enable seamless legal Q&A within organizations. Gus discusses the ideal customer profile, ROI for clients, and the tiered pricing model that powers their early traction. He also opens about their recent $1.7 million pre-seed raise, lessons learned through fundraising, and the importance of product adoption and user retention in these early stages. From data security concerns to global expansion ambitions, Gus offers insights for founders, legal ops leaders, and SaaS CFOs alike who are interested in leveraging AI to streamline their legal operations. Stay tuned for a behind-the-scenes look at scaling an early-stage SaaS company right at the intersection of law and technology. Show Notes: 00:00 AI Paralegal by Wilson for Contracts 06:22 Tiered Pricing Structure Insights 09:38 Targeted Content for Legal Teams 11:43 Accelerator-Driven Entrepreneurial Growth 15:01 Streamlining Customer Experience Setup 17:02 AI-Enhanced Document Analysis Tools 19:41 "Explore GetWilson AI" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/wilsonai-raises-1-7-million-in-funding Gus Neate's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gus-neate/ Wilson AI's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/wilsonai-company/ Wilson AI's Website: https://www.getwilson.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Baz Richards and Michelle Ford talk with Alison and Ben Murray from Euro-Tec Investigation Service. One of the longest established detective agencies in the UK, formed by former Armed forces Intelligence Agents. They look after missing persons, witness, debtors, personal injury and background checks. This is sure to be a fascinating chat!

Welcome to another thrilling episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast! Today, we have the pleasure of hosting Juha Riipi, the brilliant CEO of Quanscient. With a career that spans software development to consulting, Juha has now ventured into the realm of cutting-edge multiphysics simulations, and he's here to share how Quanscient is changing the game.

Stuart Maconie and guests come together with mighty laughs, big stories, and altogether good craic from Lisburn, Northern Ireland. Declan Lawn is a screenwriter of multiple TV series alongside his creative partner Adam Patterson, including the successful Blue Lights as well as the BBC miniseries The Salisbury Poisonings. Series three of Blue Lights is currently being filmed in Belfast, and he is currently writing series four. Comedian John Meagher is currently touring his stand-up show Big Year across the UK and Ireland. He chats about his big years in mixed martial arts prior to kicking off a career on the comedy circuit, as well as his Radio 4 documentary The Divil's Own. Writer Naoise Dolan has travelled the world after success with her bestsellers Exciting Times and The Happy Couple, but is returning back to Dublin as she spends this year as the inaugural IPUT Writer-In-Residence. County Tyrone comedian Emer Maguire is bringing her biggest gig yet - Notions - to the Grand Opera House later this year, exploring her experiences of growing up with autism and finding the funny in the most unexpected of places.After a year of accolades and success within the Irish music industry, Corkonian musician Chubby Cat performs a track from her latest EP THE FINE ART OF DISASSOCIATION accompanied on guitar by Ben Murray. Portaferry born singer-songwriter Ryan McMullan performs a track from his upcoming EP In This Room, before beginning his UK and Ireland tour in April. Presenter: Stuart Maconie Producer: Anthony McKee A BBC Audio Northern Ireland production for BBC Radio 4.

Welcome to another engaging episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, where host Ben Murray sits down with Arjun Pillai, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Docket. Arjun takes us on a journey through his impressive 13-year career in the realms of sales tech, martech, and data tech. Having founded multiple companies and successfully exited them, Arjun offers a wealth of experience and insights that he's now channeling into his new venture, Docket. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone interested in the confluence of entrepreneurship and innovative technology. In their conversation, Arjun and Ben delve into the nuts and bolts of Docket's pioneering product - an AI sales engineer designed to assist B2B sales teams. As Arjun highlights, this tool aims to elevate the capacity of salespeople by enabling them to efficiently handle intricate product inquiries and competitive challenges, all while drawing from the best practices within their company. The dialogue also touches on key aspects of startup funding, AI technology, and creating a robust go-to-market strategy, making it essential listening for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders. Join us as we explore Arjun's transition from a successful engineer to a seasoned entrepreneur, uncovering the lessons learned and the paths paved along the way. With Docket's promising trajectory in the AI sales landscape and Arjun's insightful perspectives, this episode promises to deliver invaluable knowledge and inspiration for listeners across the board. Tune in for a conversation that bridges innovation and strategy in the ever-evolving world of SaaS. Show Notes: 00:00 "AI Solutions for Sales Challenges" 04:26 Streamlining Sales Through Real-Time Support 09:03 CFOs Exploring GTM AI Strategies 11:19 AI Startups: Balancing Cost and Efficiency 16:00 Early Success Driven by Strong Fundamentals 19:38 Scaling GTM: Key Sales Metrics 22:58 "Prioritize Feedback For New Features" 24:02 Connect via LinkedIn or DocketAI Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/docket-raises-3-million-in-funding https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/docket-ai-raises-15-million-in-series-a Arjun Pillai's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rarjunpillai/ Docket's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/docket-inc/ Docket's Website: https://www.docketai.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray is joined once again by David DeWolf, the President and CEO of KnownWell. David, a seasoned entrepreneur and former software engineer, dives into his transition from building a successful consulting firm to founding KnownWell, a company that's making strides in the realm of commercial intelligence for professional service businesses. His passionate journey from zero to nearly $200 million in revenue, and his focus on digital product development, set the stage for this insightful conversation. David shares updates on KnownWell's significant milestones, including their recent $4 million seed round, driven by unexpected commercial demand and market traction. With a mission to harness relationship data to empower service firms, KnownWell is making waves in the industry by offering innovative solutions that target operational challenges using AI. David's strategic approach to aligning with the right investors and the importance of cultural fit shines through as he discusses the company's ongoing growth. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the evolving SaaS landscape as David highlights the company's roadmap toward product market fit and their focus on scaling effectively. He reveals how KnownWell is leveraging thought leadership and a dedicated podcast to generate inbound leads and strengthen customer relationships. Don't miss this episode for a deeper understanding of how David and his team are navigating the complex world of SaaS, exploring new opportunities, and striving to build a platform for the AI era. Show Notes: 00:00 Journey from Engineer to Entrepreneur 04:47 Outsourcing Challenges in Finance 08:28 Strategic Growth and Efficiency Planning 10:57 Pioneering AI Business Solutions 13:57 Surging Commercial Demand Strains Capacity 16:35 "Cultural Fit Matters Most" 19:26 Ambitious AI Firm Launch Strategy 23:31 Strategic Roadmap for Business Success 25:50 Enjoyable Experience, Thank You Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/knownwell-raises-4-million-in-seed-round David DeWolf's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ddewolf/ Knownwell's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/knownwell/ Knownwell's Website: https://knownwell.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of The SaaS CFO Podcast, host Ben Murray sits down with Ferry Tamtoro, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Revisto, to explore the dynamic intersection of life sciences and technology. Ferry shares his remarkable journey transitioning from the corporate sector to the world of startups, fueled by a passion for healthcare innovation. Discover how his drive to make a significant impact led to the foundation of Revisto, a company at the forefront of using AI to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of marketing material creation for life sciences companies. Throughout the conversation, Ferry delves into the unique challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in their marketing endeavors, emphasizing the importance of navigating rigorous review processes. He articulates how Revisto's AI-powered solutions are revolutionizing these processes, enabling quicker market entries for pharmaceutical products while ensuring compliance and competitive differentiation. With an insightful look into the company's land-and-expand business strategy, Ferry highlights the critical role of customer ROI and how Revisto's offerings lead to significant time and effort savings. Listeners will also gain valuable insights from Ferry's experiences in fundraising, underscoring the importance of aligning with investors who bring diverse expertise to the table. As Revisto continues to scale, Ferry shares the company's exciting roadmap, focused on expanding their team and refining their products to meet the growing demand for AI-driven solutions in the pharma sector. Join us to explore how Ferry Tamtoro and Revisto are shaping the future of marketing in the life sciences industry. Show Notes: 00:00 AI-Accelerated Life Sciences Marketing 04:29 Avoiding FDA Reputational Damage 08:36 Networking and Event Connections 11:06 Top Pharma Product Expansion 14:24 Maximizing Pharma ROI with Software 17:27 Investing in Team and Product Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/revisto-raises-4-million-in-seed-round Ferry Tamtoro's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ferrytamtoro/ Revisto's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/revisto-inc/ Revisto's Website: https://www.revisto.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this episode, host Ben Murray sits down with Luis Garcia, the innovative president and co-founder of Pete, to unravel his inspiring journey. From his early days as a software engineer in Venezuela to launching a leading online university in the U.S., Luis shares key experiences that shaped his path in the world of digital education. Luis dives deep into the challenges of creating effective digital education materials and evaluating learning outcomes. He explains how Pete harnesses the power of generative AI to address these challenges, providing scalable training solutions for companies looking to enhance their workforce learning without extensive resources. Learn how Pete transforms existing materials into engaging courses and creates interactive learning experiences that effectively evaluate understanding. The episode also explores Pete's impressive growth trajectory and the potential of AI to revolutionize online education. With 16 customers and counting, Pete is poised for further expansion, demonstrating the increasing demand for innovative learning solutions. Listen in to discover Luis's vision for the future of corporate education and how Pete is setting the stage for transformative change in the industry. Show Notes: 00:00 Software Engineer Turned Education Pioneer 03:35 Rethinking Learning Evaluation Methods 09:35 Simulation Engine for Learning Scenarios 10:57 Collaborative Course Creation Model 14:55 Initial Cash Infusion and Growth 17:20 Community Investment and Job Growth 20:00 AI Boosts EdTech and Growth Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/pete-secures-2-million-in-seed-round Luis Garcia's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luisegarcia/ Pete's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pete-learning/ Pete's Website: https://www.pete.com/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome back to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In this special edition, our host Ben Murray is joined once again by Jim Williams, Managing Director at GLC Advisors, to delve into the dynamic world of software mergers and acquisitions (M&A). Jim brings his wealth of experience and insights to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the market, including recent trends, deal volumes, and valuations. Ben and Jim explore the essential metrics that SaaS founders need to focus on, such as retention rates, growth, and gross margins. They discuss the importance of understanding your business model and revenue streams, especially in today's fluctuating market. Whether you're considering an exit or aiming to scale, their discussion provides actionable advice on how to prepare your business for potential acquisition and the type of deal structures you might encounter. Topping it all off, Jim shares his optimistic forecast for 2025, discussing the potential for increased deal volumes, better valuations, and the exciting opportunities for both platform and add-on deals. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intricacies of the SaaS M&A landscape. Don't miss out on this insightful conversation filled with practical advice and expert predictions! Show Notes: 00:00 Software M&A Market Trends 06:01 Evolving SaaS Revenue Models 06:50 Evaluating Revenue Models for Investors 12:48 Clear Storytelling for Business Success 16:15 Navigating Valuation Gaps in Markets 19:15 High Multiples for Top Businesses 20:24 Market Challenges in Business Quality 24:37 Sponsor Leverage in Platform Deals 29:15 Cash Out or Rollover Equity? 33:08 Equity Ownership and Commitment Terms 36:46 Seller's Market: Scarcity Premiums Heightened 38:53 Expect 60-Day Deal Processes 42:50 Scaling Business: Key Considerations and Risks 46:00 Retention's Impact on Valuation 48:26 Founders Can Still Achieve Multiples 53:46 Optimism for Future Business Deals 55:11 Contact Us for Capital Updates Links: Jim Williams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-williams-5754953/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

Welcome to The SaaS CFO Podcast! In today's episode, our host Ben Murray is thrilled to welcome Matt Perrott, the co-founder and CEO of BuildPass. Matt shares his journey from being a software engineer to leading a company that offers an AI-powered operating system for construction sites. We'll delve into the unique features of BuildPass, including its applications in both commercial and residential projects, and its impressive growth trajectory. Matt gives us an inside look at BuildPass's expansion strategies, highlighting their upcoming launch in the U.S., and how they're adapting to different regulatory environments. He also shares candid insights about their successful fundraising efforts, the repeatable sales motions they've established, and the challenges of expanding into new markets. Join us as Matt discusses the importance of capital efficiency, AI development, and their ambitious plans for future growth. Whether you're a SaaS enthusiast or a construction technology buff, this episode is packed with valuable insights and lessons learned from Matt's journey. Tune in now to hear more about BuildPass and its innovative contributions to the construction industry! Show Notes: 00:00 Consumer-Centric Construction Software 05:56 Revenue Growth and Profit Margins 07:56 Sales-Driven Strategy with Strong Marketing 09:49 Personalized Sales Calls Strategy 15:14 Strategic Fundraising and Networking Insights 15:58 Investor Caution and Market Dynamics 19:13 Strategic US Market Entry Plan 22:19 "Casual Chat with Ben" Links: SaaS Fundraising Stories: https://www.thesaasnews.com/news/buildpass-raises-7-5-million-in-seed-round Matt Perrott's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/perrott/ BuildPass' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buildpass/ BuildPass' Website: https://www.buildpass.ai/ To learn more about Ben check out the links below: Subscribe to Ben's daily metrics newsletter: https://saasmetricsschool.beehiiv.com/subscribe Subscribe to Ben's SaaS newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page SaaS Metrics courses here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/ Join Ben's SaaS community here: https://www.thesaasacademy.com/offers/ivNjwYDx/checkout Follow Ben on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benrmurray

In this episode of Careers in Finance, we sit down with Ben Murray, known as the SaaS CFO, who shares his unique career journey from customer service in a mutual fund company to becoming a fractional CFO and entrepreneur. Ben discusses his early experiences in finance, the transition from traditional industries like airlines and healthcare tech to the SaaS model, and the importance of understanding metrics and operations in finance. He emphasizes the need for attention to detail, the role of RevOps, and the current trends in SaaS, including the focus on efficiency and profitability. Ben also offers valuable advice for aspiring finance professionals.

With AITribes by Karthik Ramani and Ben Murray, it's never been easier to build a thriving online community. You get all the tools you need to make your next venture a success! Find out more at: https://muncheye.com/aitribes MunchEye City: London Address: London Office 15 Harwood Road, , London, England United Kingdom Website: https://muncheye.com/ Phone: +1-302-261-5332 Email: support@ampifire.com

Welcome to saas.ama, live AMA sessions from saas.group where we dive deep into SaaS-related topics with industry experts. Join us for the ultimate discussion covering all things SaaS, M&A, metrics to track, and financial performance. Ben Murray is a seasoned SaaS CFO and finance expert dedicated to helping SaaS founders grasp the fundamentals of SaaS accounting, finance, and metrics for their expanding ventures. And Dirk Sahlmer is the Head of Origination at saas.group and the creator of saas.wtf newsletter on SaaS and M&A topics.Subscribe to our channel to be the first to see the interviews that we publish twice a week - https://www.youtube.com/@saas-group Stay up to date: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SaaS_group LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/14790796

Want to create an automated marketing agency to help small businesses hit the Google 3-Pack? See why MunchEye recommends AIReputors by Abhi Dwivedi and Ben Murray! Find out more at: https://muncheye.com/abhi-dwivedi-aireputor MunchEye City: London Address: London Office 15 Harwood Road, , London, England United Kingdom Website: https://muncheye.com/ Phone: +1-302-261-5332 Email: support@ampifire.com

In 1982 Mickey Bakst lost his first restaurant to alcohol and drug addiction, and it was also in that year that he found sobriety, after a long and painful struggle. For the next 40 years, Mickey watched countless peers lose their lives or destroy their careers due to their addictions. And for 40 years he asked himself, “What can I do to make a difference?” After witnessing the death of yet another industry professional in 2016, Mickey and fellow restaurateur Steve Palmer founded Ben's Friends, a support group for members of the food and beverage industry battling substance abuse and addiction. The mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse and addiction. The organization is named in honor of Ben Murray, a chef who took his own life in 2016 after a long struggle with alcoholism. Now with decades of sobriety under his belt, Mickey believes that there are countless members of the restaurant industry in need of support facing the widespread effects of alcohol and drugs. Through Ben's Friends, it is his hope to help as many as possible. As Ben's Friends Executive Director, Mickey has dedicated himself to the organization and focuses on spreading the word about Ben's Friends to existing and emerging chapters across the country. Founded in 2016, the mission of ⁠⁠Ben's Friends ⁠is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone who struggles with substance abuse or addiction. By coming together, starting a dialogue, and acknowledging that substance abuse cannot be overcome by isolation and willpower alone, Ben's Friends hopes to write a new chapter in the lives of food and beverage professionals across the country. To order my n/a enamel pin from Mover & Shaker, head to ⁠tinyurl.com/4fm6r9v6

On episode 30, Dr. Amy Sapola talks with Mickey Bakst. In 1982 Mickey lost his first restaurant to alcohol and drug addiction, It was in that year that he found sobriety after a long and painful struggle. For the next 40 years Mickey watched countless peers lose their lives or destroy their careers due to their addictions and for 40 years he asked what can I do. In 2016, after witnessing the deaths of one too many industry pros, he and fellow restaurateur Steve Palmer, of the Indigo Road Hospitality Group, founded Ben's Friends, a support group for members of the food and beverage industry battling substance abuse and addiction. The mission of Ben's Friends is to offer hope, fellowship, and a path forward to anyone, in the industry, who struggles with substance abuse and addiction. The organization is named in honor of Ben Murray, a chef who took his own life in 2016 after struggling with alcoholism. With decades of sobriety under his belt, Mickey believes that there are countless members of the restaurant industry in need of help combating the effects of alcohol and drugs. Mickey has dedicated himself to Ben's Friends and, in his role as Executive Director, is focused on spreading the word about Ben's Friends to existing and emerging chapters across the country.

Live in Gospel FreedomSeries: Galatians Preacher: Ben MurraySunday Church ServiceDate: 5th November 2023Passage: Galatians 3:15-22

We'll talk to veteran and former candidate Ben Murray about recent actions by the Biden administration to help veterans—and get his take on what else needs to be done at both the federal and state levels.Guests: Chad Holmes, Ben Murray

On this episode, Rowan and Ben Murray, Founder of The SaaS CFO, explore the complexities of the SaaS industry and shed light on the importance of setting key metrics and benchmarks to ensure sustainable business growth and success. Discover how finance teams function as a driving force within a SaaS company and explore cutting-edge tools and innovations reshaping the Finance landscape and revolutionizing how SaaS companies operate.

Ben Murray returns to WVU as a Deputy Athletic Director in charge of development. Golf Digest touts Pikewood National Golf Club as a location to host a major event.

We've been zinging finance a bit on the show. Today we decided to invite a SaaS CFO, Ben Murray.We talked about how the two functions should create a solid revenue plan together - how to manage crazy ambitions and much more.(00:00) - Introduction: Finance + RevOps (03:52) - How the CFO sees RevOps (05:22) - The focus is on sales and marketing (07:09) - Getting operational (08:32) - CFOs (10:43) - What planning looks like (15:02) - Hidden improvements (24:22) - Driving the plan forward (26:16) - Creating flexibility in the plan (31:01) - Selling to the CFO (33:16) - Making the case (38:53) - Where should RevOps report to? About BenBen is a fractional CFO and founder of TheSaaSCFO.com and TheSaaSAcademy.comWant more from Ben? Check out his newsletter here https://mailchi.mp/df1db6bf8bca/the-saas-cfo-sign-up-landing-page

In this Planning Aces episode, host Jack Sweeney and guest host Ben Murray discuss the collaborative organizational effort behind generating business intelligence (BI) and the different places BI resources may reside within a business, with reference to an episode featuring Gary Zyla, CFO of AssetMark. The hosts also discuss the role of finance in enabling sales, the challenges faced by sales teams, and the importance of financial discipline and visibility in a company's financials, regardless of market conditions. The episode features insights from other finance leaders, including Teodora Gouneva, CFO of Next Insurance, and Wailun Chan, CFO of Grafana Labs.

In our SaaS Fuel™ Expert Series, Jeff is joined by The SaaS CFO Ben Murray to discuss the evolving landscape of SaaS metrics that matter in 2023 and beyond. We unpack Ben's Five Pillar SaaS Metrics Framework to scale a thriving SaaS business with respectable growth, upside, and valuation. Come explore various SaaS revenue models like subscription, processing, variable revenue, SaaS plus, and professional services. Which is best or is there a magic mix? Listen in for great insights to tune up your financials for your next raise, loan, exit, or growth stage. As a top financial expert in the SaaS world, Ben built his business based on total transparency helping B2B SaaS entrepreneurs understand and manage SaaS metrics vital for success and sustainability. He is an advisor, educator, consultant, and fractional CFO.Key Takeaways00:05:46 Simplifying SaaS Finance For Busy Entrepreneurs: Ben Murray's Journey00:07:10 Transitioning From On-Premise to SaaS Takes Time And Effort00:10:01 Founders Need To Focus On What Is Best For Their Customers00:11:59 Financial Discipline Never Goes Out of Style00:12:31 Ben's Five Pillar SaaS Metrics Framework00:15:30 Speaking the Language of Investors00:15:56 How Far in Advance to Plan For A Raise Or Exit00:18:36 Why Founders Tend to Spend More When They Shouldn't00:20:02 To COGS or Not To COGS? Where Does Customer Success Fit?00:22:43 The Valuation Bubble Burst: Impact and Fallout00:23:41 Raising Capital Through Alternative Financing Methods00:25:47 Debt Financing Impact on SaaS Company's Valuation vs Equity Financing00:27:55 Significance of Financial Forecasting in Your Revenue Growth00:30:14 Learning the Financial Basics Through “The SaaS Academy”00:33:49 CFO Perspective: The Way of Business00:35:14 This Revenue Model is the King of Valuation00:38:50 Importance of Forecasting To Prepare You in Times of Uncertainty00:40:41 Everything Starts With the FundamentalsTweetable Quotes“So I think that big piece is just translating the numbers into something operational and actionable.” - 00:33:55 Ben Murray“We always have to look around the corner, what's coming up that we don't expect. I think forecasting is so important now.” - 00:27:49 Ben Murray“Because I live and breathe numbers and spreadsheets and calculate 10, 15, 20 different SaaS metrics, but then trying to make that actionable for SaaS founders so they can understand it, so their executive teams can understand it.” - 00:33:16 Ben Murray“I think you have to have that conservative forecast just to see the impact on your business.” - 00:39:27 Ben Murray“So again, start with the fundamentals and build from there.” - 00:40:39 Ben MurraySaaS Leadership Lessons1. Be prepared. Have a conservative forecast to remain ready for unforeseen situations.2. Know where to invest your capital and what the ROI will be. Don't guess or hope.3. Get the fundamentals in place and then start pulling in SaaS metrics that are relevant to your business.4. Forecasting as often as your data is changing. There is no magic timeframe.5.. Accounting foundation is key for potential investors, having clean, accurate books that are timely. 6. Know how to read and understand P&L, balance sheet, and cash flow as a founder. 7. Contracted subscription revenue is KING. Investors prefer contracted MRR over variable revenue streams.8. Storytelling is important for raising capital. Numbers must support the...

Okay, seriously, Jason Reitman… what happened? You may like LABOR DAY, you may hate LABOR DAY, but either way you can't argue that it's a puzzling career move from the man who brought us Thank You For Smoking, Juno, Up in the Air, and Young Adult. In this Real Talk segment, listen to Alex & Julio try to figure out how Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin ended up in a trashy romance novel and even dare to brainstorm an alternate, more satisfying, version of the story.TIMELINE00:00:42 Now on Patreon00:08:43 Real Talk00:52:20 The Future & Perennial Plugs- Interested in more Contrarians goodness? Join THE CONTRARIANS SUPPLEMENTS on our Patreon Page! Deleted clips, extended plugs, bonus episodes free from the Tomatometer shackles… It's everything a Contrarians devotee would want!- Our YouTube page is live! Get some visual Contrarians delight with our Contrarians Warm-Ups and other fun videos!- Contrarians Merch is finally here! Check out our RED BUBBLE MERCH PAGE and buy yourself something nice that's emblazoned with one of our four different designs!- THE FESTIVE YEARS have been letting us use their music for years now and they are amazing. You can check out their work on Spotify, on Facebook or on their very own website.- THE LATE NIGHT GRIN isn't just a show about wrestling: it's a brand, a lifestyle. And they're very supportive of our Contrarian endeavors, so we'd like to return the favor. Check out their YouTube Channel! You might even spot Alex there from time to time.- As mentioned on the episode, our friend and patron Ben Murray is discussing THE LAST OF US episode by episode over on the Francis Films YouTube Channel!- Hans Rothgiesser, the man behind our logo, can be reached at @mildemonios on Twitter or you can email him at mildemonios@hotmail.com in case you ever need a logo (or comics) produced. And you can listen to him talk about Peruvian politics on his own podcast, NACION COMBI and Peruvian economics on his other podcast, MARGINAL! Aaaaand you can also check out all the stuff he's written on his own website. He has a new book: a fake Peruvian History Textbook called HIZTORIA DEL PERÚ. Ask him about it!Up next, the M. Rushmore saga comes to an end with the Robert DeNiro chapter: the Scorsese classic GOODFELLAS! Until then, let us know what you thought of Labor Day! Are you a voracious reader of romance novels that adored this hostage love story? What's your Jason Reitman ranking? Did the episode leave you craving pie? E-mail us at wearethecontrarians@gmail.com or tweet at us or facebook us and share your thoughts!

It's fascinating that we can look back at BEING JOHN MALKOVICH and - love it or hate it - we can probably claim it's Charlie Kaufman's most accessible movie. But does that make it good? Alex & Julio discuss what works and what doesn't in Kaufman and Spike Jonze's first film, while recounting their own past experiences with this 1999 acid trip. And is it Cameron Diaz's best performance?TIMELINE00:00:50 Now on Patreon00:11:25 Real Talk01:01:25 The Future & Perennial Plugs- Interested in more Contrarians goodness? Join THE CONTRARIANS SUPPLEMENTS on our Patreon Page! Deleted clips, extended plugs, bonus episodes free from the Tomatometer shackles… It's everything a Contrarians devotee would want!- Our YouTube page is live! Get some visual Contrarians delight with our Contrarians Warm-Ups and other fun videos!- Contrarians Merch is finally here! Check out our RED BUBBLE MERCH PAGE and buy yourself something nice that's emblazoned with one of our four different designs!- THE FESTIVE YEARS have been letting us use their music for years now and they are amazing. You can check out their work on Spotify, on Facebook or on their very own website.- THE LATE NIGHT GRIN isn't just a show about wrestling: it's a brand, a lifestyle. And they're very supportive of our Contrarian endeavors, so we'd like to return the favor. Check out their YouTube Channel! You might even spot Alex there from time to time.- Hans Rothgiesser, the man behind our logo, can be reached at @mildemonios on Twitter or you can email him at mildemonios@hotmail.com in case you ever need a logo (or comics) produced. And you can listen to him talk about Peruvian politics on his own podcast, NACION COMBI and Peruvian economics on his other podcast, MARGINAL! Aaaaand you can also check out all the stuff he's written on his own website. He has a new book: a fake Peruvian History Textbook called HIZTORIA DEL PERÚ. Ask him about it!Up next, we take a break from paying our livestream debts so we can attend to a Patron Demand, as Ben Murray assigns us the Evan Rachel Wood vehicle PRETTY PERSUASION! Until then, let us know what you thought of Being John Malkovich! Is it entertaining enough to make up for its plot holes? Do you prefer Charlie Kauffman when he collaborates with a director or when he flies solo? Would the movie be better with Maxine pitched as a slightly nicer person? E-mail us at wearethecontrarians@gmail.com or tweet at us or facebook us and share your thoughts!

It's the time of year for celebrations, and on this week's show, we're bringing the party – but without the booze! Our zero-proof holiday begins with a visit to Dream House Lounge in New Orleans. There, Dr. David Wallace serves up drinks that use adaptogens like kava or reishi mushrooms instead of alcohol. Aside from its delicious drinks and energizing oxygen bar, Dream House is a place where David encourages what he calls "soul-care" – a place for guests to nurture good spiritual and mental health. Then, we learn about the national support group, Ben's Friends. In 2016, sober restaurateurs Steve Palmer and Mickey Bakst founded Ben's Friends after the death of Ben Murray, one of Steve's cooks. They recognized the deep need for a support group tailored to food and beverage professionals who struggle with the all-too-common problem of addiction. We sit down with Mickey and Ben's Friends leader, Hailey Hosler, to learn how hospitality workers are helping their own. Finally, we sit down with dietician Molly Kimball of Ochsner Eat Fit and journalist Melanie Warner Spencer. Regular listeners may remember Molly from her annual challenge, Alcohol Free For 40, which has led thousands to give up drinking entirely for the 40 days of Lent. Melanie was among those participants, and by 2021, was so taken with the effects of an alcohol-free life, she founded Drink Fit Club – an online community dedicated to helping people cut back on their intake. The dynamic duo discuss today's no- and low-alcohol culture and Craft, a new book that perfects the art of zero-proof cocktails. For more of all things Louisiana Eats, be sure to visit us at PoppyTooker.com.

On today's episode, host Ben Murray, Founder of The SaaS CFO, is joined by Simone Nardi, CFO at G-P.Simone has a diverse background and has worked for organizations with headquarters across the globe. These experiences taught him invaluable lessons about the current global market and he is here to touch on the following:- Having a team with different backgrounds is a unique problem-solving asset.- The world is rapidly shifting and international workforces are becoming the norm.- CFOs should be intimately involved with the integration of new acquisitions.- Global expansion opens up new markets for revenue as well as new talent pools.- A workforce composed of multiple nationalities offers insights into different national markets and regulatory standards.Simone's journey is a lesson in navigating an increasingly globalized economy.G-P - https://www.globalization-partners.com/#grefThe SaaS CFO - https://www.thesaascfo.com/?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=TheSaaSCFO&utm_campaign=ProfileLink#businessfinance #financeinnovation This episode is brought to you by Stampli. The Most Powerful Way to Process & Pay Invoices. Stampli is the only Accounts Payable Automation software that centers communications on top of the invoice so that accounts payable collaborates better with approvers, vendors, and anyone involved with purchases to quickly resolve issues and questions, resulting in 5x faster approvals. Contact us to see why users love using Stampli and schedule a demo at Stampli.com.

On today's episode, host Ben Murray, Founder of The SaaS CFO, is joined by Wayne Kimber, CFO at SymphonyAI.Wayne's journey from internal auditor to financial leader within the technology industry has taught him valuable lessons about balancing an organization's assets:- Professional mentorship is essential to developing successful financial leaders.- Technology should be used to automate time-intensive manual tasks.- All team members should have access to professional development resources.- Efficient workflows merge the best parts of people and technology.- Understanding every asset's strengths and weaknesses is essential in leveraging tools and teams effectively.- AI is an essential tool in merging disparate data sets.For Wayne, the best systems put the right technology in the hands of skilled workers.SymphonyAI - https://www.symphonyai.com/The SaaS CFO - https://www.thesaascfo.com/?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=TheSaaSCFO&utm_campaign=ProfileLink#businessfinance #financeinnovation This episode is brought to you by Stampli. The Most Powerful Way to Process & Pay Invoices. Stampli is the only Accounts Payable Automation software that centers communications on top of the invoice so that accounts payable collaborates better with approvers, vendors, and anyone involved with purchases to quickly resolve issues and questions, resulting in 5x faster approvals. Contact us to see why users love using Stampli and schedule a demo at Stampli.com.

On today's episode, Ben Murray, Founder of The SaaS CFO, is joined by Nick Gerostathos, SVP, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller at Talkdesk, to discuss Nick's career transitions and the lessons learned.For those seeking to move from one role or industry to another, Nick offers several important principles to keep in mind:- A CPA controller background is advantageous on the path to CFO.- Private business offers experience in building systems from scratch and public accounting offers experience in refining existing data.- Moving to a new industry is a great opportunity to learn new skills.- Organizational culture should be a primary consideration when transitioning roles.For Nick, a healthy amount of change can promote strong professional development.Talkdesk - https://www.talkdesk.com/The SaaS CFO - https://www.thesaascfo.com/?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=TheSaaSCFO&utm_campaign=ProfileLinkThis episode is brought to you by Stampli. The Most Powerful Way to Process & Pay Invoices. Stampli is the only Accounts Payable Automation software that centers communications on top of the invoice so that accounts payable collaborates better with approvers, vendors, and anyone involved with purchases to quickly resolve issues and questions, resulting in 5x faster approvals. Contact us to see why users love using Stampli and schedule a demo at Stampli.com.#businessfinance #financeinnovation

In today's conversation, Guy Melamed, CFO and COO at Varonis, shares with host Ben Murray, Founder of The SaaS CFO, the challenges of holding disparate responsibilities, and the strategies he has for managing those responsibilities.Guy's background has included military service and a stint as a professional athlete. His whirlwind of a career taught him a few important principles of management:Interdepartmental communication is foundational to success.Diverse experiences help make a well-rounded leader.There's always something new to learn.A good CFO is involved in operations.As Guy's journey shows, all experiences, no matter how diverse, are valuable in teaching financial leaders something new.Guy MelamedGuy Melamed - EmailVaronisVaronis - LinkedInBen MurrayThe SaaS CFOThe SaaS CFO - LinkedInThis episode is brought to you by Stampli. The Most Powerful Way to Process & Pay Invoices. Stampli is the only Accounts Payable Automation software that centers communications on top of the invoice so that accounts payable collaborates better with approvers, vendors, and anyone involved with purchases to quickly resolve issues and questions, resulting in 5x faster approvals. Contact us to see why users love using Stampli and schedule a demo at Stampli.com. #businessfinance #financeinnovation

When you work in the service industry as a bartender, server, chef, or anything else, you know firsthand the culture is all about late nights and hard partying. People who work in restaurants, food service or hospitality have higher rates of problem drinking and substance abuse than the general population. As I researched this topic, this fact came up over and over again, year after year. And it's a life I lived for two decades. When the time comes that you have to face hanging up your party hat, the overwhelm is even more daunting when it is, literally, your job. The questions run rampant in your head, "Can I do it??", "Will I have to leave my profession??", "Will sober people accept me??" Thankfully there are friends and resources now to support us in every field, including the food and beverage industry. Ben's Friends co-founder, restauranteur Steve Palmer said to Forbes magazine, “The industry enabled my addiction so readily and completely that I nearly drank myself to death on the job,” says Palmer. I can easily relate to that statement. Sober people are powerful and innovative, and we can overcome obstacles like no others. So Steve Palmer and Mickey Bakst joined forces to create a sober community for service industry workers. We have seen far too many good people lose themselves, their careers, and sometimes even their lives to alcohol and drug abuse. We were compelled to act when Ben Murray, a friend and colleague, took his life in 2016 because of his addiction. We could no longer stand by and watch tragedies strike around us – we needed to try to help. Through the pain of this loss, Ben's Friends was created. https://www.bensfriendshope.com/about Support and fellowship for food and beverage professionals with meetings online and in-person in some cities. A safe space to connect and support one another Ben's Friends is a community, not a program. Learn more about Ben's Friends here.  Join us in the Facebook group here.